Comments on: Boutique vs Big Box

By: Kerbouchaud

Kerbouchaud — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 01:26:26 +0000

Most of the guys that I have seen that own boutique bikes spend a lot of time standing around in their spandex and talking about stuff, they own all of the latest and greatest gadgets and cycling gear and speak the lingo like they wrote it or something, but….they rarely rack up the miles on the trail. Some of them will even stand around and talk with their fancy bike and then hop on a beater for the trail ride. Maybe that’s why boutique bike last longer, they get ridden a lot less.? Hell, I wouldn’t take a $5,000 dollar bike out on the trails either

By: Roger

Roger — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:14:55 +0000

Hi Arleigh -

I hear ya. Thanks for the reply.
I’ll look out for that one.
Happy riding. Time for the lights!

By: Quinn

Quinn — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:01:28 +0000

Arliegh,

If the bikes are not built in-house, they are not Boutique, no matter the $

By: Arleigh

Arleigh — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:52:44 +0000

Roger -

My original debate wasn’t over custom vs big box, but instead the boutique that might be getting their bikes built else where (not in house.)

I’m glad you brought the point of small builders. I have a post that I have started multiple times and haven’t really been able to find it. Being this is a “blue collar” site there are many folks that would consider going through a custom builder crazy. Between here and Bike Lab my next argument will be Boutique vs Custom.

By: Roger

Roger — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:49:13 +0000

My 2 cents
I think it’s about what an individual finds to be important when they are making a purchase on something so important in their life. For me, big box bikes are very nice quality, well designed machines, but I would never own one. I appreciate the energy and passion a small builder puts into their product, plain and simple. It makes the product something special. Boutique bikes are made by people who share the love for the sport and the lifestyle, not someone who wouldn’t care if they are assembling HVAC units or cheap furniture, just as long at they get a paycheck from the factory.

By: Quinn

Quinn — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 21:16:48 +0000

Arleigh-

I am not a scientist either, but I have been through auto mechanic school, It has to do with a mix of welding technique, whether its 69XX, 7001, 7005 OR 4031(steel) etc, and Buttingsingle, double or triple), a/o which tubes are butted.

By: Arleigh

Arleigh — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 21:01:41 +0000

One interesting thing that I forgot to mention is aluminum has a life span. I’m not a scientist so I can’t explain it exactly, but I know there is a life span - if this causes failure I’m not sure but it might add to it.

By: Richard-o

Richard-o — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 20:56:25 +0000

I had never heard the term, “Crack and Fail” until I read this post nor was I aware of the frame cracking propensity of Cannondale. My limited experience so far is that all oversized tube aluminum frames eventually crack. The second C-dale frame was $79 off Ebay–I already had EVERYTHING else I needed. If I went with another frame manufacterer, I’d have to invest in a new fork. Going with the Cannondale, I already had the headshok fork, no extra money out of pocket–Important to blue-collar riders.

For the record, if / when this frame goes, I’ll be looking at a brand new Big Box bike, like a Specialized. However, reading about the Trek Fuel Ex 5.5 and the features at that price point is pretty exciting too.

Maybe I’ll purchase the greatly reduced frame from Cannondale, put it up on Ebay, and use the proceeds with whatever is left in the piggy bank to go towards the Big Box Bike.

By: Quinn

Quinn — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 19:39:51 +0000

Richard-

If you knew about the crack-and-fail, reputation, why did you buy the frames/bikes, especially second-hand ?

By: Richard-o

Richard-o — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 19:33:38 +0000

Cannondale (Crack & Fail) was mentioned for their warranty. I own two Cannondale frames, one that’s cracked, one that will crack. Since I am not the original owner of the frame, I DO NOT get a free replacement frame. The Cannondale company representative looked my frame over at a shop and said they would give me a frame at a greatly reduced price though. This is probably why I see so many new Cannondale frames on Ebay. My Gary Fisher frame cracked too and I’m not the original owner of that frame–No warranty there either. Guess I should start buying new bikes not used bikes?