Results Posted:
After poll is taken
Have modern bikes become too complicated?
41 Comments
- + 3
Technology isn't bad in itself as it's supposed to make your life easier/better. Just ask anybody who's been on a bike long enough if they'd go back to 50lbs bikes, 4" dh suspension and cantilever brakes. I just feel that sometimes, the marketing dept. has too much of a say in product development and it leads to all kinds of shenanigans that aren't really making our life easier/better and then it's "technology" that gets a bad wrap.
When you look at fields like medicine or engineering, go tell them that technological advances are bad and see what kinds of looks you get hehe.
When you look at fields like medicine or engineering, go tell them that technological advances are bad and see what kinds of looks you get hehe.
- + 2
The technology is there for those who need it. Pros racing at the world cup level for DH, XC, 4X, slopestyle guys, trials, and roadies alike realize the differences which are brought by technology because they are the primary target for which the technology is developed. The average rider doesnt necessarily need the 10 000 dollar carbon dh frame or the 20 000 dollar road bike but I guess if they want to pay for it that is their business. If people appreciate the technology they will pay for it, I cant justify paying a few grand extra for a full carbon frame that shaves a few pounds but hell if somebody else wants to im stoked for them. Ill spend my money on suspension, tire and brake technology instead
- + 4
All the past comments hold a very sustainable part of the truth. As for me I think the industry is responsible for ceating niches and selling points that where unnecessary, just like Fox´s 34 forks made for those who think 36 stanchions are too heavy, and now the 650B (27.5") wheel standard. I personally miss 2009 before the industry killed Freeride and real All Mountain, and I miss a lot of good, reliable parts that where discontinued from production and I don´t like the idea of the industry pampering guys who lack the skills to ride hard and fast for the sake of selling these guys things like 29" bikes.
- + 2
If you don't like a product, don't buy it. If you think a product has a place in the market that doesn't exist, produce that product. Honestly, consumers dictate these companies. If you have a problem with it, only YOU are responsible
- + 1
I'd have to disagree with you. If you think a modern bike is too complicated, then by all means go buy a bike from a decade ago. Truth be told the only bikes that maintain their value over time are the good old hardtails, and ironically enough every time I meet someone who wants to 'simplify' Mountain Biking that's what they do. Which is all fine and dandy for an individual, but on a mass scale that line of thinking eliminates a huge elements of the sport.Biking hasn't become more complicated, it has diversified.
As far as the question of whether or not the bikes themselves have become too complex to maintain, I'm going to have to disagree. I've worked in bike shops for since 2006, and have seen a lot of stuff be introduced into the market. Almost everything that was just a useless gimmick faded out within a year and was forgotten. Anyone remember rapidrise? or those horrible integrated XT Shifters where you had to shift with the brake levers? Or the companies making 69er bikes? I think bubbaleech has it right. The consumer is the one who dictates where the market goes.
As far as the question of whether or not the bikes themselves have become too complex to maintain, I'm going to have to disagree. I've worked in bike shops for since 2006, and have seen a lot of stuff be introduced into the market. Almost everything that was just a useless gimmick faded out within a year and was forgotten. Anyone remember rapidrise? or those horrible integrated XT Shifters where you had to shift with the brake levers? Or the companies making 69er bikes? I think bubbaleech has it right. The consumer is the one who dictates where the market goes.
- + 2
The whole argument that the bike industry is making "niche" markets that then force bikers to buy new stuff if flawed. 1) It operates on the presumption that capitalism is a top to bottom system with one dude calling all the shots, and 2) it provides no evidence for this claim. Statements such as "killed freeride" and "real All Mountain" are only valid from the point of view of an individual or community.
The reality of the situation is that companies take chances introducing products into the market, and sometimes they revolutionize not only what a bike can do, but what the cycling community can do. The introduction of suspension opened the doors of mountain biking to more aggressive terrain. The introduction of hydraulic brakes opened the doors for greater bike control. Nearly everything that comes standard on a bike now a days was at some point an 'unneccessary' gimmick that proved to be popular with mountain bikers.
To even go farther, having worked as a mechanic for the past 5 years, I would argue that bikes are getting simpler. I haven't seen a bike come stocked with a handle bar remote for a shock in years. Most drive trains have shrunken from awkward triple cranksets that required more finesse in tuning and are now running either a single ring or a double. When I first started riding I was constantly having to ride with a camelbak filled with extra tubes, pump, toolkit, etc, but with CO2 cartridges and tubeless the only thing I need to carry is water and a spare C02 charge in case I blow out.
No, people don't need to go out and buy a new bike every year, but every five years isn't too bad. Unless you think mountain biking is only hardtail singlespeeders then I would say that the evidence would say that mountain biking as a sport isn't becoming complicated, it's diversifying, and the bikes themselves are in fact becoming less complicated.
The reality of the situation is that companies take chances introducing products into the market, and sometimes they revolutionize not only what a bike can do, but what the cycling community can do. The introduction of suspension opened the doors of mountain biking to more aggressive terrain. The introduction of hydraulic brakes opened the doors for greater bike control. Nearly everything that comes standard on a bike now a days was at some point an 'unneccessary' gimmick that proved to be popular with mountain bikers.
To even go farther, having worked as a mechanic for the past 5 years, I would argue that bikes are getting simpler. I haven't seen a bike come stocked with a handle bar remote for a shock in years. Most drive trains have shrunken from awkward triple cranksets that required more finesse in tuning and are now running either a single ring or a double. When I first started riding I was constantly having to ride with a camelbak filled with extra tubes, pump, toolkit, etc, but with CO2 cartridges and tubeless the only thing I need to carry is water and a spare C02 charge in case I blow out.
No, people don't need to go out and buy a new bike every year, but every five years isn't too bad. Unless you think mountain biking is only hardtail singlespeeders then I would say that the evidence would say that mountain biking as a sport isn't becoming complicated, it's diversifying, and the bikes themselves are in fact becoming less complicated.
- + 4
The prices are the only thing that is really getting out of hand imo. Pretty hard for your average joe to go and get a big mountain bike. Many cars are cheaper.
- - 1
Agreed, a couple of years ago, when I first got into downhilling, went into a bike shop, trying to buy a Specialized Status with my $300. Still to this day, I don't have a Status or any other dh bike.
- + 2
1. Welcome to inflation. You can still buy an equivalent $300 bike that would have equivalent quality to that of one 10 years ago. The cycling market has broadened to encompass more expensive models you don't have to buy them if you don't want to, but expect their technology to trickle down in the coming years and become available to you. The only problem then is that there will be similarly expensive bikes which will be similarly technologically advanced, which similarly you won't have to buy.
2. A statement like "Many cars are cheaper" is frankly stupid. It would also be true to say that many bikes are cheaper than many cars and vice versa. Generally cars can be cheaper because more people by them and the market for them gargantuan by comparison.
2. A statement like "Many cars are cheaper" is frankly stupid. It would also be true to say that many bikes are cheaper than many cars and vice versa. Generally cars can be cheaper because more people by them and the market for them gargantuan by comparison.
- + 1
Just how do you expect your AVERAGE JOE to even try riding on a downhill bike? Do you really think that people looking to get into biking would ever go fork over the amount of money it takes to buy a new downhill rig these days? Would be very tough if you don't have a pretty healthy disposable income. Sure they can go to a lift accessed bike park and rent a bike for about $150. Those of us lucky enough to live in western Canada can certainly take advantage of that, but for the majority of the free world....not so lucky.
Calling me "stupid" is neither productive or necessary. Never once did I say that bikes are not more technologically advanced than in the past, but so are cars. The percentage of inflation between cars and bikes is astronomical, so I suggest you give your argument a leg to stand on before calling out a random person on an internet site. I'm not sure if you have seen the state of the worlds economy lately? Inflation is basically standing still while countries try to recover from financial turmoil.
I wish you luck blowing your money on an overpriced, although quality product. I myself will continue to rock my 10 year old DH rig that is still going strong, and can handle anything I can throw at it, for a quarter the price of most new bikes.
Calling me "stupid" is neither productive or necessary. Never once did I say that bikes are not more technologically advanced than in the past, but so are cars. The percentage of inflation between cars and bikes is astronomical, so I suggest you give your argument a leg to stand on before calling out a random person on an internet site. I'm not sure if you have seen the state of the worlds economy lately? Inflation is basically standing still while countries try to recover from financial turmoil.
I wish you luck blowing your money on an overpriced, although quality product. I myself will continue to rock my 10 year old DH rig that is still going strong, and can handle anything I can throw at it, for a quarter the price of most new bikes.
- + 2
I wouldn't say tech has gone too far although price is getting out of control. Reality is Tech can improve performance but on balance I have to admit I don't have more fun now on my 150mm Fr/Rr than I did on my rigid bike in the 90's.
Out and out performance isn't why most of us ride, I believe FUN is the most important thing meaning things like 29ers are a marketing drive with no relevance to why we do what we do, for FUN
That's just my opinion.
Out and out performance isn't why most of us ride, I believe FUN is the most important thing meaning things like 29ers are a marketing drive with no relevance to why we do what we do, for FUN
That's just my opinion.
- + 1
First of all bikes are way too expensive, your buying high quality metals not a combustion engine, although nevertheless technology cant hurt besides extra wight. Honestly if it comes to things like forks, no one can disagree you dont love adjustable travel, but why the hell would you want like electric gear changing for example, same performance just more expensive and heavier. In my opinion if you have extra money go ahead, but you cant buy a better rider, just think about that one
- + 1
About the only thing new that I at this point don't care for is the suspension adjustment on the handle bars.
I love my Lev, my Tubeless Ready tires, with Stan's. I love Stan's rims bead technology. Talus adjustable forks. And most of all my 22-23 pound carbon fiber bike with six inches front and back with carbon fiber wheels and a 67 degree head angle. And thanks to the manufacturers for 10 and 11 speeds. Because it makes 9 speed triples super cheap and lighter than 10-11 speeds.
- + 1
You can't stop technology. Even if you don't like it, it does make things better. The fads of fashion will always come and go and the real advancements will stay and be developed. It is good to have complex technology as it draws a crowd just like an F1 car. You can't ride the best mountain bikes in the world without the best technology in the world. Look at cars. A 10K car is simple and 200K car is complex. Which is best? It all depends on what you want to do and what makes you happy. The trouble with consumers is they don't have the money put to in bikes but the prices will drop when the technology filters down through the ranges. I personally think its consumers that get hooked on the good old days looking back through rose tinted glasses. In twenty years now will be the good old days and people will still be saying these same things. We should enjoy we have the best bikes that have ever been invented whether we can afford them or not. We all love the same sport. Surely we all want it to move forward!
Biking is only over complicated if you let it be. If you want to have to maintain your stuff daily you can get super complicated stuff and there you go, but it all comes down to choice. At least for now.