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this post was submitted on 21 Jun 2023
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There's no real pinnacle for cycling as there are too many disciplines and brands, but what was eye opening for a beginner was the price.
It's often noted that the price to performance ratio just about levels out at $3,500 for a bike (top end carbon frame and wheels with a 105 groupset for example); anything above that is really for people being paid to race. That doesn't stop people with money burning a hole in their pocket from spending 5-12k on a bike thinking the 60 seconds it will shave over an hour long ride is somehow worth it.
Throw in shoes, helmet, bib shorts/shirt ($300 each) and you're looking at one expensive hobby.
Meanwhile most beginners are out there looking for a sub $1k bike wondering why there's nothing available.
When I was looking around at new bikes, a wisened bike shop employee said "can you outrace your bike, or can your bike outrace you?" Here I am, many years later, still on the same bike.
That's a road bike thing right? I recall if you want to hit the trails there are plenty of decent MTBs at around 1k or slightly less.
Kinda...MTB's at that price point come with front suspensions that aren't really worth the added weight. You're adding complexity with the extra parts that you "should" be spending at least double that.
But yes, below 1K you're looking at entry level "fitness" bikes with flat bars, or something from Poseidon or Decathlon. Luckily the used market is vibrant if you have someone experienced helping you out (that's where reddit bike communities came in handy)
I really should have said "were"; I haven't been in a bike shop for over a decade. You're right that the front suspension fork is not the best at those price points; even then they were always kinda so-so until you hit about 1.5k
Still have my Scott Expert Racing that's unfortunately gathering dust fo the past 5-6 years. XD