Originally Posted by
SortaGrey
Well said. Nice to read someone who'll actually say what's on their mind. Kudos.
An issue that always humors me is the buyer spending well in excess of four figures for a bike and then FEELS they have to go out and buy NEW wheels for that NEW bike. Most often this a strength issue for heavier riders... how much would a decent rear cost them... probably less than a 20 in manufacturing costs. Whatever... stick at least a decent wheel on the rear and use it marketing.
Maybe someone knows the $$ breakdown.. say on a 1200 bike.
Dealer gets what... 500........
Freight over the pond and to the LBS... 80 a unit.. [?].
Actual build cost to said marketing company... 375 [?].
Thanks for your comments...I remember when 36-spoke wheels were standard on racing & multi-purpose bikes & 40-spoke rear wheel was common for heavy-duty touring. Not sure how many racers win by the sheer advantage of 4 or more less spokes. On a recent trip to Miami I saw a rich Brazilian doctor & shop employee debating the fine points of $500 ultra-light wheels. Last fall I passed by a roadie who asked me if I had a spare CO2 cartridge to temporarily inflate his flat tire. A real racer would have a spare tube & tools to fix the problem.