The problem with "entry-level"

[classic33]

I noticed that after I signed up last week. Why is it so UK-based? There's nothing wrong with that of course, but it's interesting that it would be that way if it started out on the internet which is generally world-wide.

Because the majority of those posting on here are from the UK.
As simple as that. A bit like Bike Forums being a North American forum.

Someone in racing definitely won't go for "entry level." As for the "occasional rider," I would hope we can interest them in progressing to more than "occasional" and make it a major part of life, primarily for health. The clientele we had when I worked at the bike shop in the late 1970's was low-end. The bikes we sold were definitely a bit above what you'd get in a department store like Sears, Wards, JC Penney, Kmart, etc.; but we got a lot of those department-store bikes in for repair, sometimes even after they'd been left out in the rain and were all rusty, cables were kinked, etc.. It was rather satisfying to take in such a piece of junk and make everything work right. If the owner would subsequently take care of it, things would keep working; but that doesn't mean the bike would be motivating to ride like a better bike would be.

And sure, any bike shop will service these bikes; but they'll give better service for one they sold, giving extra time to make sure the fit is adjusted to the owner, and doing most work for free for the first year, when for example cables would stretch and settle in and need slight adjustment.

The piece in bold could apply to just about anything that is bought. Misuse something and there's a good chance of wrecking it.

Not all on here ride bikes. I've taken two, three and four wheeled cycles to the same bikeshop. Not all my bikes have been what you would call "entry level" either. Nothing really expensive about them, more odd. I've never expected any bikeshop, or any shop, doing work free. I've expected to pay for it, and any parts that they felt needed replacing, when they did service them. And I trusted them not to replace anything just to bump the price up.

I've had three "local" bike shops in different cities/towns that I trusted at this level. Two are now gone, the third has changed hands a few times. To walk into a bike shop and explain what you intend doing, so they can get an idea of what is expected of the piece, when it's the first time they've come across it and to be able to get the work done is not just your average bike shop. Especially when they give their, not the shops, guarantee on rebuilding for free should it fail.

To be able to take a cycle to somewhere, knowing that it's as new to them as it is to you is not service you can find anywhere.

 

[GarthW]

I'm talking about people just starting to get into cycling, not racing cyclists. They wouldn't know the difference between an entry-level bike and an expensive one unless someone explained it to them. Not all beginners are going to get expert advice. They have to start somewhere, usually with bikes from the big box stores. And considering how 'bad' entry-level bikes are, the stores are doing a lot of business selling them.

I read long ago that most of these department-store bikes never reach 100 miles before being hung up in the garage to collect a thick layer of dust, and even fewer get ridden enough to wear out their original tires. Barely in my teens, I started out with a department-store 10-speed from Wards, on sale for $69.95 in 1974, like $460 today, although I can't imagine that low-quality thing going for that much, with its stamped fork ends and steel bars, crankset, and rims. I myself was a success story, but it was because of a stubborn philosophical position which has done me a lot of good over the years.

But as I frequented the local bike shop, the manager could see I had good mechanical aptitude, so he hired me with a plan of on-the-job training. My first task there (although I probably did not get paid for this one) was to do a complete overhaul on my own bike.

He himself had a 1976 Schwinn Super Le Tour, which was the lowest on Schwinn's scale of serious road bikes (above the Traveler, Varsity, Continental, and Le Tour). It had a 4130 CrMo frame. Retail price was $230 in '76 (like $1300 today); but then he upgraded to full Campagnolo Nuovo Record components (Nuovo Record was between Record and Super Record), and sew-up (tubular) tires. He let me take it for a test ride, to open my eyes. I couldn't believe it. Riding this upgraded Super Le Tour felt like someone was pushing me; and of course the handling was also far better than what I was used to. My interest and standards suddenly went way, way up.

 

[AlBaker]

I read long ago that most of these department-store bikes never reach 100 miles before being hung up in the garage to collect a thick layer of dust,

And in that time, some decided that cycling wasn't for them, while others went on to buy better bikes.

 

[GarthW]

And in that time, some decided that cycling wasn't for them, while others went on to buy better bikes.

My point is that those who decided that cycling wasn't for them didn't realize that their decision was caused by the poor quality they bought.

Because the majority of those posting on here are from the UK.
As simple as that. A bit like Bike Forums being a North American forum.

Thanks. I'll try Bike Forums.

 

[steveindenmark]

Some people get wound up by the strangest things. Just breath, relax and let it go.

 

[Punkawallah]

I'm an entry level person.

I do the job, but if you are status conscious you'll want something flashier.

‘Flash by name, Flash by nature! Woof!’

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

My point is that those who decided that cycling wasn't for them didn't realize that their decision was caused by the poor quality they bought.

I get the point you are making and I am sure there will be instances where people buy a really poor quality bike that doesn't keep them engaged in cycling. However, I suspect the bigger issue is probably that people buy a bike that does not fit them or suit their needs and that is why they give up. IME if you start off with a cheap bike and love cycling, you quickly want to upgrade to a better quality bike to see how they will improve your cycling experience, you don't tend to give up on cycling.

 

[presta]

My guess is that manufacturers know their market very well, they'd go out of business if they didn't. The majority of bikes will be made for, and bought by, people who decide to get one on a new year's resolution whim, ride them once, then bung them in the shed and forget them. I recall seeing someone on the CTC forum who rescues bikes from skips and restores them from charity saying that you'd be surprised how many perfectly good bikes get thrown away for no other reason than they've got a puncture.

When I bought my touring bike, the shop assistant was glad to get rid of it, and described them as "just dust collectors". Which is why Dawes stopped making them.

 

[Webbo2]

I get the point you are making and I am sure there will be instances where people buy a really poor quality bike that doesn't keep them engaged in cycling. However, I suspect the bigger issue is probably that people buy a bike that does not fit them or suit their needs and that is why they give up. IME if you start off with a cheap bike and love cycling, you quickly want to upgrade to a better quality bike to see how they will improve your cycling experience, you don't tend to give up on cycling.

Also I think a lot of people give up because cycling isn’t as easy as it looks. You only need a few hills or a block head wind to dampen some folks enthusiasm.

 

[Chief Broom]

Also I think a lot of people give up because cycling isn’t as easy as it looks. You only need a few hills or a block head wind to dampen some folks enthusiasm.

Exactly, on my local adds i often see 'his and hers' bikes for sale. Retiree's with money and romanticised notions of blissfully riding along flowery lanes in the sun. The realisation that exertion is required must take all of a 100 yards and can imagine them saying or at least thinking 'sod this for a lark'

 

[esoxlucius]

Also I think a lot of people give up because cycling isn’t as easy as it looks.

Yes, agreed. I think "entry level" bikes are sought after by "entry level" would be bikers with "entry level" fitness, bike handling skills and maintenance skills. Clueless basically.

It would be quite an eye opener for them, especially when they face their first gradient, puncture, downpour or near miss with a truck! Anyone of those things could certainly end in their bike collecting dust in the shed!

 

[albion]

Much a self congratulations thread?

 

[Alex321]

Much a self congratulations thread?

I don't see any of that, so no.