How much do you need to spend on a new bike to get best VfM?

[Cycleops]

As per the title. What do you need to spend before the law of diminishing returns really kicks in? And what brands, retailers or manufactures do you think offer that?

I thought this would make a good discussion after seeing a GCN video on YouTube about this subject.

 

[Sea of vapours]

Even allowing for the context of the whole question being profoundly subjective, I suspect that many people will think that the upper bound is too low. i.e. there are plenty of bike features which many consider good value for money which aren't available at your upper limit of £1,200

 

[Cycleops]

Sure it’s subjective, that’s the reason I’m asking the question. Okay, so what would be your figure to get best VfM? I’ve given a few more choices.

 

[Illaveago]

I was horrified at the prices of some bikes in bike shop !
I will stick with my old bikes which cost far less and can be easily repaired using second hand bits .

 

[alecstilleyedye]

depends if it's going to be getting you to work everyday, become a new hobby for the weekend, or get ridden once and sit in the shed for eternity…

 

[Cycleops]

Let’s say it’s aimed more towards someone starting out. These are the buyers who are more concerned with getting the best value without going overboard.

 

[ianrauk]

I honestly don't think there's a definitive answer.
Some people I know think a value for money bike is no more than £100.
Others wouldn't even look at bikes at less then a grand.

 

[matticus]

Some people I know think a value for money bike is no more than £100.
Others wouldn't even look at bikes at less then a grand.

So what? Tell us what YOU think, and perhaps why.

Or don't bother with this thread :P

 

[Mo1959]

Not long ago I would have said around £1,000 would get a decent quality bike with good components but the way everything has shot up, around £1,500 seems to be the ballpark for decent frame with 105 components which I reckon is the sweet spot, but it's so subjective what everyone finds good value or not really.

 

[ianrauk]

So what? Tell us what YOU think, and perhaps why.

Or don't bother with this thread :P

OK
I'm the opinion that what ever bike you buy and enjoy for what ever price will be value for money. Be it a Halfords special or a top of the range carbon all the bling jobbie.

 

[Cycleops]

OK
I'm the opinion that what ever bike you buy and enjoy for what ever price will be value for money. Be it a Halfords special or a top of the range carbon all the bling jobbie.

So would you consider this hybrid from Halfords offers good VfM at £140?
https://www.halfords.com/bikes/hybrid-bikes/indi-tc1-mens-588332.html?stockInventory=undefined

 

[ianrauk]

So would you consider this hybrid from Halfords offers good VfM at £140?
https://www.halfords.com/bikes/hybrid-bikes/indi-tc1-mens-588332.html?stockInventory=undefined

I'm not considering anything.
Read my post again.

 

[fossyant]

Skippy's not been here yet - free from a skip he'd say.

My most recent purchase I didn't pay full RRP, but that was before 'the madness'.

'Names' are silly money. Even Ribble is getting into silly money these days.

I still fancy a PX Space Chicken.

 

[ianrauk]

So would you consider this hybrid from Halfords offers good VfM at £140?
https://www.halfords.com/bikes/hybrid-bikes/indi-tc1-mens-588332.html?stockInventory=undefined

They reviewed that bike on the Gadget Show last night and it did very well.

 

[wiggydiggy]

Let’s say it’s aimed more towards someone starting out. These are the buyers who are more concerned with getting the best value without going overboard.

Thats a bit more focussed. Lets add its for a short commute <5 miles 5 x a week which was my first one. £200-250 would have been my answer but I think with prices as they are now its closer to £350 to get something that will last. I'd expect at least 2 years / 2500ish miles before having to replace major components.

Its all subjective though isn'tMy last commuter was £1000 which I've had more than 5000 miles from and only recently spent £350ish on service/rebuild. Thats VFM to me but everyone is different

They reviewed that bike on the Gadget Show last night and it did very well.

I spotted that and discounted it for the twist-shift and single sprocket but if it's reviewed well then I guess its better than I thought.