Brain Vomit #19 The Best
Who makes the best bikes? Best according to what standard? A $20k bike is not the best bike for a college student racing a cat 4 race. A weight weenie bike is not the best bike option for someone who is overweight and a Time Trial bike is a terrible commuter. As far as a technical standpoint some bikes are better than others as far as how they are made, materials used, research and development. Obviously a $400 Ebay Replica frame is not as good as the $7000 Original. For many reasons other than where it was made. The original frame went through all the steps of designing and promoting the bike, every design element serves a purpose. The imitation all they did was copy it without knowing the real meaning of the designs used in the bike. Now when I get someone with a fake Pinarello trying to justify their purchase and why it was the best option for him. I instantly know where to end the conversation, a sign that tells me to not take this guy's opinions seriously. This is probably a person who wants others to perceive him as someone successful when he’s not at that level yet. it’s only just a cheap trick. While at the same time this increases the perception of someone who can actually afford these luxuries. Why did that guy buy the super expensive set of Lightweights when we know a set of Enve’s will work better? Because the guy on the cheap replicas can’t or won't. That guy is different and his higher status is envied. Same Logic about those Custom Titanium frames you can order from Asia. You are not fooling anyone. A Titanium frame from Bikes Direct would ride the same. Just want to say that you bought a custom bike at a discount. Luxuries are not discounted. And by trying to devalue a framebuilder, a designer, an engineer, a problem solver, a visionary’s work by justifying your purchase. You are devaluing yourself, how others perceive you. Mindless selfish consumerism where his gains come at someone elses loss. The convenient choice, basic consumer behaviour.
My bikes are not as Aerodynamic as Pinarellos, or as light as the newest Specialized. I don’t have a team of athletes winning races on my bikes. I don’t even have a Sprinter van wrapped with my logo or stock bikes you can buy and build. What I do have is a decade of watching all these bikes break and fixing their problems; a decade of learning from their mistakes and coming up with my own solutions; a decade of learning, reinventing myself, staying updated and pulling splinters out of my fingers and killing my lungs for the love of the craft. My bikes may not be the lightest or most aerodynamic but they are built to last. These bikes represent my vision of what the perfect bike should be. Comfortable, Light, durable and timeless. It’s the perfect bike for my clients. The people who see the value in my work and appreciate them like works of art. People with taste.
I don’t expect you to see what I see or agree with me. The bikes that I make may not be the best fit for you. You can always just buy a Specialized or a Canyon. Or better yet, get your old bike repaired. Good for your wallet and the environment, A selfish yet selfless action. A real win/win. The best.