My new $7,000 bike and the futility of justifying the price to the average person.
#26
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the heck with justifying the price of a bike.
i'm having trouble imagining the average american that smokes a pack of cigarettes, drinks a six-pack of beer, and smokes several joints each and every day of the year.
Okay, my brother-in-law does, but he's not average.
i'm having trouble imagining the average american that smokes a pack of cigarettes, drinks a six-pack of beer, and smokes several joints each and every day of the year.
Okay, my brother-in-law does, but he's not average.
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I'm sure you have heard the surefire way to make a small fortune. Start with a large one and buy a bike shop.
Ben
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Ok think he only wants support for spending 7k on his bike. And yes, its true beer, smoke and weed cost 1k month If your a happy boy In NORWAY. I now Yes it is a expencive country.
So the reialityes is money in bank or dreambike or start drinking,smoking/weed. Go for the dreambike man. Dont need to justify a new bike to others, thats private. But one thing? Its 2015, were is the disc breakes? If you also gonna have this bike for 6 years i would atleast think about the disc breakes
Have fun an enjoy your dreambike
So the reialityes is money in bank or dreambike or start drinking,smoking/weed. Go for the dreambike man. Dont need to justify a new bike to others, thats private. But one thing? Its 2015, were is the disc breakes? If you also gonna have this bike for 6 years i would atleast think about the disc breakes
Have fun an enjoy your dreambike
#29
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The part about justifying it to myself is probably somewhat accurate but I made the mistake of telling a coworker what I paid and now it's out there for public consumption. I gave up alcohol twenty years ago and weed forty years ago. I don't think most people realize what they spend on some of this stuff. I'm 68 in March and thankful that I began taking care of myself years ago. I have a lot of disposable income now and well, I'm spending it.
#30
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I live in a bike free/SUV laden zone. Not much around for the crackheads except to steal anything that they can easily get their hands on. I use the secrecy of the true costs as an anti-theft measure.
#31
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Everyone spends their money differently. I'd rather have bikes than a fancy SUV. The difference in cost between what I drive and what some people drive can easily buy a couple of bikes.
#32
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#34
Banned
Does it have a Snow Blower attachment ? You Need that, now, where you Live.
A lot of people on this forum dont get why a German made 14 speed IGH is a good investment
but OK with dropping More on a 11 speed cassette carbon fiber crank that will go thru a lot of expensive chains, cassettes
and chainrings , and in the same time cost More..
Do as You May Like there is a zillion different shiny things out there,, wanting that charge card swipe of debt.
A lot of people on this forum dont get why a German made 14 speed IGH is a good investment
but OK with dropping More on a 11 speed cassette carbon fiber crank that will go thru a lot of expensive chains, cassettes
and chainrings , and in the same time cost More..
Do as You May Like there is a zillion different shiny things out there,, wanting that charge card swipe of debt.
Last edited by fietsbob; 02-25-15 at 02:39 PM.
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#36
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My new $7,000 bike and the futility of justifying the price to the average person.
Frankly, besides justifying your purchase to yourself, I detect a hint of self-righteousness in your detailed analysis of costs of the habits of other, “average” (read: lesser) individuals compared to the monetary value of your superior cycling lifestyle. Kind of like the so-called “reformed smoker.” Nonetheless, you’re speaking to the choir here, a better informed and receptive audience.
Many years ago in the slick, local glossy Boston Magazine was a cover story showing an athletic woman as I recall, with the approximate title, ”They Work Out And Think They Are Better Than You.” I didn’t read the article, but the title expresses an obvious attitude.
A similar attitude, to save someone from themselves through cycling, was this thread ”Face Palm - Some People Just Don't Get It”:
I think a more appropriate discussion of explaining costs of a fine bike to a non-cyclist was asked on this thread, “Do you tell strangers how much your bike costs?"
The average cost of a pack Marlboro Reds in the US is $9.73. The average cost of a six pack of Bud in the US is $7.25. The average weed smoker in the US spends about $2500 in a year according to a weed smoker I know (this may be more or less). $9.73+$7.25 = $16.98 a day for the booze and butts. $2500/365= about $7 a day for weed. $16.98+$7 = $23.98 a day. $23.98 x 365 = $8,752.70 in a year for the average American to satisfy his or her self gratification. $8,752-$7000 = - $1,1752. So I'm still short since I do not smoke tobacco, consume alcohol or use weed…
This is the best way I can explain the cost. People look very confused and dumb when I explain it this way...
This is the best way I can explain the cost. People look very confused and dumb when I explain it this way...
Why discuss this with ANYBODY except your spouse (if any). … Ride your bike and play your cards closer to your chest.
The part about justifying it to myself is probably somewhat accurate but I made the mistake of telling a coworker what I paid and now it's out there for public consumption. I gave up alcohol twenty years ago and weed forty years ago. I don't think most people realize what they spend on some of this stuff. I'm 68 in March and thankful that I began taking care of myself years ago…
Many years ago in the slick, local glossy Boston Magazine was a cover story showing an athletic woman as I recall, with the approximate title, ”They Work Out And Think They Are Better Than You.” I didn’t read the article, but the title expresses an obvious attitude.
A similar attitude, to save someone from themselves through cycling, was this thread ”Face Palm - Some People Just Don't Get It”:
Last evening I had yet another conversation with someone who just can't grasp the concept of a bicycle as serious transportation or fitness equipment for adults…He liked the sound of the ogre and asked how much they cost. Not knowing for sure, I estimated between $1,000 and $1,500.
"WHAT? A grand for a bicycle?" he said half shocked, half scoffing. "I'm not looking for some expensive racing bike. I just want to ride around and lose a few pounds."… He probably has several thousand invested in hunting and fishing gear, all of which he considers reasonable. He's not going to be on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, but he is not without resources.
Why is it that people can't grasp the value of a good bicycle when they will spend hundreds or thousands on any number of other items without batting an eye?
"WHAT? A grand for a bicycle?" he said half shocked, half scoffing. "I'm not looking for some expensive racing bike. I just want to ride around and lose a few pounds."… He probably has several thousand invested in hunting and fishing gear, all of which he considers reasonable. He's not going to be on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, but he is not without resources.
Why is it that people can't grasp the value of a good bicycle when they will spend hundreds or thousands on any number of other items without batting an eye?
…My trusted mechanic said here’s the bike you want, knowing my riding style. Well the MSRP was $8000, but he got it for me at half off.
Now, considering the attitude most non- or occasional cyclists towards bicycles and prices, I’m frankly somewhat embarrassed to admit to paying so much, sounding like some over-the-top conspicuous consumption. Personally, I can afford it, and it was an offer I could not refuse. Cycling is that important to me and I’m fortunate to be able to continue the lifestyle, so that puts it in perspective for me.
I’m not that conversant with the technical specifics, nor may anyone asking the price, so the price becomes a common reference to tell what a fine piece of machinery it is. But I would nonetheless admit the price only to a close acquaintance in serious conversation.
Now, considering the attitude most non- or occasional cyclists towards bicycles and prices, I’m frankly somewhat embarrassed to admit to paying so much, sounding like some over-the-top conspicuous consumption. Personally, I can afford it, and it was an offer I could not refuse. Cycling is that important to me and I’m fortunate to be able to continue the lifestyle, so that puts it in perspective for me.
I’m not that conversant with the technical specifics, nor may anyone asking the price, so the price becomes a common reference to tell what a fine piece of machinery it is. But I would nonetheless admit the price only to a close acquaintance in serious conversation.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 02-17-15 at 01:18 PM.
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Most will agree that this is a bragging thread. Where the brag fails is 68 and still working. Should be out riding the bike!
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True story...I'm teaching a university business law class and as an example I say, "Suppose I'm selling one of my bikes for $200 and another for $2,000, how might the contracts differ in form?" The class laughed and someone said, "Who would spend $2,000 on a bike, is it made of solid gold?"
So much to teach and so little time.
So much to teach and so little time.
#39
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I'd be be retired if my wife was old enough to retire. Her employer dropped her health insurance so I put her on mine which is an excellent and generous plan. Three more years.
#40
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When it comes to what you buy the only person that you have account to is your wife ....... your life partner. (if you have a wife)
The rest of the world can suck eggs !!
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My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
#41
Member
A $200 contract can be perfectly valid if oral (harder to prove, but still valid) but a $2,000 contract needs to be in writing or either side can get out of the agreement prior to the actual exchange of the money and bike. There's a law called the Statute of Frauds that says that any contract for the sale of goods of $500 or more must be evidenced by a writing to be fully enforceable. FYI...Once the bike and money are exchanged the rule ceases to apply.
#42
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Honestly, I don't recall anyone ever asking me how much my bike was... I have been asked them much someone should spend for a reasonable bike.
While my personal bias is that $7,000 bikes belong in the realm of riders good enough to have sponsors buy them, I don't begrudge anyone deciding how they want to spend their money.
Surely a bicycle is a better value than vices, but does anyone really know someone who smokes a pack a day while drinking a six pack, and spending $7 a day on weed? Back in my day, that would be a half an ounce every day, but I know there has been massive inflation in the cost of weed since then. But why stop there... Why not say that someone using heroine spends $100 per day, or $36,500... then you can feel like a cheap skate.
Unless you buy a new bike every year, and if you feel compelled to announce then justify your expense, then simply express that $7,000 - $2,000 (resale value) = $5,000 divided by 3 years * 365 days per year is about $4.50 per day. Many people would have no hesitation to fritter away $5 per day on something they enjoyed, whatever that might be.
But honestly, the average person is going to make assumptions, and I wouldn't worry about them or specific numbers.... let them think whatever they want and leave the math to them... Just tell them that when you amortize it over 3 years, it is perfectly reasonable amount to spend on a daily basis for something you love. This would make almost any investment seem realistic, and also avoid scaring someone away from cycling because it is too expensive.
While my personal bias is that $7,000 bikes belong in the realm of riders good enough to have sponsors buy them, I don't begrudge anyone deciding how they want to spend their money.
Surely a bicycle is a better value than vices, but does anyone really know someone who smokes a pack a day while drinking a six pack, and spending $7 a day on weed? Back in my day, that would be a half an ounce every day, but I know there has been massive inflation in the cost of weed since then. But why stop there... Why not say that someone using heroine spends $100 per day, or $36,500... then you can feel like a cheap skate.
Unless you buy a new bike every year, and if you feel compelled to announce then justify your expense, then simply express that $7,000 - $2,000 (resale value) = $5,000 divided by 3 years * 365 days per year is about $4.50 per day. Many people would have no hesitation to fritter away $5 per day on something they enjoyed, whatever that might be.
But honestly, the average person is going to make assumptions, and I wouldn't worry about them or specific numbers.... let them think whatever they want and leave the math to them... Just tell them that when you amortize it over 3 years, it is perfectly reasonable amount to spend on a daily basis for something you love. This would make almost any investment seem realistic, and also avoid scaring someone away from cycling because it is too expensive.
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Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
#43
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If I had $7000 to spend on a bike, I would probably spend most of it and get a Rivendell. As it is, I own a Cross Check and justified it's purchase almost the same way the OP did. When I ride to work I'm not spending money on trains, buses, and taxis, so after one year of owning it the bike is half paid for. Of course the upgrades I've made will probably cost me another year.
This worked better in Alabama than it would in Maryland, but if someone displayed shock at how much I paid for a bike, I'd ask them about their hobbies. Do they hunt? Do they own a fishing boat? People who answered yes realized quickly that while my hobby might be different, theirs involved a similar financial investment.
This worked better in Alabama than it would in Maryland, but if someone displayed shock at how much I paid for a bike, I'd ask them about their hobbies. Do they hunt? Do they own a fishing boat? People who answered yes realized quickly that while my hobby might be different, theirs involved a similar financial investment.
Last edited by Grillparzer; 02-17-15 at 03:27 PM.
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A $200 contract can be perfectly valid if oral (harder to prove, but still valid) but a $2,000 contract needs to be in writing or either side can get out of the agreement prior to the actual exchange of the money and bike. There's a law called the Statute of Frauds that says that any contract for the sale of goods of $500 or more must be evidenced by a writing to be fully enforceable. FYI...Once the bike and money are exchanged the rule ceases to apply.
#45
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OP should have saved 5 grand and just gotten the $2000 solid gold bike.
Last edited by AlmostTrick; 02-17-15 at 05:12 PM.
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I suppose for most people if you showed them a Porsche and Kia, they have been conditioned to expect the Porsche to be much more expensive and much "better". If you show them your Super Record EPS, they would just shrug their shoulders.
scott s.
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scott s.
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Spending $7000 dollars on a bicycle is futility... I could easily purchase 4-5 different bikes with that amount of money, instead of wasting all that money on just one bike, and I would still have some change left to buy many cases of beer. I bet all the LBS employees are having a great big laugh amongst themselves every time they sell such an expensive bike to somebody.
Rarely has anyone asked how much one of my bikes cost. A more frequent question comes from people who are interested in getting into one form or another of cycling and want to know what a "good" bike costs. My most expensive bike with upgraded wheels cost under $1,200 and I still have people giving me the "I could easily purchase 4-5 different bikes with that amount of money" or something similar. It's all a matter of perspective.
Last edited by GravelMN; 02-17-15 at 05:51 PM.
#48
The Left Coast, USA
$7000 could build a school or raise an entire village out of poverty many places it the world, help send a poor local kid to college - and if I were to feeling my age that what I'd say to someone who told me about this purchase over cocktails. Not feeling my age, I'd simply say 'rock on dude; USA!, USA!'.
Maybe that's not the feedback you were looking for....
Maybe that's not the feedback you were looking for....
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Just could have said, I got a new bike, here we know costs, , explanation unnecessary, people spend 7k on cars, that would be better understood.
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