I've worked in the trade for years...ask me anything
Discussion
Croutons said:
Why are ridgebacks so expensive?
Why, when they cut out the middle man, are whatever the make is that is Evans Cycles' own brand, not cheaper?
When will someone on a major tour be found with a power assistance device?
See my thread on what I should buy for £1136 retail.
Ridgebacks? They used to be sold in Gratton catalogues... Why, when they cut out the middle man, are whatever the make is that is Evans Cycles' own brand, not cheaper?
When will someone on a major tour be found with a power assistance device?
See my thread on what I should buy for £1136 retail.
Evans are not recognised as a proper bike shop (by people in the trade).... Just a 'multi-national' like Halfords. Sure they sell bikes...
Power assisted device? You mean drugs, right?
£1136... Bit of an odd number.
k about?Ridgeback aren't a big 'brand', their volume of sales won't be anything like the big boys (GIANT, SPESH, TREK etc) so their buying power isn't as big when it comes to speccing components, bigger the buyer, bigger the discount. This gets passed down.
Shops pay Cycle to Work schemes a premium per bike.... So they'll try and sell you either a new bike that isn't discounted, or one they're stuck with.
I'll check your thread.
Shops pay Cycle to Work schemes a premium per bike.... So they'll try and sell you either a new bike that isn't discounted, or one they're stuck with.
I'll check your thread.
GREENI said:
Evans are not recognised as a proper bike shop (by people in the trade).... Just a 'multi-national' like Halfords. Sure they sell bikes...
I don't think anyone who knows what they're talking about would describe Evans (or Halfords) as a 'multi-national'.And to answer the question, they may make some savings from creating their own brand, but still need to do all the things a brand would normally do for them. So that means designing the bikes, sourcing the parts and factories, quality control, shipping, warehousing, marketing, legal stuff, warranty and spares backup etc. So they take on a lot of other expenses and need a team to do all that.
And as mentioned the volumes will be lower than the big brands being sold through more dealers and across the globe. It does give them great control on having exactly the product they want for their stores and customers, which global brands might not be able to offer.
What is wrong with Evans and Halfords? My local Halfords is well run, by knowledgeable and friendly people, and my mate's Boardman MTB was well specced for the price, and was also well set up. I was only in the trade for ten years though, so what do I know. I've got a proper job now.
Greg66 said:
Wheelsets. Clincher, tub, tubeless. Carbon or al. Deep, medium or shallow.
Everyday use.
Which one and why?
Clincher. Versatility, you puncture, you replace the tube. Everyday use.
Which one and why?
Back in the 80's I rode to The Netherlands and back on tubs....I punctured too many times and ran out of tubs. Stopping and pumping up a tub, then riding until it was flat, pump it up etc got tiring, real quick.
Nothing wrong with carbon rims, I've seen them with holes ripped in them and still true as a true thing.
I prefer alloy rims, eyeleted, brass nipples and stainless spokes, hand built of course.
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