Originally Posted by
HerrKaLeun
How much did a bike cost in 1920? Probably a worker's monthly wages or more and that was a heavy single speed bike.
Manufacturing is drastically more automated today. Think about it, and there aren't really any more steps in producing a sound basic bike than a BSO - actually there are fewer parts to be made. They just need to be very slightly better, the heat treat of the BB axle needs to not end up screwed up in occasional batches to the point where it produces cheese or glass, etc.
People say they want a simple bike, then buy the colorful full suspension bike at Walmart. Walmart sells exactly what people actually buy.
So I'll explain again, for what - the fourth time - what I said in the post immediately above yours, which is that it would have to be a shift of all parties, not just a unilateral change by one. To repeat again what was in the post literally above yours, neither "hey buy this" or "I want" works by itself, it would take both together.
If people buy a decent rigid commuter bike for $500
No, that's near double what it needs to cost.
And looking at what they do sell, shows it's possible.