Originally Posted by
repechage
Not a bad bike. In regard to the inflation calculator, on many bikes it does not hold up. If that bike was built today at that inflation adjusted price it would not sell well, if much at all.
Mass market level bikes have benefitted from sourcing to lower wage countries for components, frames and assembly. The reason a $150-200 Wallmart Schwinn is an acceptable bike for a casual rider. The French lost the value war in the early 80's. too bad, but that is how it went. With that withdrawal, some of the value in the the handling and feel was lost too, but for many that is of little concern.
What I was thinking was that in 1970 I bought a new Sears bicycle for $18 ( lasted 20 years ) so to call a $150 dollar bike then low end or Generic is comparable to buying a $800 dollar bike today and calling it Generic or low end.. also the quality was there as so many have survived. I can't imagine todays Carbon bikes lasting 40 years.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/27/sp...ng-harder.html