Why do bikes cost so much

They move forward, they turn corners, they brake. Now consider what it feels like to drive a Ferrari, compared to a Kia. The same is true of a bicycle. Pedalling, changing gears, braking, even carrying it up stairs, is all effortless in comparison.

Bike prices are dictated in part by market economics. Determining price point is some trial and error and some market research. One of the biggest factors in the cost of bicycles is materials. Carbon fiber comes in various forms and grades. The higher the quality of carbon, the greater the cost of sourcing from manufacturers. This includes increased care required during refrigerated transit and cold storage, and the greater precision and attention to detail needed when fabricating new bikes.

If a bike manufacturer is also fabricating its own carbon, this cost must be recouped in the sale price of a bike. Higher quality materials require more care during the manufacturing process. Aerodynamic frame shapes constructed of carbon fiber sheets demand consistent, precision assembly in very controlled processes with very small tolerances.

One of the factors that sets the big name bike brands apart from department-store and generic bike brands is quality control. Also, this article is long enough as it is without further muddying the waters. Prices quoted were checked 16 April This seems to be an incontrovertible fact. Source: U. As a result of this and other factors, including current supply issues, Brexit, and the pandemic , those of us in the UK appear considerably worse off. Back to the Tarmacs, our vs.

The bike is better in every way. Of course, buying the halo bike from a range never really makes financial sense; it has to be a heart over head decision to some extent because diminishing returns kick in at much lower prices.

For new bike buyers, a grand is a significant psychological hurdle, and typically the largest sum a rider might be willing to spend on their first serious road bike. Now, this was a pretty sweet deal even at the time.

If he wants to buy their derailleurs or shifters, he has to buy the whole system. This is just the opposite of, say, Bluetooth, where you can pair your phone to any Bluetooth-capable device. Think of this along the lines of Apple products playing nicely only with other Apple products. The only way a bike owner could get out of that jam would be to avoid drivetrains from the big brands entirely, another fraught endeavor.

I want to put it into something that actually matters. Spend more on tires, your only contact patch with the ground, or on custom wheels , where a good shop can match your weight and riding style to build something that feels great.

Modifications like these can improve the feel of your present bike without requiring an expensive upgrade. Today's Best Deals. Type keyword s to search.