Comments on: “Simple cycling” trend at Interbike http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/10/01/simple-cycling-trend-at-interbike/ Tips, Hints, Reviews and Safety for Bike Commuters Tue, 21 May 2013 19:27:37 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 By: justfrank http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/10/01/simple-cycling-trend-at-interbike/comment-page-1/#comment-54442 justfrank Thu, 04 Oct 2007 04:15:59 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/10/01/simple-cycling-trend-at-interbike/#comment-54442 A reaction from an LBS: "simple cycling", auto-shifters, one-size-fits-all, bikes that ride themselves, blah, blah, blah... The cycling industry always seems to have some yummy offering that will on the one hand turn the finicky American consumers into cyclists overnight, and on the other, solve all the problems for the small, independent bicycle dealer. Despite your earlier talk about high margins, it seems to me that most of you understand the general value that an LBS provides, beyond just more stuff. I don't know what parts of the country most of you are writing from, but let me tell you that here in the midwest, those margins get eaten up pretty fast in the winter months. The reason we get bogged down with builds and repairs in season, is that few people have the foresight to visit a bike shop in February, when we could give them our undivided attention, and build/special order/modify/overhaul any number of bikes for them all in one day. Many come in in May, and wonder why they have to wait a week for a tune up. It's not that different that trying to get a table at a popular restaurant on w Friday night. In May, we are the life of the party. But what sustains us throughout those dreary days of winter is not the silver bullets that the manufacturers unveil at the show. It's also not the folks in their SUV's. It's people, maybe like some of you here, who believe in riding, and autonomy, and quality, and in building a relationship with a local business who has earned your trust. A reaction from an LBS: “simple cycling”, auto-shifters, one-size-fits-all, bikes that ride themselves, blah, blah, blah… The cycling industry always seems to have some yummy offering that will on the one hand turn the finicky American consumers into cyclists overnight, and on the other, solve all the problems for the small, independent bicycle dealer.
Despite your earlier talk about high margins, it seems to me that most of you understand the general value that an LBS provides, beyond just more stuff. I don’t know what parts of the country most of you are writing from, but let me tell you that here in the midwest, those margins get eaten up pretty fast in the winter months.
The reason we get bogged down with builds and repairs in season, is that few people have the foresight to visit a bike shop in February, when we could give them our undivided attention, and build/special order/modify/overhaul any number of bikes for them all in one day. Many come in in May, and wonder why they have to wait a week for a tune up. It’s not that different that trying to get a table at a popular restaurant on w Friday night. In May, we are the life of the party.
But what sustains us throughout those dreary days of winter is not the silver bullets that the manufacturers unveil at the show. It’s also not the folks in their SUV’s. It’s people, maybe like some of you here, who believe in riding, and autonomy, and quality, and in building a relationship with a local business who has earned your trust.

]]> By: Mike Myers http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/10/01/simple-cycling-trend-at-interbike/comment-page-1/#comment-54420 Mike Myers Thu, 04 Oct 2007 00:37:45 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/10/01/simple-cycling-trend-at-interbike/#comment-54420 Quinn---and how many of them are using credit cards to pay for gasoline? Just wait until gas gets even more expensive---and it WILL if we go to war with Iran. Watch food prices go up 25% and see how badly people freak out. I believe that most households in the US, even affluent ones, live very close to the bone. I think people just don't pay attention to what's going on w/the economy. The dollar is at record lows against the Euro, the Pound, and just reached parity with the Loonie(Canadian dollar). That's UNHEARD of. Gold is at record prices, oil is climbing toward $90/bbl, foreclosures are rapidly increasing----but people are watching TV and worrying about OJ and Britney. Sigh. Quinn—and how many of them are using credit cards to pay for gasoline? Just wait until gas gets even more expensive—and it WILL if we go to war with Iran. Watch food prices go up 25% and see how badly people freak out. I believe that most households in the US, even affluent ones, live very close to the bone.

I think people just don’t pay attention to what’s going on w/the economy. The dollar is at record lows against the Euro, the Pound, and just reached parity with the Loonie(Canadian dollar). That’s UNHEARD of. Gold is at record prices, oil is climbing toward $90/bbl, foreclosures are rapidly increasing—-but people are watching TV and worrying about OJ and Britney. Sigh.

]]> By: Quinn http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/10/01/simple-cycling-trend-at-interbike/comment-page-1/#comment-54419 Quinn Thu, 04 Oct 2007 00:26:50 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/10/01/simple-cycling-trend-at-interbike/#comment-54419 Mike- you are correct about the savings and debt, and Still ppl shove $3/gal gas in there suv! NUTS if you ask me! Mike-

you are correct about the savings and debt, and Still ppl shove $3/gal gas in there suv! NUTS if you ask me!

]]> By: Mike Myers http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/10/01/simple-cycling-trend-at-interbike/comment-page-1/#comment-54418 Mike Myers Thu, 04 Oct 2007 00:21:11 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/10/01/simple-cycling-trend-at-interbike/#comment-54418 Quinn--- Let's not forget that the savings rate in the US is at its lowest level since just before the Great Depression. Plenty of people are not just broke, but deeply in debt. Spending a lot of money on a bike just isn't going to happen----unless they put it on their credit card at 15%. Supporting the American Dream Lifestyle(TM) is expensive. Mortgage, car payments, credit card bills, health insurance, orthodontia, vacations, meals out, electronics---all cost a lot of money. Mike Quinn—

Let’s not forget that the savings rate in the US is at its lowest level since just before the Great Depression. Plenty of people are not just broke, but deeply in debt. Spending a lot of money on a bike just isn’t going to happen—-unless they put it on their credit card at 15%. Supporting the American Dream Lifestyle(TM) is expensive. Mortgage, car payments, credit card bills, health insurance, orthodontia, vacations, meals out, electronics—all cost a lot of money.

Mike

]]> By: Mike Myers http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/10/01/simple-cycling-trend-at-interbike/comment-page-1/#comment-54417 Mike Myers Thu, 04 Oct 2007 00:17:02 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/10/01/simple-cycling-trend-at-interbike/#comment-54417 The shame of it is, even the cheapest entry level bike shop bike is far superior to anything at the 'mart(although some of the 'mart Schwinns are getting pretty decent). So many people are afraid to go to the bike shop. They think it's only for lycra-wearing roadies or GNARLY mountain bikers. My LBS does a booming business in Trek, Raleigh, and Giant hybrids. Such a booming business, in fact, that it takes forever for anything besides building those bikes to get done. That includes high end builds. Sucks. My LBS is located right on the Withlacoochee State Trail, which is considered one of the best Rails-to-Trails in the country. Most of the bikes actually ON the trail are driven there. This area is not exactly bike friendly. It was a rural farming/agriculture area which doubled as a retirement area. Now it's a retirement area which is being pushed as a bedroom community of Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater. Traffic has necessitated infrastructure improvement, with some bike facilities included. There's a trail which follows a parkway from my county all the way to Tampa, and there will be a trail from a main state road which connects to the WST. BUT, those are all aimed at recreational cyclists. Bike lanes or bike parking are still pretty limited. Until people feel safe on the roads, they aren't going to ride. Bike commuting will remain the activity of athetes, bike enthusiasts, or guys with no licenses. The shame of it is, even the cheapest entry level bike shop bike is far superior to anything at the ‘mart(although some of the ‘mart Schwinns are getting pretty decent). So many people are afraid to go to the bike shop. They think it’s only for lycra-wearing roadies or GNARLY mountain bikers.

My LBS does a booming business in Trek, Raleigh, and Giant hybrids. Such a booming business, in fact, that it takes forever for anything besides building those bikes to get done. That includes high end builds. Sucks.

My LBS is located right on the Withlacoochee State Trail, which is considered one of the best Rails-to-Trails in the country. Most of the bikes actually ON the trail are driven there. This area is not exactly bike friendly. It was a rural farming/agriculture area which doubled as a retirement area. Now it’s a retirement area which is being pushed as a bedroom community of Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater. Traffic has necessitated infrastructure improvement, with some bike facilities included. There’s a trail which follows a parkway from my county all the way to Tampa, and there will be a trail from a main state road which connects to the WST. BUT, those are all aimed at recreational cyclists. Bike lanes or bike parking are still pretty limited. Until people feel safe on the roads, they aren’t going to ride. Bike commuting will remain the activity of athetes, bike enthusiasts, or guys with no licenses.

]]> By: Quinn http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/10/01/simple-cycling-trend-at-interbike/comment-page-1/#comment-54410 Quinn Wed, 03 Oct 2007 23:47:03 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/10/01/simple-cycling-trend-at-interbike/#comment-54410 Thank you Mike! for the right words. Soooo many people economize in other areas already. Let me ask this question: How many people have you seen, fillup their 15 mpg SUV @ $3/gal. and then go buy a "mart" bike ?? Answer: 1. they may not be educated the the subject of Modern Bicycles 2. they don't care 3. They don't have the money to buy a good quality bike because they are shoving it into the SUVs gas tank at $3/gal. Thank you Mike! for the right words.

Soooo many people economize in other areas already. Let me ask this question:

How many people have you seen, fillup their 15 mpg SUV @ $3/gal. and then go buy a “mart” bike ??

Answer:
1. they may not be educated the the subject of Modern Bicycles
2. they don’t care
3. They don’t have the money to buy a good quality bike because they are shoving it into the SUVs gas tank at $3/gal.

]]> By: Mike Myers http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/10/01/simple-cycling-trend-at-interbike/comment-page-1/#comment-54403 Mike Myers Wed, 03 Oct 2007 23:14:10 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/10/01/simple-cycling-trend-at-interbike/#comment-54403 Quinn--- I don't see how you're taking a cheap stab, either. We would all LIKE for more people to bike to work, but there are lots of people who just can't. Those people are going to be stuck buying gas and driving----but nothing says they have to continue to make the same automotive choices. People drive SUVs(the most obvious target, sorry) because the price of gas doesn't really affect their quality of life--NOW. When gasoline gets more expensive(not if, when) they will be forced to make better automotive choices. I drive a Honda Element. Good mileage, not great mileage. I get 25 city and 29-30 highway, BUT my vehicle has all the interior room almost anyone would need. Room for 4 people and a bunch of cargo, three people and even more, or two people and a TON or stuff. People with kids could likely do well with a smaller station wagon, too. But SUVs are cool and make people FEEL safe, so folks will keep driving vehicles that get horrible mileage. I think gas would have to hit astronomical prices, like $10/gallon, to make serious impact on a sizeable portion of the populace. I know that lots of people would drive less at $5/gallon, but lots of people would just economize in other areas. $10/gallon? Lots of carpoolers. But everything in the store would be ridiculously expensive so even those of us on bikes would pay more too. Quinn— I don’t see how you’re taking a cheap stab, either. We would all LIKE for more people to bike to work, but there are lots of people who just can’t. Those people are going to be stuck buying gas and driving—-but nothing says they have to continue to make the same automotive choices. People drive SUVs(the most obvious target, sorry) because the price of gas doesn’t really affect their quality of life–NOW. When gasoline gets more expensive(not if, when) they will be forced to make better automotive choices. I drive a Honda Element. Good mileage, not great mileage. I get 25 city and 29-30 highway, BUT my vehicle has all the interior room almost anyone would need. Room for 4 people and a bunch of cargo, three people and even more, or two people and a TON or stuff. People with kids could likely do well with a smaller station wagon, too.

But SUVs are cool and make people FEEL safe, so folks will keep driving vehicles that get horrible mileage. I think gas would have to hit astronomical prices, like $10/gallon, to make serious impact on a sizeable portion of the populace. I know that lots of people would drive less at $5/gallon, but lots of people would just economize in other areas.

$10/gallon? Lots of carpoolers. But everything in the store would be ridiculously expensive so even those of us on bikes would pay more too.

]]> By: Quinn http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/10/01/simple-cycling-trend-at-interbike/comment-page-1/#comment-54345 Quinn Wed, 03 Oct 2007 14:00:46 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/10/01/simple-cycling-trend-at-interbike/#comment-54345 Steve- WTF? how am I taking a "cheap stab" ? Steve-

WTF? how am I taking a “cheap stab” ?

]]> By: Steve http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/10/01/simple-cycling-trend-at-interbike/comment-page-1/#comment-54339 Steve Wed, 03 Oct 2007 13:27:32 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/10/01/simple-cycling-trend-at-interbike/#comment-54339 One more 3x9 pro here. I'll be brief. The simpicity trend is great. I know several hard-working, back-breaking people who are simply tired of derailleur trouble and disc brake trouble. A friend of mine who works an impossible schedule, has four beautiful (and demanding) children, and races on top of that, recently bought a single-speed Niner to train and ride to work. I know, I know, he's the exception, but I guarantee that 5 of his friends will follow suit. Please, Quinn, don't take cheap stabs at people who have no choice but to burn gas to put food on the table. Focus on making it easier for them to do so in a positive way. As someone who interacts with these folks on a daily basis in a bike shop in Houston, I can tell you that most really light up when they see the possibility to get healthy and save money, even those in the oil and gas industry! Simple and cheap will keep the bike biz booming and make us a healthier nation. One more 3×9 pro here. I’ll be brief. The simpicity trend is great. I know several hard-working, back-breaking people who are simply tired of derailleur trouble and disc brake trouble. A friend of mine who works an impossible schedule, has four beautiful (and demanding) children, and races on top of that, recently bought a single-speed Niner to train and ride to work. I know, I know, he’s the exception, but I guarantee that 5 of his friends will follow suit. Please, Quinn, don’t take cheap stabs at people who have no choice but to burn gas to put food on the table. Focus on making it easier for them to do so in a positive way. As someone who interacts with these folks on a daily basis in a bike shop in Houston, I can tell you that most really light up when they see the possibility to get healthy and save money, even those in the oil and gas industry! Simple and cheap will keep the bike biz booming and make us a healthier nation.

]]> By: Cafn8 http://www.commutebybike.com/2007/10/01/simple-cycling-trend-at-interbike/comment-page-1/#comment-54222 Cafn8 Tue, 02 Oct 2007 18:43:57 +0000 http://commutebybike.com/2007/10/01/simple-cycling-trend-at-interbike/#comment-54222 As a guy who's currently looking into buying this type of bike, here's why it appeals to me. 1. Simplicity- Less moving parts means less parts to lube and less parts to potentially break. Eight miles (the length of my commute) is not a long ride, but it IS a long walk if something breaks. 2. Simplicity- Less parts to spec means that for the price of a starter bike (replace/ upgrade parts as things start breaking) I could get a fairly snazzy frame and wheelset (because, really, what else is there?) That also makes for a lighter bike. 3. Simplicity- The elegance of this type of machine really appeals to me on a really basic level. Sure, my intention is to commute with this, but strip off the racks, fenders (even the brakes) and it just becomes closer to its original design intent. Oh, and yes, I know how to work a 3x9 drivetrain. As a guy who’s currently looking into buying this type of bike, here’s why it appeals to me.

1. Simplicity- Less moving parts means less parts to lube and less parts to potentially break. Eight miles (the length of my commute) is not a long ride, but it IS a long walk if something breaks.

2. Simplicity- Less parts to spec means that for the price of a starter bike (replace/ upgrade parts as things start breaking) I could get a fairly snazzy frame and wheelset (because, really, what else is there?) That also makes for a lighter bike.

3. Simplicity- The elegance of this type of machine really appeals to me on a really basic level. Sure, my intention is to commute with this, but strip off the racks, fenders (even the brakes) and it just becomes closer to its original design intent.

Oh, and yes, I know how to work a 3×9 drivetrain.

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