You thought your car habit was expensive

"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
02/01/2019 at 16:09 • Filed to: mountain bike

$16,000 worth of (most def not my) bikes in this photo. About $11,000 for the specialized and $5,000 for the Yeti. The Yeti is a cheap build, it could easily be in the $8,000 range. I am thinking of getting a much reduced cost version of the specialized in a month or so. It will probably cost more than the blue book value of my Mazda 3.

DISCUSSION (59)

Nickcage > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 16:17

Now I dont feel bad about my $ 9000 lawn mower.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 16:18

And yet you can’t get them individual front wheels and force them to share.

BeaterGT > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 16:20

Kinja'd!!!

10 grand here; d emo days and rentals for the win. I would love a Santa Cruz but it would be overkill for my area. Are you going with a carbon frame?

sony1492 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 16:21

Wh at does an $11,00 0 bike have over a $500 one?

The Ghost of Oppo > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 16:21

I sold my running , recently inspected motorcycle, and it barely netted me enough money to buy a low end spec, alloy frame, full suspension bike.

benjrblant > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 16:24

I know... sigh.

Went on a MTB trip with some friends to Moab. They rented a condo, stored everyone’s bike in the garage. I think we added it up to somewhere around $35k in bikes.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > sony1492
02/01/2019 at 16:24

Everything .

3point8isgreat > sony1492
02/01/2019 at 16:27

It’s going to be diminishing returns, like with higher priced cars. But you can expect better/lighter materials, better geometry, more adjustability, more durability, and some things that just work better like nicer derailleurs/shifters and brakes.

VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 16:28

Except weight, it’s got less of that. I bet it weighs like, less than a pound for the whole bike.

Nothing > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 16:30

$11k for a Specialized and you can’t even pedal it!

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Nickcage
02/01/2019 at 16:31

I’d never spend that much on a mower, used craftsman for me.

The Ghost of Oppo > VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely
02/01/2019 at 16:31

Maybe for road bikes, but not mountain bikes.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > The Ghost of Oppo
02/01/2019 at 16:32

Yep.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > BeaterGT
02/01/2019 at 16:32

That SB5.5 is pretty cool.

DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back > sony1492
02/01/2019 at 16:33

What does a $150,000 car have over a $15,000 one?

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Nothing
02/01/2019 at 16:34

Any body buying this bike has 4 pairs of their favorite pedals in the garage ready to go.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely
02/01/2019 at 16:35

In this case yes, the S-Works epic is probably a 21 lb mountain bike that is ridiculously light. There are trail and enduro bikes equally expensive but built for big hits going for $10k and weigh around 30 lbs .

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
02/01/2019 at 16:36

Yeah, really hard to ride in this configuration .

DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 16:37

Epic on the left, SB100 on the right?

Personally I’d much prefer the SB100 (or a Tallboy to be honest); little more versatility ...unless the reason you’re buying it is to have a hardcore XC race bike lol

Nothing > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 16:38

Oh, I know. I have a few friends with pricey bikes. Most expensive I made it up to was my Klein Attitude Pro about 20 years ago that ended up stolen. Now I just beat on my cheap Niner around the neighborhood.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back
02/01/2019 at 16:41

2018 SB 4.5 with 12sp GX eagle selling for $4k right now, that’s what I would get but I have a 2018 Stump Jumper Expert... The Yeti SB 100 is more particle for an everyday bike, the Epic has a more limited range of use and consequence of braking it is very high repair costs.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 16:42

I rode an S Works Epic 29'er at a demo day. Ho-Lee-Fudge, that bike was amazing. If I would have kept riding as much as I did, I would probably have a cache of expensive bikes instead of my car hobby. One of these days, I might venture back into the land, but I’m ok for now. I moved a hardtail Kona I had at my brother’s in CO back to CA over Christmas. It’s basic, but has some key upgrades that makes it a nice ride. Maybe if I get some usage out of the Kona, I’ll feel better about upgrading later.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Nothing
02/01/2019 at 16:43

You get a free coffee with every bike purchase at this shop. Once you are a more frequent customer, the coffee is almost always free. My last bike they gave me two $6 water bottles with my $3500 purchase.

DipodomysDeserti > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 16:44

Do you insure bikes like this? My motorcycle costs an order of magnitude less than those, and is an order of magnitude harder to steal, but I still worry about it getting stolen.

bob and john > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 16:45

yeesh. I’m kinda glad I got out of cycling for this reason

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > DipodomysDeserti
02/01/2019 at 16:46

I have added bicycles to my policy before , I should add skis too, I bet we have $25k in gear in our garage.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > bob and john
02/01/2019 at 16:47

I do it because it’s fun and keeps me from getting fat. It’s also an excuse to hang out with my friends and eat potato chips and drink PBR.

bob and john > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 16:48

“keeps me from getting fat.”

“an excuse to hang out with my friends and eat potato chips and drink PBR”

-.-’’’’

LOL. I go to the gym to help me get back/into shape. I still have my old EX-8 and devinci road bike somewhere...thinking to sell them to recoupe some cash to throw at the triumph

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 16:50

Your bikes cost roughly 3x what I have into my F150 between purchase price and repairs

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
02/01/2019 at 16:52

These are not mine, just to clarify. I only have three primary bikes a BMC road bike, a specialized stump jumper mountain bike and a Kona cyclo cross.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > bob and john
02/01/2019 at 16:53

You see it all works out in the end, I tell people this is a better habit than going to bars and gambling!

VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely > The Ghost of Oppo
02/01/2019 at 17:08

Fair point. I’m not a bike expert, or even remotely knowledgable.

VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 17:09

They sound like the Ford Raptors of the bike world. I don’t know anything about them.

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 17:19

So if you sell them both at list, you have half the money for one of my engines. I think you know what you need to do now.

No I will not accept bikes. Fence them yourself.

bob and john > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 17:23

it most certainly is.

thwe reality is id LOVE to get back into it, but I’m planning to have some savings at the end of the year (I want to start saving for a lexus RC-F) so I cant get into any more $$$$ hobbies. guns and bikes are already bad enough

nermal > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 17:25

I can appreciate the difference between a crappy Walmart bike and a “real” one, but not to that effect.

Direct sales is the way to go. All of the local shops in my area are morons, with the Trek store being the worst of them . I have less than $3k into my Commencal and it’s still well spec’d comparable to something costing double that locally.

Surely riding an $11k bike back-to-back with mine you’d notice a difference. Especially based on emotional and financial damage after you bounce it off of a tree or some rocks a few times.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > nermal
02/01/2019 at 17:32

Shops that are morons are doing no one any good. I’ve experienced both moron shops and good shops. If I lived in a place with moron shops I’d probably be on a used bike I bought off of Pink bike, a YT, Commencal or similar.

His Stigness > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 17:37

I always to be an asshole when people asked how much my bike was. And I was dumb and left in the shop area one time (stupid me assumed the customer wouldn’t come in) and PICKED UP MY BIKE and then dropped my brand new fancy Giro helmet. I was PISSED!

Kinja'd!!!

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely
02/01/2019 at 17:37

Enduro and trail bikes are what everyone is buying these days, most are 120-150mm travel front and rear, weigh around 28-30 lbs and are designed to ride hard all day even do jumps and bike parks. Very few people are buying fancy light weight cross country race bikes anymore.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > His Stigness
02/01/2019 at 17:38

Considering a helmet can cost $200 and one drop is all it takes, I’d kick some ass.

VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 17:39

That sounds like a lot of really skinny attractive people having an awesome time, better time than the people in the Valtrex adverts

CaptDale - is secretly British > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 17:40

I really need a mountain bike

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > sony1492
02/01/2019 at 17:40

The real divide is between a $ 3,000 bike and a $ 10,000 bike, the difference comes down to if you are a dentist or a dish washer.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > CaptDale - is secretly British
02/01/2019 at 17:42

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/

CaptDale - is secretly British > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 17:50

oooooooooh thanks!

His Stigness > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 17:51

I can’t remember the model, but at the time (2016) it was Giro’s top of the line model. And even with their promo at the time (trade in a non MIPS helmet for a MIPS), I know I still spent over $200, so I was very close to kicking his ass. I was so tempted to tell him he just bought me a new helmet.

Rust and Dust - Oppositelock Forever > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 17:53

On the other side of the coin, Guerr illa Gravity is switching from aluminum to carbon front triangles, keeping manufacturing in the US, and barely raising pricing ($2100 w/o shock, $2400 with, fairly loaded complete mid $5k).

They’re also using the same front triangle and using what amounts to a “modular” design. Changing fork/shock/seatstays allows you to to go from 120-180mm travel (I think), as well as both 27.5 and 29 wheels.

I’d been eyeing their bikes for my next purchase when they were strictly an aluminum manufacturer. Their switch to cheap carbon, especially considering it’s US made) just makes them that much more appealing.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > CaptDale - is secretly British
02/01/2019 at 17:53

T here are a lot of bikes in sol cal. shouldn’t be a problem finding a decent one I’d say 2014 or newer, 29" wheels, try for $800-$1500 range and you will be looking at really good bikes. Craigslist is okay but there is lots of crap on CL.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Rust and Dust - Oppositelock Forever
02/01/2019 at 17:56

Yes, their new bikes look really cool, I bet it will be near impossible to get one tho. Check their geometry too, it looks like a 480 mm seat tube for an XL. That is too damn small for me. I run a 150mm dropper and I’d have like 370 mm of seat post showing to get to my 85 cm seat height.

CaptDale - is secretly British > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 18:07

Thank you for the point in the right direction. I really have no idea what to look for other than my one mountain biking friend says Santa Cruzs are the best

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > CaptDale - is secretly British
02/01/2019 at 18:10

Specialized, trek, giant, maybe cannondale, scott, Kona, Niner, Santa Cruz, Ibis, Salsa, t hese are all good.

sony1492 > DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back
02/01/2019 at 18:15

It was a legitimate question since I dont know about bikes not a snarky rhetorical

CaptDale - is secretly British > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 18:36

Cool thanks!

DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back > sony1492
02/01/2019 at 18:41

And I’m making a legitimate comparison. I apologize if I came across as snarky.

We’re talking about two ends of a price range in both categories. 10 grand basically buys you a bike very similar to what pro cyclists use and is the best you can get of every component. Carbon everything; only the lightest and most finely tuned of components.

Similarly if you were to spend $ 150k on a car I’m sure you would expect the best of everything to be equipped on the vehicle.

Not too many people go and buy $10k bikes though. Most people who are fairly serious and have money to burn settle somewhere around the $ 5-6.5k mark which nets you mostly top shelf components and a carbon frame.

dumpsterfire! > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 18:44

I’ve got more carbon on skinny wheels than any of my 4 wheel fleet

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 20:05

You can buy a very nice brand new motorcycle for less than the epic. Bike prices are insane.

I still want a new one though. My salsa is great but I’m not 100% happy with how it fits me, even after making adjustments and trying different stems.

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 22:07

I've certainly spent more on bicycles than on cars in the last decade...but then we did go from two bikes to seven...and I've sold three!

atfsgeoff > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/01/2019 at 23:40

Damn, and I thought my Lynskey was expensive!

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > BeaterGT
02/02/2019 at 00:20

If I get a hard tail it will be carbon, if I get a epic dually it will be aluminum, since the carbon starts at $4200!