Just how crucial to road cycling is THE BRAND ?

meesterbond

I think it's fair to surmise that the conversation didn't actually happen as described and that the Hope light will still be working long after the Chinese knock-off has caught fire and died.

ShutUpLegs

Has Raffles turned in to Ssscrudddy?

FlacVest

iPete wrote:

Yes Hope, that famous brand that churns our rubbish and relies on it's name :roll:

I'd rather a product with a proven history and great after sales support that does most of its work in the UK but each to their own.

I'm also yet to meet the above described person, do they really exist or are they only made up on forums to make a moot point?

You'd be surprised, although, on the internet, people tend to blow them up to be bigger than they are; they turn it into a "he's this huge jerk wad and thought he had me, but then I stood by my morals and won because I'm a good person" story.

But I've met guys who like to slide in that they have a "Trek Madone five point two" and that they're current ride (what they're riding on the trail when I see them) is nothing compared to that, and that it's so much faster and everything.

But I think people who are less capable put more emphasis on the brand, rather than just letting the performance speak for itself. I'll go on rides with random guys, they'll bring up that they have a much better bike, and then they're getting dropped and talking about cramps and whatnot.

I do love brands; I ride a Specialized 05 Allez and just today bought a matching red/black Specialized S3 helmet; I also try and buy Castelli clothing. However, I wouldn't dare try to brag about any of that, because there are guys who ride 30 lb steel bikes who could rip my legs off if they wanted.

But to close this drawn-out post, the "good" people who really enjoy cycling tend to have what they have, but they don't talk about it as if it's an object, or a trophy to laud over others. They talk about how long they've had it, what they've changed, and are actually interested in what stories you have to tell as well.

But to drill the topic question home: yes, brands matter. Aesthetics matter, which is why every modern company has a high end model with a Black/Red color scheme, be it wheels or frames.

Anonymous

People like Raffles and Ssscrudddy always seem to show their true colours within their own posts.

Ssscrudddy, your second line started "'fancy' clothes & clipped footwear"
What was 'fancy' about them? Did the jersey have golden braid or fluted collars? Big brass buckles on his shoes?
He was just wearing normal cycling gear as I see it.

The guy might have been a complete ar5e, but it seems you would have had a problem with him even if he had turned out to be the nicest guy in the world. He offended you before he left his house!

sloppyschleckonds

SKY seem to be doing well with their Branding