Meh. I know it's technically on theme but I really don't want this to turn into another economy thread that wades in the paddling pool of...
Meh. I know it's technically on theme but I really don't want this to turn into another economy thread that wades in the paddling pool of 'i know people doing fine so things are fine.
National average minimum wage is 9 bucks (and thats after a decent bump through covid of course). Average rent is somewhere between 1500-2k, depending on which unreliable source you care to cite. Average house cost is 360k-500k, also depending on which unreliable source you cherry pick. (Not even gonna touch on housing cost where I live lol, hence using averages)
We're choking our middle class and gate keeping the next generation (as per tradition!) and the fact that a neighbor who works a trade is doing ok and a neighbor who is a teacher and is struggling... Doesn't mean Thanos has perfectly balanced the economy and both people are able to mountain bike. A reductive conversation on the economy is probably NOT what this thread needs. Whoever brought it up first may now assume the position for the paddling...
This is CLEARLY a thread where everyone announces that they do, indeed, have children now. And seal in concrete the age demo of the forums lol
I do like the narrative of 'nobodys upgrading because theres just no need to upgrade' at the moment. There was essentially a full paradigm shift around 2015, from wheel size to droppers to axle standards to increased use or better use of carbon, obviously better geo, etc.
And it seemingly peaked right before 2020 and has gotten well into diminishing returns status since. Luckily smaller parts have had slightly more compelling upgrade narratives. Wireless if you're into that, budget 1x drivetrains (and bikes) worth buying, various Ochain or Sidekick type products, some cool store on bike tool stuff that to me seems more compelling than 'added a box in a frame now try to shove stuff in it' tactic. Tires are kinda insane right now imo. I suppose they were quite good before but I feel like a base Conti trail tire performers much better than the base EXO maxxis probly
It seems the only 'paradigm shift' for the industry since 2020 is ebikes and making them not suck (kinda like when they had to make all around 29ers not suck). And they're getting pretty damn good at it for sure. Still not an eeber but the direction is obviously good. Regardless of power and longevity, they really just need to feel smooth to pedal and not break down constantly.
Me personally I'm just waiting for 275 to fully die so that brands can start marketing one off models of fun dual 27 bikes as a 'niche, fun' option. It needs to go full circle from irrelevant to trendy and niche hipster marketing.
I do like the narrative of 'nobodys upgrading because theres just no need to upgrade' at the moment. There was essentially a full paradigm shift around...
I do like the narrative of 'nobodys upgrading because theres just no need to upgrade' at the moment. There was essentially a full paradigm shift around 2015, from wheel size to droppers to axle standards to increased use or better use of carbon, obviously better geo, etc.
And it seemingly peaked right before 2020 and has gotten well into diminishing returns status since. Luckily smaller parts have had slightly more compelling upgrade narratives. Wireless if you're into that, budget 1x drivetrains (and bikes) worth buying, various Ochain or Sidekick type products, some cool store on bike tool stuff that to me seems more compelling than 'added a box in a frame now try to shove stuff in it' tactic. Tires are kinda insane right now imo. I suppose they were quite good before but I feel like a base Conti trail tire performers much better than the base EXO maxxis probly
It seems the only 'paradigm shift' for the industry since 2020 is ebikes and making them not suck (kinda like when they had to make all around 29ers not suck). And they're getting pretty damn good at it for sure. Still not an eeber but the direction is obviously good. Regardless of power and longevity, they really just need to feel smooth to pedal and not break down constantly.
Me personally I'm just waiting for 275 to fully die so that brands can start marketing one off models of fun dual 27 bikes as a 'niche, fun' option. It needs to go full circle from irrelevant to trendy and niche hipster marketing.
totally agree. bikes are just damn good these days. gone are the days where companies could get away with putting out stuff that was garbage on day 1, thankfully. the last product I can think of offhand that was totally DOA was the Crank Bros Kronolog dropper.
I find myself spending a little more on bikes now and have a few more in the garage to ride but I am also selling them faster. I try to get rid of stuff in about 14/16 months to help get a good price on resale. Shop around with resale in mind and you end up not loosing that much while turning the inventory over.
I feel like the slowing of development and product releases has helped maintain resale of current bikes a little bit. If you have something older then a year and a half though you may as well give it to a kid in the neighborhood so you can at least feel good about your self after it leaves.
this is now a "we've gotten old" thread
Challenge mode level, Vital thread not turn into a middle aged man with kids 'doesnt ride as much as he used to' thread: I M P O S S I B L E
i've tried at least 4 times to post an honest on-topic comment, and each time that's exactly what it turned into.
I do like the narrative of 'nobodys upgrading because theres just no need to upgrade' at the moment. There was essentially a full paradigm shift around 2015, from wheel size to droppers to axle standards to increased use or better use of carbon, obviously better geo, etc.
And it seemingly peaked right before 2020 and has gotten well into diminishing returns status since. Luckily smaller parts have had slightly more compelling upgrade narratives. Wireless if you're into that, budget 1x drivetrains (and bikes) worth buying, various Ochain or Sidekick type products, some cool store on bike tool stuff that to me seems more compelling than 'added a box in a frame now try to shove stuff in it' tactic. Tires are kinda insane right now imo. I suppose they were quite good before but I feel like a base Conti trail tire performers much better than the base EXO maxxis probly
It seems the only 'paradigm shift' for the industry since 2020 is ebikes and making them not suck (kinda like when they had to make all around 29ers not suck). And they're getting pretty damn good at it for sure. Still not an eeber but the direction is obviously good. Regardless of power and longevity, they really just need to feel smooth to pedal and not break down constantly.
Me personally I'm just waiting for 275 to fully die so that brands can start marketing one off models of fun dual 27 bikes as a 'niche, fun' option. It needs to go full circle from irrelevant to trendy and niche hipster marketing.
totally agree. bikes are just damn good these days. gone are the days where companies could get away with putting out stuff that was garbage on day 1, thankfully. the last product I can think of offhand that was totally DOA was the Crank Bros Kronolog dropper.
I find myself spending a little more on bikes now and have a few more in the garage to ride but I am also selling them faster. I try to get rid of stuff in about 14/16 months to help get a good price on resale. Shop around with resale in mind and you end up not loosing that much while turning the inventory over.
I feel like the slowing of development and product releases has helped maintain resale of current bikes a little bit. If you have something older then a year and a half though you may as well give it to a kid in the neighborhood so you can at least feel good about your self after it leaves.
Way less. I see no reason to upgrade anymore. Bikes are good. I stock piled tires and chains over Covid. All the soft goods I'll ever need.
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