I've been in the bike business since 2005. The price of everything has gone up significantly since then. Brooks saddle prices have more than doubled. Riv's frames are up 50% (based on my 2004 Atlantis that was $1300, now $2000). Schwalbe tires in any given model have been one of the more price-stable items, though they've since introduced the pricier models that don't have 2005-era equivalents.
On Wednesday, January 23, 2013 5:19:05 PM UTC-6, Steve Palincsar wrote: > > On Wed, 2013-01-23 at 14:51 -0800, Jim Thill - Hiawatha Cyclery wrote: > > Sure, tires wear out over time, while other items are less consumable, > > but that's kinda beside the point. For the added cost of a $2000 Riv > > frameset, compared to, say, a $500 Surly, you're not buying extra > > durability. You're buying swankiness and style and maybe some > > preferable ride quality characteristics, and maybe that's all worth > > something to you, but you're not getting extra durability, and > > certainly not 4x the durability. > > No, but you are getting a lifespan that's long enough to let you > amortize over decades. > > > > If durability/dollar was your only criterion, nobody would buy a Riv. > > No, but do remember, Riv specifically markets their bikes as bikes you > can ride for 20 years. They're calling for you to take the long view. > > > > Personally, I think good tires are among the best investments one can > > make on a bike. And as I mentioned before, there are plenty of less > > costly options. Basic Big Apples are $34. > > I agree. And don't forget, the price of tires has gone up a lot in the > past 2-3 years. 23mm race tires that used to for around $40 are now > approaching $70. So a $95 high end tire isn't particularly shocking, > as /all/ high end tires are hovering around the $100 mark. I also fully > agree that you get your money's worth with high end tires. Except for > winter use, that's all I use. > > > > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
