How can a $14,000 bicycle possibly be worth the money?
01-13-23, 12:15 PM
#76
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Originally Posted by vonfilm
I do find this Titanium hand built bicycle more appealing and a better value than the $14,000 Specialized Carbon bike. I expect it would last forever with reasonable care, something that cannot be reasonably be predicted for a carbon fiber bike. The most expensive new bike I ever purchased was a new Davidson Impulse in 1989 for about $1100. Probably about $3,000 in todays dollars. I have strongly considered ordering a custom hand built Mercian frame set for about $3,000. I would never pay much for a carbon fiber bicycle.
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01-13-23, 12:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Eric F
Wait...Aren't you the guy who said you walked into a bike shop, told them that you had $15k to spend on a new bike, but refused to buy one because it had disc brakes? Interesting that you're now being critical about others who will spend that much. Or, maybe your $15k story was fabricated as part of your "disc brakes are bad" campaign.
Also, I would not ever tell anyone that I would spend $15,000 on a new bike.
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01-13-23, 12:19 PM
#78
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Originally Posted by vonfilm
No. That was not me. I have nothing against disc brakes.
Also, I would not ever tell anyone that I would spend $15,000 on a new bike.
Also, I would not ever tell anyone that I would spend $15,000 on a new bike.
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01-13-23, 12:20 PM
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Originally Posted by vonfilm
I do find this Titanium hand built bicycle more appealing and a better value than the $14,000 Specialized Carbon bike. I expect it would last forever with reasonable care, something that cannot be reasonably be predicted for a carbon fiber bike. The most expensive new bike I ever purchased was a new Davidson Impulse in 1989 for about $1100. Probably about $3,000 in todays dollars. I have strongly considered ordering a custom hand built Mercian frame set for about $3,000. I would never pay much for a carbon fiber bicycle.
Stuff can feel expensive or not but in the end in this case it is a bike and this is a bike forum and well bikes are awesome.
Last edited by veganbikes; 01-13-23 at 12:27 PM.
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01-13-23, 12:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Dave Mayer
Advice: if you are going to buy a bike, now is the time. Shops are dead, and the owners and staff want to be your friend. In 2 months, during the first dry warm weekend, folks will be lined out the door ready to wait 2 weeks and pay big $ for a 5 minute derailleur tweak.
It is like skiing. During the weekdays, the hills are covered in fresh powder, the staff are friendly and no lineups. During weekends, the surly staff call-in sick, a traffic nightmare to get to the hill, and prices and lineups go up for everything.
$14k for a road bike? No. I just bought a new 11-speed Dura-Ace Di2 kit for $1,500. UCI-level carbon frame/fork/bars direct from Asia will cost about $1k. Campagnolo Shamal wheels less than $1k. The rest: scavenged from my overflowing horde. All in, a sub-16 pound bike for well under $5k. Rim brakes of course, as discs are heavy, fussy and unnecessary. Spec'ing the gear yourself can also avoid the major PITA of fully integrated brake and shifter housings.
If you need service, then buy retail. If you don't, buying second-hand, or building yourself cuts out several layers of middlemen and the expensive retail infrastructure. Plus the big-3 brands big costs for marketing, promotions, racer sponsorships, lawyers, and pharmaceuticals.
It is like skiing. During the weekdays, the hills are covered in fresh powder, the staff are friendly and no lineups. During weekends, the surly staff call-in sick, a traffic nightmare to get to the hill, and prices and lineups go up for everything.
$14k for a road bike? No. I just bought a new 11-speed Dura-Ace Di2 kit for $1,500. UCI-level carbon frame/fork/bars direct from Asia will cost about $1k. Campagnolo Shamal wheels less than $1k. The rest: scavenged from my overflowing horde. All in, a sub-16 pound bike for well under $5k. Rim brakes of course, as discs are heavy, fussy and unnecessary. Spec'ing the gear yourself can also avoid the major PITA of fully integrated brake and shifter housings.
If you need service, then buy retail. If you don't, buying second-hand, or building yourself cuts out several layers of middlemen and the expensive retail infrastructure. Plus the big-3 brands big costs for marketing, promotions, racer sponsorships, lawyers, and pharmaceuticals.
Something doesn't add up here.
Last edited by Atlas Shrugged; 01-13-23 at 12:57 PM.
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01-13-23, 12:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Eric F
Wait...Aren't you the guy who said you walked into a bike shop, told them that you had $15k to spend on a new bike, but refused to buy one because it had disc brakes? Interesting that you're now being critical about others who will spend that much. Or, maybe your $15k story was fabricated as part of your "disc brakes are bad" campaign.
Originally Posted by Dave Meyer
About once a year I drop into my local high-end shop. Yesterday the shop was completely dead - just me and 6 worried looking staffers. So they ask: what type of what type of bike are you looking for? "A road bike for riding with my pals." What is your budget? "15". Hundred? "No thousand" That got their attention.
01-13-23, 12:30 PM
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There is a sucker born every minute.
Further, you could slap new tires on a 120 year old Wright Brothers bike, and it would work just fine. But----I would bet that in 120 years from now, one of those $14,000 plastic bikes would probably shatter if you gave it a big thump with your finger then.
Further, you could slap new tires on a 120 year old Wright Brothers bike, and it would work just fine. But----I would bet that in 120 years from now, one of those $14,000 plastic bikes would probably shatter if you gave it a big thump with your finger then.
01-13-23, 12:36 PM
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Originally Posted by rydabent
There is a sucker born every minute.
Further, you could slap new tires on a 120 year old Wright Brothers bike, and it would work just fine.
Further, you could slap new tires on a 120 year old Wright Brothers bike, and it would work just fine.
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01-13-23, 12:36 PM
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One can get a Rodriguez custom steel ultralight frame that weighs 2.6 pounds for $3800.
Steel is Real.
Steel is Real.
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01-13-23, 12:38 PM
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Originally Posted by rydabent
There is a sucker born every minute.
Further, you could slap new tires on a 120 year old Wright Brothers bike, and it would work just fine. But----I would bet that in 120 years from now, one of those $14,000 plastic bikes would probably shatter if you gave it a big thump with your finger then.
Further, you could slap new tires on a 120 year old Wright Brothers bike, and it would work just fine. But----I would bet that in 120 years from now, one of those $14,000 plastic bikes would probably shatter if you gave it a big thump with your finger then.
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01-13-23, 12:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Eric F
Oh, boy. One of THESE guys. LOL.
Odd how these themes appear to 'cluster': asploding/fragile 'plastic' bikes; Big Bike conspiracy; no bike is worth $xxx; people only buy expensive bikes if they are a) stupid or b) poseurs; etc etc ad nauseam.
Edit: I see that 'Steel is Real' has now joined the fray. This thread has real potential!
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01-13-23, 12:42 PM
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Originally Posted by rydabent
There is a sucker born every minute.
Further, you could slap new tires on a 120 year old Wright Brothers bike, and it would work just fine. But----I would bet that in 120 years from now, one of those $14,000 plastic bikes would probably shatter if you gave it a big thump with your finger then.
Further, you could slap new tires on a 120 year old Wright Brothers bike, and it would work just fine. But----I would bet that in 120 years from now, one of those $14,000 plastic bikes would probably shatter if you gave it a big thump with your finger then.
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01-13-23, 12:43 PM
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Originally Posted by vonfilm
Would you trust your life to a doctor who is stupid enough to spend $14,000 on a bicycle?
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01-13-23, 12:52 PM
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Originally Posted by tomato coupe
I'd trust a doctor that spends $14,000 on a bike before I'd trust one that thinks anyone that spends $14,000 is stupid.
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01-13-23, 12:56 PM
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I don't want to buy it. I wonder if I could rent/borrow for a day or so.
01-13-23, 12:56 PM
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Originally Posted by vonfilm
One can get a Rodriguez custom steel ultralight frame that weighs 2.6 pounds for $3800.
Steel is Real.
Steel is Real.
You can get an S-Works Tarmac frame for $4,000 that weighs 800g (1.8lbs).
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01-13-23, 12:57 PM
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Originally Posted by livedarklions
Either buy the $14k bike or don't. Seriously, who gives a flying *%$@ whether you think it's worth it or not?
I've got COVID. I really need a more entertaining troll thread than this.
I've got COVID. I really need a more entertaining troll thread than this.
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01-13-23, 12:57 PM
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Originally Posted by vonfilm
Good job. You are a wise man.
But for the first time in 2 years, the used bike market is coming back to its senses. In 2020/21, used bikes, particularly road bikes, were being sold for more than original retail. Or folks were attempting to sell them at these inflated prices. But, with Covid restrictions ending, and folks returning to what they really want to do (not biking), and the bike industry having built and ordered way too much stuff, used and new prices are dropping. They'll come back somewhat in the spring, but the upcoming recession should squash that.
So the sweet spot for road bikes is a 2015-2018 (UCI-level) team full carbon bike with rim brakes. No integrated cable routing. Not aero (heavy). This class of bike, which should be had for less than $2k, will be superior to a new $10k disc road bike in every respect, except losing braking in the wet.
BTW: when buying used, assume that the entire drivetrain is worn out. Factor that in your price negotiations. Best source for gear: sponsored riders.
01-13-23, 01:01 PM
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I'm starting to think he's just doing a bit, calling aero, disc brake bikes that weigh around the UCI's lower limit "heavy and sluggish".
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01-13-23, 01:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Dave Mayer
I know. A few days ago I was thinking about dropping $$$ on a new road bike off of the rack, but came away extremely disappointed with the way the industry has gone with extraneous features that only make the bike heavier and sluggish. Such as discs. So the superior Plan B is to build.
But for the first time in 2 years, the used bike market is coming back to its senses. In 2020/21, used bikes, particularly road bikes, were being sold for more than original retail. Or folks were attempting to sell them at these inflated prices. But, with Covid restrictions ending, and folks returning to what they really want to do (not biking), and the bike industry having built and ordered way too much stuff, used and new prices are dropping. They'll come back somewhat in the spring, but the upcoming recession should squash that.
So the sweet spot for road bikes is a 2015-2018 (UCI-level) team full carbon bike with rim brakes. No integrated cable routing. Not aero (heavy). This class of bike, which should be had for less than $2k, will be superior to a new $10k disc road bike in every respect, except losing braking in the wet.
BTW: when buying used, assume that the entire drivetrain is worn out. Factor that in your price negotiations. Best source for gear: sponsored riders.
But for the first time in 2 years, the used bike market is coming back to its senses. In 2020/21, used bikes, particularly road bikes, were being sold for more than original retail. Or folks were attempting to sell them at these inflated prices. But, with Covid restrictions ending, and folks returning to what they really want to do (not biking), and the bike industry having built and ordered way too much stuff, used and new prices are dropping. They'll come back somewhat in the spring, but the upcoming recession should squash that.
So the sweet spot for road bikes is a 2015-2018 (UCI-level) team full carbon bike with rim brakes. No integrated cable routing. Not aero (heavy). This class of bike, which should be had for less than $2k, will be superior to a new $10k disc road bike in every respect, except losing braking in the wet.
BTW: when buying used, assume that the entire drivetrain is worn out. Factor that in your price negotiations. Best source for gear: sponsored riders.
01-13-23, 01:13 PM
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Originally Posted by wolfchild
A $14 000 bicycle isn't going to make you a better cyclists or make your cycling more enjoyable,.. A $ 2000 - $ 3000 bicycle is more practical and can do everything and even more than a $ 14 000 bicycle can.
01-13-23, 01:19 PM
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Originally Posted by tomato coupe
So, 6 days ago you were convinced that spending $15,000 on a new bike was the best course of action. Now you're convinced that spending $2,000 on 5-8 year old bike is the only rational thing to do. That's awesome. What will be the smart thing to do next week?
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01-13-23, 01:21 PM
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[QUOTE=msu2001la;22767742]Is this supposed to be good or bad?
You can get an S-Works Tarmac frame for $4,000 that weighs 800g (1.8lbs).[/QUOTE
The Rodriguez will still be fine in 20-120 years.
You can get an S-Works Tarmac frame for $4,000 that weighs 800g (1.8lbs).[/QUOTE
The Rodriguez will still be fine in 20-120 years.
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01-13-23, 01:22 PM
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Originally Posted by tomato coupe
So, 6 days ago you were convinced that spending $15,000 on a new bike was the best course of action. Now you're convinced that spending $2,000 on 5-8 year old bike is the only rational thing to do. That's awesome. What will be the smart thing to do next week?
01-13-23, 01:23 PM
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Well....it took me 10 years, but now the bike on top my car is worth more than the car.
It's not that I earned enough to buy a very expensive bike...it's that a 12 year old Honda is just not worth very much.
FWIW, when we got married, my wife's grandfather pulled me aside and offered this advice: "Anyone spending more than $15,000 on a house is a fool." It was 1980, but still. We were foolish and spent $75,000. Can hardly buy a Tesla for than now.
It's not that I earned enough to buy a very expensive bike...it's that a 12 year old Honda is just not worth very much.
FWIW, when we got married, my wife's grandfather pulled me aside and offered this advice: "Anyone spending more than $15,000 on a house is a fool." It was 1980, but still. We were foolish and spent $75,000. Can hardly buy a Tesla for than now.
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