Bike Trends and Spending Money
#1
Malcontent
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Milwaukee
Posts: 132
Bikes: I honestly don't know...
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 81 Post(s)
Liked 98 Times
in
46 Posts
Bike Trends and Spending Money
How many of you feel the trends in the Bicycle Industry has passed you by, even after you invested so much into bikes, parts and accessories?
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Oakland, CA
Posts: 3,265
Bikes: '82 Univega Competizione, '72 Motobecane Grand Record, '83 Mercian KOM Touring, '85 Univega Alpina Uno, '76 Eisentraut Limited
Mentioned: 57 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1088 Post(s)
Liked 1,205 Times
in
701 Posts
You know which forum you're in, right? Your question could be the name for this forum.
Likes For noobinsf:
#4
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,327
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3897 Post(s)
Liked 4,829 Times
in
2,228 Posts
I have tried to experience them all, if not embracing them all.
Maybe a better question in a different Forum would be, "How much of The Best of Cycling's History have you not experienced?"
Trends like these?
Downtube levers over previous 'suicide shifting' of earlier systems - check
CroMoly and other steel alloyed frames - check
Non-aero to aero brake hoods - check on both
Water bottle bosses (0/1/2/3/5) - check
Rigid mtn bikes w/ flat handlebars for offroading - check
Heart rate chest strap - check
Suspension stems/forks - check
Full suspension frames - check
triathlon frames & time trial bar extensions - pass
Clips&straps - check
Clipless pedals - check
Aluminum frame - check (briefly)
Full carbon fibre frame - check
Titanium frame - check
Mixed metal/material frames - pass
Integrated brake levers & shifting - check
Tubeless tires - pass
Custom frames - check
Single speed - check
Fixie - pass
Tandem - check
Mixte - check
4/5/6/7/9/10/11 cogs on freewheels and cassettes - check
Electronic shifting - check
Disc brakes - check
Hub motor - check
Carbon stems, handlebars, aero bars - not yet.
Throttled e-bikes - pass, not really bikes but still a trend.
3" tires - pass
650b - pass
bikepacking - isn't SAG'd better?
Gravel bike - check, by another name
Hybrid - check, by another name
Indoor cycling - check
Spin class - check (briefly), but really more mash than spin.
Data recording & extensive analysis - is this cycling or just personality disorder?
Never had an ice bike or a hydrobike - how narrowly trendy can we get.
Maybe a better question in a different Forum would be, "How much of The Best of Cycling's History have you not experienced?"
Trends like these?
Downtube levers over previous 'suicide shifting' of earlier systems - check
CroMoly and other steel alloyed frames - check
Non-aero to aero brake hoods - check on both
Water bottle bosses (0/1/2/3/5) - check
Rigid mtn bikes w/ flat handlebars for offroading - check
Heart rate chest strap - check
Suspension stems/forks - check
Full suspension frames - check
triathlon frames & time trial bar extensions - pass
Clips&straps - check
Clipless pedals - check
Aluminum frame - check (briefly)
Full carbon fibre frame - check
Titanium frame - check
Mixed metal/material frames - pass
Integrated brake levers & shifting - check
Tubeless tires - pass
Custom frames - check
Single speed - check
Fixie - pass
Tandem - check
Mixte - check
4/5/6/7/9/10/11 cogs on freewheels and cassettes - check
Electronic shifting - check
Disc brakes - check
Hub motor - check
Carbon stems, handlebars, aero bars - not yet.
Throttled e-bikes - pass, not really bikes but still a trend.
3" tires - pass
650b - pass
bikepacking - isn't SAG'd better?
Gravel bike - check, by another name
Hybrid - check, by another name
Indoor cycling - check
Spin class - check (briefly), but really more mash than spin.
Data recording & extensive analysis - is this cycling or just personality disorder?
Never had an ice bike or a hydrobike - how narrowly trendy can we get.
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Last edited by Wildwood; 02-28-23 at 12:57 PM.
Likes For Wildwood:
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Peoria, IL
Posts: 4,469
Mentioned: 86 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1827 Post(s)
Liked 3,367 Times
in
1,573 Posts
You buy stuff and get to liking it, and then the manufacturers come out with something newer and shinier and with one more cog on the back.
You buy it, and it's fine, but you're not sure that it's that much better than the old stuff.
The next year, they add another cog in back and hide some cables or change the shape of a frame tube, and they tell you that you really need it. Maybe you buy it?
The next year they tell you that you don't need so many chainrings up front, and that you need to simplify your life and buy a new bike with fewer chainrings and a special new derailleur.....
After a few cycles of this, I think it's normal to realize that you were happy enough in the early days and don't need this constant cycle of buying new stuff just to have the newest stuff.
Steve in Peoria
(but I did buy a nice digital oscilloscope a few years ago to replace my 30 year old analog 'scope. Who's looking for a nice analog Tektronix scope?)
Likes For steelbikeguy:
#7
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,327
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3897 Post(s)
Liked 4,829 Times
in
2,228 Posts
Not too stupid at all. Undefined.
Innovations might be a better word in the C&V Forum if talking hardware trends.
I avoided most of the fashion trends, but lycra, padded shorts and (at least) semi-form fitting on a road ride work for me.
Split or cutout saddle trends have suited me.
But I still like cloth bar tape on vintage roadies.
The trend away from sexy ladies in bikes ads, that one kinda pisses me off. But I fully recognize the social trends required by most companies to avoid unnecessary/unwanted controversy.
Innovations might be a better word in the C&V Forum if talking hardware trends.
I avoided most of the fashion trends, but lycra, padded shorts and (at least) semi-form fitting on a road ride work for me.
Split or cutout saddle trends have suited me.
But I still like cloth bar tape on vintage roadies.
The trend away from sexy ladies in bikes ads, that one kinda pisses me off. But I fully recognize the social trends required by most companies to avoid unnecessary/unwanted controversy.
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Likes For Wildwood:
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Fredericksburg, Va
Posts: 9,579
Bikes: '65 Frejus TDF, '73 Bottecchia Giro d'Italia, '83 Colnago Superissimo, '84 Trek 610, '84 Trek 760, '88 Pinarello Veneto, '88 De Rosa Pro, '89 Pinarello Montello, '94 Burley Duet, 97 Specialized RockHopper, 2010 Langster, Tern Link D8
Mentioned: 73 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1607 Post(s)
Liked 2,214 Times
in
1,103 Posts
@Wildwood, you forgot sewups!
__________________
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
Likes For SJX426:
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: City of Angels
Posts: 4,870
Bikes: A few too many
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1364 Post(s)
Liked 2,178 Times
in
1,182 Posts
I have only ever bought what i like.....trend or not, so pass my by, I am happy.
Still driving cars from 56, 58, 71with the newest being a 1990 etc.
Trends be Da**D, buy and enjoy what you like., in the long run, one will be happier.
Best, Ben
Still driving cars from 56, 58, 71with the newest being a 1990 etc.
Trends be Da**D, buy and enjoy what you like., in the long run, one will be happier.
Best, Ben
__________________
"EVERY PERSON IS GUILTY OF ALL THE GOOD THEY DID NOT DO"
Voltaire
Voice recognition may sometimes create odd spelling and grammatical errors
"EVERY PERSON IS GUILTY OF ALL THE GOOD THEY DID NOT DO"
Voltaire
Voice recognition may sometimes create odd spelling and grammatical errors
Likes For xiaoman1:
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: North, Ga.
Posts: 2,401
Bikes: 3Rensho-Aerodynamics, Bernard Hinault Look - 1986 tour winner, Guerciotti, Various Klein's & Panasonic's
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 159 Post(s)
Liked 375 Times
in
162 Posts
The cycle industry has passed me by along with many other things in life.
The thing is that I just don’t care.
I embrace the new things I like such as spd pedals and shoes. I pass on things I don’t such as electronic shifting and disc brakes.
The thing is that I just don’t care.
I embrace the new things I like such as spd pedals and shoes. I pass on things I don’t such as electronic shifting and disc brakes.
Likes For embankmentlb:
#11
Veteran, Pacifist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,327
Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?
Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3897 Post(s)
Liked 4,829 Times
in
2,228 Posts
@Wildwood, you forgot sewups!
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
#12
Standard Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Brunswick, Maine
Posts: 4,257
Bikes: 1948 P. Barnard & Son, 1962 Rudge Sports, 1963 Freddie Grubb Routier, 1980 Manufrance Hirondelle, 1983 F. Moser Sprint, 1989 Raleigh Technium Pre, 2001 Raleigh M80
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1294 Post(s)
Liked 935 Times
in
487 Posts
No.., I feel like I have passed THEM by. I'd walk right past a 2023 Scott Foil to get to a 1933 BSA:
__________________
Unless you climb the rungs strategically, you’re not going to build the muscle you need to stay at the top.
Unless you climb the rungs strategically, you’re not going to build the muscle you need to stay at the top.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Peoria, IL
Posts: 4,469
Mentioned: 86 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1827 Post(s)
Liked 3,367 Times
in
1,573 Posts
Not too stupid at all. Undefined.
Innovations might be a better word in the C&V Forum if talking hardware trends.
.......
The trend away from sexy ladies in bikes ads, that one kinda pisses me off. But I fully recognize the social trends required by most companies to avoid unnecessary/unwanted controversy.
Innovations might be a better word in the C&V Forum if talking hardware trends.
.......
The trend away from sexy ladies in bikes ads, that one kinda pisses me off. But I fully recognize the social trends required by most companies to avoid unnecessary/unwanted controversy.
Plus, you don't get chain lube on your bloomers.
Shaft-drive bikes were an interesting idea and did solve one or two problems. Still, most folks said "meh" and found the chain to be adequate or better.
People still get inspired to replace the chain, though, with the latest innovation being the belt drive. Most folks still say "meh" and stick with chains, but there is a market niche for a drivetrain that won't get lube on your bloomers.
I suppose that innovations for the sake of marketing (i.e. that newest additional cog on your cassette) are different from ones that are trying to satisfy a real consumer need, so most of us will find new tech that we can use now and then, but I like to imagine that most of us outgrow the urge to buy whatever is the newest and shiniest gadget just because it is the newest and shiniest.
Steve in Peoria
(I seem to go for the oldest and shiniest)
Likes For steelbikeguy:
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,146
Mentioned: 481 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3804 Post(s)
Liked 6,643 Times
in
2,602 Posts
Yes.
Likes For nlerner:
#15
Crawlin' up, flyin' down
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Democratic Peoples' Republic of Berkeley
Posts: 5,645
Bikes: 1967 Paramount; 1982-ish Ron Cooper; 1978 Eisentraut "A"; two mid-1960s Cinelli Speciale Corsas; and others in various stages of non-rideability.
Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1021 Post(s)
Liked 2,513 Times
in
1,051 Posts
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: 700 Ft. above sea level.
Posts: 3,240
Bikes: More than there were awhile ago.
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 630 Post(s)
Liked 1,264 Times
in
603 Posts
You can't be "passed by" if you've chosen not to participate in the first place.
__________________
".....distasteful and easily triggered."
".....distasteful and easily triggered."
Likes For Murray Missile:
#17
Bike Butcher of Portland
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 11,630
Bikes: It's complicated.
Mentioned: 1299 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4677 Post(s)
Liked 5,790 Times
in
2,279 Posts
I think that the reason I'm mostly stuck on mid-80's bike technology is that's when I left the bike industry and went back to school.
Bottom line, it's what I know how to work on!
Bottom line, it's what I know how to work on!
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
Likes For gugie:
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: south kansas america
Posts: 1,910
Bikes: too many
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 411 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times
in
140 Posts
Just the opposite... I feel like I've beat the system that was created to make society feel like buying something makes their life better, or their status greater, or their sex appeal more appealing. But, often, very often... it doesn't. I feel like everything shunned by myself has actually made things better.
Last edited by uncle uncle; 02-28-23 at 05:42 PM.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Posts: 9,835
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Mentioned: 106 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2337 Post(s)
Liked 2,813 Times
in
1,536 Posts
This is a zen question: can you be passed by if you don't care (and/or mix and match taking advantage of the best for you)
tubeless: don't care and don't want as an example
Current trends like move away from mechanical shifting and rim brakes just drives the option to use smaller suppliers like velo-orange, rivendell, rene herse..... not limiting in anyway
tubeless: don't care and don't want as an example
Current trends like move away from mechanical shifting and rim brakes just drives the option to use smaller suppliers like velo-orange, rivendell, rene herse..... not limiting in anyway
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Likes For squirtdad:
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Peoria, IL
Posts: 4,469
Mentioned: 86 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1827 Post(s)
Liked 3,367 Times
in
1,573 Posts
not to be too nit-picky, but while there may still be some options, the options are reduced.
I can get T.A. Cyclo-touriste rings for my SunXCD clone cranks, but anyone wanting to run their Stronglight 93 cranks are not anticipating buying a bunch of new chainrings.
Heck, even my bike running an 8 speed Shimano cassette.. I'd love to still be able to buy a 12-27 cassette, but all that's on the market is 11-28. The 11T cog is worthless to me, so I'm down to a 7 speed.
I do appreciate the folks who are making repro parts, though! Kool-stop gets my love for keeping pads on more than a few of my bikes! Nitto is making some great stems and bars. MKS is producing low cost equivalents (mostly) to some of our favorite pedals. And of course, T.A. produces an amazing array of chainrings for some of our favorite cranks, and they are high quality products.
Steve in Peoria
(and let's not forget Brooks, maker of my favorite saddles)
Likes For steelbikeguy:
#21
Master Parts Rearranger
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Portlandia's Kuiper Belt, OR
Posts: 4,402
Bikes: 1982 Trek 720 - 1985 Trek 620 - 1984 Trek 620 - 1980 Trek 510 - Other luminaries past and present
Mentioned: 221 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1556 Post(s)
Liked 2,024 Times
in
989 Posts
Since joining the grown-up cycling world about 9 or so years ago, a number of trends have come and gone, others have become fixtures. I've dabbled in hydraulic disc road bikes with internal cabling, 11-speed (then new), etc. It wasn't for me and still isn't, mostly because rim brake systems are much easier and overall cheaper. Di2 is neat though.
Now, the whole '80s bike thing came and went without me knowing it because I was born then, BUT the resurgence in 'vintage' bikes, what, 10-15 years ago(?), I got in on the tail end of and have definitely spent money and still spend money on that 'trend' even though most of the buying public has very much left it behind. Sigh. Hoping the overpricing (for what one gets) of many new bikes means the cheap/cheaper seats sellers like me get more action. I have...a few things to sell.
Now, the whole '80s bike thing came and went without me knowing it because I was born then, BUT the resurgence in 'vintage' bikes, what, 10-15 years ago(?), I got in on the tail end of and have definitely spent money and still spend money on that 'trend' even though most of the buying public has very much left it behind. Sigh. Hoping the overpricing (for what one gets) of many new bikes means the cheap/cheaper seats sellers like me get more action. I have...a few things to sell.
#22
ambulatory senior
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Peoria Il
Posts: 5,998
Bikes: Austro Daimler modified by Gugie! Raleigh Professional and lots of other bikes.
Mentioned: 76 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1954 Post(s)
Liked 3,658 Times
in
1,677 Posts
While I think the number of cogs on new bikes is ridiculous what I really don't like is the trend to hide hydraulic lines in body work. It totally sucks for the mechanics and means zero to any rational transportation type cyclist. I'm not really a grant Peterson follower but us unracers do get overlooked by newer fads. Thank goodness old bikes are cheaper.
Likes For 52telecaster:
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Peoria, IL
Posts: 4,469
Mentioned: 86 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1827 Post(s)
Liked 3,367 Times
in
1,573 Posts
While I think the number of cogs on new bikes is ridiculous what I really don't like is the trend to hide hydraulic lines in body work. It totally sucks for the mechanics and means zero to any rational transportation type cyclist. I'm not really a grant Peterson follower but us unracers do get overlooked by newer fads. Thank goodness old bikes are cheaper.
Granted, I don't even know how much work you can do on a modern bike... but I imagine if folks were working on their own bikes, they wouldn't be buying bikes with hidden hydraulics.
I'm also guessing that most transportation cyclists do a lot of their own maintenance?? If you are counting on your bike to be ready to take you to work, you can't really afford to leave it at a shop for a few days. There are brands that seem happy to cater to commuters and utility cyclists, such as the line of Surly frames and bikes (if they are still around), but that's a small segment of the overall market.
I agree with the general sentiment that "unracers" get ignored, but I'd say that most of the folks I know that ride on the road are not racers, but they are recreational riders trying to go as fast as possible, and are willing to buy a modern bike in order to do that. In the local area, I'm a weirdo because my fast bikes were made in 1982 and have six speed freewheels. The local shops aren't really trying to cater to me, because I only buy weird stuff. I did buy some new SPD shoes at Bushwhacker a month ago, though, and do pick up stuff like bar tape and tubular glue.
I do try to convince folks that they don't need the latest tech or the highest tech, but that cuts down their purchasing options and does require that they understand what the different levels of technology are about. A buddy who is a bit younger than me and rides bikes that are not much newer is just incredibly strong and fast. He makes a good advertisement for the idea that it's not the bike that makes you fast!
Steve in Peoria
Likes For steelbikeguy:
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NW Burbs, Chicago
Posts: 12,047
Mentioned: 201 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3011 Post(s)
Liked 3,788 Times
in
1,405 Posts
Just my opinion, but it all went to hell in 1885 with the advent of the safety bicycle.
Likes For iab:
#25
ambulatory senior
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Peoria Il
Posts: 5,998
Bikes: Austro Daimler modified by Gugie! Raleigh Professional and lots of other bikes.
Mentioned: 76 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1954 Post(s)
Liked 3,658 Times
in
1,677 Posts
Likes For 52telecaster: