How can Donhou charge £2300 for an off the shelf 853 frame?

[Citius]

Would you prefer me to cook for you or Gordon Ramsey?

This is proper twighlight zone stuff. It's quite possible that I might prefer your dish to Gordon's. Is that the right answer?

 

[screenman]

You sound like a clever bloke - how would you identify the 'USP' ??

No sharing business secrets is a mugs game.

 

[Citius]

No sharing business secrets is a mugs game.

I see we've moved on from discussion and are now only interested in cheap point scoring. Ah well, I'm out.

 

[just jim]

So are pre-loved Rapha underpants better than Aldi specials? Need to know.

 

[screenman]

That could be a sticky question, have the pre loved been washed.

 

[ayceejay]

Pre-loved underpants? pre-loved by whom would be the USP.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I see we've moved on from discussion and are now only interested in cheap point scoring. Ah well, I'm out.

Has s/he flounced?

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Classic 'straw man' response there. Text book stuff.

You really aren't very good at this.
You claim 853 isn't special

special
ˈspɛʃ(ə)l/
adjective
adjective: special
1.
better, greater, or otherwise different from what is usual.
"they always made a special effort at Christmas"
synonyms: exceptional, particular, extra special, unusual, marked, singular, uncommon, notable, noteworthy, remarkable, outstanding, unique

It is an exceptional, unusual, noteable, noteworthy and particular tubeset, different from what is usual. Which is why it is uncommon.

 

[StuAff]

Has s/he flounced?

Looks like it. And more of a penny down the back of the sofa flounce than a £2.3k one at that.....

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Here are prices for a Mercian fillet brazed custom frame. 853 Pro is £220 more than 631:

• 631 tubing £820 + VAT
• 631 oversize tubing £850 + VAT
• 725 tubing £910 + VAT
• 725 oversize tubing £940 + VAT
• 853 tubing £1000 + VAT
• 853 oversize tubing £1030 + VAT
• 853 Pro Team tubing £1040 + VAT
• 853 Pro Team oversize tubing £1070 + VAT

Prices include forks but not headset. http://www.merciancycles.co.uk/frames/18/pro-lugless

Do these come with stainless jubilee clips to hold the disc calipers on or do we use zip ties?

 

[Eurostar]

Upon reflection I think the Rapha comparison is wide of the mark, because some (not all) Rapha products are so superior in design and construction. I think a better analogy is luxury watches. They often have the same off the shelf movement but huge variations in price because the branding people have spunked a ton of money up the wall on bribes to celebrities and sportspeople.

 

[Eurostar]

Do these come with stainless jubilee clips to hold the disc calipers on or do we use zip ties?

Irrelevant. They have a comparable number of braze-ons but in different places.

What is relevant is that Mercians are brazed, whereas the Donhous are TIG welded, which is cheaper.

 

[Citius]

Upon reflection I think the Rapha comparison is wide of the mark, because some (not all) Rapha products are so superior in design and construction. I think a better analogy is luxury watches. They often have the same off the shelf movement but huge variations in price because the branding people have spunked a ton of money up the wall on bribes to celebrities and sportspeople.

I agree with the watch thing. We are talking about status symbols, in effect - rather than useful timepieces - which is what the Donhou frame (made of 'special' 853 tubing) will end up being, if it isn't already. More trophy than bike.

 

[vickster]

Pre-loved underpants? pre-loved by whom would be the USP.

as long as not @Turbo Rider

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Irrelevant. They have a comparable number of braze-ons but in different places.

What is relevant is that Mercians are brazed, whereas the Donhous are TIG welded, which is cheaper.

So you think adding disc brakes to a road bike is a trivial matter like adding a bottle cage mount or cable stop? Good luck with that.

Do you really think the differentiator in price from one frame to another is its braze on's and how the tubes are joined together? Tis a wonder someone hasn't spotted the gap in the market and exploited it.