Fascinating thread. There's a new bike line from Decathlon which took several years to design and manufacture, and folks who've only read a web page and seen a photo comment on design issues, sturdiness etc. THere's even a criticism that the pricier version (although never seen before at that price point) being rigged with many parts that are considered on the websphere as being excellent, is less good than the cheaper version!!!!
Decathlon has become the #1 bicycle seller over the years and in markets they serve. THere is a good reason. Their recipe has been the same from the start:
1) design their own products by people who practice the sport
2) determine the value proposition including price point which will make a market segment reach way beyond what it is currently. In other words, sell products that grow the market significantly beyond its current base (which explains that other competitors usually benefit too)
3) not let themselves be bound by the established conventions in that sport
4) not only design products, but work with manufacturers on the manufacturing process to reach the specified outcome, both technical and business
5) commit on the long term to ensure products are improved over time
They have started to do this on bikes and they have very quickly become in France (where they started) the #1 volume seller. Their 90s Rockrider MTBs (steel frame) is still very sought after on the second hand market for building heavy duty touring bikes.
They have done it in so many sports but the iconic product they have done it is camping with their "2 seconds tent".
They are now coming to bike touring and bikepacking.
Just like before, people who consider themselves "experts" are nit picking and criticizing. Decathlon couldn't care less because they never focus on the existing niche's specialists. They care about reaching new customers. And I believe they will change the market with this offering again.
Now we even have detailed information about what they have done during these 4 years because they chose to share very early about their endeavour. One can see the changes they've made. In spite of that, some comments
Not sure I would trust that carrier to any heavy loads. all the weight on that single tube with a turning moment tugging away at where it is attached to the main frame
make me wonder about human psychology.
Now what I think of this product line launch.
I think this new bike line is excellent for everyone. The problem we face today in the bike industry is that there are way too many brands. It is very difficult to differentiate, therefore marketing becomes of the essence. Money must be put into marketing if one wants to sell instead of being given back to customers in the form of lower prices or into true useful innovation. Now non specialists potential buyers have been lured into thinking that the price of a bike shows how good it is. As a result, bikes are way overpriced. It's a vicious circle: small brands think they can have a go even if they can't sell the volumes required to get prices down. They design a bike (very easy to do with CAD systems nowadays), have it build overseas, buy components from brands that have managed to establish themselves as critical in the value chain with items that are hugely expensive, especially for small volume buyers.
Decathlon comes in and they help put things back where they should be price-wise. I find it great that bespoke bikes exists. But truly, there should be a much bigger price difference between bespoke bikes and mid to high range "standard" (industrially built) bikes. Now Decathlon dials down what a good bike should cost. For the small companies, I understand it's going to be hard. But for the market, its sound to have products priced somehow in relation to what it costs to design, build, ship and sell. Again, if you compare the prices of bikes to even prices of cars you'd think that a properly manufactured bike should not cost more than what the new Decathlon line costs. It's "proper value". The "great value" comment that I see used shows how much we've become accustomed to over-priced bikes. I have no doubt Decathlon turns a good profit at this price point.
What I think about the bikeI don't like sloping frames that much.
I hope this frame can accept "standard" racks". I think it's great that they engineer the bike with rack from the start, but for me one of the key points every bike let alone a touring bike must have is versatility.
I prefer the aesthetic of thin steel tubes so I'm not fond of the bike's looks.
I find it great that they design other parts such as handlebars (although I wouldn't want to use the one on the 920).
The next step: bikepacking bags and panniersThat is excellent news. I've been mortified by the prices asked for good and durable panniers and bikepacking gear.
Again, garage-made gear is good for those who want unique gear and agree to pay the price. I don't care. My gear is not myself. I don't post on Instagram. I want bike touring rig at a price level that matches what can be had for backpacks or other outdoor basic equipment. If one compares a set of panniers to a backpack, there is less material, less sewing, less of most everything and yet it costs more? Forget bikepacking. Only Chinese brands on large on-line store sells gear at "normal price"!
Decathlon will bring a new product line and I hope it's going to help more folks get into traveling by bike and not put a huge price barrier to entry.
I did the math once on the whole bike price issue. I checked back in time and compared how much bike the minimum wage monthly salary could get me. The result is stunning. In the seventies, the relative quality (comparison between entry-level and high level) bike one could get was far better back then than now. This in spite of the work being mostly done in far-away cheap labor countries, robots, CAD systems and all sorts of innovations that make manufacturing a bike easier, quicker and cheaper. The reason is very simple: money goes elsewhere: executives, marketing etc. Decathlon is good because it brings volume into the equation and prices their products n a way that expands the market. But it also helps because by doing so it makes other brands get their acts together.
I will not buy Decathlon's new line because what I have is just fine for me to enjoy bike touring. I don't need more. But I think it's fantastic for people getting into bike touring. My son wants to get into MTB Bikepacking and he could not believe the prices of the rig from the Apidura's of the market. Neither could I.