More and more, I think people feel like if they aren't getting a "deal" they are suckers or chumps. Often, what they don't realize is that the old adage "you can't get something for nothing" still holds true. I've had people come in wanting my opinion on some internet or mail-order carbon framed, dura ace equipped bike that basically costs what the gruppo should retail for. Now, I'm no genius, but if the cost of the bike is equal to the cost of the parts, then you're getting a carbon fiber frame for free. Well, exactly how good is a free carbon fiber frame?
It is interesting the sort of almost adversarial dynamic that people can take towards their local bike shop. Now, I'm not commenting on your local IBD, but speaking for our shop, we try to view every customer as a potential relationship. Some of those relationships are that of a person we want to go riding with, others are people that we just want to see out on a bike, cruising the greenway (one more person on a bike is a good thing!). As a bike shop owner, it can be disheartening, almost heartbreaking, when you begin to see that customers are more interested in the "deal" than the long-term relationship. I guess I'm naive, but I see the bike shop as the hub of a community; a community of people with a shared interest or passion, even. One thing is a certain and immutable truth for any cyclist: at some point, your local bike shop will save your butt. Whether it's advice, catching some difficult to spot, dangerous issue or just having (or getting) a part that you need, your bike shop will (hopefully) always try to prove itself worthy of your loyalty.
Alright, my pick for the green jersey winner for the 2007 Tour de France is:
Yes, Sean "the cannibal" Kelly. Sure, Boonen has like 20 years on him, but Kelly is the type of guy who can get things done. I'm choosing experience over youth on this one. Plus, the Skil-Shimano team still uses the same kit. Kelly could just wear the old wool and acrylic and fit right in. Plus, at his age he should be able to get a TUE for human growth hormone. And just imagine what the guy could do on a modern carbon frame. I mean, come on, the guy sprinted like a demon on Vitus (nee Alan) carbon frames; frames whose stiffness could best be described as al dente.
Sure I'm joking(?), but I think Basso is just the tip of a big ol', hopped up iceberg. It is going to be interesting just seeing who is eligible to start the Tour. In the coming days, I'll tell you why I think 2007 could finally be Raymond "the eternal second" Poulidor's year to finally win.
3 comments:
What is the price of sustaining an economy? Say you buy a bike for the best of reasons (no carbon emissions and no high gas prices), but you make this purchase at a big box store. Sorry, but chances are that frame and components were made by peasants in horrendous sweatshops, working for pennies, 7 days a week with only one week off per year to see their families. Said bike frame was made in a factory that has no regulations to obey regarding any waste they generate. Said frame was placed in a box, in a container, trucked to a dock, and this container was put on a ship to make its way to our fair shores, belching diesel the entire way. All this just to save a couple of bucks. Who puts this bike together? Someone making minimum wage who is just doing it to pass the time until they punch out.
Buy locally, keep your dollars in the community. Local bike shop denizens actually care about your bike and you. If there is a problem, they can fix it. they can give you information to keep your enjoyment up, which keeps you on the bike longer and that in turn makes you healthier.
Plus, big box stores don't have Groms.
Word!!
I just wish that someone had the (Boy Parts) to publish the full list of all the riders that have ben implicated in the whole Dr. Fungus affair that they call Puerto. Then maybe someone would know what is going on. I mean there is Contador still racing for Discovery and the whole Unibet team can't start any of the ASO races?
As my Hero Patrick O'Grady would say Bull (Bleep)
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