I know the main difference is technology and materials used, but most bikes have the typical aluminum, steel and carbon bikes, with a certain set of components from the top companies, SRAM, Shimano... Aside from this, whats the difference, is it a matter or personal preference? I'm new to the cycling world and im trying to educate myself by reading about components, frames, designs, saddles.... everything but man this could be overwhelming. What are the most reputable companies out there or most expensive? I've seen bianchi, pinarello, cervelo.. but then i've also seen these other companies that make their custom builds like pedalforce.com or valdora. What insight can you guys share on this, is it just a matter of what frame and design you like better or does each company actually have a long history behind them? Thanks a lot and sorry if the question sounds so common sense to some of you.

As a practical matter for most of us, the differences between brands, and for that matter less expensive and more expensive bikes, are inconsequential. It's really all about fun and fashion, just like having a fast, expensive car that you drive to work, the grocery store, the post office etc. Whether you're young or old or thin or fat, for fun and exercise a $600 bike is as good as a $6,000 bike.

Aside from everything you mentioned...the difference would be in the rationalization of the choice

I'd say mainly you can break it down like this:

Cervelo - Fast Bikes
Trek - Crappy Bikes
Specialized - Popular Bikes
Cannondale - Stiff Bikes
Giant - Carbon Bikes
Scattante - Real Crappy Bikes
Fuji - See Scattante
Motobecane - This is what you need to buy

Cycling as a sport is the most intimate relationship between man and machine. (Well I can think of another more intimate relationship between man and machine but I don’t think that count as much of a sport).
Having said that, since it is a relationship, emotional and physical satisfaction plays a major role in it.
When it comes to different manufacturers, some spend a lot of time and money into R&D to come up with the best design and material characteristics to handle the challenges riders encounter. On the other hand, some companies are basically rebadging generic frames and sell them as their own.
You should never, I say it again, never enter into a commitment without a test period. Even after that some people end up getting something that they can’t leave with. Bicycles are the same and in some occasions they do cost as much as a divorce.
So do your research, see what you like ask question, go on test rides and finally decide on what works for you and makes you happy.
Cheers.

I would say you can start by ignoring this post.

Don't worry about it. Go test ride and buy what you can afford and prefer.

It's like buying a car. Anyone who preaches about brands is full of ****.

This.

Troof.

99% personal preference. The engine is the most important part of the ride. A fat guy with bad knees isn't going to go any faster on a $3000 bike than he would a $600 bike. A pro on an entry level bike would demolish any of us on a high-end bike. Just like some people like BMW's over Mercedes, and some prefer Ford truck over Chevy...some like Cannondale over Trek. Some like carbon fiber, some like aluminum and some prefer steel. But all the bike technology in the world won't make you significantly "faster" than what your engine can support. Some bikes shift a little better and some have better brakes, and a lighter bike is probably easier to push up a hill...but comparing equal level bikes among brands (entry, mid, pro) is all about personal preference. Are you a Fuji guy or are you a Felt guy? Both have $600, $1500 and $4000 bikes that are pretty much the same.

And they are all sold at a huge markup. When you see a $2000 bike on sale at your LBS or online for $999...well, the store isn't taking a loss on that bike.

It basically all boils down to personal preference, performance and fit. Each of the major manufacturers, i.e. Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, Giant, Felt and Fuji, all have a full range of bikes from entry level $600 up to $4000, and what you choose is more about what works best for you rather than one being "better". When it comes to BMC, Cervello and Pinarello these tend to be "higher end" bikes (or at least more expensive) and don't offer anything in the lower $600 range. Hope this helps. Basically what anyone will tell you (aside from biased opinions) is to get something that fits, that you can afford, and that looks good.

This.

The markup isn't that great, especially when you take into account what it takes to run a competent bike shop, also the seasonality of bike sales in much of the US

Agreed. It's 95% about the engine.

Having said that, I loves me some Cervelo or Pinarello with deep rims. It's more fun for me personally to be riding on bling. Others may not care, and I envy them because that attitude would have saved me many thousands of dollars

thanks a lot for your replies guys, they do clear up lots of doubts i had. I just started cycling and got a specialized Allez comp compact.. its pretty much all i could afford at the moment, i do like it, the SRAM apex double tap shifters are real nice and the bike rides very smooth and freely. I've just been looking at all these custom bikes and different frames, with hubs, stems.. and man all these things could drive you a bit nut at the beginning. I've really liked cervelos since i first saw them at my LBS, now i know they're good bikes, those motobecane mentioned above are pricy as hell, im sure they're good bikes and have Ti, i like Ti. Thanks a lot for your replies guys, it makes it a little easier on my brain to process all these different names. I'm just going to practice hard on what i got right now and maybe down the road i could upgrade the wheels and tires and eventually when i feel good enough, i'll get my Cervelo. I dont know for some reason i like Tri bikes better, the drop bars are a lot more comfortable in my opinion that the tri aero bars, at least at the moment they are since im entry level but the blade look of tri frames is just awesome.

So, are shops selling bikes at a loss? It's pretty common to see bikes on sale for 30-50% off.

? no, never said they were selling them at a loss... I don't think it's all that common to see a bike at 50% off, that would be selling it at a loss, or very close to it.

Most of the time you see deep discounts on a bike it's old stock, gotta get it off the books if you want to bring in new merchandise.

This is just nonsense. Absolute, complete and total nonsense.

A $2000 bike at an LBS cost them $1400. From that profit they have to pay salaries, rent, utilities and all other business expenses. They make squat. They make more money selling 20 tubes and a few fricken helmets.

If you see a $2000 bike on sale on ebay for $900 it is either grey market goods or Chinese knock off crap. Buyer beware.

and buy it from a shop you trust and whos staff is friendly and knowledgeable.

Not sure what deal is with prices if they actually lose or make money but i think they're the same as cars, the dealers get them at invoice then they sell at MSRP and in most cases above. My Allez comp Retailed for 1450 at the website and the shop had it for 1400, with a discount of 10%. I dont think anyone would be in business if they didn't sell above the cost they got it for.

bollocks.

quoted again for emphasis.

agreed. talk to any bike store owner. the profit is in parts, accessories, and repairs.

honestly i'd recommend that anyone new to the sport, rather than shopping for brands, shop for a shop: go to all your local shops, ask questions, talk to the staff, get a feel for them, and make your decision there. trek, c'dale, spec, felt, jamis, etc all good bikes with wide range of component specs, interview a shop like theyre bidding on a contract, and then pick your favorite and do business with them.

No kidding. I was a Service manager of a high end bike shop for 7 years before I left retail. I know where the margins are and I know how no one gets rich selling bikes.