Rant on prices of new bikes

[garbanzo]

So yesterday, I had the morning off of work and decided that I was gonna drive around to all of the different bike shops, local and not so local.

I was completly blown away at how much the price’s have gone up.

I won’t mention any names because they are great product, but wow!

I was primarly looking to replace my hardtail, thinking $800 would be enough for a solid ride. I was very wrong. It was more like $1400 for a good solid hardtail with mechcanical disc brakes. And the Bike I really wanted was $2200. It wasn’t made out of carbon fibre or kevlar or bamboo and I would still have to pedal the thing.

And then there are the downhill bikes. This is where I get, well, aggrivated. For a solid downhill bike they now want 5 GRAND before tax. WHAT!!!!!! This was consistant in all shops. $4500 – $5500 or you kiddin’ me !!!

When I first got into downhilling about 3-4 years ago $2500 – $ 3000 was the top of line bike, how dose that double to 5 grand.

I love riding. Riding to work, and then on the way home take the long route. Riding dirt jumps. Riding gingerly withe the wife and kids. Riding , Riding, Riding it fully consumes me, but if I’m looking at 7 grand to replace 2 of my bikes, My bmx is fine, then I migjht get bumped out of the sport.

I need riding, without I get very irratated, and become a very grumpy man.

Ok I think i’m done………. yup

Thanks
Jason

[FBTrek321]

prices of everything have risen, it costs more money to MAKE the bikes, components are more, and there is more crammed into the bikes.

its the same way with everything….

[tvance]

this could also be a sign that the sport of mountain biking has gained in popularity in the past years. If the demand is higher for bikes than the prices will be also be higher. One of the few bad things that happens when something gains in popularity.

[garbanzo]

I understand inflation, But this is out out of control. There is no way they can justify charging over $5000 for an aluminum, bicycle.

The one shop had a Yamaha dealership next door, had to walk past it to get to and from my parking spot. They had last years 125’s for the same price as a xc hardtail ?!!!!! Blow me !!!

How have dirt bikes become cheaper than pedal bikes ?

[MTNBKE92]

"garbanzo" wrote

I understand inflation, But this is out out of control. There is no way they can justify charging over $5000 for an aluminum, bicycle.

The one shop had a Yamaha dealership next door, had to walk past it to get to and from my parking spot. They had last years 125’s for the same price as a xc hardtail ?!!!!! Blow me !!!

How have dirt bikes become cheaper than pedal bikes ?

i completely agree with you. a bike with pedals shouldn’t cost more than a bike with an engine. but when it comes down to it you get what you pay for.
that’s why i’m still riding my $50 bike :/

[garbanzo]

"MTNBKE92" wrote

[quote="garbanzo":9dts5h60]I understand inflation, But this is out out of control. There is no way they can justify charging over $5000 for an aluminum, bicycle.

The one shop had a Yamaha dealership next door, had to walk past it to get to and from my parking spot. They had last years 125’s for the same price as a xc hardtail ?!!!!! Blow me !!!

How have dirt bikes become cheaper than pedal bikes ?

i completely agree with you. a bike with pedals shouldn’t cost more than a bike with an engine. but when it comes down to it you get what you pay for.
that’s why i’m still riding my $50 bike :/[/quote:9dts5h60]

I wish I could get away with riding a cheaper bike, but The trails in my neck of the woods would crumble it within 100 yards.

[MTNBKE92]

well trust me, the bike is about worn out. i can’t wait to get a new one in about a month 😀 i’m thinking about getting some type of cheaper trek for about $400 or maybe a higher end used bike.

[garbanzo]

"MTNBKE92" wrote

well trust me, the bike is about worn out. i can’t wait to get a new one in about a month 😀 i’m thinking about getting some type of cheaper trek for about $400 or maybe a higher end used bike.

looks like i’ll go used aswell. Hopefully we’ll both find a good deals 😃

[brianW]

the value of the US dollar has declined in the last few years. hence, part of the reason why bikes (since many are made overseas) have gone up.

[Greg Heil ✓ supporter]

"garbanzo" wrote

So yesterday, I had the morning off of work and decided that I was gonna drive around to all of the different bike shops, local and not so local.

I was completly blown away at how much the price’s have gone up.

I won’t mention any names because they are great product, but wow!

I was primarly looking to replace my hardtail, thinking $800 would be enough for a solid ride. I was very wrong. It was more like $1400 for a good solid hardtail with mechcanical disc brakes. And the Bike I really wanted was $2200. It wasn’t made out of carbon fibre or kevlar or bamboo and I would still have to pedal the thing.

And then there are the downhill bikes. This is where I get, well, aggrivated. For a solid downhill bike they now want 5 GRAND before tax. WHAT!!!!!! This was consistant in all shops. $4500 – $5500 or you kiddin’ me !!!

When I first got into downhilling about 3-4 years ago $2500 – $ 3000 was the top of line bike, how dose that double to 5 grand.

I love riding. Riding to work, and then on the way home take the long route. Riding dirt jumps. Riding gingerly withe the wife and kids. Riding , Riding, Riding it fully consumes me, but if I’m looking at 7 grand to replace 2 of my bikes, My bmx is fine, then I migjht get bumped out of the sport.

I need riding, without I get very irratated, and become a very grumpy man.

Ok I think i’m done………. yup

Thanks
Jason

Hey Jason,

I’m going to try to write an in-depth blog about this sometime in the next day or two, but I’m out in california right now at sea otter riding bikes for this new brand named Airborne.

(yes, there used to be an old airborne, but they are related in name only)

Having just launched an entire new line of mountain bikes on Thursday, the philosophy behind the company is pretty simple:
They are striving to make quality mountain bikes at prices that your average person can afford.

This is a philosophy that I can stand behind! I have never had enough money to buy a $5,000 wonder bike, and you know what? There’s a chance that I never will. Airborne is striving to make bicycles that perform well at a reasonable price.

After having put over 50 miles on all but one of the models, I have to say that I think they’re succeeding.

For more info on the bikes and prices, check out http://giantnerd.com

If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

[Dustin Gaddis]

You do get a LOT more bike for your money nowdays though. There’s so much more engineering in modern bikes than the bikes of yesteryear.

And as an engineer, I can tell you, we aint cheap 😉

[garbanzo]

"Goo" wrote

[quote="garbanzo":3e36ixvg]So yesterday, I had the morning off of work and decided that I was gonna drive around to all of the different bike shops, local and not so local.

I was completly blown away at how much the price’s have gone up.

I won’t mention any names because they are great product, but wow!

I was primarly looking to replace my hardtail, thinking $800 would be enough for a solid ride. I was very wrong. It was more like $1400 for a good solid hardtail with mechcanical disc brakes. And the Bike I really wanted was $2200. It wasn’t made out of carbon fibre or kevlar or bamboo and I would still have to pedal the thing.

And then there are the downhill bikes. This is where I get, well, aggrivated. For a solid downhill bike they now want 5 GRAND before tax. WHAT!!!!!! This was consistant in all shops. $4500 – $5500 or you kiddin’ me !!!

When I first got into downhilling about 3-4 years ago $2500 – $ 3000 was the top of line bike, how dose that double to 5 grand.

I love riding. Riding to work, and then on the way home take the long route. Riding dirt jumps. Riding gingerly withe the wife and kids. Riding , Riding, Riding it fully consumes me, but if I’m looking at 7 grand to replace 2 of my bikes, My bmx is fine, then I migjht get bumped out of the sport.

I need riding, without I get very irratated, and become a very grumpy man.

Ok I think i’m done………. yup

Thanks
Jason

Hey Jason,

I’m going to try to write an in-depth blog about this sometime in the next day or two, but I’m out in california right now at sea otter riding bikes for this new brand named Airborne.

(yes, there used to be an old airborne, but they are related in name only)

Having just launched an entire new line of mountain bikes on Thursday, the philosophy behind the company is pretty simple:
They are striving to make quality mountain bikes at prices that your average person can afford.

This is a philosophy that I can stand behind! I have never had enough money to buy a $5,000 wonder bike, and you know what? There’s a chance that I never will. Airborne is striving to make bicycles that perform well at a reasonable price.

After having put over 50 miles on all but one of the models, I have to say that I think they’re succeeding.

For more info on the bikes and prices, check out http://giantnerd.com

If you have any questions, feel free to ask![/quote:3e36ixvg]

The way I saw it was, one of the shops that I went to, Is a locally made bike shop. So you would thing it would be a little cheaper. The are one of the more expensive around, sure there are well made made but…..

I’ll give you an example of what I would like to see more of.
Here in Whistler we have a local snowboard shop who makes there boards in the first level of the shop, and the showroom is upstairs.

There you can walk in, Talk to someone who knows what they are talking about. You can get a custom made board, and I mean full custom. The cost is about 60% of any other ,run of the mill, board of the shelf in regular shop. Why because it’s made inhouse. Quality is top notch, I have 2 of them.

This is what I want from a bike Shop.

All I want is a well made bike that dosn’t cost more that my wifes truck.

Again, this is a rant thred, i’m not trying to change the world.

[abegold]

It’s not a law you must buy the most expensive bike in the shop, just a temptation. There are bike swaps where used great bikes go for bargain prices and Craig’s List. Sure when I tried the $5000 Moots Gristle it’s sweet and the $8000 Trek 9.9 is awesome but the $3000 ones are good too, just heavier. Great bikes often go for $1000 at the bike swaps.

[Quazii]

Simple Supply and Demand. As was pointed out earlier the popularity has risen. If I’m a seller I’m going to price my product at what it will sell for so long as that doesn’t go below what I had to pay for the product. Like anybody else LBS owners work to make money. I personally want to make a lot…. With the influx of us newbs flooding in we are snapping these bikes up like Piranhas. Some of us (not me I’m poor) are willing to spend 5 grand. If somebody wanted to buy my hardtail for 2 grand I’m not gonna sell it for less! (If their are any takers at 2G I also have some ocean front property in Arizona)

[nanook]

"garbanzo" wrote

Riding, Riding, Riding it fully consumes me, but if I’m looking at 7 grand to replace 2 of my bikes, My bmx is fine, then I might get bumped out of the sport.

So… just curious, but why are you replacing 2 of your bikes? I agree, a lot of new bikes are very spendy. In this economy (and on a teacher’s salary), I certainly will not be purchasing a new bike any time soon. I’m just going to maintain and ride what I have at the moment.

[garbanzo]

"nanook" wrote

[quote="garbanzo":3s895jyq]Riding, Riding, Riding it fully consumes me, but if I’m looking at 7 grand to replace 2 of my bikes, My bmx is fine, then I might get bumped out of the sport.

So… just curious, but why are you replacing 2 of your bikes? I agree, a lot of new bikes are very spendy. In this economy (and on a teacher’s salary), I certainly will not be purchasing a new bike any time soon. I’m just going to maintain and ride what I have at the moment.[/quote:3s895jyq]

Because both my hard tail/xc and my downhill bikes are done.

[nanook]

"garbanzo" wrote

[quote="nanook":12qgprom][quote="garbanzo":12qgprom]Riding, Riding, Riding it fully consumes me, but if I’m looking at 7 grand to replace 2 of my bikes, My bmx is fine, then I might get bumped out of the sport.

So… just curious, but why are you replacing 2 of your bikes? I agree, a lot of new bikes are very spendy. In this economy (and on a teacher’s salary), I certainly will not be purchasing a new bike any time soon. I’m just going to maintain and ride what I have at the moment.[/quote:12qgprom]

Because both my hard tail/xc and my downhill bikes are done.[/quote:12qgprom]
Aha, I thought that was what you were implying, but was not sure…

[garbanzo]

"ChiliPepper" wrote

[quote="nanook":3j52wdlj][quote="garbanzo":3j52wdlj]Riding, Riding, Riding it fully consumes me, but if I’m looking at 7 grand to replace 2 of my bikes, My bmx is fine, then I might get bumped out of the sport.

So… just curious, but why are you replacing 2 of your bikes? I agree, a lot of new bikes are very spendy. In this economy (and on a teacher’s salary), I certainly will not be purchasing a new bike any time soon. I’m just going to maintain and ride what I have at the moment.[/quote:3j52wdlj]
He was just using a two bike scenario to make his point if he ever did have to replace them at one point. Unfortunately, the discipline riding we do (FR, Gravity, Big-Hits) causes a lot more wear and tear on our frames and components on a regular basis. Stress fractures/cracks are common on our disciplined bikes due to the beating they do receive, so maintaining the frames and or keeping them in tip top shape can be futile at times, especially if you are an aggressive rider. Yes, I would rather buy a used bike over a new one any day, but purchasing a used gravity/FR/big-hit bike you are taking greater chances than purchasing a new one. Unfortunately new ones are rather expensive, though they due have some lower cost rigs too, but far and few. Not every one can afford to just dish out $3,000 you know, which is the lower end of our riding realm. Ya know what I mean bro? 😃[/quote:3j52wdlj]

There we go, I wish I could still ride a cheap bike and get away with it, but that’s just not the case. curse progression 😆

Not to sound like a " I’m a pro " But ya the lower end bikes, witch are still not cheap by any means, just don’t cut it. It’s like the old saying " Bringing a knife to a gun fight "

[steve32300]

I was talking to a dude last summer that had the answer to all of us po’ boy’s problems,,,,,,,,He shared this advice with me so I could aquire a stable of bikes similar to his 8 bike’s that were all in the $5000 range with titainium frames,Chris King hubs,3 or 4 thousand dollar wheel sets,etc…He said this to me:

"You need to get a better paying job/carreer"

Not that I disagree with him,but who out there want’s to take away there riiding time to go to school and or training to aquire a better paying job..hahahahaahaha

[Greg Heil ✓ supporter]

"garbanzo" wrote

[quote="Goo":2srn7p8o][quote="garbanzo":2srn7p8o]So yesterday, I had the morning off of work and decided that I was gonna drive around to all of the different bike shops, local and not so local.

I was completly blown away at how much the price’s have gone up.

I won’t mention any names because they are great product, but wow!

I was primarly looking to replace my hardtail, thinking $800 would be enough for a solid ride. I was very wrong. It was more like $1400 for a good solid hardtail with mechcanical disc brakes. And the Bike I really wanted was $2200. It wasn’t made out of carbon fibre or kevlar or bamboo and I would still have to pedal the thing.

And then there are the downhill bikes. This is where I get, well, aggrivated. For a solid downhill bike they now want 5 GRAND before tax. WHAT!!!!!! This was consistant in all shops. $4500 – $5500 or you kiddin’ me !!!

When I first got into downhilling about 3-4 years ago $2500 – $ 3000 was the top of line bike, how dose that double to 5 grand.

I love riding. Riding to work, and then on the way home take the long route. Riding dirt jumps. Riding gingerly withe the wife and kids. Riding , Riding, Riding it fully consumes me, but if I’m looking at 7 grand to replace 2 of my bikes, My bmx is fine, then I migjht get bumped out of the sport.

I need riding, without I get very irratated, and become a very grumpy man.

Ok I think i’m done………. yup

Thanks
Jason

Hey Jason,

I’m going to try to write an in-depth blog about this sometime in the next day or two, but I’m out in california right now at sea otter riding bikes for this new brand named Airborne.

(yes, there used to be an old airborne, but they are related in name only)

Having just launched an entire new line of mountain bikes on Thursday, the philosophy behind the company is pretty simple:
They are striving to make quality mountain bikes at prices that your average person can afford.

This is a philosophy that I can stand behind! I have never had enough money to buy a $5,000 wonder bike, and you know what? There’s a chance that I never will. Airborne is striving to make bicycles that perform well at a reasonable price.

After having put over 50 miles on all but one of the models, I have to say that I think they’re succeeding.

For more info on the bikes and prices, check out http://giantnerd.com

If you have any questions, feel free to ask![/quote:2srn7p8o]

The way I saw it was, one of the shops that I went to, Is a locally made bike shop. So you would thing it would be a little cheaper. The are one of the more expensive around, sure there are well made made but…..

I’ll give you an example of what I would like to see more of.
Here in Whistler we have a local snowboard shop who makes there boards in the first level of the shop, and the showroom is upstairs.

There you can walk in, Talk to someone who knows what they are talking about. You can get a custom made board, and I mean full custom. The cost is about 60% of any other ,run of the mill, board of the shelf in regular shop. Why because it’s made inhouse. Quality is top notch, I have 2 of them.

This is what I want from a bike Shop.

All I want is a well made bike that dosn’t cost more that my wifes truck.

Again, this is a rant thred, i’m not trying to change the world.[/quote:2srn7p8o]

Rant on then

[Dustin Gaddis]

"garbanzo" wrote

I’ll give you an example of what I would like to see more of.
Here in Whistler we have a local snowboard shop who makes there boards in the first level of the shop, and the showroom is upstairs.

There you can walk in, Talk to someone who knows what they are talking about. You can get a custom made board, and I mean full custom. The cost is about 60% of any other ,run of the mill, board of the shelf in regular shop. Why because it’s made inhouse. Quality is top notch, I have 2 of them.

This is what I want from a bike Shop.

Not a good comparison IMO. Snowboards are much more simple than mtn bikes, especially big hit bikes. The big costs in mtn bikes are the components, especially the wheels and suspension components. Have you seen the price of some of those dual crown DH Forks? WOW.

Even if that wasn’t the case, have you seen the costs of a custom frame? Ouch.

When I built up my 29er around Christmas I spend nearly twice as much on the wheels as I did the frame. The frame was a little over $400, total bike cost came to over $2k. And it’s not super high end stuff. It’s what I’d call ‘lower high end’. Nice light dependable stuff, but not blingy (there’s wheels and frames that cost more than my whole bike). Well, maybe the carbon fork is considered ‘bling’ but that’s it. And it was half the price of a Fox suspension fork.

Bikes are expensive for sure, and it’s worse for you DH/freeride guys. Everytime I see a DH bike I think "how can some one spend that much $$ on something they’re going to beat the crap out of?"

[garbanzo]

"dgaddis" wrote

[quote="garbanzo":1b6cviur]I’ll give you an example of what I would like to see more of.
Here in Whistler we have a local snowboard shop who makes there boards in the first level of the shop, and the showroom is upstairs.

There you can walk in, Talk to someone who knows what they are talking about. You can get a custom made board, and I mean full custom. The cost is about 60% of any other ,run of the mill, board of the shelf in regular shop. Why because it’s made inhouse. Quality is top notch, I have 2 of them.

This is what I want from a bike Shop.

Not a good comparison IMO. Snowboards are much more simple than mtn bikes, especially big hit bikes. The big costs in mtn bikes are the components, especially the wheels and suspension components. Have you seen the price of some of those dual crown DH Forks? WOW.

Even if that wasn’t the case, have you seen the costs of a custom frame? Ouch.

When I built up my 29er around Christmas I spend nearly twice as much on the wheels as I did the frame. The frame was a little over $400, total bike cost came to over $2k. And it’s not super high end stuff. It’s what I’d call ‘lower high end’. Nice light dependable stuff, but not blingy (there’s wheels and frames that cost more than my whole bike). Well, maybe the carbon fork is considered ‘bling’ but that’s it. And it was half the price of a Fox suspension fork.

Bikes are expensive for sure, and it’s worse for you DH/freeride guys. Everytime I see a DH bike I think "how can some one spend that much $$ on something they’re going to beat the crap out of?"[/quote:1b6cviur]

And that’s the problem with bikes, is that there are all these different components from different brands to make one product. Where boards are , well one board. So ya it’s different.

As far as the cash we spend on our downhill addiction, it’s the same as your ride, it’s good for the soul.

[Dustin Gaddis]

"garbanzo" wrote

As far as the cash we spend on our downhill addiction, it’s the same as your ride, it’s good for the soul.

Yep! Whatever flavor you like, that’s what it’s all about.

[Author]

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