Are bike prices out-pacing inflation
04-28-08, 02:13 PM
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Are bike prices out-pacing inflation
In 2004 I picked up a Giant TCR Alloy with Ultegra for 1450 USD, a new Raleigh Supercourse with Tiagra is priced at 1525, it has a carbon frame but really?
04-28-08, 02:26 PM
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$1450 in 2004 dollars is the equivalent of $1631 in 2007 dollars, (and it would likely be more like $1675 today.)
04-28-08, 02:28 PM
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Actually, the bike industry press just reviewed bike prices and said they are up 15% to 20% from last year. Bikes - believe it or not - are HOT - especially higher end bikes. Plus, material expenses - aluminum, resin, paint, other petroleum-based ingredients are much higher; wage scales in China/Taiwan are up; transportation costs, etc. are up, too - and all of the increases have been piled into retail prices.
04-28-08, 10:50 PM
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Real inflation right now is actually 11% not the crappy core inflation rate the govt. prints(who needs fuel and food anyway) So have bike prices risen 11% a year? Specialized posted a price increase on helmets,etc of up to 30% but I do not know if this includes their bikes.
