Originally Posted by
HokuLoa
I dig that decision (wider product line) BTW. A lot of peeps think it dilutes the brand but I applaud the attempt at reaching a wider audience. MTB did it long ago and road manufacturers seem much slower to follow suit. The more Wallyworld-Freds who jump on board the more likely road riders will achieve greater acceptance and understanding from society as a whole...
Crappy road bikes were all the rage in the '70s and it drove a lot of people away from the sport entirely. THe same thing unbelievably crappy full suspension BSOs are doing today. Ill fitting 'one-size-fits-all, poorly assembled bikes don't help anyone.
I think you are attributing to them a benevolence and love for the sport that simply is not there. THey realized the margin for selling 10 asian made $150 bikes at XMart is better than for one asian-made $1500 bike at a bike store - that is all.