Bike brands in order

[vickster]

Imagine taking the Parlee out for a test ride, against a range of others and then saying I prefer the Defy (picked this example just because I have one, and not knocking it either).

Would love to see ther faces!

I think they'd probably laugh inwardly at you. It is a beautiful bike but you would be terrified about scratching the paintwork let alone stacking it better to hang the frame on a wall and actually ride a Defy!

 

[vickster]

Or... you wouldn't necessarily turn your head in the street if a Vauxhall Corsa passed you, but you'd be more inclined to look twice if a Ferrari went down your road.

I don't think most cyclists take that much notice of other bikes on the road.

Joe Public knows what a Ferrari is, they likely wouldn't appreciate a Parlee or a Mercian or a Burls Ti compared to a Giant Or a Boardman say. I think cyclists buy proper custom exotica for them. Not to show off to others. It is of course nice to get complements from other cyclists, has happened to me with the Pave and the Genesis

It may be different for a City boy MAMIL who spends £5k on an S Works which he rides a couple of times around Richmond Park on sunny days, I don't know if this stereotype still really exists though. He may also have a Ferrari in the garage

In your analogy however for me...Vauxhall Corsa = Specialized Allez

 

[bpsmith]

I think they'd probably laugh inwardly at you. It is a beautiful bike but you would be terrified about scratching the paintwork let alone stacking it better to hang the frame on a wall and actually ride a Defy!

Probably right tbh.

Personally, if I had the money to buy one, then it would get ridden. Yes, it would make a nice piece of art on the wall but would only be there if I could afford two of them. Pointless having an awesome bike unless it gets ridden!

Was in a relatively local bike shop today. It's a new business and it only sells Look, Colnago, De Rosa and recently Argon 18 and Ritte. Its positioned perfectly for good business too. Plenty of foot flow despite being remote.

I could have easily spent £50k in there. For the record, I don't have any savings let alone £50k, but mentally I was sold.

Great group of guys and nice Espresso and Lemon Cake in the Café made my total of £3.30 spent.

 

[Citius]

Sounds a bit like one of those expensive cereal shops in London....

 

[leedsmick]

i've just stumbled accross this
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news...to-the-best-road-bikes-under-500-video-189306

 

[Rooster1]

Gawd knows. I find them really dull.

Everyone's always Giant bashing. I like them.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I used to have a Vauxhall Corsa. Great little car. Never went wrong. Entirely fit for purpose. I may get another one when the current monster rusts to death.

 

[ianrauk]

Some Giant bikes are absolutely gorgeous.
But recently they have gone down the dropped seat stay look.... which isn't gorgeous.

 

[Citius]

Some Giant bikes are absolutely gorgeous.
But recently they have gone down the dropped seat stay look.... which isn't gorgeous.

Agreed - it's not a good look.

 

[Elybazza61]

Always beeen a bit 'meh' about Giants but the other halfs new Liv Avail is pretty nice actually;still can't beat a nice shiny Ridley Helium SL though,,,,


Although this is very,very tempting and always liked Enigmas;

http://www.enigmabikes.com/collections/versatility/products/ezona

 

[migrantwing]

As has been said, can't really put certain bikes in a 'best to worst' order, apart from the obvious. I've ridden cheap frames/bikes and really expensive ones, and sometimes the cheaper bikes have felt better and been more fun to ride. My missus has a B'twin bike that cost £350. It's more comfortable and fun to ride than my bike which cost four times that amount.

 

[JoeyB]

Guru or Passoni please

 

[mickle]

I ride a Virk. I ride the only Virk. It may not be the 'best', but it is exclusive.

 

[migrantwing]

You may want to read this, @Glass Kites

http://inrng.com/2012/02/who-made-your-bike/

 

[bpsmith]

You may want to read this, @Glass Kites

http://inrng.com/2012/02/who-made-your-bike/

Indeed. The important thing to remember is that you can have the same artisan frame builder make a whole range of frames, but if he is instructed to make one out of toffee then it simply won't perform like High Modulus Carbon!