Indeed... or perhaps more correctly the unsustainable, manipulative, debt-fuelled and environtally destructive extreme vision of capitalism that's "evolved" in the post-war western world.
In principle I have no problem with most facets of capitalism ifs implementation is sensible, responsible and fair. Sadly just like everyhing else it's been pushed to a model of maximum profit to the detriment of all involved other than the manufactuers and money lenders
Agreed. We better stop at this point but there is nothing inherently wrong with capitalism though there is much wrong with the way "we" as a society have allowed it to evolve.
Anyway, back to bikes. There is definitely a need for different bikes for different purposes. I
don't need can't justify another bike for some years. My recently upgraded Cervelo meets all my fine weather riding needs and my Kinesis is a great gravel/winter/touring bike.
Barring unforseen circumstances my next purchase will probably be an e-bike. I hope this is at least 4/5 years away. I upgraded the Cervelo in '22 with the specific intention of getting another five years from her. The Kinesis is titanium so may outlive me!
I don't have an issue with spending ££££ on a bike if it fulfills one's needs/wishes. This has always been my approach, I want to achieve xyz, which bike will help me do this? When I do invest in a bike it's always been expensive but I feel justifiable. My Cervelo, now six years old, was £3k, I expect another four years from her. The Kinesis is three years old and I don't forsee a need to replace it in the future. If I compare that with my wife's gym membership at £1000pa it's good value. This not a snipe at her gym membership as calculated on an hourly rate she gets great value. I'm just putting perspective on bike costs.
What I don't understand is people who buy bikes and then discover they've purchased the wrong bike............probably because Chris Froome rides one.
