Expensive bicycle – Do you need an expensive bicycle?

Expensive bicycle – do you need an expensive bicycle.

No.  No one needs an expensive bicycle. An expensive bicycle is a luxury.

I mean let’s get real, after all it is a bicycle. Nowadays, the brand name companies having achieved a certain notoriety, take advantage  of the market by over pricing their products.

A bicycle’s basic structure remains primarily unchanged since its invention in the nineteenth century (1817 by Karl Drais). This was known as the hobby horse. Variously called the running machine, velocipede, Draisienne and dandy horse, it was invented by Karl Drais, in response to widespread starvation and the slaughtering of horses, the

consequence of a crop failure the year before (caused by the eruption of  Tambora). It had a steer-able front wheel. This is the first appearance of the two-wheeler principle that is basic to cycling and motorcycling and minimizes rolling resistance. The velocipedes were made entirely of wood and needed to be balanced by directing the front wheel a bit. People then did not dare to lift the feet off safe ground, therefore the velocipedes were propelled by pushing off with the feet.

IN 1890, the further improvement of metallurgy sparked the next innovation, or rather return to previous design. With metal that was now strong enough to make a fine chain and sprocket small and light enough for a human being to power, the next design was a return to the original configuration of two
same-size wheels, only now, instead of just one wheel circumference for every pedal turn, you could, through the gear ratios, have a speed the same as the huge high-wheel. Initially, the bicycles still had the hard rubber tires, and in the absence of the long, shock-absorbing spokes, the ride they provided was much more uncomfortable than any of the high-wheel designs. Many of these bicycles of 100 years ago had front and/or rear suspensions. These designs competed with each other, your choice being the high-wheel’s comfort or the safety’s safety, but the next innovation tolled the death of the high-wheel design — pneumatic tires.

Let’s take a look at what’s out there. These bikes cost as much as a small car. It’s really getting out of hand.

To celebrate Engima’s 10th birthday, the British company has produced this extraordinarily beautiful limited edition anniversary bike. Crafted from 6AL-4V titanium and built with only the finest and most expensive components – including colour matched Super Record groupset, Enve rims and Chris King parts – it’s a beautiful bike to behold at $15,000.00*.

 

Want to race the same bike as the pros? Trek is one of a few companies that offers an identical replica of a team race bike, from the full Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset right down to the paint job. At $14,338* you’d better not get dropped.

Scott’s Foil was a cutting-edge aero road bike when first launched in 2011, and the latest version still commands your attention if you want to ride fast. This top-end model gets a no-expense-spared build kit including Zipp 303 Firecrest wheels and a one-piece carbon fibre Syncros aero handlebar and stem. It costs $11,719* and really still needs pedals. Really? C’mon man.

 

Are the bicycles above really faster than these Motobecane bikes that sell for $499? No. They have more expensive components but they are not necessarily significantly better, just nicer.

 

If fitted properly, an experience rider will have little trouble keep up on these motobecane bicycles. We are basically being priced into more expensive bike because of the heavy marketing via, media, professional athletes using the products and etc.

So, if you want an expensive bicycle, they are definitely available but the they are no way required to be a successful cyclist.