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 lon
Being a bike shop, Bicycling magazine sends of copy of their mag to the store each month. I usually flip through the pages, grumble and then pass it on. They have their moments, but as a whole I don't think they do a great service to "average" bike riders. The feature on race bikes in the current issue is a great example. "This year's most victorious machines" was the headline. The bikes ranged in price from $6700 to $16 (that's SIXTEEN) thousand dollars. What is the victory exactly? I can appreciate a McLaren Mercedes but it's not something I'm ever going to own. If I did, I don't think I would drive it daily. It's just not practical. It would just be nice to see the industry spend a little more time focusing on bikes that work for people in the real world. Maybe I just don't get it. Maybe I'm just getting old. Hmmph. Have a great holiday weekend. Ride on!
Over the last 2, or 3 years I've gotten quite used to having some sort of carrying apparatus on the front of my bike. I find it useful to be able to see, and access things without actually dismounting. I've found the most useful configuration to also be the least expensive. The tried, and true Wald wire basket. Essentially unchanged since the early 1900's, all Wald baskets are still made in their factory in Kentucky. With the supplied mounting hardware these baskets mount in no time. You can also remove the hardware, and mount the basket to a front rack (as I've done here). I prefer this option as it keeps the basket low, and the top of the handlebar clean. It's amazing to me that in this age of $10,000.00 bikes, you can have something so useful for less than 40 bucks. What's your preference? Bag, basket or naked? Ride on!
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