Why are bikes so expensive?
It's a question that we get all the time. My annual eye exam was today, and was making small talk with the .....what would you call her.... Occular assistant? Anyway, when the topic of my chosen line of work comes up she says "why are bikes so expensive?"
My response to her was "They're not".
I've gone to this eye doc for years, and I'm sure that there are many in town that are less expensive. I go to this one because of the service, and quality of care.
Your money buys more bike now than it ever has. So why do people think bikes are expensive? The price of everything around them goes up in price, yet bike prices should stay the same? Not logical.
I think the real issue is the way people view bikes. They're considered toys. Go and try to find one in one of the big box stores. Know where they are? Right next to the Barbies.
A well made bicycle is a joy to ride, will work as (or better than) you expect it to and last a very long time. They can make you happy, keep you fit and in a perfect world be a viable mode of transport. Until customers start to view them as such, they will always seem "expensive".
Ride on.
My response to her was "They're not".
I've gone to this eye doc for years, and I'm sure that there are many in town that are less expensive. I go to this one because of the service, and quality of care.
Your money buys more bike now than it ever has. So why do people think bikes are expensive? The price of everything around them goes up in price, yet bike prices should stay the same? Not logical.
I think the real issue is the way people view bikes. They're considered toys. Go and try to find one in one of the big box stores. Know where they are? Right next to the Barbies.
A well made bicycle is a joy to ride, will work as (or better than) you expect it to and last a very long time. They can make you happy, keep you fit and in a perfect world be a viable mode of transport. Until customers start to view them as such, they will always seem "expensive".
Ride on.
There was so much potential. Then you just blamed the customer.
ReplyDeletePerhaps you could elaborate on the cost/benefits of the industry, and the purchasing power of today's (and past) income levels.
Phillip,
ReplyDeleteI'm not blaming anyone for anything. Just stating facts as I see them. Bicycles are not on the average folks day-to-day radar. My point was that you cannot see the price of everything in your life go up, and still expect to get a good bicycle for $80.
I'm tickled that you saw potential in my little missive.