An 11,000 pound bike

[Shut Up Legs]

Here's some more detail on it, and yes it really is fairly light:
http://road.cc/content/review/120596-alchemy-helios-custom-carbon-frame

 

[400bhp]

I never get that line.

In this particular case the only really expensive "untested" kit is the frame. All the rest is, commonly known as, top end stuff, albeit I would expect campag super record EPS on it perhaps.

And the frame is clearly more specifically made than most carbon jobs.

 

[gavroche]

If I had a spare £11,000 in my pocket to spend on my cycling I'd buy and refurbish a nice old steel touring bike, kit out with good panniers, etc and spend the money I saved on the cycling holiday of a lifetime

If I had that sort of spare money, I wouldn't spend it on a bike as it would be wasted on me.

 

[vickster]

If I had that sort of spare money, I wouldn't spend it on a bike as it would be wasted on me.

Indeed, I think the same could probably be said for 99% of people who'd be buying an 11k bike for themselves

 

[tyred]

If I had that sort of spare money, I wouldn't spend it on a bike as it would be wasted on me.

That is true of me too and many of the people who will buy it will probably get overtaken by grannies on 3 speed Raleighs.

 

[The Jogger]

The Guardian needs to get real, who is it trying to appeal to?

 

[Dogtrousers]

It looks like a lovely bike. As it's an assemblage of expensive high end bits it's not surprising it's expensive. Nor is it surprising that it's good.

I'm not at all interested in a new bike though, regardless of price, as there's absolutely nothing wrong with my bike. But I don't mind reading about them.

 

[400bhp]

Indeed, I think the same could probably be said for 99% of people who'd be buying an 11k bike for themselves

That doesn't make sense? I'd you're buying a £11k bike you've already decided you have spent the money.

 

[srw]

The Guardian needs to get real, who is it trying to appeal to?

It's the Observer. And the answer to your question is "people who'd like to have, or do have, £11,000 to spend on a bike." Which includes some affluent left wing pensioners with decent pensions as well as some rich right wing managers who are oppressing the workers.

We rarely quibble when someone spends £20,000 on a brand-new car when a perfectly good second hand model can be had for £9,000. So why worry about the bike?

 

[Smokin Joe]

It's the Observer. And the answer to your question is "people who'd like to have, or do have, £11,000 to spend on a bike." Which includes some affluent left wing pensioners with decent pensions as well as some rich right wing managers who are oppressing the workers.

We rarely quibble when someone spends £20,000 on a brand-new car when a perfectly good second hand model can be had for £9,000. So why worry about the bike?

Exactly.

Spend 11k on a Hi Fi and everyone gasps with admiration, the same with photography gear. Spend it on a bike and the world is telling you that you've been ripped off, Halfords do one for £149.99.

 

[Cycleops]

Like @User, I was going to see your Alchemy and raise you a Mouton Double Pylon.
[/QUOTE]

Don't you mean a Monty Double Python?

 

[winjim]

Shame he didn't weigh it, although I suppose it will be between seven and eight kgs.

11,000 lbs which I think is about five metric tons.

 

[outlash]

11,000 lbs which I think is about five metric tons.

I can feel a 'what wheels?' thread coming on.....

 

[winjim]

I can feel a 'what wheels?' thread coming on.....

We're about due.

 

[Drago]

These are fair points.

Spend, say, £2000 on an old car that lasts for three to five years, and people will look back fondly and say what a great car it was.

Spend £2000 on a bike that you could still be riding in thirty or forty years, or even more, and people think you're a chump.