Bicycle Shopping: What Do We Expect?

Last week, I wrote about my sister's search for a basic, comfortable roadbike and in the post I explained that she is looking for a "normal" bike - That is, for a bike that is neither vintage, nor classic, nor lugged, nor artisanal - just a regular bike in the sense that one could walk into a bicycle shop off the street and buy it for a reasonable price. Once again I thank you all for the feedback, which was immensely helpful, and I will post an update regarding what bike she ends up getting. But on a separate note, I was intrigued by the category of replies that "pathologized" the way I described my sister's criteria - a few even questioning whether she ought to be buying a bike at all under the circumstances. Those comments made me think about expectations when it comes to bicycle shopping. And frankly, I think that "we" - i.e. those of us who are "into" bicycles, and especially into classic and vintage bicycles - can be out of touch with what people who "just want a bike" expect. Here are some of my observations about first time bike buyers' expectations that I've gathered from personal conversations and reader emails over the past two years:



It's toocomplicated

I think it is accurate to say that most people off to buy their first bicycle as an adult initially expect for the experience to be fairly simple. They envision being able to walk into a bike shop, to ask for some advice, and to walk out with a nice shiny bike. And I don't think that this attitude makes them "lazy" or "not committed to cycling." I think it is an entirely normal and healthy attitude. Unfortunately, hopes for simplicity are all too frequently crushed as bicycle shopping turns frustrating. The bicycles suggested at bike shops are often uncomfortable or otherwise unappealing, and the customer does not know how to express what exactly does not feel right. Purchasing a bicycle should be simple. But I believe that both bicycle shops and the industry at large are out of touch with what customers actually need.



It's too expensive

I receive lots of emails from people looking to buy their first bike, and the figure $500 comes up over and over again as theupperlimit of their budget - regardless of how well off the person is. While that expectation is unrealistic, I think that from the customer's point of view - assuming that they are not familiar with the industry - it is reasonable. Once they get to know the market a little better, chances are that they will come to terms with spending considerably more on a bike than they initially expected to. I blame this discrepancy on the industry and not on the customer being "cheap." In theory, large manufacturers could churn out attractive and functional bikes for $500, but for a variety of reasons, they do not.



I don't want to be a bike expert, I just want to rideI hear this one repeatedly, and I agree. Wanting to buy a bike should not require one to become an expert in bikes first. There is a difference between cycling and being "into bicycles," and it is perfectly normal to be the former without becoming the latter.

The fact is, that those of us who enjoy customising bicycles, building up bicycles from the frame up, hunting for rare parts and refurbishing vintage bikes, seeking out unique and unusual bicycles that are only available in specialty shops, and so on... are not in the majority, and I think we need to respect that. Most people - even those who are excited about cycling - just want to go to a "regular" bike shop, buy a bike, ride it without problems, and fiddle as little with it as possible. There is nothing wrong with that, and I think it would be misguided of me to try and convince everyone I meet that my preferences are "better." And in fact I don't think they are better; they are just different.



I would venture to say that a large percentage of would-be cyclists in North America are turned off from cycling by the discrepancy between their expectations and their actual experiences, when it comes to buying their first bicycle. And it seems to me that rather than blame the "victim," it would be more useful to rethink how the bicycle industry approaches potential customers. I have spoken to way too many people at this point who've told me that they'd love to cycle but are having terrible luck finding a bike. And that just isn't right.

Such a Flirt!

Each time we visit the Wildlife Refuge, the ostriches amuse me. They can be busy doing whatever, and when they see us they always make their way over to the fence. Which is quite different than every other animal there.



They remind me of Ambir when she was young because they just move closer and closer posing for the camera.



And with their beautiful lashes, they end up looking like quite the flirt! I'm ready for my close up, Mr. Deville!



Living the life in Florida!

The homeboys and girls!

Gwain above the difficut crack, Sept.'78.





Not really home...or even close. But a great effort by some friends on the Eiger the last few weeks. All fast one day climbs! Congrads to all six. I suspect they (Colin and Nils already do) will all have some great photos up soon. Jon as always packed his huge SLR on route. Check'um out.







Will Sim and Jon Griffith



Nice hammer on that Nomic :-)



http://www.alpineexposures.com/blogs/chamonix-conditions



http://willsim.blogspot.com/



Caroline and Adam George...



http://intothemountains.com/



http://carolinegeorge.blogspot.com/



http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/SwissMiss/



Colin and Nils



Colin Haley Photo



http://colinhaley.blogspot.com//04/verte-courtes-doites-eiger.html



http://www.alpineaddiction.no/?tag=eiger

Classic Spring skiing in the PNW.

Skiing theMuir snow field into the Nisqually chutes and lower Nisqually glacier to the bridge is a Cascadeclassic. The bridge is seen in the distance@ 3900'. The picture was taken from around 5000 feet. Muir is at 10,000'. 5 mile and 5000' gain on the skin upfor less than an hourrun down on moderate terrain early in the season.




Perspective on the size of things..










photo courtesy of unknown author via the internet






Below, looking back at the upper half







and down the Nisqually Chutes,mid section of the run.









and looking back at the majority of terrain skied from bridge level......likely close to 6000 vert showing here.








Likely as closeas you'll get to The Vallee Blanche off-pisteski routein the CONUS. Starting from the Aiguille du Midithe Vallee Blanche is 17km long with a vertical descent of 2800m. Muir down is 9km and 1900m. Addthe summit of Columbia Crest and you get 13km and 3200m to the bridge. Easy enough to make some comparison by those numbers.



Even on a busy day, skiing Rainier will seem likea wilderness and the food dismal in comparison to the Vallee Blanche. Either way both runsare well worth the effort. Different for sure but fun in their own ways. Be a whole lot less folks skiing the Vallee Blanchewith out the Midi tram.

Water Slide Fun

Today we hit the water slide here at the park. There is just not much that is better for summer fun than this!

Northern Lights!

Last night before going to bed I saw that the aurora index was rising and that there was an expected CME impact to occur overnight, so I decided to head out and see what I could see. The lights were pretty good as soon as I left the house, but faded quickly. I decided to stay out until at least midnight since the lights often flare up around then, and sure enough they did! Between midnight and 1:00 AM there was a pretty spectacular show, with dancing lights directly overhead and somewhat to the south as well. By 1:00 AM the clouds had moved in and the lights were no longer visible. It sure felt good to photograph the aurora again, as it has been way too long since I've seen a good display such as this!

Mackinac Island~The Island

Today we drove up to visit Mackinac Island. I have wanted to visit here for years so I was very excited to be finally doing this trip! The weather was just perfect and the island was just gorgeous. This is definitely one of my favorite things we have done so far! We had a great day and lots of fun together.



Mackinac Island is an island covering 3.8square miles in land area, part of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is located in Lake Huron, at the eastern end of the Straits of Mackinac, between the state's Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The island was home to a Native American settlement before European exploration began in the 17th century. It served a strategic position amidst the commerce of the Great Lakes fur trade. This led to the establishment of Fort Mackinac on the island by the British during the American Revolutionary War. It was the scene of two battles during the War of 1812.



In the late 19th century, Mackinac Island became a popular tourist attraction and summer colony. Much of the island has undergone extensive historical preservation and restoration; as a result, the entire island is listed as a National Historic Landmark. It is well known for its numerous cultural events; its wide variety of architectural styles, including the famous Victorian Grand Hotel; its fudge; and its ban on almost all motor vehicles. More than 80percent of the island is preserved as Mackinac Island State Park.