As an avid cyclist I would challenge the below statement:
“The want to build a business on the idea of selling $1000 bicycles with no advanced features. There are a lot of companies that do this.”
– These bicycles most certainly do have “advanced features” in that all of the components are high grade and USA sourced. The beauty, reliability, and strength-to-weight ratio of a hand-built steel lugged bicycle frame are undeniably “advanced” features.
– There are NOT a lot of companies that do this. If you look at larger bicycle manufacturers, they skimp on components in this price range. It is nearly impossible to find a bicycle with a frame build of this quality, with quality USA components and this fit and finish in this price point from a large manufacturer.
While the marketing and look of the website and bicycles clearly has an artistic flair, ‘cute’ is a fairly dismissive and diminutive to be using. I actually think it is very business-savvy. What you see as ‘cute’ is actually tapping into an idea and aesthetic that is very contemporary and – marketable. There is a shift toward interest in local sourcing and quality crafting that makes this a very viable business plan.
Why do you think J.Crew now has a selection option for “Made in the USA”? It’s not just for middle American union members anymore.
I want one of those racing bikes. I bet it’s so reliable being made by hand rather than the cheap mass produced ones.
Apr 2nd, 2013 / 3:34 pm
Sounds great, looks great and i would like to say it feels great, who knows. Honest price for a hand made bike!
Apr 2nd, 2013 / 3:47 pm
I love it so much ♥
Apr 2nd, 2013 / 5:20 pm
This is cute and all, but is this an actual business model?
The want to build a business on the idea of selling $1000 bicycles with no advanced features. There are a lot of companies that do this.
If this was an investment opportunity would you buy in?
Is it anything more than cute?
Apr 5th, 2013 / 5:24 am
I certainly would buy in!
As an avid cyclist I would challenge the below statement:
“The want to build a business on the idea of selling $1000 bicycles with no advanced features. There are a lot of companies that do this.”
– These bicycles most certainly do have “advanced features” in that all of the components are high grade and USA sourced. The beauty, reliability, and strength-to-weight ratio of a hand-built steel lugged bicycle frame are undeniably “advanced” features.
– There are NOT a lot of companies that do this. If you look at larger bicycle manufacturers, they skimp on components in this price range. It is nearly impossible to find a bicycle with a frame build of this quality, with quality USA components and this fit and finish in this price point from a large manufacturer.
While the marketing and look of the website and bicycles clearly has an artistic flair, ‘cute’ is a fairly dismissive and diminutive to be using. I actually think it is very business-savvy. What you see as ‘cute’ is actually tapping into an idea and aesthetic that is very contemporary and – marketable. There is a shift toward interest in local sourcing and quality crafting that makes this a very viable business plan.
Why do you think J.Crew now has a selection option for “Made in the USA”? It’s not just for middle American union members anymore.
May 22nd, 2013 / 1:58 pm