Ever had that thought? Or someone asked you the question?
It doesn't matter if you’re new or a seasoned, cycling aficionado, at some point in time you’d come across these questions: “Should I get a carbon bike? What’s the price tag and which brand or make?”. For the deep-pockets, It’s a matter of preference, just point and pay. But for an average person, this could be the most expensive hobby ever. He or she is about to make a hole in his/her savings for the first genuine racing bike than most people pay in full for a motorcycle. In fact, it could be more expensive than a scooter, a two-wheeler without engine.
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| Celebrity endorsement is a huge part of sports consumerism |
An to be completely honest, in my opinion ,carbon bikes fever is more of a bandwagon mentality. The truth is, people are suckers for celebrities and superstars. Whatever the pro riders are doing is what the masses want to do too. It’s part of marketing strategy. As consumer, we want the feel good factor especially for high-consideration and expensive products.
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Take a deep breath. Find a spot for a quiet moment to weigh your options.
Avoid impulse buying.
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I am no expert when it comes to bike brands and their USPs. For me it’s a matter of preference. Like I said before, all the brands make great carbon bikes. Check their websites and you’d be drooling, impressed with the R&D, technological breakthrough that reduces drags, weight, increase frame stiffness therefor making the bike more responsive etcetera etcetera. If you want stay in style, check out who and which team won the recent grand tours. Or you can pick a hero and stick to the brand like I do. Your choice will to a certain extent influence the next set of purchases: the jersey, helmet, gloves, shoes and other stuff. If possible, try to limit if you can't avoid buying head-to-toe pro kits and go for ordinary cycling apparel. Nothing screams "ROOKIE" louder than a full Team Sky uniform on a weekend cyclist.
Once in a while I bump into cycling newbies and this is the most common question asked. It’s both easy and tricky question. Sometimes some people take offence when asked about their budgets. It hurts their egos. I am a firm believer of being a smart and informed consumer. Regardless of whether you have a huge or decent-just nice disposable income.
I ride a carbon bike, a TREK and my first two road bikes were a steel and alloy bikes. Yes I jump on the bandwagon too. Just couldn't resist it. I was inspired by Lance Armstrong, The Schleck brothers when they formed team Leopard Trek and Trek's brand story. Carbon bike has its own merit but then so do titanium, alloy and steel bikes. In the end, its about you and how strong your core is.Do your homework, check your finances, search your heart just to make sure you’re serious about cycling and make up your mind. Once you’ve got it figured out, just a few more steps before you mosey on over to your targeted bike shop and buy your dream bike.
- Get advice and price quotes from several sellers. Compare shops- this way you can get a feel of the market and calmly decide on how much you want to pay.
- Make sure you choose a reputable shop. There are many knocked off brands out there. They look so similar to the real ones and only trained eyes would be able to spot them. Hence its advisable to…
- bring someone trustworthy and knowledgeable along. If you couldn't fine any, hire a couple of bouncers so that you’d look like Don Corleone (Just kidding!). Look smart and sharp so that the message is clear -“I Know my stuff, don’t even try to bluff me”.
- Everything mechanical needs to be serviced. It doesn't matter if it's carbon bikes or not. Make sure the service centre is near or at least in the same state where you bought your bike for servicing and warranty claims. This however is not relevant if you can buy a pair. One for your rides and the other one is for parts so that you don’t have to wait for 2 months to get your bike repaired or replaced.
- If you are not sure or feel something is not right. Trust your instinct and walk away. You can always come back once you’ve check the facts or claims. If you couldn’t find the answer from your advisor, 2 words: Google it.
- Do bike fitting. Make sure it's the right size and configuration.
- Last but not least, haggle haggle haggle. Get discounts, if you can’t get freebies.
Remember to be smart, informed and thrifty. If it is important to you, you ail find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse. Good luck with your bike hunt.
Mata-ne!
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