Thank you Uncle Dave for again remembering average guys like me for whom riding is a part of \\(and often antidote for\\) an otherwise taxing and maxed out life. In addition to my own needs for high end components that make up for my shortcomings as a rider \\(which are aplenty given I came to this sport a few years ago in my late 40's\\), I also sponsor two kids on full suspension bikes. I want the kids and I to have bikes that we can grow on as we progress, but also in no way can justify the high end bikes that are often in reviews, and can in no way notice the limitations/benefits that are often listed in reviews \\(e.g. flex when entering corners at warp speed, becomes somewhat uncomposed on 89 degree rock faces, didn't explode when dropped 20 feet to flat\\). I still don't know what to do about reviews that say things like "really comes to life at speed" other than think "sh\\*t, there's another bike that an average guy like me won't unlock... where do they keep the feels good even when you're riding like someone who needs to be back at work on Monday to feed the family?"
I loved your review about the Kona Precept a number of years back. You reviewed it exactly as it is \\(especially your rant about the brakes\\)... not high end and with some definite shortcomings, but with a few changes, something that can be a lot of fun to ride and at a price my kid can have dual squish. My son has loved his and my daughter will be growing into it soon. This is the information I need.
I demo'd an Altitude recently and fell in love with it. Set PR's climbing and descending. But I wish Rocky Mountain had an A50 as well as the C70 in their demo fleet because I'd love to see if I could notice a difference that would make a 2K difference in my riding... and even if I could, I doubt I could explain it to the other party in the financial decisions of my family.
I think some of the commentary that "the buyer needs to decide on value" is valid, but I would also love to see more written from the perspective of "I'm already spending more than I should given that the kids need \\\[whatever\\\], is this going to be fun enough to forget my guilt at least while riding?"
Please keep doing more of what you \\(and Andrew\\) are doing to report on the amazing things about bikes, but remembering a large segment of the market that would love the $10K whatever, but is thrilled to be able to get our hands on your cast offs and ride. And if that's not possible, see if Cam wants me to start an "average guy's guide to average bikes and components."
June 5, 2018, 1:11 p.m. - ws
Thank you Uncle Dave for again remembering average guys like me for whom riding is a part of \\(and often antidote for\\) an otherwise taxing and maxed out life. In addition to my own needs for high end components that make up for my shortcomings as a rider \\(which are aplenty given I came to this sport a few years ago in my late 40's\\), I also sponsor two kids on full suspension bikes. I want the kids and I to have bikes that we can grow on as we progress, but also in no way can justify the high end bikes that are often in reviews, and can in no way notice the limitations/benefits that are often listed in reviews \\(e.g. flex when entering corners at warp speed, becomes somewhat uncomposed on 89 degree rock faces, didn't explode when dropped 20 feet to flat\\). I still don't know what to do about reviews that say things like "really comes to life at speed" other than think "sh\\*t, there's another bike that an average guy like me won't unlock... where do they keep the feels good even when you're riding like someone who needs to be back at work on Monday to feed the family?" I loved your review about the Kona Precept a number of years back. You reviewed it exactly as it is \\(especially your rant about the brakes\\)... not high end and with some definite shortcomings, but with a few changes, something that can be a lot of fun to ride and at a price my kid can have dual squish. My son has loved his and my daughter will be growing into it soon. This is the information I need. I demo'd an Altitude recently and fell in love with it. Set PR's climbing and descending. But I wish Rocky Mountain had an A50 as well as the C70 in their demo fleet because I'd love to see if I could notice a difference that would make a 2K difference in my riding... and even if I could, I doubt I could explain it to the other party in the financial decisions of my family. I think some of the commentary that "the buyer needs to decide on value" is valid, but I would also love to see more written from the perspective of "I'm already spending more than I should given that the kids need \\\[whatever\\\], is this going to be fun enough to forget my guilt at least while riding?" Please keep doing more of what you \\(and Andrew\\) are doing to report on the amazing things about bikes, but remembering a large segment of the market that would love the $10K whatever, but is thrilled to be able to get our hands on your cast offs and ride. And if that's not possible, see if Cam wants me to start an "average guy's guide to average bikes and components."