Brand loyalty - what would make you change?

[L.T.G]

My reason boils down to the way I get treated by my LBS, West Rand Cycles, and that is what forces or drives my loyalty.

 

As I've said in a dozen other threads, I am in no way their biggest client, rather at the opposite end of that scale, but the lengths they go to and have gone to for me is phenomenal, it's this service that paramount to me.

 

The price of an item (even though I do my homework and know I never get shafted) is never an issue for me because of the  bazillions they've saved me.

 

It's though this relationship that my secondary relationship with Specialized had also grown. 

Hassles I've had, were dealt with professionally and rapidly.. and again I'm just Joe Soap, so it's because I spend or anything that could prompt special treatment.

 

I don't not look at other brands for something I'd like, but they're my primary port of call.

 

So to answer the question.... what would make me change? they would.

[Patchelicious]

i like giant because;

 

1. my LBS can get me stock quick quick (the other brand LBS's in town ain't so great when it comes to service)

2. price

 

edit: and I like riding away from the expensive bike owner types who think a top $$$ bike automatically gives them skill and fitness

 

1: Who are these guys that think that expensive bikes automatically gives them better skills? 

2: Its a shame that you feel that you need to prove a point to people who can can afford expensive bikes.

[DIPSLICK]

brand whore till I die,,,or my funds 

[Patchelicious]

To answers the OPs question.

 

I ride the bike that makes me excited to ride, I buy the bike that makes me want to ride.

The brand that I am attracted too changes from time to time. Its usually triggered by some brand launching some hot bike, then you look at it and then learn about the brand and them become more interested.

 

Its a topical thing.

 

I don't like Pino as a brand, but I have one. I am not a fan of Spez too much anymore as a brand, but still think the Epic is the best bike in its class. I probably like the Spez Crux the most, even though its "only" alu and has 105, but damn its fun. Dont have a Santa, but man do I love the "coolness" on the Stigmata.

 

Currently love Colnago, not because its light, fast etc, cause its not, but because when I look at it I usually cannot resist and end up going for a ride. My love for Colnago is probably why I dislike Pino... brands are funny like that

[Pure Savage]

I did not get another Venge because of all the proprietary bits, seat post etc. Same reason did not go Scott foil. Went for Cannondale, as looked pretty chilled, little did I know it has a micro seat post. :/ 

 

Also, the Cannondale was great value compared to the Venge I would have gotten. 

 

Also, all the cool kids on instagram in Cape Town ride Cannondales

[Pure Savage]

To answers the OPs question.

 

I ride the bike that makes me excited to ride, I buy the bike that makes me want to ride.

The brand that I am attracted too changes from time to time. Its usually triggered by some brand launching some hot bike, then you look at it and then learn about the brand and them become more interested.

 

Its a topical thing.

 

I don't like Pino as a brand, but I have one. I am not a fan of Spez too much anymore as a brand, but still think the Epic is the best bike in its class. I probably like the Spez Crux the most, even though its "only" alu and has 105, but damn its fun. Dont have a Santa, but man do I love the "coolness" on the Stigmata.

 

Currently love Colnago, not because its light, fast etc, cause its not, but because when I look at it I usually cannot resist and end up going for a ride. My love for Colnago is probably why I dislike Pino... brands are funny like that

How do you like Spez road tyres?   

[Shebeen]

I have four bikes currently

a bmc, a schwinn, a kona, a rocky mountain

 

previous bikes

giant, raleigh, santa cruz, specialized, diamond back, diamond back, giant, mongoose, le jeune, avalanche.

 

N+1 says I should probably get a Trek next. But I think a Silverback fatbike would do just as well.

[DIPSLICK]

I have four bikes currently

a bmc, a schwinn, a kona, a rocky mountain

 

previous bikes

giant, raleigh, santa cruz, specialized, diamond back, diamond back, giant, mongoose, le jeune, avalanche.

 

N+1 says I should probably get a Trek next. But I think a Silverback fatbike would do just as well.

admit it you miss the santa cruz the most,,,,or the goose

[APJ88]

Sexiness beats all

[Frosty]

Everyone has their brands - the Spez guys will rock the red S with pride, Giant guys dig value and quality, arguments range from smaller guys like Pyga are hands-on, or supporting local, and bigger guys have more money for R&D etc etc etc.

 

That being said - why do you love your brand, what makes them loyalty worthy, and what would a different brand have to do to win you over, be it small or big; better warranties, price, design changes, technology, brand interaction, more available information, demo days, better grips spec'd whatever?

Sponsor me... 

[Patchelicious]

How do you like Spez road tyres?

*#*%} @$}#%€£ pieces of &@*%#? !!!!!

[L.T.G]

   My love for Colnago is probably why I dislike Pino...  

My love for Colnago is why I dislike you! 

you... because of that flippen black beauty of yours!  

#jealousmuch

[Tony datoy]

Product backup and Customer Service, when that dies, my loyalty dies with it.

 

I don't mind paying for the above...

[sirmoun10goat]

I did not get another Venge because of all the proprietary bits, seat post etc. Same reason did not go Scott foil. Went for Cannondale, as looked pretty chilled, little did I know it has a micro seat post. :/ 

 

Also, the Cannondale was great value compared to the Venge I would have gotten. 

 

Also, all the cool kids on instagram in Cape Town ride Cannondales

 

Does Spez really have that much proprietary bits?

 

I recently built up a stumpie ht, with no proprietary parts. I know the brain in their forks/shocks is proprietary, but what else?

[FrikkieMeyer87]

Availability and cost of spares / replacement parts and the time it takes for those to be available (i.e. local vs international agents, days vs weeks of sourcing spares) and then of course warranty plays a big role.

 

All of that combines into one word: reputation. That's what I'm after.

[BigDL]

What about ethics, values and environmental reputation of the company?