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Interesting article I just saw in the Kansas Star:
… But before you start dropping hints to Santa, here’s the bad news: the Superfly costs $8,000. Yes. EIGHT THOUSAND DOLLARS. That begs two questions. The first is, "Do I have a spare 8K to spend on a mountain bike?" The second is, "Do I need such a lightweight bike?"Only you know the answer to the first question. But the answer to the second question is no. Even if you race – even if you race in the expert cat; the answer is still – NO. Here are a few reasons why.
First, when mountain bikers hit the Olympic level, they’ve already lightened their body. Every bit of their excess body fat has been whittled away. Some male riders get down to only five percent body fat. So a lightweight bike won’t make much difference if you’re carrying around several pounds of unnecessary fat. Which, unless you spend four or five hours a day working out at an Olympic Training Center, you probably are.
…..Read the full article here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/08/08/37 … rylink=cpy
Overall, I think this article wasn’t written that well, as he really only has one point to make and he spends many lengthy paragraphs making it: If you have body fat you can lose, it is much easier (and more productive) to work on physical fitness and weight loss than it is to spend money on an expensive mountain bike.
I agree with him completely. I know that I personally have a few pounds I could shed. But what the author, Wina Sturgeon, fails to address is: what happens once you’ve shed all the fat you can and you’re lean enough that a lighter mountain bike [i:38p2ghbu]could[/i:38p2ghbu] pay off? Is the lighter mountain bike worth it [i:38p2ghbu]then[/i:38p2ghbu]?
What are your thoughts on the topic?
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I am waiting for Fat Billy to chime in…….. 😃
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I read the whole article but the writer is neglecting the effects the bike itself has on the over scheme of things (fellow must be a nutritionist or something). Riders weight is sprung mass, that is the mass that the bikes suspension takes control over. But a great portion (wheels, brakes, cassette, half of the chain mass) is not supported by the springs and thus not controlled by the suspension. That mass alone contributes to a great portion of the bikes mass. It too counts to a great deal of how well a bike will perform over uneven surfaces. Add to that the lighter weight (more expensive) components are also better quality, tighter manufacturing tolerances and have unique features that are not found on cheaper equipment as well. I don’t even think the writer even rides or has a clue as to what a mountain biker (racer) has to cope with on the trail.
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CHIME! Does anybody NEEEEEED a $8000.00 MTB? No! Is a 8k MTB cool? Yes! Does it attract other riders (chicks). Yes! Does it show you have more money than brains? Yes! The Pro Racers get their bikes for free and are paid to ride them and are expected to win. Do the high dollar bikes make you faster? No! Do you think you are faster? Yes! If you are riding along feeling cool and powerful on your 8k ride and a fit rider blows by you on a $800 basic MTB how do you feel? Who you gonna call?
My old 15yr old bike weighs 21 lbs with the trick wheels. Am I going to quit drinking beer and spend 8k on a MTB? No! When I get a new bike it will probably weigh 28 to 30lbs. Will I be faster? No! Will I enjoy it? Yes! Will I like a 29er better? Yes! Unless you are a racer the weight makes less differance and a heavier more solid bike will serve you better in the long run. When you blow by a 8k bike with a heavier model means you’re the man! Watch out for the woody that it causes. 😄 Later,
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To lazy to read the article, but this arises the question, what do we need in generell.
For myself, I would spend the money, if I could afford it and want that bike.
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I’ve been lurking for a few years and I’ve learned a lot. So here’s my first post on the forums.
Does anybody need an $8000 bike, nope. I have heard this expression dozens of times, but I think the question is phrased wrong. A need, at least expressed monetarily, is things like food, health, or shelter. So in that sense, no one needs a mountain bike at all, whether it is a $98 dollar big box bike or an $8000 bike. Bikes all fall into the category of WANTS as opposed to needs.
Personally, I think it is equally irresponsible to get a $98 bike you can’t afford as it is to get a $8000 bike you can’t afford. I saved for 18 months to get the bike I wanted. I put money away every week and I got a decent bike, it wasn’t an $8000 bike, but it was in Maddslacker’s more money than brain’s category in his article. I know it doesn’t make me a faster rider, better rider or any of those other things. Heck, I don’t even deserve it, because I don’t ride up to its potential. It does have quality components and hopefully will last a long time. I looked a long time, rode a lot of bikes at all price ranges, and rented the one I ended up with in California while on a business trip before I bought it. After that ride, I was sold. It was the best bike for me and what I like to do.
I read and followed a lot of you guy’s advice, except the one that said don’t spend $XXXX on a bike. I am as happy as I can be. I don’t need it, but I worked hard to get it and I enjoy riding it every day I can!
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"wfool" wrote
I read and followed a lot of you guy’s advice, except the one that said don’t spend $XXXX on a bike. I am as happy as I can be. I don’t need it, but I worked hard to get it and I enjoy riding it every day I can!
Well said!
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"fat_billy" wrote
CHIME! Does anybody NEEEEEED a $8000.00 MTB? No! Is a 8k MTB cool? Yes! Does it attract other riders (chicks). Yes! Does it show you have more money than brains? Yes! The Pro Racers get their bikes for free and are paid to ride them and are expected to win. Do the high dollar bikes make you faster? No! Do you think you are faster? Yes! If you are riding along feeling cool and powerful on your 8k ride and a fit rider blows by you on a $800 basic MTB how do you feel? Who you gonna call?
My old 15yr old bike weighs 21 lbs with the trick wheels. Am I going to quit drinking beer and spend 8k on a MTB? No! When I get a new bike it will probably weigh 28 to 30lbs. Will I be faster? No! Will I enjoy it? Yes! Will I like a 29er better? Yes! Unless you are a racer the weight makes less differance and a heavier more solid bike will serve you better in the long run. When you blow by a 8k bike with a heavier model means you’re the man! Watch out for the woody that it causes. 😄 Later,
fat billy for president
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If I become President I bet someone "donates" a bike to the president. El Rotundo rules! 😄 Later,
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If you can afford it why not. Do people really need a Lear jet? I have a superfly 100 elite and love it. Does it make be a better rider? No it doesn’t but I really like it. I learned a long time ago that it the man not the machine.
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Do I need an 8k MTB? Hell no!
Do I wish I could afford one? Hell yeah! -
I have talked to quite a few people about bikes and price levels. What I find odd is that the guy who says nobody needs an $8,000 bike is often riding a cheap entry level bike but drives a $40,000 suv and has an $8,000 entertainment system that gobbles $200 a month in services. Do I need and $8,000 bike? Why hell yes I do. Will I get one tomorrow? No but not so far in the future. I am demoing bikes in that range.
People go into mountain biking with many different reasons and expectations of what they want out of the sport. Those who don’t, often quit soon after starting. For many the thrill is in the terrain itself. The knarlier the better and the bigger their kahuna’s feel. For some its for the social aspect and being outdoors doing something that is fun. For some its the adventure of going to some place new or riding epic trails. For some its about big hits, jumps and stunts. For these folks and $8,000 bike is likely overkill.
There are a few reasons why someone would want and need an $8,000 bike. If biking is you life and you make your income from the sport an $8,000 bike makes sense. Another reason for wanting and needing an $8,000 bike is that you are into the sport for the technical aspects, the zen of exceptional balance, senergy and flow plus all the little neuances of touch and feel regardless of what trail you are on. That is where I am at. The difference between a $2,000 bike and an $8,000 bike can be felt. I would describe the difference as being like getting rid of static on the radio. The right $8,000 bike gives a sense to synergy and feel to how well the various components work together in harmony. The right bike minimizes vibrations and jarring motions (static) and lets the right motions, (feel like your sensory nervous system extends throughout the bike. Even to the point of feeling like you are connected to the ground like your own bare feet) come shinning through. To me that zen is worth an extra $6,000 even on a beginner/intermediate trail.
I am coming to the sport of mountain biking from the perspective of a high level alpine and telemark skier whom is already into flow and zen and could give two hoots as to what terrain or snow condition I am actually on. This is my first year starting in late May as a mountain biker but this will be my 53 year on skis. I want the same zen I get from a big bump run or putting the skis over on high edge. Does the ski equipment exceed $8,000? You betcha it does.
The problem I have with the $8,000 bike is getting the right bike. I think the chances of getting the fit and components that deliver that zen I want with the first buy is probably about zip. I would like to get it down to about three tries. Two to figure out what delivers the zen and the last to purchase the $8k bike. There are many realities and compromises that I have to decide on. I already have a lot of things figured out.
At my age I don’t have years to waste of stupid mistakes. I would like to think I am middle aged but there are not a lot of 114 year old people runing around.
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"PierreR" wrote
At my age I don’t have years to waste of stupid mistakes. I would like to think I am middle aged but there are not a lot of 114 year old people runing around.
That is just too funny 😆
But I know exactly what you mean 😆 -
I guess it’d be cool to have the funds to do the 8k MTB. Many people don’t have the money to have a high dollar sport utility ect. Paying big bucks doesn’t show your commitment to riding as does a hard effort. How does your Zen feel when passed by a fit guy on a lesser steed at the top of a climb? My bike was high dollar back it the day but I learned you can’t buy your way up a climb or to clean a technical section. Questioning a riders commitment based on what they spend on a bike is insulting to other riders. Eating Raman noodles to be able to get a good $2000.00 bike shows commitment more than writing a check for a 8k to get the most expensive bike. I guess spending another 40k for a sport utility because they changed the headlights is in your future, the dealership is only a mile down the road. 😄 Later,
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"fat_billy" wrote
How does your Zen feel when passed by a fit guy on a lesser steed at the top of a climb?
I was passed? Oh yeah, I guess so but isn’t the guy half my age?
Questioning a riders commitment based on what they spend on a bike is insulting to other riders. Eating Raman noodles to be able to get a good $2000.00 bike shows commitment more than writing a check for a 8k 😄 Later,Mr. Green noted: The point I was making about those with expensive toys whom poo-pooing an expensive bike is that we all have our priorities and budgets. I choose to spend on tools of my passion instead of toys of modern living. There are always going to be those types for whom material things are always an issue. To me, commitment to a sport is way more than enthusiasm. I have already watched a few very enthusiastic riders carry their bikes out of the trail looking like a strawberry sunday. Commitment is educating one’s self on all aspects of the sport, dedication to mastering the basics, dedication to maintaining the tools and then giving back to the sport.
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Buy the best tool you can afford, and then take care of it. Buy the bike that works for you, and your normal riding terrain. If you ride a couple hours a week on local trails, no you probably don’t need a $8000 bike. If racing is your passion then $8000 is nothing. For myself, as MTB’ing is the only outdoor hobby I have left, and I ride all over the US ( Rail-Trail one day, Black Diamond trails the next) I bought the the most versatile bike I could find. 2011 Pro Carbon Stumpjumper. Cost wasn’t the point, that the bike was perfect for me, and my riding was.
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Don’t know if the guy was half your age, I didn’t card him or ask for the reciept on his bike. All level of riders frequent this site. Everyone posts comments and questions as well as opinions. Your post was talking down to many forum members. Nothing will improve your riding as much as miledge. You can see how you are recieved by looking at responces to your post. As Patrick Swazey said in Road House "be nice". 😄 Later,
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8k for a bike? Not for me. With that kinda of money I could have 3 bikes and some money to spare. Then again if I simplify my bike (rigid ss) anymore I will be trail running not riding.
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A bike is all about what works for the rider.
My bike is not $8,000 but if I had that money and that’s what I wanted then hell yes I would get one.
Who are we to question what others spend their money on?
Ride your bike, enjoy the ride, work to be the best rider you can be, work to improve and learn the sport, and did I mention enjoy the ride?Recently I spent a week riding a borrowed ancient cromoly mongoose 26er with rim brakes and spring fork. I had a blast because I was enjoying the riding with friends.
Just ride.
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"PierreR" wrote
[quote="fat_billy":3tg167l5]How does your Zen feel when passed by a fit guy on a lesser steed at the top of a climb?
I was passed? Oh yeah, I guess so but isn’t the guy half my age?
Questioning a riders commitment based on what they spend on a bike is insulting to other riders. Eating Raman noodles to be able to get a good $2000.00 bike shows commitment more than writing a check for a 8k 😄 Later,Mr. Green noted: The point I was making about those with expensive toys whom poo-pooing an expensive bike is that we all have our priorities and budgets. I choose to spend on tools of my passion instead of toys of modern living. There are always going to be those types for whom material things are always an issue. To me, commitment to a sport is way more than enthusiasm. I have already watched a few very enthusiastic riders carry their bikes out of the trail looking like a strawberry sunday. Commitment is educating one’s self on all aspects of the sport, dedication to mastering the basics, dedication to maintaining the tools and then giving back to the sport.[/quote:3tg167l5]
Exactly! I love seeing someone drive a $2,000 car with an $8,000 bike on the roof…. I always think, "Now THAT guy has his priorities straight!"
Come to think of it, the MTB in the back of my truck right now is worth more than the entire pickup truck… of course, it’s not mine and I have to send it back in a couple of weeks…. 😢
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yes. it’s easier to buy a lighter bike than to lose weight. so problem solved.
…if i only had $8k for a bike
as pointed out previously, rider weigh and bike weight are not equivocal. i went from a ~30lb fs am bike to a hulking 38lb bike. even if i take off my hydration pack (10lbs?) the 38lb bike is still a hulk compared to the 30lb bike + pack. so the losing a couple of pounds idea is a non-starter.
i wish i could afford a $8k bike. if you can, and can appreciate it, go for it. there certainly are merits to high priced bikes, or at least that’s what the ads tell me, although the scale of cost to improvement is exponential. i think the longer you ride a bike you get to understand what, for you personally, is worth the cost and what is may be more than you need. fortunately for us all, the enjoyment of mtn biking is not as price dependent as advertisers would like you to believe. it’s more a zen thing.
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As someone who 1) could stand to loses 20 to 30 pounds to really help my riding and 2) just spent about 2 grand on upgrades taking my Tallboy from 33 to 28 lbs… my answer is a resounding YES! For the type of riding I do, mainly just poking around on the trails, but also did complete 4 XC races this year, I was able to justify the purchases. I can feel the difference, especially since most of that weight was removed in the wheels, tires and going tubeless (rotational weight). Am I able to justify the work/responsibility it would take to drop those 20-30 pounds? I guess the answer is no right now 😀 As noted above, it all comes down to your priorities. If you have the cash, it is a responsible decision and it will make you happy – go for it I say.
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"JSatch" wrote
even if i take off my hydration pack (10lbs?)
My 100 oz of water, tools, food and riding clothes/shoes/helmet weigh in at 25 lbs. It blew my mind when I saw that’s how much it weighed.
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"Jared13" wrote
[quote="JSatch":3jokn3hm]even if i take off my hydration pack (10lbs?)
My 100 oz of water, tools, food and riding clothes/shoes/helmet weigh in at 25 lbs. It blew my mind when I saw that’s how much it weighed.[/quote:3jokn3hm]
wow. thanks, you’re probably right.
makes the body weight vs bike weight comparison even more irrelevant.
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I would not need as a matter of survival but if the option was there. I probably do not need 3 bikes but I have 3 bikes. I do not buy mountain bikes and equipment out of need its more because it is something I love. I may not need it to survive but I still could not live without it. Mountain Biking forms part of my personality and helps define who I am and you cannot put a price on that.
People do not need a £500,000 car but people buy them and you often do not see articles on why or what the need is. I often see articles on why spend so much on a bike which is often due to societies expectations on where a bike fits in the general public’s view of the world. The truth is when it comes to how much to spend on a bike and do you need it, if you ride the bike the way they are designed to be ridden you will not need to ask the question.
Ok soap box stand down…….
Dac
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To each his own…Meet me at the trail head and lets have a beer.
That article was terrible…It started out on one topic of an 8000 dollar bike..and went off on some nutrition and heath rant..
What I would love to see is an article or writeup on…..Why a bike is 8ooo bucks? I have been a manufacturers sales rep for a few different companies over the last 15 yrs. So I have an intimate understanding of why great products cost more money to manufacture.. better tooling, tolerances, better ingredients etc..etc..the list goes on..
Love to see a "how its made" type piece or a side by side comparison of a 2000 dollar bike vs the 8000 dollar bike.. Is it just that carbon frame? Does it take that many more man hours to produce that frame?? Is that carbon some kind of "super carbon" that costs more? are we just paying for all those hours it took to engineer a lighter frame?? Or is it just corporate greed because its the first of its kind?? Probably all of the above but I would love to know the answer..
I just need a set of Ergon grips and a seat dropper post and my ride will feel like a million dollar bike!
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