Originally Posted by supernova87a
why are parts sooo expensive? (and it seems to be all about the parts when you talk to someone about road biking)
Are you talking about bicycles as transportation devices, recreational equipment, or as sports equipment? In the realm of transporation, you can buy an entire bicycle that will last thousands of miles for a couple hundred dollars. Just head down to Walmart or shop the classifieds for someone's used bike and you're good to go. If you're talking about recreational equipment for bike trails, again, head to Walmart, the classifieds, or your LBS and pick up an inexpensive bike. It will serve your needs, again for a couple hundred bucks. Now, if you're talking about sports equipment, well the sky's the limit. You can drop a grand for a club racer or $5k for a Formula 1 machine (well, actually, that would be $10k for a Colnago Ferrari so lets call it a CART machine).
Seriously, because bikes are relatively affordable, consumers tend to buy equipment that far exceeds their needs. Did you ever stop to think why the average road bike buyer is sold a machine that has the same gearing as a pro rider? In fact, in most cases what the roadie consumer is looking for is something that is every bit as good as what a professional racer would use. Thankfully, due to high demand and large production numbers, these fairly incredible machines remain pretty darn affordable. Motorcycles are very much like bicycles in this regard in that consumers can more easily afford -- and therefore create a large demand that drives large production numbers and lowers consumer cost -- 600cc - 1300cc sportbikes that far exceed their utility on the road; noting that darn few are ever taken to a track which is what they were designed for in the first place. Now, how many TransAm, Lemans or Winston Cup cars do you see the average motorsports enthuisast driving around in on the street or at club racing events? Oh yeah, cost prohibitive like you can't believe.
Thus, we come back to road bike equipment. It's only ultra-expensive if you purchase the higher-end equipment. Shimano and Campagnolo offer a wide range of component groups, including more affordable groups like Sora, Tiagra, Mirage, etc... But, just how many folks are willing to spec. those on their pride and joy? And, as far as Walmat bikes, never forget that they remain the largest segment (by millions of units) in the bicycle market.
first, for the top quality parts, what causes them to be so expensive? As far as I can tell, they are made with standard metal machining techniques. Is there something else? Titanium? Where is all the money going?
This might help explain some of it.
http://www.bike.com/template.asp?dat...ectionnumber=6
More interesting reading.
http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadin.../campyvda.html
second, what do the ultimate most expensive parts get you that the low end stuff doesn't? Durability? Smooth action? Or is it the parts makers seeing that people will pay these prices?
Yes, yes, and yes. But, you don't have to shell out $5k for a 15lb bike. Fuji will sell you one for $2,200 and you can probably find one on Ebay for 1/2 of that. Do you NEED a 15lb bike? Does anyone not racing for a big pay-day where 10ths of a second matter need something that high-tech?
Bottom Line: Road Bicycles are luxury items in the same way that high-end downhill ski / snowboard equipment is a luxury item. The economics defy logic, yet both remain relatively strong markets.
Want a deal on 10spd Record? Go to rec.bicycles.marketplace or the other classified ad sites and buy it from the folks who have decided to opt out of the high-end game.