Another bike company goes direct to consumer - Yeti

[mtbiker87]

So you picked the easiest of the three - assembly - and ignored the most important - fit and service.

Service and assembly are pretty much the same skill set, Especially on road bikes, due to lack of suspension components, which admittedly, could be a bit complicated for some. They are really not very complicated machines. My comment was more directed at the lack of basic mechanical skills in the general public, which for someone of your age, quite suprises me, as I tend to attribute that more to the younger generations. And to the fact that if you are using something that could possibly hurt you if not correctly maintained, or leave you stranded someplace potentially far from home, it would certainly be a sensible expectation for the rider able to complete at least simple repairs, or assembly of critical components on their own. You could almost call it a responsibility, as much as a nessessity. After all , there is no AAA plan for bicycles, and no SAG support for a casual ride. In other words....everyone should stop being entitled idiots, and learn how to fix their own shit !!!

 

[Santapez]

Service and assembly are pretty much the same skill set, Especially on road bikes, due to lack of suspension components, which admittedly, could be a bit complicated for some. They are really not very complicated machines. My comment was more directed at the lack of basic mechanical skills in the general public, which for someone of your age, quite suprises me, as I tend to attribute that more to the younger generations. And to the fact that if you are using something that could possibly hurt you if not correctly maintained, or leave you stranded someplace potentially far from home, it would certainly be a sensible expectation for the rider able to complete at least simple repairs, or assembly of critical components on their own. You could almost call it a responsibility, as much as a nessessity. After all , there is no AAA plan for bicycles, and no SAG support for a casual ride. In other words....everyone should stop being entitled idiots, and learn how to fix their own shit !!!

AAA membership includes rides for bicycle breakdowns

 

[mtbiker87]

AAA membership includes rides for bicycle breakdowns

Guess I need to re read the paperwork, as I am a AAA member. Thanks for correcting me, and better informing us. But I'm guessing that's not going to apply to MTB though ? Either way...I stand by the thought that if you ride, you should learn how to work on your machine. At least the basics. Having ridden with both you and your wife, I'm fairly certain that both of you understand how to fix and maintain things.

 

[serviceguy]

Guess I need to re read the paperwork, as I am a AAA member. Thanks for correcting me, and better informing us. But I'm guessing that's not going to apply to MTB though ? Either way...I stand by the thought that if you ride, you should learn how to work on your machine. At least the basics. Having ridden with both you and your wife, I'm fairly certain that both of you understand how to fix and maintain things.

As someone that first built his bike from scratch and has yet to ride it as it is meant to be I respectfully disagree. If @rick81721 wants to depend on others for fixing his bike I don’t see why he shouldn’t. We drive cars that we can’t fix ourselves most of the time anyway, regardless how mechanically inclined we are, there’s worse than having to walk out of the woods with a flat tire. That’s my take on it. That said, I wish I could make a decent living for me and my wife working at a bike shop, but I'm stuck with my 12 hours a day stressful indoor job for the rest of my life, so I’m not a big fan of the direct to consumer model, ironically I don’t like most of those bikes anyway.

 

[Patrick]

Bike shops are intimidating to the new rider. Maybe even the intermediate rider.

The amount of information that can be consumed in the expanded time sitting at a computer is tolerable,
vs an hour in the shop where the info comes in a huge wave.
Problem is, ya don't know what ya don't know.

I'm in a different boat here. I trust Jason, Jim, and Dennis. If they say to "get this one" that is the one i get.
Kinda simple. For repairs, if i tinker with it for more than an hour, and can't fix it, it goes to the shop.
(i haven't purchased a new bike since the Tallboy, so i'm due!)

speaking of which, the spokes started singing on the fatbike - time to get that dt350 laced in.

 

[Captain Brainstorm]

Bike shops are intimidating to the new rider. Maybe even the intermediate rider.

The amount of information that can be consumed in the expanded time sitting at a computer is tolerable,
vs an hour in the shop where the info comes in a huge wave.
Problem is, ya don't know what ya don't know.

I'm in a different boat here. I trust Jason, Jim, and Dennis. If they say to "get this one" that is the one i get.
Kinda simple. For repairs, if i tinker with it for more than an hour, and can't fix it, it goes to the shop.
(i haven't purchased a new bike since the Tallboy, so i'm due!)

speaking of which, the spokes started singing on the fatbike - time to get that dt350 laced in.

I’m in an in between situation. I know what I want through years of trial and error, however my LBS (who I love dearly), carry’s a limited brand selection, and I can fix most things (I won’t touch suspension). I’m a good customer though, so we’ve come to an understanding. I buy my bike wherever, they fix it when I break it, and they sell me accessories and whatnot at a competitive price. Can I get them cheaper on the internet? Sure, but I like those guys, they take care of me, so I’ll gladly spend a couple of bucks more with them. I’ll only go to the internet if they absolutely cannot get something.

 

[rick81721]

Service and assembly are pretty much the same skill set, Especially on road bikes, due to lack of suspension components, which admittedly, could be a bit complicated for some. They are really not very complicated machines. My comment was more directed at the lack of basic mechanical skills in the general public, which for someone of your age, quite suprises me, as I tend to attribute that more to the younger generations. And to the fact that if you are using something that could possibly hurt you if not correctly maintained, or leave you stranded someplace potentially far from home, it would certainly be a sensible expectation for the rider able to complete at least simple repairs, or assembly of critical components on their own. You could almost call it a responsibility, as much as a nessessity. After all , there is no AAA plan for bicycles, and no SAG support for a casual ride. In other words....everyone should stop being entitled idiots, and learn how to fix their own shit !!!

My philosophy is to defer to experts - I could buy all the tools and learn to do it but have better things to do. Plus I want to give my local bike shops business. When I have a problem with my car, I take it to a certified mechanic. If I have a medical issue, I go to a doctor. Home appliances - expert. the old adage: "he who acts as his own doctor has a fool for a patient" holds true for pretty much everything. You might learn this when you get older. Or maybe not.

 

[stb222]

Yeti bikes are basically the same price as every other high end bike (santa cruz, pivot, top models of trek and specialized, etc). They just don't have aluminum versions for "entry level". All bikes are completely over priced. I think $5,000 should get you the best of the best. Go on any bike brand website and you will find top end models for 10-12K. Its not just yeti, they are all a huge rip off

I disagree about yeti being the same price; for a frameset (frame/shock), the comparable yeti model to my pivot Mach 5.5 is $1000 MORE. Part of that is the extra shock thing in their suspension design and the other is paying for the name. It really makes you wonder what that extra $1000 is getting you. Almost no way it rides that much better.

Either way, cycling is become less and less affordable. I understand the brands are doing anything to survive, how about making products that are more affordable.

 

[mtbiker87]

My philosophy is to defer to experts - I could buy all the tools and learn to do it but have better things to do. Plus I want to give my local bike shops business. When I have a problem with my car, I take it to a certified mechanic. If I have a medical issue, I go to a doctor. Home appliances - expert. the old adage: "he who acts as his own doctor has a fool for a patient" holds true for pretty much everything. You might learn this when you get older. Or maybe not.

The experts just admitted that they spend as much time on the phone as they do working on bikes ! What I have learned as I've gotten older ( I'm 53 if that matters ) is that I save a hell of a lot of money by doing most things myself, and keep my mind sharp by learning new things in process. I also save time by not waiting for a shop to slog through a backlog of work before they get to my bike. A back log somewhat caused by haggling with company reps over annoying warranty claims, as stated by a shopkeep himself. This is not an anti shop rant. I have a good relationship with my local shops, and have no problems paying for things that can be time consuming, and not time sensitive, such building wheels, and internal suspension work. But it makes no sense for even the most casual of rider not to have a basic mechanical understanding of how his machine works, and how to repair it in the field. Good thing you never owned a model T back in day Rick, you'd have been screwed !

 

[rick81721]

The experts just admitted that they spend as much time on the phone as they do working on bikes ! What I have learned as I've gotten older ( I'm 53 if that matters ) is that I save a hell of a lot of money by doing most things myself, and keep my mind sharp by learning new things in process. I also save time by not waiting for a shop to slog through a backlog of work before they get to my bike. A back log somewhat caused by haggling with company reps over annoying warranty claims, as stated by a shopkeep himself. This is not an anti shop rant. I have a good relationship with my local shops, and have no problems paying for things that can be time consuming, and not time sensitive, such building wheels, and internal suspension work. But it makes no sense for even the most casual of rider not to have a basic mechanical understanding of how his machine works, and how to repair it in the field. Good thing you never owned a model T back in day Rick, you'd have been screwed !

Lots of assumptions in your response. Another adage comes to mind - penny wise, pound foolish.

 

[mtbiker87]

I disagree about yeti being the same price; for a frameset (frame/shock), the comparable yeti model to my pivot Mach 5.5 is $1000 MORE. Part of that is the extra shock thing in their suspension design and the other is paying for the name. It really makes you wonder what that extra $1000 is getting you. Almost no way it rides that much better.

Either way, cycling is become less and less affordable. I understand the brands are doing anything to survive, how about making products that are more affordable.

We do some of this to ourselves. I've ridden some these "wonder bikes " and at the end of day, see little advantage over my Cotic FlareMax, or any other modern, mid level bike, from any manufacturer. Owning a Yeti, or any "boutique" brand, is more of an ego stroke, than anything else.After around 3 or 4k, the actual performance gains of spending more levels off dramatically. And even if there was, most of the riders buying these things are not even capable of taking advantage of the extra performance these higher priced models claim to offer. It's just the age 'ol " mine is bigger/better/ cost more than yours" game, and enough folks are willing to still pay these exorbitant prices to play it. When we finally grow up, stop playing along, prices will come back to earth. Or the manufacturers charging them will go under. Either way.... problem solved.

 

[mtbiker87]

Lots of assumptions in your response. Another adage comes to mind - penny wise, pound foolish.

No assumptions. Just personal experience. Your addages only work if doing your own work costs you more than paying someone else to do it. In my case it does not. But if in your case it does, than I agree with you that you're better off having someone else do it for you. But I'll leave an old saying for you as well. " A fool and his money are soon parted " as only the foolish, or the extraordinary wealthy, would pay someone else to do something they are capable of doing themselves.

 

[Johnny Utah]

I am still trying to figure out how my 50 State Street Legal Motorcycle costs less than many high end bikes. I understand economies of scale but it is pretty ridiculous. 3500 miles in and nothing but $25 oil changes and cleaning an air filter.

Then the bike industry will move geometry numbers a few degrees or change rim/tire size and a $10k bike is basically worth 20% of what I spent on it in three years ago followed by little to no support for whatever that trend was parts wise. Kind of ridiculous. I see the model as constantly selling the latest and greatest - but the change in the technology vs. what you get really isn’t worth IMHO - maybe with e-bikes right now but not pedal bikes.

At the end of the day my uncles 30 year old Serotta still works fine - the industry just does not want him to believe that.

If chasing the high dollar new tech bike keeps you riding - kudos. I do not see the return on investment for the average rider. Maybe a supporting reason for such growth in e-bikes and scooters?

As for shops - the are great. As a former wrench at a shop for several years as well as a builder of cars, I don’t work on my bikes as much as I used to. I tend to drop them off and support the shop and apply my time elsewhere - it leaves me more time to ride my bike or other activities.

I do think the shops will be around for quite some time - but those without Stellar service may face a tough road ahead. While COVID was great for shops - it was also a detriment. It brought a lot of people to shops as well as back to bikes - but they were met with an industry that could not support demand, was plagued with wait times as well as staff that was overworked. This lead to a negative experience for a lot of people who likely aren’t going to be a repeat customer anytime soon.

Maybe the direct sales will burn them in time. Or electric bikes/scooters and tic tok dances will kill the bicycle in the States forever.

 

[Johnny Utah]

No assumptions. Just personal experience. Your addages only work if doing your own work costs you more than paying someone else to do it. In my case it does not. But if in your case it does, than I agree with you that you're better off having someone else do it for you. But I'll leave an old saying for you as well. " A fool and his money are soon parted " as only the foolish, or the extraordinary wealthy, would pay someone else to do something they are capable of doing themselves.

Time > Money

 

[mtbiker87]

Time > Money

I'd agree completely, except in case of those who don't have the money to pay. Or those who don't see saving money as a waste of time. Or those who actually enjoy doing the work themselves, seeing doing the work, and learning new skills as part of the enjoyment.

 

[rick81721]

Time > Money

 

[Patrick]

View attachment 224941

you are all talking about Opportunity Cost.
While it seems to be a choice between time/money/knowledge/capability, it is much more.

In Rick's case, he can drop off his bike, then go fishing, or to a car show, pet the cat, etc.

Arnold may value a bit of alone time with the bikes - as he finds this relaxing, and chooses it.
Or perhaps it is spent showing a kid how to throw around some tools...then when they learn about torque in kollege, it makes sense in a real world kinda way.
This activity is at home, which is also important.
Since he enjoys it, learning about it, building up knowledge and tools over time, he is not missing out on another activity.
While he might prefer some of his equestrian interests at times, and put off a bike repair - that doesn't mean he is missing out on riding...

Yes, time is the most valuable asset. It can not be banked, or expanded.
Yes, you "buy time" when you you pay someone to do something - again, just opportunity cost where $$ is involved.

The choice of how to fill time is personal.

I will now be replacing the gasket on my washing machine for the third time.
It is going to take me less than 30 minutes, and save a couple hundy.
It is raining out - i guess i'm trading off fake riding for appliance repair 😉

Then i'll go get sushi, cause i've never even tried.

 

[Johnny Utah]

you are all talking about Opportunity Cost.
While it seems to be a choice between time/money/knowledge/capability, it is much more.

In Rick's case, he can drop off his bike, then go fishing, or to a car show, pet the cat, etc.

Arnold may value a bit of alone time with the bikes - as he finds this relaxing, and chooses it.
Or perhaps it is spent showing a kid how to do throw around some tools...then when they learn about torque in kollege, it makes sense in a real world kinda way.
This activity is at home, which is also important.
Since he enjoys it, learning about it, building up knowledge and tools over time, he is not missing out on another activity.
While he might prefer some of his equestrian interests at times, and put off a bike repair - that doesn't mean he is missing out on riding...

Yes, time is the most valuable asset. It can not be banked, or expanded.
Yes, you "buy time" when you you pay someone to do something - again, just opportunity cost where $$ is involved.

The choice of how to fill time is personal.

I will now be replacing the gasket on my washing machine for the third time.
It is going to take me less than 30 minutes, and save a couple hundy.
It is raining out - i guess i'm trading off fake riding for appliance repair 😉

Then i'll go get sushi, cause i've never even tried.

 

[serviceguy]

you are all talking about Opportunity Cost.
While it seems to be a choice between time/money/knowledge/capability, it is much more.

In Rick's case, he can drop off his bike, then go fishing, or to a car show, pet the cat, etc.

Arnold may value a bit of alone time with the bikes - as he finds this relaxing, and chooses it.
Or perhaps it is spent showing a kid how to do throw around some tools...then when they learn about torque in kollege, it makes sense in a real world kinda way.
This activity is at home, which is also important.
Since he enjoys it, learning about it, building up knowledge and tools over time, he is not missing out on another activity.
While he might prefer some of his equestrian interests at times, and put off a bike repair - that doesn't mean he is missing out on riding...

Yes, time is the most valuable asset. It can not be banked, or expanded.
Yes, you "buy time" when you you pay someone to do something - again, just opportunity cost where $$ is involved.

The choice of how to fill time is personal.

I will now be replacing the gasket on my washing machine for the third time.
It is going to take me less than 30 minutes, and save a couple hundy.
It is raining out - i guess i'm trading off fake riding for appliance repair 😉

Then i'll go get sushi, cause i've never even tried.

You can change the gasket on my washing machine anytime you want, I won't ask you anything for the sense of accomplishment you'll get from it and the couple of hundy you'll save me!

 

[rick81721]

you are all talking about Opportunity Cost.
While it seems to be a choice between time/money/knowledge/capability, it is much more.

In Rick's case, he can drop off his bike, then go fishing, or to a car show, pet the cat, etc.

Arnold may value a bit of alone time with the bikes - as he finds this relaxing, and chooses it.
Or perhaps it is spent showing a kid how to do throw around some tools...then when they learn about torque in kollege, it makes sense in a real world kinda way.
This activity is at home, which is also important.
Since he enjoys it, learning about it, building up knowledge and tools over time, he is not missing out on another activity.
While he might prefer some of his equestrian interests at times, and put off a bike repair - that doesn't mean he is missing out on riding...

Yes, time is the most valuable asset. It can not be banked, or expanded.
Yes, you "buy time" when you you pay someone to do something - again, just opportunity cost where $$ is involved.

The choice of how to fill time is personal.

I will now be replacing the gasket on my washing machine for the third time.
It is going to take me less than 30 minutes, and save a couple hundy.
It is raining out - i guess i'm trading off fake riding for appliance repair 😉

Then i'll go get sushi, cause i've never even tried.

It's not just opportunity cost. Also expertise - any schmoe can learn to do a half-assed job on a bike. I prefer to have someone who really knows what they are doing to do it right. To mtbike87's other point - yeah he saves money until he crashes because of a bad repair job. Then he doesn't.