Originally Posted by
tomato coupe
You want to market inexpensive stuff to people that buy expensive stuff?
Yeah you're right. I typed mid-market for a value proposition, and then in the next thought shifted to premium without going back and changing that.
Originally Posted by
smd4
Maybe you don't think so, but there are in fact many, many thousands of us who appreciate the aesthetics of a bike and nice-looking components.
Me.
Originally Posted by
13ollocks
If the 20-30 people with whom I interact with any regularity while cycling, I can only think of two (including myself) who ride Campag - everyone else is on mid/upper-tier Shimano or SRAM (my impression is that SRAM is almost the default on new bikes here). However, I quite regularly get compliments on my bikes (older Litespeeds with recent 12sp Chorus mechanical). This isn't all down to the group sets, of course, although folks looking the bikes over usually comment on the Campag, probably because (i) it's unusual, and (ii) is a new mechanical drivetrain - no-one is buying mechanical new. I think aesthetics matter, so my bikes are well turned out - everything in its place, colors coordinating etc. It'd be that way regardless of what group set I was using, although the Chorus 12 does look pretty good.
I've ridden nothing but Shimano, I've only had one good road bike since '89. My current folder has brand-x stuff. But if I was still riding the road bike or buying a new one, it wouldn't be Shimano, I HATE the aesthetics of their road groups now. For me, the looks on a road bike are part of the appeal. I still like classic level top tubes.
In other pursuits not mentionable here, same thing, I want classic style, wood and not plastic. Same with my cookware, classic style and materials that don't wear out like non-stick, and looks good forever. Classic patterns on cooking knives. Cruising sailboats, they need to have classic lines and utility, not teardrop-shaped portlights and reverse sheer decks; modern materials, but it needs to look like it could be made out of wood.