Originally Posted by
Atlas Shrugged
If thats the case we have done them a favour. Sinking scarce resources into a dead end project is a real shame. These DIY bodges are perfect for those who are already into old gear and have extensive parts and gear lying around. There is nothing to suggest that costs of entry are why people are reluctant to enter the sport.
My extensive experience at my local co-op would say otherwise. The co-op is a going concern because people are looking for parts for “DIY bodies” of all kinds. We have an extensive stock of old parts and people buy old bikes to get involved in whatever bicycling sport…nay,
activity…they want. Cost is a large driver of people looking for used bikes rather than dropping $1500+ on something they might not like.
I sell bikes at another co-op and we do a very good business in old bikes…taking them in, refurbing them, and sending them out with happy customers.
Originally Posted by
Atlas Shrugged
I agree that the 1990s marked the return of innovation to cycling after decades of stagnation. Probably the most dull period of cycling technology was from the mid-1960s to the very late 1980s, over 20 years of effectively no progress. Once people began to see through the marketing-driven haze of Italian supremacy, progress accelerated exponentially.
Nope. The driver of innovation in bicycling was mountain biking. Road bikes didn’t really change much until well into the 90s and, even then, the innovations came from mountain bikes.
Originally Posted by
Koyote
This is becoming pretty common: you complain about anyone disagreeing with you -- and do not actually address the person's comments.
So I will state it again, and in the form of a question:
do you believe that new/novice cyclists are likely to troll around on FB Marketplace/eBay/garage sales/wherever, buy old bikes, and then spend the time, money, and energy to convert them into passable gravel bikes? How likely or pervasive do you think that would be for the people you're describing -- people with little or no prior cycling experience?
Again, yes. New/novice cyclists often buy old bikes from various places. Although fraught with all kinds of pitfalls, it’s better for them to buy used than to go to HellMart. And, again, I work with a lot of people…a
lot…with little prior bicycling experience on getting those old bikes into useful, working order.
Originally Posted by
genejockey
No. I think most novice cyclists will feel lost in the world of used bikes, and are most likely to go to a bike store, or other place that sells bikes (Walmart, etc.) and buy what makes sense to them. That bike will then either get used a couple times and sit in the garage, or, less commonly, light a spark in the rider who will quickly find himself wanting more. They might start looking into bikes, brands, et c. and then they might either go back to the bike store, or, less commonly, go to FB Marketplace or Craigslist and look for something used..
The likelihood a novice will search for one type of used bike in either of those places, to turn into another type of bike, is vanishingly small.
That's my thought, anyway.
Again, not in my experience. I see a lot of people who want to try some aspect of bicycling for the first time go looking for used bikes. Gravel is hot right now and it comes up all the time at both of my co-ops.