'Rideable art" rolling along
source: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008106861_bikes12.html
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- meligrosa
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Way too pricey for the average me, but aesthetically this is pretty nice to look at. It is always good eye- candy to see the breakthrough design of a frame and its 2 wheels.
'Carbon-fiber components, aerodynamic wheels and pristine paint jobs drive up the price of high-end racing bikes.'
interesting article, though - - - full @ link- - -
PORTLAND — The new status symbol for ardent pedal-pushers: a five-figure ride.Blame seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong for the high-priced bike movement. In addition to boosting the sport's popularity, one of the most enduring of the so-called Lance effects "was to get the people who already rode a high-priced bike to buy a higher-priced bike," said Jay Townley, a partner in a Wisconsin marketing and research firm who studies cycling trends.
Price ceilings have risen with the introduction of more lightweight, sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing cycling components. In turn, many of the high-end bikes have become collector's items, more to lust over than to use for any practical purpose.
River City Bicycles co-owner Mark Ontiveros calls them "rideable art."
"When we go down to our basements or our garages, it makes us as happy as some of the finest art in the world," Ontiveros said. "It's just beauty. And that's why they sell."
The latest masterpiece on display at the River City shop in southeast Portland: a limited-edition, sports-car-inspired Colnago for Ferrari.
"The people driving this high-end business aren't your typical bike commuter," Townley said. "They aren't helping the environment or saving money by buying these high-priced bikes. They're doing it because it's a fashion statement for them within their circle of friends and acquaintances who happen to be other bikeys."
'Carbon-fiber components, aerodynamic wheels and pristine paint jobs drive up the price of high-end racing bikes.'
interesting article, though - - - full @ link- - -
PORTLAND — The new status symbol for ardent pedal-pushers: a five-figure ride.Blame seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong for the high-priced bike movement. In addition to boosting the sport's popularity, one of the most enduring of the so-called Lance effects "was to get the people who already rode a high-priced bike to buy a higher-priced bike," said Jay Townley, a partner in a Wisconsin marketing and research firm who studies cycling trends.
Price ceilings have risen with the introduction of more lightweight, sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing cycling components. In turn, many of the high-end bikes have become collector's items, more to lust over than to use for any practical purpose.
River City Bicycles co-owner Mark Ontiveros calls them "rideable art."
"When we go down to our basements or our garages, it makes us as happy as some of the finest art in the world," Ontiveros said. "It's just beauty. And that's why they sell."
The latest masterpiece on display at the River City shop in southeast Portland: a limited-edition, sports-car-inspired Colnago for Ferrari.
"The people driving this high-end business aren't your typical bike commuter," Townley said. "They aren't helping the environment or saving money by buying these high-priced bikes. They're doing it because it's a fashion statement for them within their circle of friends and acquaintances who happen to be other bikeys."
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benjaminV
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gorgeous. I ride a steel bike with some carbon components, and it's a 'beaut. Portland has a ton of bike shops selling some of the most mouth-watering, sexy bikes available.
- 3 years ago
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benjaminV
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maxamust
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I got my bike for 1800, and it retails for 4000. Full carbon fiber, but I use it to commute everyday!
- 3 years ago
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maxamust
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1percent
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It's unfortunate but most high end rides end up being "Garage Trophies"....
But, just think of all the mint rides there are out there cuz these cats never rode them.......
Then you can catch them on the re-cycle... on the cheap...
Ride on!
- 3 years ago
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1percent
