Originally Posted by
seypat
I think a person will reach the point where the "upgrade" doesn't justify the price. Some already have. Each person has their line. From what I read on here it may not even be about overall money. It could be more about the all or nothing mentality the bike companies have adopted. Not much in between. My bike evolution stopped a long time ago when the companies went a different way than I needed/wanted. That's life. I said it before on some thread and I'll said it again. In the constant battle that is competition, the companies are attempting to make cycling as exclusive as possible. Not good for the overall health of the sport/hobby. That's my opinion. I could be wrong. It wouldn't be the first or the last time.
I'm in total, complete agreement.
I just replaced my ancient Tarmac with a slightly newer, used bike, but instead of the low end of the Tarmac line-up I went all the way to the 11R, S-Works bike. Added some Reynolds Assault wheels, carbon Fiber pedals and I'm ready to ride. The cost was less than on third what a new bike at the same level, with new wheels would have cost. However, I work on my own bikes so the repairs associated with a used bike don't bother me. Can I afford to buy a high end road bike with disc brakes and aero, CF wheels? Sure, but spending some outrageous sum of money for a road bike that I can't pedal any faster than the current used bike I have makes no sense. Still I see some serious bucks lining up for roll-off every Sunday with one noticeable missing ingredient, youth. I don't see anyone in their 20s lining up to ride. If I was a bike company executive, I'd have to ask how they plan to maintain people buying new bikes.