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I’m kind of surprised that you’re surprised at so much product placement is creeping in. At 38 I bet you can still remember a time you went to the movies and didn’t have to watch one commercial before the movie started. Sure there were previews but no commercials. Now I don’t know how many you have to watch before the main movie comes on. Same with YouTube. When it first started you didn’t have to watch any commercials. Just like anything marketing is all about what can the companies get in your face. Vloggers would be stupid not to exploit that and get their piece of the pie.
I guess “buff” must be a trademarked term too That’s what it’s called in the fishing world.
Thank you for your insight, Raymond. It looks like overall you basically agree with me. The bikes you referenced are decent bikes for their niche. My example was for full suspension bikes. In reference to weight what you get with more expensive bikes are better options for reducing weight. Lighter frame, tubeless ready, lighter shocks, better tires.
Terrain and riding preference does play a huge factor. Sure you could ride a rigid or hardtail anywhere but it is a hell of a lot more comfortable with a full suspension bike. Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. With anything, do what makes you happy. If you like getting the crap kicked out of you white-knuckling it while riding a rigid on a downhill crazy trail more power to you.
The discussion of this whole thread is if bikes are really more or less expensive today? Someone brought up the point of that’s how it always is people as they get old always talk about how cheap things are back in the day. That is true but there are some situations where that isn’t the case. Take electronics for example. You can get a really nice TV now for $500 the same as you could 15yrs ago. You can argue that’s because companies have found sources of materials that they can get for a lower cost. I’m sure biking companies are doing the same thing. The only reason I can guess why bikes are so expensive is because people are happily paying for the new bikes that cost $5000-7000. Until that stops happening I can only see mtn bike prices going up not down.
To touch on your point about retail. I don’t know anyone who pays retail. With the ability to search the internet you can find deals with the simple use of a search engine. The problem with retail prices is it skews what a good deal is. If I say a Yeti full suspension bike retails for $6000 and I get it used for $3000 you’d think I was getting a killer deal. The problem with that is the bike cost and components may actually be around $2500. So I still paid way over what the bike is really worth. It’s the name that pushes the value higher and the “retail” price that makes you think you’re getting a good deal. Another marketing ploy is the components game. Most bikes have the same exact frame but 3 different versions of components. The companies market this as trying to match the different budget constraints of the consumer. This is not in the best interest of the consumer at all. They get the components in bulk so I don’t really see how going to the next version of the same bike warrants charging $1500 more. It’s obviously only done because they market that higher end version as better and what you should have if you had the means.
I’m not expert and I’d say my knowledge of mtn biking is beginnermediate. From my point of view and experience mtn bike prices in like this now. Thew are retail prices not pinkbike, craigslist and website deals or used bike sales.
$1000 or less – The bike is advertised as a mtn bike but the components cannot handle heavy impacts. If you ride on heavily rooted rocky or chunky trails you’ll run into problems you won’t have on higher end bikes. Shifting mishaps, chains dropping off and slapping the frame, headset cracking or failing altogether, shocks that struggle to keep up with trail conditions. Mainly because most of the lower end ones are simple coils with no adjustment.
What’s funny is above this price range the bikes come without pedals. You’d think the more you pay the more you’d get with your bike.
$2000-$3000 – decent bikes, that handle most riding conditions except for extreme downhill, red bull video type stuff. The bikes can handle decent jumps and landings and the components can last years with decent care. Many of the shocks don’t come with some of the finer features that the higher end bikes have (lockout, several travel settings, no dropper post, heavy frame) but the bikes are great for their intended use.
$3000-$4000 – Bikes that can handle most riding conditions. Dropper post usually included adjustable shocks for changing geometry and different travel settings. Adjustable components that will wear out over time with heavy riding.
$5000 and up – These bikes have all the bells and whistles and the latest buzz words for the time. (Knuckle Box Suspension, quick click shifting, etc) The funny part about this prices range is all though the components are high quality some of the durability is debatable. Many high-end components wear out even earlier than the lower end counterparts. The advantage of the higher end part is weight or some specific function it provides. What this price range does have are bikes you’d never have to upgrade or touch a thing on it and it would be keeping up with the jones for years. An example is the Santa Cruz 5010.
Jeff, you’re right. I would take my $2000 bike now over the Kona. In 2003 though my Kona was high end. Today my $2000 Diamondback Option is looked at as a ghetto bike in most circles. Even though many of the components are solid since it says “diamondback” on it people look down on it. My point is $2000 is the low end of the scale nowadays. So within 15yrs we went from $2000 being the higher end to now that is the benchmark for a decent bike. Even with inflation, quality upgrades and technology changes, doesn’t that seem a little off? I might just be out of it though because I feel the same way about trucks. An awesome truck 15yrs ago cost you around 20k now they are close to 40. I guess if you really love mtn biking you won’t care about the price. You’re investing in your passion and what you do for entertainment. People spend just as much on computers, boats and their cars.
My buddies and I started a out of shape dad’s bike club. We try to ride 1-2 times a week. I’ve made some good friends and the constant improvement of our riding skills makes everyone stick with it. No one wants to be that guy lagging behind. The group scenario makes everyone accountable and keeps you motivated. Check and see if there is a meetup or mtn biking club in your area. If there isn’t anything try and make one.
I do get pretty pissy when I haven’t ridden in awhile.
Way more. I bought a full suspension Kona Kahuna in the early 2000’s with upgraded pedals, handlebars, and disc brakes for under $1500. Today a decent full suspension bike will run you around 2k nowadays and one you’d never have to upgrade because you have the best of everything will cost 5-7k. It’s getting a little ridiculous. For the price of the best mountain bike you could buy an awesome Honda or Suzuki dirtbike with the same money.
The Tokul is a good recommendation. I’d also recommend checking out Diamondbacks higher end trail bikes. I have the Option and I like it a lot. The 2016 bikes are all 50% off right now. You can get a Recoil or Atroz Comp new for under $1000.
I’ve been trying to manual on and off for quite some time. I can’t get the front tire to stay up for more than a second. I can wheelie for a few seconds but I’m not great at it. I believe geometry and the weight of your bike have a lot to do with manualing. The youtube videos are deceiving because some people make it look like they can lift the front end up at will. With the average bikes being around 28-30lbs it’s not that easy. I’ve tried doing manuals on flat ground going up and downhill and everything in between. I just don’t care enough about it to make it a priority. If you find the secret to them let me know.
