hewey
Well-known member
Looks like things are settling in nicely mate.
Between 485 & 705 SQ/FT Mid-Century Moto Mecca Makeover
- Thread starter sakurama
- Start date
Workspaces between 485 and 705 squarefeet.
broinkrist
Well-known member
Hey Gregor,
First time posting in your thread but I've been following along with since the very beginning all those years ago. Always loved your approach to problem solving and the time and care you take in documenting it, storyteller like. You really were a "influencer" well before the term really existed, setting trends, drawing people in, allowing people to dream. I very much appreciate all of your efforts to tell the story of your interests and sharing it with us all.
I can confidently say that you are singularly to blame for my Festool collection...I mean tools and my documentarian style of writing/photographing the things I do and places I visit. Started shooting with a cheap Nikon D40 out of college and after several bodies and lenses, got rid of them all and settled on a Leica Q and the pocket/phone camera for the past few years, always trying to frame shots in context and optimize lighting to highlight main subjects.
Happy to see things are settling down for you and your family a little bit from the turmoil/uncertainty of the past few years, and am always glad to see what adventures/projects you are getting into.
Hope all is well and following along for your journey here and on IG (and YT when were uploading).
From a fellow green tool user, former machinist, auto enthusiast, Volvo owner, and self-aspiring photo journalist/documentarian.
First time posting in your thread but I've been following along with since the very beginning all those years ago. Always loved your approach to problem solving and the time and care you take in documenting it, storyteller like. You really were a "influencer" well before the term really existed, setting trends, drawing people in, allowing people to dream. I very much appreciate all of your efforts to tell the story of your interests and sharing it with us all.
I can confidently say that you are singularly to blame for my Festool collection...I mean tools and my documentarian style of writing/photographing the things I do and places I visit. Started shooting with a cheap Nikon D40 out of college and after several bodies and lenses, got rid of them all and settled on a Leica Q and the pocket/phone camera for the past few years, always trying to frame shots in context and optimize lighting to highlight main subjects.
Happy to see things are settling down for you and your family a little bit from the turmoil/uncertainty of the past few years, and am always glad to see what adventures/projects you are getting into.
Hope all is well and following along for your journey here and on IG (and YT when were uploading).
From a fellow green tool user, former machinist, auto enthusiast, Volvo owner, and self-aspiring photo journalist/documentarian.
Friday I took a driving school. That was really all I wanted to do when I got the car - just understand it a bit better. I like to find the limits somewhere safe so I have a sense of them filed away for future reference.
I signed up for the Hooked on Driving day a month or two ago. My driving instructor was a very quiet guy who took time to explain things but without much drama. Might have been nice to have a bit of drama but the goal was to see what the car was like at speed.
The track was wet and it rained most of the morning but, as you can see from that back tire, there was still plenty of grip and I was surprised to see in the photos - not much body roll. I was a good but not great student. In my mind I wanted to find the limit all day every lap and so I wasn't always perfectly on line because I was often sliding off it. Never went off track though.
My instructor was fond of saying, "If it wasn't for the nannies you'd be in the grass about 10 times by now" so I kept trying to dial it back.
In the wet we ended up experimenting with tire pressures a lot and surprisingly got a lot of heat into the tires despite the cold track. In the wet the car pushed a lot and was not very neutral and I had a hard time getting the front to stay planted. As the track dried and pressures were dialed in the car became very neutral and I could get it to slide the back a little or just get all four wheels sliding. I was told and eventually learned that sliding isn't fast. My first laps were around 1:52 and I ended the day at 1:37.8 with some drying pavement.
At one point the instructor was asking the class if they found anything surprising after our second session when we were allowed to finally pass and finally one student said, "Yeah, the Volvo surprised the hell out of me - it's really fast!" which wasn't what he was looking for but very funny nonetheless.
I didn't really notice much difference on the upgraded brakes on the street or in autocross but on the track - wow, what incredible anchors these things are. We were doing full tilt stops from 115mph and you could smell them. I had a lot of confidence in them and braking hard is something I've always loved from my roadracing days. My instructor was very surprised by the car in general and the brakes in particular, "I am amazed these brakes held up all day long without fading."
That said the day did a huge amount of damage to the tires and destroyed some brake pads - if I have any intentions of continuing to explore limits with this car it's going to need a second set of wheels/tires.
Saturday morning I checked the tire pressures and loaded the kids and our skis into the car and we headed off for a day in the mountains. The area just to the right of the peak is Meadows which is my favorite place right now.
The van certainly needs some love - I think as the weather warms its usefulness as a bike hauler will restore its place in the lineup.
Gregor
I signed up for the Hooked on Driving day a month or two ago. My driving instructor was a very quiet guy who took time to explain things but without much drama. Might have been nice to have a bit of drama but the goal was to see what the car was like at speed.
The track was wet and it rained most of the morning but, as you can see from that back tire, there was still plenty of grip and I was surprised to see in the photos - not much body roll. I was a good but not great student. In my mind I wanted to find the limit all day every lap and so I wasn't always perfectly on line because I was often sliding off it. Never went off track though.
My instructor was fond of saying, "If it wasn't for the nannies you'd be in the grass about 10 times by now" so I kept trying to dial it back.
In the wet we ended up experimenting with tire pressures a lot and surprisingly got a lot of heat into the tires despite the cold track. In the wet the car pushed a lot and was not very neutral and I had a hard time getting the front to stay planted. As the track dried and pressures were dialed in the car became very neutral and I could get it to slide the back a little or just get all four wheels sliding. I was told and eventually learned that sliding isn't fast. My first laps were around 1:52 and I ended the day at 1:37.8 with some drying pavement.
At one point the instructor was asking the class if they found anything surprising after our second session when we were allowed to finally pass and finally one student said, "Yeah, the Volvo surprised the hell out of me - it's really fast!" which wasn't what he was looking for but very funny nonetheless.
I didn't really notice much difference on the upgraded brakes on the street or in autocross but on the track - wow, what incredible anchors these things are. We were doing full tilt stops from 115mph and you could smell them. I had a lot of confidence in them and braking hard is something I've always loved from my roadracing days. My instructor was very surprised by the car in general and the brakes in particular, "I am amazed these brakes held up all day long without fading."
That said the day did a huge amount of damage to the tires and destroyed some brake pads - if I have any intentions of continuing to explore limits with this car it's going to need a second set of wheels/tires.
Saturday morning I checked the tire pressures and loaded the kids and our skis into the car and we headed off for a day in the mountains. The area just to the right of the peak is Meadows which is my favorite place right now.
The van certainly needs some love - I think as the weather warms its usefulness as a bike hauler will restore its place in the lineup.
Gregor
hewey
Well-known member
The contrast between those last two pics is awesome 
BORING HOP YARD
Well-known member
Glad you did the class in the wet, my opinion you learn more in the wet than in the dry.
Back in the day, I still remember my racing class at PIR we had first on track session it was raining hard with lots of water standing on the track.
Learning the racing line in the wet makes you really follow the correct line though the corner, if your offline you know it by a spin, slide or going off the track.
2nd session was a wet track with the line drying so it allowed the speed to go up and you could now see the racing line as a dry strip that showed you where the car should be. Feeling the car in wet and dry really helps the driver understand how the car reacts in those conditions. Nothing better for a student driver.
3rd session was completely dry and with the lessons learned from the two sessions really allowed me to push the car hard while being very smooth.
With all that said at the time I was very frustrated with a wet track, all I wanted to do was go fast. The 3rd session was a blast but in hindsight the wet track made me a much better racer.
The first time I raced in the rain it was very easy to see who knew how to race in the rain, just by the way they drove into corners and attempts to get on the racing line when they had already missed the entry or apex because of lack of grip.
If you can go fast in the rain, you will be very fast in the dry.
Thanks for sharing, Gregor.
Back in the day, I still remember my racing class at PIR we had first on track session it was raining hard with lots of water standing on the track.
Learning the racing line in the wet makes you really follow the correct line though the corner, if your offline you know it by a spin, slide or going off the track.
2nd session was a wet track with the line drying so it allowed the speed to go up and you could now see the racing line as a dry strip that showed you where the car should be. Feeling the car in wet and dry really helps the driver understand how the car reacts in those conditions. Nothing better for a student driver.
3rd session was completely dry and with the lessons learned from the two sessions really allowed me to push the car hard while being very smooth.
With all that said at the time I was very frustrated with a wet track, all I wanted to do was go fast. The 3rd session was a blast but in hindsight the wet track made me a much better racer.
The first time I raced in the rain it was very easy to see who knew how to race in the rain, just by the way they drove into corners and attempts to get on the racing line when they had already missed the entry or apex because of lack of grip.
If you can go fast in the rain, you will be very fast in the dry.
Thanks for sharing, Gregor.
I used to be afraid of the wet races with motorcycles but I realized that was the same for everyone but most people never took the time to learn how to ride in the wet so they just sort of gave up and circulated when it rained. In contrast we learned how to stay on line, be super smooth and that you could brake full strength if you were straight up and down.
I completely agree that the wet is a great teacher and like you, I was forced to go slow in the morning which was certainly the right way to get around the track. It's been fun to really understand the cars handling too. I now realize that the car will never really "let go" and I have a good feel for when it's losing traction. It's a lot of fun.
Gregor
Bob Heine
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Gregor, first car I power shifted was a Volvo PV544. The owner drag raced the car quite a bit and regularly won his class.
Volvo wagons have some neat racing history:
"Volvo made waves in the racing world when, in 1995, they entered an 850 wagon in the British Touring Car series. The car was fast, and a fan favorite, but it was quickly rendered uncompetitive when the FIA changed its rules to allow aerodynamic aides. Brendan McAleer wrote in an article on the subject, that: “there was, for a while, something extremely fitting about watching a turbocharged Volvo wagon beat up on BMWs.”"
Volvo wagons have some neat racing history:
"Volvo made waves in the racing world when, in 1995, they entered an 850 wagon in the British Touring Car series. The car was fast, and a fan favorite, but it was quickly rendered uncompetitive when the FIA changed its rules to allow aerodynamic aides. Brendan McAleer wrote in an article on the subject, that: “there was, for a while, something extremely fitting about watching a turbocharged Volvo wagon beat up on BMWs.”"
Don't think I could like that photo any more. That's just so fun.
Here's the video from one of the instructors following me in his 911.
I wasn't on line that first lap as I try different things when I catch a lapper and have to wait. But I'm surprised at how quick the wagon moves out. Some sway bars are in order along with some better rubber.
Gregor
tricksel
Member
They actually did some nifty engineering on that car back then, to get more power from the engine:Gregor, first car I power shifted was a Volvo PV544. The owner drag raced the car quite a bit and regularly won his class.
Volvo wagons have some neat racing history:
"Volvo made waves in the racing world when, in 1995, they entered an 850 wagon in the British Touring Car series. The car was fast, and a fan favorite, but it was quickly rendered uncompetitive when the FIA changed its rules to allow aerodynamic aides. Brendan McAleer wrote in an article on the subject, that: “there was, for a while, something extremely fitting about watching a turbocharged Volvo wagon beat up on BMWs.”"
LaCorski
Well-known member
Your vid came up on my YT feed last, lots of fun to watch. That Volvo is quick!! I've never been able to ride the "bus stop", they always use the full straight on bike track days. Not the most difficult track out there, but fun and easy to remember all the same, great to learn car/bike control and just get some seat time. Others I ride are more difficult/technical, but PIR has always been a favorite. Glad you had a good time and bonded with the new ride some more. ;0)
This picture in Autosport led me to a Red 850R wagon for my wife . Followed by a Subaru Legacy GT wagon and now a 328D wagon . Pretty good marketing stunt by Volvo . Wagon's are awesome.Gregor, first car I power shifted was a Volvo PV544. The owner drag raced the car quite a bit and regularly won his class.
Volvo wagons have some neat racing history:
"Volvo made waves in the racing world when, in 1995, they entered an 850 wagon in the British Touring Car series. The car was fast, and a fan favorite, but it was quickly rendered uncompetitive when the FIA changed its rules to allow aerodynamic aides. Brendan McAleer wrote in an article on the subject, that: “there was, for a while, something extremely fitting about watching a turbocharged Volvo wagon beat up on BMWs.”"
G1K
Well-known member
Agreed - rain races at Loudon were my forte
hardtop5000
Well-known member
I posted this pic before but whenever you mention the van, I think of it. It might be the most #nongregor thing ever.
gasgas17
Well-known member
That thing's cherry!
LaCorski
Well-known member
I believe they call that a "sweet one owner"!! 
Geoff289
Well-known member
In Australia what you guys call travel trailers are caravans. Now that is definitely a caraVAN.I posted this pic before but whenever you mention the van, I think of it. It might be the most #nongregor thing ever.
hewey
Well-known member
I'm no trailer expert by any means, but even I know that thing is terrible for weight distribution and weight on the towball. #Whatinthehillbillyhell
Ray Bell
Well-known member
Dead right, it wouldn't pass muster here...
It might be better if they'd used the version with the longer rear overhang, but it would still be a monster to get balanced.
It might be better if they'd used the version with the longer rear overhang, but it would still be a monster to get balanced.
Something I have a unique ability for is taking on projects when I shouldn't be taking on projects. A lot of times it's an opportunity I can't let pass me by or a deal I can't refuse.
I have yet to split the Maple that fell on the house last fall but while coming back from the gym I passed some tree guys who had cleared a lot for a new house. They have two nice sized cedar logs and I asked if they were chipping or keeping them. "You want them?" he asked? Sure! Who doesn't want free cedar? I came back and gave them some beers and my address and when I got home I was surprised to see it was way more than the two logs.
When the tree guys were here I was really impressed with the main saw they were using. My Husky had been temperamental and I always wanted a Stihl so I put a search into Craigslist hoping to find a used one. It took 6 months before one showed up but I got a great deal on a basically new saw. I was sold when it had sat for a year and started on the second pull - the computer controlled carb makes this saw super reliable.
Also, it's incredibly powerful - I know there are a lot larger saws out there but this thing has more power than anything I've ever used. It almost makes me nervous but it handles super well.
While the cutting is easy the splitting is next to impossible. I'm assuming it's because these trees are really fresh and haven't had the chance to dry out but holy cow full swings land with a thud and that's it. I am thinking I may rent a splitter for a day once it's all cut because it's taking 5-8 swings before I can halve one of these logs. Any advice other than just waiting?
The other exercise I've been doing a lot of is riding. I sold the pickup and turned it into a road/gravel bicycle. Jo, the woman I'm dating, is crazy fit so in order to keep up I've doubled down on fitness. It's something I've tried to do for years but haven't found a thing that excites me - so now I have two.
I used to road bike when I was racing motorcycles and I've been surprised to find that I still enjoy it but it's taking time to build the miles. Road bikes as exercise are pretty amazing as you can spend hours on them. The down side is that my pants are loose and I need a belt...
Gregor
I have yet to split the Maple that fell on the house last fall but while coming back from the gym I passed some tree guys who had cleared a lot for a new house. They have two nice sized cedar logs and I asked if they were chipping or keeping them. "You want them?" he asked? Sure! Who doesn't want free cedar? I came back and gave them some beers and my address and when I got home I was surprised to see it was way more than the two logs.
When the tree guys were here I was really impressed with the main saw they were using. My Husky had been temperamental and I always wanted a Stihl so I put a search into Craigslist hoping to find a used one. It took 6 months before one showed up but I got a great deal on a basically new saw. I was sold when it had sat for a year and started on the second pull - the computer controlled carb makes this saw super reliable.
Also, it's incredibly powerful - I know there are a lot larger saws out there but this thing has more power than anything I've ever used. It almost makes me nervous but it handles super well.
While the cutting is easy the splitting is next to impossible. I'm assuming it's because these trees are really fresh and haven't had the chance to dry out but holy cow full swings land with a thud and that's it. I am thinking I may rent a splitter for a day once it's all cut because it's taking 5-8 swings before I can halve one of these logs. Any advice other than just waiting?
The other exercise I've been doing a lot of is riding. I sold the pickup and turned it into a road/gravel bicycle. Jo, the woman I'm dating, is crazy fit so in order to keep up I've doubled down on fitness. It's something I've tried to do for years but haven't found a thing that excites me - so now I have two.
I used to road bike when I was racing motorcycles and I've been surprised to find that I still enjoy it but it's taking time to build the miles. Road bikes as exercise are pretty amazing as you can spend hours on them. The down side is that my pants are loose and I need a belt...
Gregor
kwoody51
Well-known member
Looks like a great project!
Love the 261c! I have one also. If you want to really let it rip get a yellow/ non safety chain. The saw can handle it and the cuts are so much faster - chips fly like crazy.
If you want to round out your saw game get a top handle ms200T. It’s a little monster and I use it more than my 261 as it’s just so nimble and strong. If I’m cutting up large trunks the 261 comes out but anything smaller than 10” the 200T will make quick work of it.
Love the 261c! I have one also. If you want to really let it rip get a yellow/ non safety chain. The saw can handle it and the cuts are so much faster - chips fly like crazy.
If you want to round out your saw game get a top handle ms200T. It’s a little monster and I use it more than my 261 as it’s just so nimble and strong. If I’m cutting up large trunks the 261 comes out but anything smaller than 10” the 200T will make quick work of it.
I've got no firsthand experience with splitting coniferous species, but I believe the consensus is to let them dry first. Some deciduous species get tougher as they dry out (I'm looking at you white oak). That being said, a hydraulic log splitter will plow through that pile without issue, wet or dry.
The obligatory BAMF with a chainsaw selfie... nice!
I had to look up the yellow chain - not sure if I'm ready to try that yet with the increased chance of kickback. I think I will after I have more time with the saw but right now the power of this this is pretty phenomenal so I want to get used to it before I add more aggression to the mix.
Part of what inspired me to get the bigger Stihl was that I bought this MSA 140 a few years back and it's been one of the most useful and handy tools I've ever owned. It can cut for several hours on a battery - longer than my back can handle - and it's light and nimble. The other thing I love about it is that I can use it early in the morning when everyone is asleep. Something the gas saw can't do.
Thanks for the tip. I'll get one of those chains for down the line.
I had to look that up - I'm not dating but I'll keep that shot just in case...
Gregor
Trapps
ALLIANCE MEMBER
kwoody51
Well-known member
Good idea to get a feel for the existing saw with the standard chain. The yellow chain has greater kickback potential but if you have good cutting practices you won't notice it at all.I had to look up the yellow chain - not sure if I'm ready to try that yet with the increased chance of kickback. I think I will after I have more time with the saw but right now the power of this this is pretty phenomenal so I want to get used to it before I add more aggression to the mix.
Part of what inspired me to get the bigger Stihl was that I bought this MSA 140 a few years back and it's been one of the most useful and handy tools I've ever owned. It can cut for several hours on a battery - longer than my back can handle - and it's light and nimble. The other thing I love about it is that I can use it early in the morning when everyone is asleep. Something the gas saw can't do.
Thanks for the tip. I'll get one of those chains for down the line.
I had to look that up - I'm not dating but I'll keep that shot just in case...
Gregor
As @Trapps said the yellow chain is a game changer! It's like porting, exhaust and suspension on a bike - you won't believe the performance difference. If you want another rabbit hole to go down read about competitive chain saw chain sharpening. They shape rakers and cutting teeth like engine guys shape ports
As soon as you try a yellow chain you'll ask yourself why didn't I do this sooner!
Assume you don't want to go down the rabbit hole on chain sharpening and want a foolproof way to sharpen your chain pick up one of these file guides.
jimkinney
Well-known member
I've always had better luck not waiting for it to dry out.
You're also going to have to update your PPE. Husky hard hat with a Stihl is not proper.
You're also going to have to update your PPE. Husky hard hat with a Stihl is not proper.
racer-john
Well-known member
I thought you said you were dating someone by the name of "Jo".I had to look up the yellow chain - not sure if I'm ready to try that yet with the increased chance of kickback. I think I will after I have more time with the saw but right now the power of this this is pretty phenomenal so I want to get used to it before I add more aggression to the mix.
Part of what inspired me to get the bigger Stihl was that I bought this MSA 140 a few years back and it's been one of the most useful and handy tools I've ever owned. It can cut for several hours on a battery - longer than my back can handle - and it's light and nimble. The other thing I love about it is that I can use it early in the morning when everyone is asleep. Something the gas saw can't do.
Thanks for the tip. I'll get one of those chains for down the line.
I had to look that up - I'm not dating but I'll keep that shot just in case...
Gregor
Last edited:
The 261 is a great saw, most of the pros around here have one as their small saw because it’s got a great power/weight ratio. If you start it and it’s surging, that’s the electronic carb figuring out the fueling, just leave it on the ground and let it tick over for a minute or two and it’ll sort itself out.
Regarding splitting, choice of axe makes a difference. Don’t go for the biggest one you can buy, go for the one that you can swing the best. It was only after borrowing an axe 2/3 the weight of mine, that I realised I can split way more efficiently if I can swing the axe faster and more accurately. Of course, some wood is like rock and you need a diesel splitter.
Regarding splitting, choice of axe makes a difference. Don’t go for the biggest one you can buy, go for the one that you can swing the best. It was only after borrowing an axe 2/3 the weight of mine, that I realised I can split way more efficiently if I can swing the axe faster and more accurately. Of course, some wood is like rock and you need a diesel splitter.
Last edited:
Going to need some more details on the gravel bike! I definitely spy a SMP saddle, which I'm a fan of as well.
I went down the road of using an axe to split logs that we had cut up after a tree had to come down in our yard. It seemed a great, romantic idea to get out there and get some exercise in swinging an axe. After an hour or two mostly spent trying to extricate the axe from the logs after getting it firmly stuck in there with each swing, I decided to rent a log splitter. It still took a good part of a day to get through everything, but that let me spend the time saved doing something fun like going for a bike ride. Renting a machine is definitely less romantic than the raw masculine draw of using an axe, but in the end I decided that my highest priority was "being done".
I went down the road of using an axe to split logs that we had cut up after a tree had to come down in our yard. It seemed a great, romantic idea to get out there and get some exercise in swinging an axe. After an hour or two mostly spent trying to extricate the axe from the logs after getting it firmly stuck in there with each swing, I decided to rent a log splitter. It still took a good part of a day to get through everything, but that let me spend the time saved doing something fun like going for a bike ride. Renting a machine is definitely less romantic than the raw masculine draw of using an axe, but in the end I decided that my highest priority was "being done".
TwoBytes
Well-known member
I'm just going to leave this here...
kwoody51
Well-known member
I’m too distracted by the bar being mounted upside down!
I don't know that I can give you much info. My friend and ex-teammate when I raced has gotten really into randonneuring and has been giving me advice on things like the SMP saddle which I bought used to see and quite like. He's suggested maybe visiting in the fall but he's in much better shape so the pressure is on as he regularly rides 2-300 miles a week and that's more than double what my best weeks are.
I don't think I quite comprehended the deal I got when I bought this as it's much nicer than I was expecting. Jo and I did that same ride as our first one together but now, after a couple of months of riding under my belt it wasn't bad. We did 46 miles that day and I felt pretty good. I like the road bike as I can leave the house and get a ride in but I'd like to get an updated mountain bike - mine is probably 10-15 years old - mountain bike years are like dog years.
I've talked to Sean about building a bike with him this fall before he hangs up his torch and that will be a hard tail ti bike. So I'm looking for a used 150mm enduro type bike. Sean and Ben and I went for a ride a week ago and my bike was pretty pathetic - bottoming out on small jumps and just generally out of date. The Salsa above has given me a taste of the modern bike world and it's quite nice.
Interestingly Nadia has outgrown her 24" Cannondale and when I started to look for replacements discovered that the 26" mountain bike has gone the way of the dodo. Which is great for Nadia as I picked up this Ibis Mojo for her for not much more than her brand new 24" Cannondale. It's a slight upgrade. I'm doing some updating on it before I give it to her. I'm just blown away at how many people try to sell bikes that they don't even bother cleaning. Thankfully this little size small Mojo has cleaned up well.
If you have a favorite medium travel enduro bike that you love let me know. I can't afford a brand new bike and honestly can't quite get my head around the fact that new bicycles are now basically the same price as motorcycles. Does not make sense.
Sadly, and happily, work has been keeping me really busy so I haven't quite made it back to the shop. But as you can see above I did manage to get all that cedar broken down. Small victories.
Gregor
Gregor,
I have a 10 year old Breezer Repack which I think is a ton of fun still. It’s still sold as the Fuji Auric. I paid around 1000 5 years ago.
Another smiles machine is the Santa Cruz 5010. You can probably find these for a reasonable price as well.
My local shop has used bikes but I have had good luck on eBay and Craigslist (or FB marketplace if you have Facebook)
Used bikes shouldn’t be scary for you as you understand the mechanical side of wear items.
I have a 10 year old Breezer Repack which I think is a ton of fun still. It’s still sold as the Fuji Auric. I paid around 1000 5 years ago.
Another smiles machine is the Santa Cruz 5010. You can probably find these for a reasonable price as well.
My local shop has used bikes but I have had good luck on eBay and Craigslist (or FB marketplace if you have Facebook)
Used bikes shouldn’t be scary for you as you understand the mechanical side of wear items.
Vertigo Cycles
Well-known member
It'll be fun. We'll make something cool and I have no doubt your first bike will be amazing.
When you told me you got her an Ibis Mojo with 26" wheels, I was imagining it was one of the steel ones from the 90's with the sweet paintjobs. The one you got is pretty kitted out! Once she learns to use that dropper post there's no going back!
I've got that Yeti ready for you and we'll see how it goes tomorrow. Looking forward to not seeing the cougar that's been spotted up there this past week.
It's a funny thing, the surge of custom builders in the early/mid 2000's. We enabled the big bike makers to charge what they're charging now. In the case of the small builder, we're actually selling bikes at what I think is a "fair" profit margin...considering the capital expense, time and cost of parts and materials. Big brands, especially on the ultra high end, are KILLING IT. Case in point. Back in 2009, I had some QC issues with a prominent fork manufacturer. The fork retailed for $800 and my cost on it was about ~$475. The thru axles were drilled crooked and the wheel couldn't sit straight in the dropouts and their "fix" was to send me new lowers, which I had to install myself. Only the new lowers were obviously drilled on the same machine and it was a huge waste of my time and big cost to me. This went on for most of a year and I finally gave them hell about it. The new solution was to set me up with a "tier 1" account which is the same pricing that Specialized, Trek and the other big names get. The cost of the fork on tier 1...$138! I snapped up a few forks and you know what? They were all crooked so I vowed to never again purchase another products from that company even though I could make a 500% markup...and I haven't.
The same system applies with all the component makers. Big brands get huge discounts and yes, they have a great deal of overhead and investments to recoup BUT, those $15K bikes...the bike shops are getting ~20% margins when they can sell them at full retail. Specialized is getting paid $12K for a bike that likely have a landed cost of about ~$4K. They're actually doing much better than that when you consider how Specialized and Trek are squeezing bike shops into buying their branded products under threat of pulling out of the shop.
/educational hour. Looking forward to our ride tomorrow!
Horror Business
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2014
- Messages
- 509
Loooong time mountain biker here, fascinating stuff Vertigo! Thank you.