Do you tell strangers how much your bike costs?
02-18-14, 04:49 PM
#76
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Ha, as If I would answer straight. I will say that when I added up components and such I think I paid 35-40% retail for my big dummy.
Hey, the part about limited interest in odd specialty bikes was true - the seller did post it on craigs for more than a month and got no takers for it at his list price. I had no idea what I was getting until I did some research on the components. He had it built up too nice for the average craigslist user to see anything but the price (which my LBS said was fair). He came down by 30% from his asking price for me just because selling it local was easier than finding a buyer and shipping. I can't imagine trying to ship a surly big dummy.
So, my reply to the price question is rather true even if it does evade the actual price issue.
Hey, the part about limited interest in odd specialty bikes was true - the seller did post it on craigs for more than a month and got no takers for it at his list price. I had no idea what I was getting until I did some research on the components. He had it built up too nice for the average craigslist user to see anything but the price (which my LBS said was fair). He came down by 30% from his asking price for me just because selling it local was easier than finding a buyer and shipping. I can't imagine trying to ship a surly big dummy.
So, my reply to the price question is rather true even if it does evade the actual price issue.
Anyhoo, you sound like you're knowledgable and a good sport. Welcome to LCF!
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02-18-14, 05:03 PM
#77
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In my opinion, only non-cyclist/ newbie would ask such a question. In that case, a honest answer usually induce shock, judgment, asphyxiation and cardiac arrest, in that order. "$$$ for this old bike? No waayy, you are spoiled. Why don't you buy something from wallyworld? *Gasp passes out". So yeah, stay vague for the askers' benefit.
Seasoned cyclist never asks. Either he knows it costs $2239 at LBS with the early spring discount or he knows it must be...expensive.
Seasoned cyclist never asks. Either he knows it costs $2239 at LBS with the early spring discount or he knows it must be...expensive.
02-18-14, 05:06 PM
#78
Senior Member
Today a neighbor at the RV resort I live in this winter asked how much my folder cost. He said it must have cost a couple of hundred. I said I wish. Then he really wanted to know and I told him it was $600 used. He about fell over.
I don't mind answering the price question unless it somehow feels unsafe. If I am embarrassed at how much I have into bikes it is my problem.
I don't mind answering the price question unless it somehow feels unsafe. If I am embarrassed at how much I have into bikes it is my problem.
02-18-14, 06:41 PM
#79
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Do you tell strangers how much your bike costs?
In the thread on the General Cycling Forum, "Face Palm - Some People Just Don't Get It”, the OP asked,
For years, I rode a steel Bridgestone RB-1, costing about $650 down from about $800 as an end-of-year model when I bought it in the early 1980’s. I came to learn it was considered a classic. After the introduction of carbon fiber bikes, I always wondered if the premium prices of CF, which I considered to be about $2000 was worth the presumed enhanced riding experience.
The Bridgestone was totaled in 2012 in an accident from which I was not sure I would ride again. Well I did, and decided to get a CF. My trusted mechanic said here’s the bike you want, knowing my riding style. Well the MSRP was $8000, but he got it for me at half off.
Now, considering the attitude most non- or occasional cyclists towards bicycles and prices, I’m frankly somewhat embarrassed to admit to paying so much, sounding like some over-the-top conspicuous consumption. Personally, I can afford it, and it was an offer I could not refuse. Cycling is that important to me and I’m fortunate to be able to continue the lifestyle, so that puts it in perspective for me.
I’m not that conversant with the technical specifics, nor may anyone asking the price, so the price becomes a common reference to tell what a fine piece of machinery it is. But I would nonetheless admit the price only to a close acquaintance in serious conversation.
In the thread on the General Cycling Forum, "Face Palm - Some People Just Don't Get It”, the OP asked,
Last evening I had yet another conversation with someone who just can't grasp the concept of a bicycle as serious transportation or fitness equipment for adults…
Why is it that people can't grasp the value of a good bicycle when they will spend hundreds or thousands on any number of other items without batting an eye?
Why is it that people can't grasp the value of a good bicycle when they will spend hundreds or thousands on any number of other items without batting an eye?
The Bridgestone was totaled in 2012 in an accident from which I was not sure I would ride again. Well I did, and decided to get a CF. My trusted mechanic said here’s the bike you want, knowing my riding style. Well the MSRP was $8000, but he got it for me at half off.
Now, considering the attitude most non- or occasional cyclists towards bicycles and prices, I’m frankly somewhat embarrassed to admit to paying so much, sounding like some over-the-top conspicuous consumption. Personally, I can afford it, and it was an offer I could not refuse. Cycling is that important to me and I’m fortunate to be able to continue the lifestyle, so that puts it in perspective for me.
I’m not that conversant with the technical specifics, nor may anyone asking the price, so the price becomes a common reference to tell what a fine piece of machinery it is. But I would nonetheless admit the price only to a close acquaintance in serious conversation.
02-18-14, 06:45 PM
#80
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Do you tell strangers how much your bike costs?
In the thread on the General Cycling Forum, "Face Palm - Some People Just Don't Get It”, the OP asked,
For years, I rode a steel Bridgestone RB-1, costing about $650 down from about $800 as an end-of-year model when I bought it in the early 1980’s. I came to learn it was considered a classic. After the introduction of carbon fiber bikes, I always wondered if the premium prices of CF, which I considered to be about $2000 was worth the presumed enhanced riding experience.
The Bridgestone was totaled in 2012 in an accident from which I was not sure I would ride again. Well I did, and decided to get a CF. My trusted mechanic said here’s the bike you want, knowing my riding style. Well the MSRP was $8000, but he got it for me at half off.
Now, considering the attitude most non- or occasional cyclists towards bicycles and prices, I’m frankly somewhat embarrassed to admit to paying so much, sounding like some over-the-top conspicuous consumption. Personally, I can afford it, and it was an offer I could not refuse. Cycling is that important to me and I’m fortunate to be able to continue the lifestyle, so that puts it in perspective for me.
I’m not that conversant with the technical specifics, nor may anyone asking the price, so the price becomes a common reference to tell what a fine piece of machinery it is. But I would nonetheless admit the price only to a close acquaintance in serious conversation.
In the thread on the General Cycling Forum, "Face Palm - Some People Just Don't Get It”, the OP asked,
For years, I rode a steel Bridgestone RB-1, costing about $650 down from about $800 as an end-of-year model when I bought it in the early 1980’s. I came to learn it was considered a classic. After the introduction of carbon fiber bikes, I always wondered if the premium prices of CF, which I considered to be about $2000 was worth the presumed enhanced riding experience.
The Bridgestone was totaled in 2012 in an accident from which I was not sure I would ride again. Well I did, and decided to get a CF. My trusted mechanic said here’s the bike you want, knowing my riding style. Well the MSRP was $8000, but he got it for me at half off.
Now, considering the attitude most non- or occasional cyclists towards bicycles and prices, I’m frankly somewhat embarrassed to admit to paying so much, sounding like some over-the-top conspicuous consumption. Personally, I can afford it, and it was an offer I could not refuse. Cycling is that important to me and I’m fortunate to be able to continue the lifestyle, so that puts it in perspective for me.
I’m not that conversant with the technical specifics, nor may anyone asking the price, so the price becomes a common reference to tell what a fine piece of machinery it is. But I would nonetheless admit the price only to a close acquaintance in serious conversation.
Sidenote: I've realized I'm such a DIY/bargain hunter that I have no problem telling strange cyclists how much my bike cost just to see their jaw hit the floor at how little I tend to pay.. still don't really tell regular strangers that don't seem cyclists prices, seems pointless they won't understand if it's high or low or right on the money or the value they could get by buying one.
02-19-14, 12:58 AM
#82
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I don't tell people ...
Why? Because I don't know what most of my bicycles cost. Some are old enough their "worth" is much lower than what I paid. And many have been built by Rowan so we'd have to go through all the trouble of adding up the price of all the bits and pieces.
Why? Because I don't know what most of my bicycles cost. Some are old enough their "worth" is much lower than what I paid. And many have been built by Rowan so we'd have to go through all the trouble of adding up the price of all the bits and pieces.
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02-19-14, 07:13 AM
#83
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All to funny, motorists will brag of the great deal to anybody/everybody in that they got on a 2000 to 3000 dollar car that was driven by a little old who only used it to go to church on Sunday, but many cyclists will practically resort to an almost bald face lie when it comes to revealing the cost of a similarly priced bike.
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02-19-14, 07:59 AM
#84
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I haven't sold or traded a bicycle in 30 years and as long as I have a place to keep them... so, no the bike is not for sale at any price.
02-19-14, 08:21 AM
#85
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Quite a few people ask me about my Brompton because there aren't many of them around here and folks are intrigued by the way it folds up. I don't mind telling them, and they're always shocked by the price. At this point I like to "push my agenda" (
), i.e., bring up how much I save by not having a car, how it keeps me fit, how it's beneficial for the environment, how it helps the local economy, and so on.
), i.e., bring up how much I save by not having a car, how it keeps me fit, how it's beneficial for the environment, how it helps the local economy, and so on.
02-19-14, 09:24 AM
#86
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Quite a few people ask me about my Brompton because there aren't many of them around here and folks are intrigued by the way it folds up. I don't mind telling them, and they're always shocked by the price. At this point I like to "push my agenda" (), i.e., bring up how much I save by not having a car, how it keeps me fit, how it's beneficial for the environment, how it helps the local economy, and so on.
), i.e., bring up how much I save by not having a car, how it keeps me fit, how it's beneficial for the environment, how it helps the local economy, and so on.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 02-19-14 at 09:56 AM.
02-19-14, 09:43 AM
#87
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There used to be a day when such things (like the cost of your possessions) was private. But now-a-days.... we have the Internet.
02-19-14, 02:14 PM
#88
Senior Member
Do you tell strangers how much your bike costs?
No. I was asked this once, by my neighbor who isn't a rider, she's on a fixed budget and was looking for a way to save money one day when I was riding past. She came right out and asked how much it cost. I kindly responded "much less than your Volvo".
For the record, my bike cost me less than $500 but is worth, to me, easily over $2,000! Clearly it's how much I save on gas from March to November
No. I was asked this once, by my neighbor who isn't a rider, she's on a fixed budget and was looking for a way to save money one day when I was riding past. She came right out and asked how much it cost. I kindly responded "much less than your Volvo".
For the record, my bike cost me less than $500 but is worth, to me, easily over $2,000! Clearly it's how much I save on gas from March to November
02-19-14, 02:25 PM
#89
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Do you tell strangers how much your bike costs?
No. I was asked this once, by my neighbor who isn't a rider, she's on a fixed budget and was looking for a way to save money one day when I was riding past. She came right out and asked how much it cost. I kindly responded "much less than your Volvo".
For the record, my bike cost me less than $500 but is worth, to me, easily over $2,000! Clearly it's how much I save on gas from March to November
No. I was asked this once, by my neighbor who isn't a rider, she's on a fixed budget and was looking for a way to save money one day when I was riding past. She came right out and asked how much it cost. I kindly responded "much less than your Volvo".
For the record, my bike cost me less than $500 but is worth, to me, easily over $2,000! Clearly it's how much I save on gas from March to November
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02-19-14, 03:19 PM
#91
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The other day, I noticed that the strange three-wheeled trailer-convertible sports-strollers that people in Oslo love can cost up to about $2000 (US), plus various baby accessories. Astonishing. They don't even have pedals. Makes child transport bikes/trikes look like a bit of a deal. I think thats what I'm going to say next time someone asks about one my my trikes.
02-19-14, 03:22 PM
#92
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I've never had a stranger ask how much my bike cost, but after posting my in process build on facebook my step brother (who is practically a stranger) said "You mush have a pretty penny invested in that". I just responded that for a comparable new bike fully assembled it would run you $1500-2500.
03-02-14, 12:51 PM
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I also have a "nice" bike and have been asked the price. My answer is: more than I can justify. Only once in 10 years did someone keep asking and I gave the same answer and she finally walked away.
03-02-14, 01:00 PM
#95
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Why not? It's not like she couldn't ask the NSA anyway or even do a Google search.
02-10-15, 10:02 PM
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One time some kid asked me about a new folder (I've since sold) on the train and I told him no. Little did I know but he took it as a huge insult! I felt bad and had to come up with a better response. Today, I tell people that my bike was purchased used off Ebay! I have found this works very well as people don't ask about the price since they know it would be impossible for them to get the same deal even if was affordable.
02-14-15, 11:04 PM
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This has never happened but, if the person asking seemed shady, I might become aggressive.
First size them up, asking a them questions (their bike knowledge) and why they would need to know?
Honestly, I don't care if I offend some stranger. I may also re-consider leaving it after this.
My nicer bikes are always stored indoors and never out of my sight in a public place.
Even my "go to beater" is nicer than the junk most people ride and is garage kept. That is the only bike I will leave locked up in a public place.
First size them up, asking a them questions (their bike knowledge) and why they would need to know?
Honestly, I don't care if I offend some stranger. I may also re-consider leaving it after this.
My nicer bikes are always stored indoors and never out of my sight in a public place.
Even my "go to beater" is nicer than the junk most people ride and is garage kept. That is the only bike I will leave locked up in a public place.
04-24-15, 06:35 AM
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My 2015 Giant escape 3 was only $360 (plus tax) but people seem to think it cost way More .. when i rode it to work and my coworkers saw it "hey man how much you pay for that , gotta be at least a G (Urban Term for $1000) right? " I told em "something like that" only because its no risk of them stealing it and hey let them think its more expensive than it is. look like a "big man" at work. lol .. joking
Random Guy while i'm stopped at a long busy red light: "Hey man thats a Nice Bike, How much it cost" Me: "Not a lot i got it on special at walmart" Him: "Come on man thats a Giant they dont sell those at walmart ... i know that bike expensive" Me: " Not Really just looks like it " and rode off at the green light.... with the thinking of never locking my bike anywhere near there even for a minute
For Family, who think i have money for some reason cause i make big purchases sometimes.and want to hit me up for money .. I tell them i had it on layaway for a while, every big purchase i tell them layaway even if i just bought it outright new full price . lol
I Live In a Half decent Urban area . mostly middle class, but there are 3 High schools in walking distance , and a mixture of people who inhabit the area either for work, commute (near a lot of buses and train station) school , or shopping ... i work in a more lower class neighborhood inhabited by a lot of street people. and have gotten a lot of looks and "nice bike, better lock that up good" from people.... im paranoid to lock it outside . luckily my boss lets me store it inside in a secure area .
Random Guy while i'm stopped at a long busy red light: "Hey man thats a Nice Bike, How much it cost" Me: "Not a lot i got it on special at walmart" Him: "Come on man thats a Giant they dont sell those at walmart ... i know that bike expensive" Me: " Not Really just looks like it " and rode off at the green light.... with the thinking of never locking my bike anywhere near there even for a minute
For Family, who think i have money for some reason cause i make big purchases sometimes.and want to hit me up for money .. I tell them i had it on layaway for a while, every big purchase i tell them layaway even if i just bought it outright new full price . lol
I Live In a Half decent Urban area . mostly middle class, but there are 3 High schools in walking distance , and a mixture of people who inhabit the area either for work, commute (near a lot of buses and train station) school , or shopping ... i work in a more lower class neighborhood inhabited by a lot of street people. and have gotten a lot of looks and "nice bike, better lock that up good" from people.... im paranoid to lock it outside . luckily my boss lets me store it inside in a secure area .