Vroomen > Vaughters

[Benotti69]

How is the UCI to blame for this when they've actually capped technological development of bikes? Remeber the weight and aerodynamic restrictions?

No, it's the user who is to blame. Plenty of customers want that fancy bike that weighs half a nanogram less.

Getting rid of ridiculous TT bikes would be a big start. Keep tubes round. Keep wheels standard etc etc

 

[ggusta]

Yes it is a weak economy but custom hand built bikes seem to be doing well. They are still out of reach of most of us but there is a market. Maybe the person with money wants something more personal and is willing to pay for it. Why pay $3000 to $5000 for a POS Cervelo that ride like crap and has highest failure rate in the industry. People will always pay for quality. They will tire of getting fleeced. Maybe Gerard could start there.

Point well made. But also note that the hand made bike industry is filled with great builders who can't make a profit, work jobs on the side, are starving or scraping by. The numbers may be strong for the industry as a whole, but numerous makers enter and leave the market for lack of profit. You didn't leave a lot to disagree with on Cervelo as far as I know.

 

[veganrob]

Point well made. But also note that the hand made bike industry is filled with great builders who can't make a profit, work jobs on the side, are starving or scraping by. The numbers may be strong for the industry as a whole, but numerous makers enter and leave the market for lack of profit. You didn't leave a lot to disagree with on Cervelo as far as I know.

Indeed there is a lot more competition in the hand built industry and many are still just trying to get by. I still admire them for trying to do what they love. Many though, and the ones I know, are at it full time and are backed up 6-9 months for a frame.

Cheers