MRT2

Same with quality audio equipment. Newbies want something, say new speakers, and they either go to an audio store or an internet forum, and are instantly confused by the high cost of new gear, the jargon, and the perpetual debates that rage such as analog vs. digital, tubes vs. solid state, source first or speakers first, and new vs. vintage. A lot of folks just wind up so confused, and misled by the notion they need to spend $10,000 or more just to play some records or cds that they wind up going to the big box stores.

TrojanHorse

Who cares?

7bmwm3gtr

This a great quality thread.

The used bike advice was pretty good. When I want to get people in to biking, especially my classmates, they get discouraged when I say "You can get a pretty okay bike for $500"

Then they say...

"500 is way too much"

It's hard to recommend a "good" bike when most non-cyclist think that a $1000 bike is an exotic already.

crhilton

In my opinion, this is a problem the entire quality bicycle industry needs to solve.

It's hard to explain to someone who can't tell if they'll like bicycling that that expensive bike is actually very affordable over its lifespan. They're looking at $600-$2,000 for what they want and are afraid they'll hate it after 2 months and have lost all of that money.

caloso

I got to Cat 3 on a carbon fiber Ultegra bike that I bought as an out of shape newbie. Just sayin'.

MRT2

Have good road bikes ever really been cheap? Aren't today's hybrids/cruisers/commuters going for $300 to $500 the modern equivalent to the old hi tensile steel 5 speeds and 10 speeds of the 70s? And they had cheap, department store bikes then just as they do now.

moreorles

I completely agree. A well known manufacturer needs to produce a decent bike for around $250 - $300 that is sold through a LBS. Basic frame, basic components, with a warranty. Anyone not knowing bikes who walks into a LBS has instant sticker shock. People I work with are stunned I am looking at used bikes that cost $500. They have no concept of what this sport costs.

chrism32205

This is soo true!! Many people who try to go the cheapest route are often discouraged and give up cycling. Your probably wasting your time trying to get them into cycling.

deep_sky

Some of them are technically optional, and some of them should not be. Any cyclist should carry the equipment to fix a flat, and should carry a water bottle at the very least.


Yes, great, you managed to go ultra frugal. Do you live under an overpass too? After all, a house is just a convenience, not a need.

Some people get kicks out of being minimalists for the sake of being one, but most people don't like to make things unnecessarily hard on themselves just to get some cred with the minimalist crowd.

goodboynyc

I think, in my humble opinion, the necessity of a house doesn't compare to the necessity of cycling gear. I think thats why we have "Homeless Shelters" as opposed "Clipless Shelters."

FunkyStickman

They are convenient, but not required, especially if you're riding with your family or a group. Only one person needs to have a pump or a patch kit.

Thanks. It took me a while to find an overpass big enough for me, my wife, my kids, and all my bikes to fit under. Free wi-fi, too!

I'm not trying to convert anybody to minimalism, I just want people to realize that cycling doesn't have to be as complicated or as expensive as it's made out to be. It's not rocket science, it's bicycling. It's supposed to be easy and fun. But I suppose in this forum, it's a bit like dropping the F-bomb in church.

Suffice it to say, there is an entire subculture of cyclists who aren't the least bit interested in expensive gear, but they will ride just as far, and have just as much fun. I'm just representing the minority, so please take it as such.

roccobike

For around $200 you can buy a nice downtube shifter bike on CL. For another $50 you can get a basic helmet, water bottle cage and bottle, chain lube and maybe even a pair of cheapo gloves. Add another $20 and you've got a used jersey off of ebay. For another $50 you've got some lycra shorts. That's plenty to start out with. If they like it, they can sell the CL bike for what they paid and put the $$$ toward a brifter bike.