Brand new $2,500 road bike vs a brand new $1200 bike. Both with the same tires. Which is in all likely hood at most 5% faster in general and 10% faster in its specialty (hills if light, flats if aero). These percentages are then halved for the next higher price category 2x. The other half again for 4x prices.
Is an expensive bicycle worth it? Price vs Quality:
Ever since Karl Von Drais invented the first humble bicycle in 1817. These two-wheeled vehicles have seen a boom in popularity. Different people use bikes for many reasons. Some use them as a mode of transportation, some for leisure or exercise. Whereas others use them competitive. With a wide range of uses, bicycles come in different price ranges to suit their functions. But is an expensive bike worth it?
Whether an expensive bike is worth the money depends on your needs. Experience and what you plan to do with the bike. A costly bike will put you in this league if you want to compete. If you are new to cycling, a cheaper bike should be enough.
Having fun on a bike is not cheap. You could get a good chunk of cash back after buying a bike, helmet and other gear. But how much should you spend on your first bike? How do your cycling needs determine the price? What benefits do expensive bikes give you, and why is cycling so expensive?
Bicycle price vs Quality, functionality and performance:
In our consumerist world, we often believe that. The most expensive item on the shelf is the best and most desirable. This mindset applies to all aspects of life. From entertainment to cars, fashion, tools and electronics, and even sports gear.
While “biggest is best” isn’t always true, there is another side to this coin. When paying lower prices for a product. You often end up with lower quality items. That either don’t work as well or break much sooner than they should more expensive items.
About sports equipment, especially bicycles, the price must balance the purpose. What do you plan to do with the bike, and what are your budget constraints?
Bicycles come in various designs, styles to suit the needs of different individuals. A bike costs range from around $200 to about $12,000 (and more) for competition bikes.
Some bikes sell for around a million dollars. But they are generally expensive not. Because of their functionality but because of their condition and other factors.
By defining the intended purpose of the bicycle, you can better decide your price range.
Some purposes include:
1. Mode of transport/commuting
2. Leisure, mountain biking/adventure
3. Exercises
4. Competitions and races
Each of these purposes requires a different style and quality bike. Once you have defined your goal, you can ask yourself other questions:
- How far do I plan to ride in one session?
2. How fast do I have to go?
3. How much time do you spend on the bike?
4. What is the terrain like?
5. What is my budget for a new bike?
Different styles of bicycles also vary in price. Road bikes are generally cheaper (for entry to intermediate cycles). While mountain bikes are more expensive.
So the cost will also affect the type of cycling you want.
So, Is an expensive bicycle worth it?
If you compete in a cycling event, race or other competition. The advantage of a more expensive bike becomes more clear.
If you are cycling for leisure, transport (commuting) and (to some extent) exercise. Then a cheaper bike should be fine.
Your level of experience and “commitment” to cycling also plays a role in deciding. Whether an expensive bike is necessary or not. If you are a “beginner” or have recently decided to try cycling. An expensive bike in all this likely hood won’t do you any good.
A more expensive bike will do more to improve your ride. Increase your performance and comfort at the same time. If you spend many hours on the bike every week (or every day) and put a lot of miles on it.
The most significant selling point of more expensive bikes is that. They designed to optimize performance. Either speed or stiffness (in the case of mountain bikes).
The materials used in constructing expensive bicycles are also (generally) of excellent Quality.
Most bicycle manufacturers reserve top-of-the-line materials for the most expensive bicycles.
Most high-end bikes made of carbon fibre. A high effective material in reducing the bike’s weight. Without compromising stability and strength.
Carbon fibre comes in different grades. And produces different weights in the final product. Expensive bikes get the lightest material. While heavier (dense) carbon fibre used for cheaper bikes.
Omit, expensive bikes are lighter, have more steering stiffness. The components used (brakes, tires, shifting, pedals, etc.) are better Quality.
Thus, buying an expensive bike as a novice is not necessary. There are perfect suitable bikes under $1000. But, you shouldn’t go too cheap, as the bottom line is that bicycles may not be worth it.
If you are starting, aim to buy a bike for around $500. These bikes should last you long enough to get a feel for the bike and decide if you have the budget for something more.
Why is cycling so expensive?
The sport, hobby or fun of cycling is expensive for several reasons.
As technology improves, new materials identified that used to make bicycles. But, these materials are more expensive than their predecessors.
To design and build top-quality bicycles. Companies spend a lot of time and money researching what makes a better bicycle. This research costs money and is build into the price tag.
Even those bicycle companies understand the market and operate to maximize their profits.
Conclusion:
While, commuters, recreational riders, and essential fitness enthusiasts. They will be most happy with their $500-$700 bike. Those who want take part in various cycling competitions. Those who plan to spend long periods travelling long distances. Need to look at buying a more expensive bike. The exorbitant bicycle prices related to manufacturers’ efforts. To ensure that they produce top-quality products while maximizing profit.
