I was just browsing around...and noticed that Litespeed dropped the prices on their bikes...a big drop actually.
The Ultimate used to go for $3500 is now $2500....I wonder if this is any indication of how well their bikes are selling? For a while there I thought they increased their price too much...a big jump and seriously made Ti bikes unobtainable.
Now at these prices, for the Ultimate, it kinda falls in line with many other competitve bikes out there. Hmmm...wish I had the money and was in the market for an Ultimate 🙁
I think it's indicative of the fairly lousy economic situation for many of the middle-classer's that are the market for them.
I'd say it's a function of competition in this price range, mainly from CF. Ti certainly has it's pluses, and will always have a niche market, but CF has the weight advantage and bling factor going for it that is hard to resist for a lot of move-up buyers. Plus, with the asian production of high-quality CF now established, the cost of CF frames should be dropping further.
I figured people spending $5000 aren't really "middle-classers", but I could be wrong.
Just my view of the world, but if you've got to worry about mortgages, car payments and college funds, last thing you need is a luxury bike. These are for people with extra money to burn.
A buddy of mine got a Litespeed Siena this spring, all decked out with Record and SL wheels. It's a beautiful bike of course, but he already had a nice bike. He freely admits he didn't need it, that he's "got more money than sense." With two good incomes and no kids, he certainly fits the category.
I think it's indicative of the fairly lousy economic situation for many of the middle-classer's that are the market for them.
Nope. Truth is they sponsered Irondonut, after that demand for Ti seemed to go down the toilet. Can't figure out why... Price drops are a simple supply and demand situation.
BTW I hear Carbon Fiber is scarce, odd coincidence... I think not.
Nope. Truth is they sponsered Irondonut, after that demand for Ti seemed to go down the toilet. Can't figure out why... Price drops are a simple supply and demand situation.
BTW I hear Carbon Fiber is scarce, odd coincidence... I think not.
what is Irondonut? is it an ironman event or something?
Gosh I can't believe an event like that would drive up the prices nationally
[quote="dhk"]I figured people spending $5000 aren't really "middle-classers", but I could be wrong.
Just my view of the world, but if you've got to worry about mortgages, car payments and college funds, last thing you need is a luxury bike... QUOTE]
Yeah, BUT. If you really ride a lot and know what you like, why not invest in a great frame that you won't replace every few years? Ya only live once. 🙄
I figured people spending $5000 aren't really "middle-classers", but I could be wrong.
Just my view of the world, but if you've got to worry about mortgages, car payments and college funds, last thing you need is a luxury bike... QUOTE]
Yeah, BUT. If you really ride a lot and know what you like, why not invest in a great frame that you won't replace every few years? Ya only live once. 🙄
And ya can't take it with you...just make sure you don't dip into that college funds for the kids or grocery bills or the mortgage 🙄
This post has diverged a little from the original question ---- (1) The motivation for price reductions is not always easy to figure out unless you're on the inside --- could be inventory clearance ?? or supply and demand like someone else said ?? Marketing wise I think Litespeed made a mistake by agreeing to show their bikes next to Douglas bikes in one of the bike supply catalog magazines -- either Performance, Colorado, or Excel -- can't remember which .
(2) As far as affordability ---- it runs the gamut --- and it's about having "toys" and priorities ---- I've enjoyed bike riding for 35 years --- rode an old Trek touring bike for 20 years ---- when the family was young the priorities were different --- now we're empty nesters --- and I bought a Litespeed with Campy --- good move --- Campy components require very little adjustment day to day ---- but it's also OK if a young "yuppy" couple wants to spend their money on a great bike or bikes !!
