Opinion on Cost of bikes

[(Deon)]

I'm sorry but when your "lbs" looks like a Ferrari shop then I question the industry's motives for making minor changes and needing to rejig a factory annually before marketing the new increase in prices as normal.

 

The more specialist stores I see trying to outdo each other, the more I realise that it is no longer for our benefit. If they were really in it for the joy of cycling then you's see more manufacturers running their range of frames till the cost to manufacture is so cheap that savings can be passed onto the user. It does not have to be their only range, the "workhorse" of the brand would do. Access to the sport would take off and I think there would also be less demand for theft (would need a thread on it's own to explain).

[BenGraham]

I just came here to read all the steel frame bike stuff. I love my steel frame cotic. It would probably survive nuclear winter. Problem is those bastards at Giant and Trek made my wheels obsolete. Futher my straight steerer headtube is also obsolete and will become a serious problem in the future. So yes steel is real. It will last but you're still gonna get screwed because the boutique manafacturers making steel frames sadly aren't the ones calling the shots in terms of standards. I fully intend my next bike to also be a steel hardtail because I've never heard of a steel frame mtb cracking for no reason and I've heard lots of those stories when it comes to plastic fantastic bikes. You lot can keep them.

[RocknRolla]

Problem is for every one person posting on this thread, stating how they are over the marketing hype of the latest and greatest...there are 10 peeps "getting into" cycling...where out of those 10, 7 are corporate with very deep pockets, where nothing less than the best will do.

2 are mid class where entry level will suffice, and 1 will buy second hand after consultation with an experienced cyclist.*

 

 

*90% of my statistics are made up on the spot.

 

Unfortunately, although South Africa has a extensive cycling market, it pales in comparison to europe, thus our choice in range of manufacturers are limited to what the big importers deem fit.

 

You either buy Montain bike, or road. Entry level is ****, mid range is not that great, and top end is just ridiculous.

[gummibear]

I just came here to read all the steel frame bike stuff. I love my steel frame cotic. It would probably survive nuclear winter. Problem is those bastards at Giant and Trek made my wheels obsolete. Futher my straight steerer headtube is also obsolete and will become a serious problem in the future. So yes steel is real. It will last but you're still gonna get screwed because the boutique manafacturers making steel frames sadly aren't the ones calling the shots in terms of standards. I fully intend my next bike to also be a steel hardtail because I've never heard of a steel frame mtb cracking for no reason and I've heard lots of those stories when it comes to plastic fantastic bikes. You lot can keep them.

I'm on a steel hardtail with 26" wheels but at least it has a tapered head tube  

[Paul Ruinaard]

XT and XTR are significantly different. They're made in different countries for one thing, higher grade steels are used in XTR, tighter manufacturing tolerances and more QA. 

Ja as I said I need to wean myself off of XTR on the shifters front but let me tell you my bike i did a lot of racing on that had end to end XTR was multiples more expensive to maintain when I was fanatical and purist than if i had mixed and matched.

 

Like triple the price on chain rings and clusters and the like - which i wore out regularly.

 

I love XTR and Dura Ace and Campy Record Carbon believe me. And the Specialized frames that i was drooling over with DI2 etc on it in the Concept store window.

 

But they are really only there for cosmetic, not functional importance (with the exception of the XTR Shifters of course - I swear by them).

[J∆kk∆ls]

I just came here to read all the steel frame bike stuff. I love my steel frame cotic. It would probably survive nuclear winter. Problem is those bastards at Giant and Trek made my wheels obsolete. Futher my straight steerer headtube is also obsolete and will become a serious problem in the future. So yes steel is real. It will last but you're still gonna get screwed because the boutique manafacturers making steel frames sadly aren't the ones calling the shots in terms of standards. I fully intend my next bike to also be a steel hardtail because I've never heard of a steel frame mtb cracking for no reason and I've heard lots of those stories when it comes to plastic fantastic bikes. You lot can keep them.

Cotic all the way. I intend to get a steel frame for my next road bike when it is time to hang up the Carbon. Hell if I could afford it Wood will also be in my sites. 

http://renovobikes.com/pages/aerowood

[BenGraham]

Cotic all the way. I intend to get a steel frame for my next road bike when it is time to hang up the Carbon. Hell if I could afford it Wood will also be in my sites. 

http://renovobikes.com/pages/aerowood

Ooh. Those are pretty.

[Pete the Pirate]

I've been a mountain biker for around 14 years.  In 2012 I bought a relatively top spec Carbon 29er Dual suspension.  I had good miles on it, but in the last 18 months or so many things gave me issues on the bike.  I had to spend around R25k on replacing / Servicing of parts.  I also manage to crack the frame last year, got it fixed for R6000 and this weekend I've notice another crack, but this time on the swing arm.  Will wait for the warranty guys to come back to me with regards to this one.  This frame manufacturer claim they have lifetime warranty...

 

I've always been into XC racing / Trail riding, so to race hard has always been my scene. 

 

However with all this trouble, gave me the thought of that I had enough of this expensive XC bikes, and I can't keep up with the Jones's anymore....  

 

I feel like just getting an aluminium dual sus with full XT bike with around 120-130 travel (a little beavier bike).  Maybe it will last longer!  This bike will be about 2 kg heavier (+- 13kg), but it will not make me much slower...  

something like this:  https://www.canyon.com/en-au/mtb/nerve/nerve-al-9-9.html

 

 

Are there other people that also feel the same as me or also having so much issues with these high end carbon bikes.......   

A bit late on the thread.

 

I have a 2007 Intense Spider 29er Alloy. I picked up the frame brand new two years ago for 5k. I have built it up almost completely with 2nd hand parts, mostly from BikeHub. My total in to date is 16k. Full 3 x 10 XTR, Hope/Stans wheelset, Carbon Bar, Stem & Seatpost. I run a 120mm Fox fork. Size XL is 12.2kg including pedals. The bike is bulletproof. It climbs like a mountain goat and descends like a scalded cat. I keep a strict eye on my chain wear and pivot bearing maintenance. Thousands of trouble free happy miles so far. Plus, I am a big bloke @ 115kg.

 

My previous steed was an Intense 5.5 EVP 26er. 10s of thousands of k's with regular maintenance. I did crack the frame at the BB after 3 years of hard riding. The repair cost me a case of beers with a brilliant welder and the repair was still good when I sold the bike.

 

I have never had the privilege of riding a carbon MTB (nor am I in the fiscal position to afford one). I have a good mate who runs a carbon repair shop and judging by both the volume and cost of his repairs, I will stick it out with my aluminium frames for now.

 

If you are patient and selective, a great bike can be had for the price of a set of carbon hoops. 

 

Good luck and happy shopping.

[GrahamS2]

XTR and XT made in different factories but made in Japan.

 

Most riders and with that i include semi pro's won't know the difference between the 2.

XTR is made in Japan. XT is made in Malaysia. They are pretty different groupsets when you get into the details, but the cost of XTR is 

[NotSoBigBen]

I have only ever bought 1 complete bike and that was back in 2004 or somewhere round there, since then just replaced frames and components over the years ... and I've had and still have a 'few' bikes.

 

I would say I'm an opportunistic buyer and don't go out looking for something new/different but if a bargain or good opportunity comes along (even if it means having to have it repaired  ) and I have some spare cash I'll jump at it.

 

I like the look of how carbon frames are so nice and smooth versus the welds and stuff on alu ones but having said that I have 2 alu FS bikes (one for racing and 1 for training) that I do enjoy riding as much as any carbon one I've ever had.

[J∆kk∆ls]

Did a quick search in the classifieds. If you took your time better deals would pop up! 

 

105  group set R2900

Refurbished Colnago Frame (1970's) R6000

Easton EA70 Wheels R3000

Handle bar, stem, seat post, saddle +- R3500 (quality secondhand)

Build, what ever you LBS charges.

New pedals and cleats always recommended!

 

Total R15 400 excluding extra costs ( build and shipping)

For an awesome bike that will smash long distances reliably! 

[Paul Ruinaard]

Or look at these two for deals. They are not the latest tech but they are always classic.

 

And a Colnago made in Italy is becoming a rarer beast than ever before.

 

If i didn't have an existing C 40 I would be in:

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/185538-colnago-dream-road-bike/

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/185850-colnago-c40/

 

for a C40 Carbon with Campy or Dura Ace?

 

That frame is still one of the most rigid I have ridden.

[udxcob]

So true. Who make nice steel frames except Cotic ?

Ritchey

[eddy]

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[igg]

Hah, this thread echoes a genuine dilemma I've been struggling with the last few weeks. Do I make my next big purchase a dedicated track bike (motorcycle) or get a nice AM class dual suss.

 

In the long run I'm thinking the motorcycle might actually be cheaper even if I bin the thing on the track.

[Rotiringer]

I can't comment specifically on 120-130mm travel bikes but can comment on "downgrading" generally.

I too am priviledged to own some high-end carbon bikes - S-Works Epic, Colnago C59 type stuff and some years ago decided to get more durable bikes to train on so I could save the "expensive" maintenance.

I went for a steel Cotic, built strong with XT bought on sale from CRC, bulletproof Arch on Hopes and had it set up EXACTLY like my Epic.

For the road, I went steel CX, again set up like my road bike which I use with 28mm tyres .

The ease of maintenance, robustness, being able to ride over JHB potholes in the road without concern, the convenience of being able to take one bike with 35 mm CX tyres on holiday and being able to ride on and off road is a winner.

My Carbon toys hang in the cupboard and virtually never get ridden. I am convinced that, if your ego can handle it, you will not regret a sensible "downgrade"

I'm on exactly the same page. I have a strong heavy steel frame CX bike that is bullet proof that I do all training on and love it. When I get onto my carbon road or MTB machine for races it feels like a dream.