Page 2 - How much did you say??? (the expensive parts thread)

17-02.-2008, 06:10 PM

#16

alienator

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Join Date: Jun 2004

Location: Tucson, AZ

Posts: 2,573

Re: How much did you say??? (the expensive parts thread)

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldbobcat

Demand for bikes grew with the boomers, and in 1980 few boomers could afford or justify a $3500 bike. By the end of the decade expensive new technology was becoming adopted by the pros, the purchasing power of boomers was growing, and Gen-X wasn't far behind.

And the new exotic stuff is rugged unless you crash it. And the teams are better equipped. I don't think a neutral support bike ever left the rack on the Mavic car during last year's Tour de France. A good thing, too, because I don't think the pedals were compatible with anyone's cleats.

Yeah, the new stuff can be just as tough and durable as the old stuff. The problem is convincing people that is true.

18-02.-2008, 05:17 AM

#17

Powerful Pete

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Join Date: May 2004

Location: Rome, Italy

Posts: 3,735

Re: How much did you say??? (the expensive parts thread)

Quote:

Originally Posted by 531Aussie

Here I go gain.....

This is slighty off topic, but I nominate Australia as the most expensive place on Earth to buy bike stuff:

It goes on and on.....

Whoa.

Worth the trip to Europe to buy directly from the factory. Get a vacation out of it and still come out ahead, I suspect.

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18-02.-2008, 09:29 AM

#18

oldbobcat

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Join Date: Sep 2003

Location: Boulder County, Colorado

Posts: 497

Re: How much did you say??? (the expensive parts thread)

Quote:

Originally Posted by alienator

Of course it could also be argued that you could get a bike today, of the same technological level as a top-end bike in 1980, for less than you could have bought it then.

Can't argue with that. The carbon-framed Felt that I bought for $1000 last spring is a better bike than the pro-level bike I rode in the 80s, in every respect except fit. It's four pounds lighter, it has indexed "brifters" and six more "speeds," and the frame doesn't rust. And judging by the way the pros have been sitting on their bikes in the last few years, especially the sprinters and classics specialists, I'm in good company. If I ever wanted to get into Masters racing, the only thing I'd change would be an extra set of wheels.

18-02.-2008, 12:59 PM

#19

531Aussie

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Join Date: Apr 2004

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posts: 4,771

Re: How much did you say??? (the expensive parts thread)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Powerful Pete

Whoa.

Worth the trip to Europe to buy directly from the factory. Get a vacation out of it and still come out ahead, I suspect.

HA HA!

I have a couple of friends who're planning to do just that.

19-02.-2008, 02:01 AM

#20

LewisBricktop

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Join Date: Sep 2006

Posts: 113

Re: How much did you say??? (the expensive parts thread)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Powerful Pete

Whoa.

Worth the trip to Europe to buy directly from the factory. Get a vacation out of it and still come out ahead, I suspect.

The BMC TT01 requires the buyer (in the U.S) to fly to Arkansas to be sized for their custom machine. Airfare included, the frameset is $(USD)12,500. At least when bought from competitive cyclist. I don't know if it woud be cheaper if one lived in Arkansas and didn't need the airfare.

19-02.-2008, 03:33 AM

#21

oldbobcat

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Join Date: Sep 2003

Location: Boulder County, Colorado

Posts: 497

Re: How much did you say??? (the expensive parts thread)

Quote:

Originally Posted by LewisBricktop

The BMC TT01 requires the buyer (in the U.S) to fly to Arkansas to be sized for their custom machine.

That's one way of getting a decent fit.

19-02.-2008, 10:21 AM

#22

artemidorus

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Join Date: Mar 2004

Location: Sydney, Australia

Posts: 2,133

Re: How much did you say??? (the expensive parts thread)

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldbobcat

That's one way of getting a decent fit.

No guarantees that they are going to listen to your preferences when you get there.

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19-02.-2008, 10:31 AM	#23
Powerful Pete Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Rome, Italy Posts: 3,735	Re: How much did you say??? (the expensive parts thread) Mamma mia. Re: the BMC price, that is just plain silly. Fly to the US or Italy and find a super-duper small framebuilder to set up a frame in unobtanium for you for about a third of that amount. IMVHO, of course. __________________ De Rosa Planet Campagnolo Per Sempre! PAOLO BETTINI CAMPIONE DEL MONDO x 2!

19-02.-2008, 10:59 AM

#24

sogood

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Join Date: Aug 2006

Location: Sydney, AU

Posts: 2,122

Re: How much did you say??? (the expensive parts thread)

Quote:

Originally Posted by 531Aussie

This is pretty obvious, but this is my take on increase in demand:

I reckon it's been gradual over the last 15 or so years -- firstly, as a crossover from triathlon, then (and more so) as a corssover from the popularity of mountain bikes, and then from the increased coverage of The Tour in English speaking countries

There'll be more than just those factors. If you look at the current crowd, there's quite a few of those men in MLC on fancy bikes. At the end of the day, there are only three recommended sports, jogging (boring), swimming (not getting anywhere) and cycling. Then there's the fuel and environmental issues along with traffic congestion in cities. In our local area, the improved cycling facilities (bike path) also contributed significantly to this uptake.

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