Touring - More Economics: Gear Economics

Since I have been reading these threads the past few days it was with these thoughts of economics when I read the latest issue of a certain bicycling magazine. I think in the whole issue, from front to back, everything was good. Nothing was a miss. What really got me were the reviews of the bikes and the cranks. Some of the bikes were in the $10k to $12k range; the cranks were in the $300 to $800 range. Here is my question: Are there any tourers (or cyclists in general) who peruse these forums who actually buy this stuff? I have a few of what I think are fairly good quality bicycles and good-quality gear, but not at the price point portrayed in the magazine.

Comments?

Brent

Since I have been reading these threads the past few days it was with these thoughts of economics when I read the latest issue of a certain bicycling magazine. I think in the whole issue, from front to back, everything was good. Nothing was a miss. What really got me were the reviews of the bikes and the cranks. Some of the bikes were in the $10k to $12k range; the cranks were in the $300 to $800 range. Here is my question: Are there any tourers (or cyclists in general) who peruse these forums who actually buy this stuff? I have a few of what I think are fairly good quality bicycles and good-quality gear, but not at the price point portrayed in the magazine.

Comments?

Brent

I read 'Buycycling' magazine with the same mindset that might have led some folks to watch Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous in the 1980s. Interesting, yes, but it's money that being spent on stuff no person really needs.

Adventure Cyclist is a much better magazine, in my opinion.

When not touring, I ride Pacific Coast Highway (AKA Hwy 101 - or more accurately its renamed local equivalents) from La Jolla to Oceanside. On the weekends, peloton after peloton engulf and pass me all comprised of "Team Lycra" wearing roadies riding high-end bikes. Now, only a few of these bikes are of the ultra high-end described by Brent, but some no doubt are.

When a marketer advertises an ultra high-end bike, the cachet of exclusivity trickles down to the company's more pedestrian models. A $12k bike has a $4k sister with the brand name just as prevalently decalled to the down tube. Imagine what a car would look like if its same proportional surface area were covered by "badgeing".

As a consumer product the bicycle and associated gear is a marketer's dream. The high-end offering can be displayed in public with a (questionable) argument of superior functionality. But most importantly, its price point is still very low when compared to other consumer products with similar "status". Getting someone to similarly oogle a car or boat would cost far more coin than $12k.

As for touring, I think that most readers of this forum would agree that functionality can be completely satisfied with about $2k. Some would say that that's even too high. OTOH, an Americano Co-Pilot is twice that. For some people, this difference is worth the cachet because if one argues functionality one is kidding ones self (custom colors and limited custom geometries?). Just like the roadies with the $12k bike, but on a lower scale. And just as with any high-end product, the difference in price mostly ends up as higher margins for the manufacturer and dealer.

Ahh, the whole bike industry is crazy about carbon because it doesn't last very long. Bike companies like to sell new stuff to the same people every 3 years or less.

Your classic touring bike, on the other hand, lasts a lot longer. That's a big problem of the indusrty, really. Well, it's a real problem for big global bike corperations. Local bike shops don't care how long you ride your bike for...as long as you buy parts and service form them. If you buy a new Surly LHT for $1000, the shop makes less than $400 mark-up. Add up the yearly costs of tuning ups, repairs, new tires/tubes, a little gear like a helment and gloves-- the shop makes more than $400, and they didn't have to even stock a expensive bike! The local bike industry needs you to ride your bike to make money-- selling new bikes isn't a cure all to them (although we do make money that way too :) )

On the other hand, Trek needs tou to buy a new bike...often...even if you don't need it. Although in Trek's defense, let me add that new bikes, even carbon ones, are cool. And cheaper than sportscars. And healther.

The bottom line is that for around $2000 or so, a person can buy a good touring bike, racks, panniers, camping gear and backpack. You can use this gear for biking and hiking for years. It's a great investment for your life. It's not such a great deal for Trek....but somehow I think they will get by :)

I tour on a $599 bike (Windsor Touring). The touring experience is the same since people, experiences, and places are what touring is about. The bike itself plays a crucial role but differences are only significant to the touring experience if the bike is unsuitable to the task at hand. IMO, any dedicated touring bike is suitable for most touring. A bit of extra durability may be required if going into undeveloped countries. Also parts availability might be a factor then as well.

I spend a bit more for my road bikes, but still don't think you get much bang for your buck as you go beyond $1200-1500.

Don't forget that some (or much) of what starts out as 'high-end' is the advanced tech making for lighter (and smoother riding) frames, stiffer components, longer wearing bearings, etc - that trickle down to lower end later.

So we benefit from the technology that created the double-butted tubing that let the racers get up the hill a couple of seconds faster, stiffer rims and better spokes from the research into metallurgy that gave the racer thinner, lighter rims and spokes.

And the racer mindset of the scorchers in flipping their handlebars over for increased efficiency and speed - those bars evolving into dropbars.

Every bike I own is pre-owned, and most of touring gear is pre-owned as well. I do have some new stuff, but not lot's.

I do try and buy all my regular maintenance/consumable stuff from local shops, and most of my clothing if possible.

I have 6 bikes and I rotate between them which goes in for a complete go through by my favorite mechanic. I do most of my own work, but a once in a while check out is a good thing.

Wow, there are some smart people here.

Random thoughts:

I read Bicycling and drool over some of the stuff, but know that I'll probably have to win the lottery before I'll ever get to buy any of it. But when I ride in a century I'm amazed at how much of the expensive stuff I see. I guess there are plenty of other people with the ready cash.

There's a newspaper story available on the web about a guy who actually did win a state lottery, and has spent more of his winnings on bicycles than on automobiles. I'd probably be like him. (Do I need a 12-step program?)

I probably have $2,000 in my touring rig, if you include my Ortliebs, my tent, sleeping bag, Big Agnes Insulated Air-core (I love it), my stove, my mess kit, etc. My last touring rig lasted 16 years; this should last longer. Touring bikes aren't a big money-maker for the bike manufacturers - especially since the market is rather limited.

If I ever do find myself with enough ready cash again, I could probably talk myself into a carbon fiber bike in the $2000 range - maybe a Roubaix or a Synapse. They're awfully purty!