Got your Pinarello T shirt but not the bike?

[Drago]

What does it matter where the frame is made? They're not claiming otherwise and most frames are manufactured in Taiwan in any case.

That's a little disingenuous. Their website it littlered with clever visual references and talk of heritage, and buyers are clearly falling for such vague misdirection as a surprising number do believe theyve bougnt an italian manufactured product. Heritage, or more likely kudos, call it what you will, is in this associated with the brand name that has little if anything to do with the actual product they receive.

It's pretty much a cynical branding exercise.

Here, have a look...

https://pinarello.com/global/en/pinarello-history#:~:text=Giovanni took a small shop,Pinarello knows how – by winning.

Lots of talk of proud Italian history and heritage, not a single mention of being made from Japanese materials by Carbotec in Taiwan.

So if you're happy paying 50% more solely for the brand name with no other tangible benefit in quality, function or performance over their more open and honestly marketed rivals, then youre correct - it doesn't matter at all.

 

[AndyRM]

That's a little disingenuous. Their website it littlered with clever visual references and talk of heritage, and buyers are clearly falling for such vague misdirection as a surprising number do believe theyve bougnt an italian manufactured product. Heritage, or more likely kudos, call it what you will, is in this associated with the brand name that has little if anything to do with the actual product they receive.

It's pretty much a cynical branding exercise.

Here, have a look...

https://pinarello.com/global/en/pinarello-history#:~:text=Giovanni took a small shop,Pinarello knows how – by winning.

Lots of talk of proud Italian history and heritage, not a single mention of being made from Japanese materials by Carbotec in Taiwan.

So if you're happy paying 50% more solely for the brand name with no other tangible benefit in quality, function or performance over their more open and honestly marketed rivals, then youre correct - it doesn't matter at all.

Yeah, I get all that. But you could say pretty much the same for a lot of, if not all "luxury" branded goods.

 

[Emanresu]

Reading an interesting book called "Poorly made in China" written by an American ex-pat who helped US companies outsource to China. Insider look at how the Chinese including Taiwanese Chinese approached the idea of quality and patents. Hint: Get one of the early versions.

Before I read the book, I thought I'd give Aliexpress a trial by purchasing a seatpost. Looked OK until I noticed the seat securing screw wouldn't quite mate with the actual post. If I had used it, I'd be like a nodding dog as I ride along. Won't be repeating the exercise.

 

[wafter]

Yeah, I get all that. But you could say pretty much the same for a lot of, if not all "luxury" branded goods.

Just because many people are on the blag, doesn't make it right though does it?

It seems that most "luxury" brands rampantly take the piss out of their customers and offer very little value / legitimate reason for their obscene pricing.

 

[rogerzilla]

Are Pinarellos high end? They're so common as to be boring!

 

[AndyRM]

Just because many people are on the blag, doesn't make it right though does it?

It seems that most "luxury" brands rampantly take the piss out of their customers and offer very little value / legitimate reason for their obscene pricing.

I didn't say it did. I couldn't give two hoots what people have spent their money on and am well aware of how marketing machines work.

If Pinarello were making outrageous claims about cycling provenance without being able to back them up, I'd have an issue. But they aren't, so I don't see the problem.

Hell, anyone who knows anything about cycling wouldn't go near the Trek brand, or Specialized, but they're massively popular.