How can a $14,000 bicycle possibly be worth the money?
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Scientific testing in a lab is not the same as a daily grind out in the real world....$ 14 000 dollar bikes are not designed for heavy duty utilitarian uses. Would you put fenders and racks and all kinds of bags on a $ 14 000 dollar bike and use it for commuting in all weather conditions, loaded touring, off road bike packing, trail riding ??...I don't think you or anybody would....These super expensive fancy bikes are just toys to be used on the weekends to impress other club riders or for winning imaginary races on Zwift. They have absolutely zero utilitarian and practical value.
#152
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Since a lot of the difference in price comes down to the carbon fiber used, and the complexity of the layup, I'm pretty sure you can't do that in any meaningful way. Plus, you're talking about taking complete components off a complete frame, not taking the individual components down to their smallest pieces and putting them back together.
A Rolex, BTW, has no more parts than any other autowind watch and you can snag those for pretty cheap, and they might just do the job of keeping time as well as the Rolex. The Timex mentioned above will probably do a BETTER job of keeping time, largely by virtue of not being mechanical.
A Rolex, BTW, has no more parts than any other autowind watch and you can snag those for pretty cheap, and they might just do the job of keeping time as well as the Rolex. The Timex mentioned above will probably do a BETTER job of keeping time, largely by virtue of not being mechanical.
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1973 Schwinn Super Sport
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1973 Schwinn Super Sport
1986 Schwinn Peloton
1976 Raleigh Super Course Mk II(for wife)
1983 Gitane Super Corsa
1991 Trek 750 Multitrack
#153
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If every additional expense must be justified with some sort of measurable factor of improvement in equivalent proportion, then a $14k bike is a terrible choice over a $5k bike. However, some people are emotionally stimulated by riding a bike that is the pinnacle of current technology, and have the financial means to be able to scratch that itch. Utilitarian practicality and concerns about long-term durability generally aren't significant considerations in the decision at this level. If I had the financial means, I would be one of those people because hot bikes excite me, and I've been doing this thing long enough to recognize and appreciate some of the subtle differences between good and great. Even if I'm not getting down the road any faster than I would on a cheaper bike, pleasure in the journey is part of the joy of riding. If my enjoyment level is increased, there is value in that to me, even if it's not a measurable factor.
Besides, the bike doesn't make the rider, the rider makes the bike, so other than having a very expensive bike, it won't do anything for a person's speed.
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#154
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It is for me and that's one of the things that's right at the top of my list of important things that I care about. I am the same way with vehicles, I don't care about Ferraris, Porches, Lamborginis, Bentleys etc I don't find sports and luxury cars exciting... What I find exciting is some simple and utilitarian pick up truck.
#155
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A interesting twist onto this discussion would be at what income level would you consider purchasing a $14,000 bicycle. For me I know what that number is!
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No kidding. That's like saying a Porsche 911 is not designed to haul a cord of wood. Captain obvious is obvisouly not too bright.
I have a bike I paid about $1,000 for and I don't put fenders on it, nor do I commute in all weather conditions, I don't tour loaded, and I'm guessing I'd need a MTB for "trail riding"...or a horse. Why the hell do you give a poo-poo-pa-doo what someone else does with their bikes?
No doubt you're dumb enough to think someone would use their SWORKS bike on the trainer. If they can pop $14k on a bike they've probably got the scratch to get a dedicated trainer bike. Also in Zwift nobody knows/cares about what bike you're actually on IRL...the "Tron" bike is the hotness in make believe land.
Says you.
There you go...of all the stupid crap you've vomited in this thread you just got about 4 words mostly correct. Congratulations on your very own 6 page and growing BF troll job, bravo.
Says you.
There you go...of all the stupid crap you've vomited in this thread you just got about 4 words mostly correct. Congratulations on your very own 6 page and growing BF troll job, bravo.
Last edited by aplcr0331; 01-13-23 at 05:31 PM.
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#158
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I wouldn't purchase one no matter how high my income level was. I wouldn't purchase one even if I won a big lottery.
#159
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The KTM 350 EXC-F is perhaps the best Enduro racing motorcycle today. It is delivered “ready to race” for $11,899. This a pure bred racer not a dual sport.
For $13,549 the KTM 500 EXC-F Six Days provides even more pure racing performance.
These are very expensive motorcycles for their weight and displacement.
The idea that a 16 pound racing bicycle is worth $14,000 is ludicrous.
For $13,549 the KTM 500 EXC-F Six Days provides even more pure racing performance.
These are very expensive motorcycles for their weight and displacement.
The idea that a 16 pound racing bicycle is worth $14,000 is ludicrous.
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1973 Schwinn Super Sport
1986 Schwinn Peloton
1976 Raleigh Super Course Mk II(for wife)
1983 Gitane Super Corsa
1991 Trek 750 Multitrack
1973 Schwinn Super Sport
1986 Schwinn Peloton
1976 Raleigh Super Course Mk II(for wife)
1983 Gitane Super Corsa
1991 Trek 750 Multitrack
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At least you're being nice, thank you. And you are correct, if you have the money what the heck, buy a $15,000 bike or more. That was not my argument though, there was nothing said about if you have the money you're stupid for buying a $15,000 bike, I wasn't judging a person for spending the money. The original question was asking if it was worth it, I simply pointed out that the value of such a bike is not that huge of an improvement to deem it worth the expense especially if you're on the fence about it spending that kind of money.
Besides, the bike doesn't make the rider, the rider makes the bike, so other than having a very expensive bike, it won't do anything for a person's speed.
Besides, the bike doesn't make the rider, the rider makes the bike, so other than having a very expensive bike, it won't do anything for a person's speed.
Also, the person who posted the original question did say that buying a $14k bike is stupid. His conclusion was already reached from the beginning.
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#161
My wife and I did test-rides on >$9K trek gravel bikes. (FWIW, they still weighed in at about 19.5 lbs without pedals.) I built her up something that I think is better, based on a titanium frame I found on sale, and some Di2 levers I already had. I spent far more money than I was comfortable with spending, but at the end of the day had something substantially better for her for substantially less. Eight and a half years ago, I got a custom bike made for less than half of that. I would never trade it for one of those $14K bikes, but if I could justify it, I would happily get a second such custom bike, because the value has far exceeded $14K for me. However, I doubt I could sell if for more than $3K now -- probably substantially less.
Last edited by Polaris OBark; 01-13-23 at 05:34 PM.
#162
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Again, pay attention. The upgraded truck is worth the extra 45K. The upgrades do not cost 45K
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It is for me and that's one of the things that's right at the top of my list of important things that I care about. I am the same way with vehicles, I don't care about Ferraris, Porches, Lamborginis, Bentleys etc I don't find sports and luxury cars exciting... What I find exciting is some simple and utilitarian pick up truck.
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#164
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Really? So your worth $500,000,000, you fly private, live in the home and location of your dreams and yet your choice in bicycles would remain unchanged? I find that doubtful.
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#165
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There. You've reached Nirvana.
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#166
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Ahh common and get real. It's the same thing with cars. Why would a person purchase a $ 150 000 Mercedes SUV instead of a $ 40 000 Toyota SUV when is reality that Toyota is more practical and will outperform the Mercedes when it comes to long term reliability and cost of maintenance. For some people it's all about status and image...and to be honest with you I don't have anything against that. It's their money and they can spend it in whatever way they want. i am not judging anybody. All I did was to express my own opinion on how I see things..
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Or perhaps the person that has a $200 bike is asking how a $1700 bike is worth so much. It's all relative. How do you explain to a Bud Light drinker that a craft beer costs more? It just does is the best response...LOL!!
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For him to delete some of his posts.
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It is for me and that's one of the things that's right at the top of my list of important things that I care about. I am the same way with vehicles, I don't care about Ferraris, Porches, Lamborginis, Bentleys etc I don't find sports and luxury cars exciting... What I find exciting is some simple and utilitarian pick up truck.
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Scientific testing in a lab is not the same as a daily grind out in the real world....$ 14 000 dollar bikes are not designed for heavy duty utilitarian uses. Would you put fenders and racks and all kinds of bags on a $ 14 000 dollar bike and use it for commuting in all weather conditions, loaded touring, off road bike packing, trail riding ??...I don't think you or anybody would....These super expensive fancy bikes are just toys to be used on the weekends to impress other club riders or for winning imaginary races on Zwift. They have absolutely zero utilitarian and practical value.
The original post I was responding to was about everyday riding not necessarily a mythical do it all bike. However yes I would put bags on my $14000 bike in fact if I had one I would have the money to get some nice bespoke bags for it that would fit nicely. I would also put fenders on it if needed be, especially if I rode in an area with frequent rain, if not I might not. I would happily ride an S-Works Diverge with bespoke bags daily if I liked carbon bikes. I wouldn't want the STR though nothing against it I like the idea of the suspension but I just don't love the looks personally but my co-worker who owns one (not the S-Works) loves it.
However the idea of saying a bike is delicate because of its price is silly and the Crux of the argument. There are literally mountain bikes made for Downhill and Enduro that are quite expensive and don't blow up in fact professional riders ride them often and they haven't exploded in pretty extreme conditions. I would have no hesitations riding this bike daily for instance, granted I am not a great mountain biker and don't ride enduro but I wouldn't think it was delicate based on price. Maybe a Fabregé egg but not a bike. Now certainly you could make a bike that is delicate and make it very expensive but the bikes we are talking about in this thread are not delicate bikes you need to baby. You don't need to abuse them but you shouldn't really abuse any bike
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I didn't say anything about a lab, I meant using the scientific testing method rather than silly anecdotal evidence. You know with controls and such.
The original post I was responding to was about everyday riding not necessarily a mythical do it all bike. However yes I would put bags on my $14000 bike in fact if I had one I would have the money to get some nice bespoke bags for it that would fit nicely. I would also put fenders on it if needed be, especially if I rode in an area with frequent rain, if not I might not. I would happily ride an S-Works Diverge with bespoke bags daily if I liked carbon bikes. I wouldn't want the STR though nothing against it I like the idea of the suspension but I just don't love the looks personally but my co-worker who owns one (not the S-Works) loves it.
However the idea of saying a bike is delicate because of its price is silly and the Crux of the argument. There are literally mountain bikes made for Downhill and Enduro that are quite expensive and don't blow up in fact professional riders ride them often and they haven't exploded in pretty extreme conditions. I would have no hesitations riding this bike daily for instance, granted I am not a great mountain biker and don't ride enduro but I wouldn't think it was delicate based on price. Maybe a Fabregé egg but not a bike. Now certainly you could make a bike that is delicate and make it very expensive but the bikes we are talking about in this thread are not delicate bikes you need to baby. You don't need to abuse them but you shouldn't really abuse any bike
The original post I was responding to was about everyday riding not necessarily a mythical do it all bike. However yes I would put bags on my $14000 bike in fact if I had one I would have the money to get some nice bespoke bags for it that would fit nicely. I would also put fenders on it if needed be, especially if I rode in an area with frequent rain, if not I might not. I would happily ride an S-Works Diverge with bespoke bags daily if I liked carbon bikes. I wouldn't want the STR though nothing against it I like the idea of the suspension but I just don't love the looks personally but my co-worker who owns one (not the S-Works) loves it.
However the idea of saying a bike is delicate because of its price is silly and the Crux of the argument. There are literally mountain bikes made for Downhill and Enduro that are quite expensive and don't blow up in fact professional riders ride them often and they haven't exploded in pretty extreme conditions. I would have no hesitations riding this bike daily for instance, granted I am not a great mountain biker and don't ride enduro but I wouldn't think it was delicate based on price. Maybe a Fabregé egg but not a bike. Now certainly you could make a bike that is delicate and make it very expensive but the bikes we are talking about in this thread are not delicate bikes you need to baby. You don't need to abuse them but you shouldn't really abuse any bike
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