racing bikes designs
Why are bicycles so expensive?
It just seems strange to me that a decent new non-racing bike would cost as much as a top of the line motorized lawn mower.
I just want to get from here to there comfortably and quickly–I don’t need an advanced science behind the design.
Am I paying for rare materials, an overly complex design, labor, status, or what?
Lawnmower analogy: mass produced, similar mass, similar material (to an extent), complex science behind design (motor…), mobile
D’uuuuuuuuuh.
Actually a whole bike for $300-$400 is a good deal.
Consider some individual part prices: road pedals can cost $300+. A pair of good road bike shoes: $250+. A component groupo (Dure-Ace): $3200 !! A set of road wheels (no tires or tubes, no freewheel): $1000+ (See links)
So you see, prices are all relative.
OK, so $300-$400 is relatively cheap … but why are prices what they are?
Look at what determines prices. First there is design and testing. Then there is the cost of materials (some advanced alloys are very expensive) and manufacturing. Then packaging, shipping, distribution, markup at various stages (manu>distributor>retailer). And don’t forget advertizing and liability insurance (e.g. for payouts to settle lawsuits when a part fails).
I’m sure I’ve forgotten something, but you get the point I hope. A $5 part (cost of materials) can easily be a $100 part by the time it gets to your local store.
Also, take into account that many of the costs are lump sum costs that have to be amortized over whatever number of units are sold (e.g. design and testing, advertizing, liability) so they add proportionally more to unit cost for low sales items.
Also look at labour costs. Many less expensive bikes and components are made in low labour cost areas (e.g.China, Malaysia, Korea) while more expensive ones are made in Canada, US, Gernamy, Italy, Japan, etc.
The reason the $300-400 bike can be sold at that price is because it uses stock components manufactured in huge numbers in a low labour cost country.
Market forces ensure that, overall, you get what you pay for. More expensive bikes/components invariably are stronger, lighter, and better performing. That said, you can choose where you want to be on the very wide price/performance scale.
Most advice to cyclists says the same thing, don’t buy cheap, but don’t pay for top end stuff unless you can benefit … and are willing to pay the premium. As with most consumer products, beyond a certain point small improvements in performance come at a very high incremental cost.
Hope that helps.
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Dirt Bike Mug $12.99 11 oz ceramic mug, dishwasher and microwave safe, sublimated design… |
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Dirt Bike The Need For Speed Mug $12.99 11 oz ceramic mug, dishwasher and microwave safe, sublimated design… |
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The Need For Speed Racing Mug $12.99 11 oz ceramic mug, dishwasher and microwave safe, sublimated design… |
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Fox Racing Motorcross Dirt Bike Vinyl Wall Art Decor $19.99 Wall sayings and designs are the latest trend in interior decorating and home decor. It is an easy and creative way to add personality and charm to Any Room! Vinyl Lettering is a creative way to transform any room into a stylish, unique space. By applying your favorite sayings directly to your walls you will create daily inspiration with a beautiful hand-painted look. The graphic is ready to apply… |
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Motorcross Dirt Bike Fox Racing Wall Sticker Decals Art Mural $17.99 Wall sayings and designs are the latest trend in interior decorating and home decor. It is an easy and creative way to add personality and charm to Any Room! Vinyl Lettering is a creative way to transform any room into a stylish, unique space. By applying your favorite sayings directly to your walls you will create daily inspiration with a beautiful hand-painted look. The graphic is ready to apply… |
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Wall Design Vinyl Sticker Art Abstract Crown S 3338 $29.99 Wall Art Decoration Vinyl Decal Sticker Install Area : The decals can be applied on all smooth surfaces, such as Walls, Doors, Windows, Closets, Plastic, Metal, Tiles etc. – Without much effort and cost you can decorate and style your home. – Applying decals on a bumpy surface will be a bit more difficult. – The colors could be slightly different depending on your monitor setting. – PLEASE make a … |
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Women’s Racing T-Shirt $24 Troy Lee Designs Women’s Racing T-Shirt 100% Combined cotton jersey Long fit Soft hand water base font/side graphics |
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Desert Racing Rear Tire $161.99 Michelin Desert Racing Rear Tire Tire of choice for the winner of the Paris-Dakar and nearly every major rally in the world Unbeatable performance, even in the most punishing conditions and on all types of terrain Resistant to impacts and cuts even at temperatures above 120 degrees F. New tire tread design delivers improved handling, grip and traction and is also designed for 450cc desert/off-road bikes DOT approved R-rated for speeds up to 106 mph |
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530 DR Drag Racing Chain $161.95 RK 530 DR Drag Racing Chain The chain every motorcycle drag racer needs. Have confidence next time you line up next to someone with RK Chains. The ultimate lightweight 530 drag racing chain At just 4.92 lb. per 100 links, 530 DR weighs less than most 530 O-ring chains Provides an average tensile strength of 10,400 lb. For bikes up to 1500cc |
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Fuel Mixture Screw by Zip-Ty Racing $24.95 Moose Racing Fuel Mixture Screw by Zip-Ty Racing The inventor of the easy adjust fuel screw and Moose Racing bring you this much needed accessory 7075 T7 aluminum construction and re-designed pin taper set this screw apart from the competition Adjust your carb for better off-idle acceleration with just your fingers Includes o-ring, washer, and heavy duty spring Fits Keihin FCR carbs on modern dirt bikes Made in the USA |
