A silly bike question:

[Schadenfreude]

What makes the bike the brandname it uses?

Alright, I've grown up with my trusty (?) Murray bike that the folks bought for me from Toys 'R Us.

Now, approx. 5~6 mos. ago, I actually bought a bicycle from a bike shop - a Trek Navi 100 if you must know:

But I've noticed that several components, well, almost everything other than the frame, is some sort of a "brand-name" piece.

So, and this is a pretty big generalization here; if I was looking around for a Specialized, or a Trek Bike, is what I'm doing really looking at just different frames?

 

[ToeStub]

Tyko is what you are looking for.

 

[Schadenfreude]

Originally posted by: ToeStub
Tyko is what you are looking for.

 

It's like any other customizeable product.
Different companies with different levels of product, designed for different needs, and varying levels of cost.

 

[tami]

you can buy a BMW bike for $2,999. (i'd advise against it though. the frame is apparently the same as a $300 bike.)

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Originally posted by: Jehovah
What makes the bike the brandname it uses?

Alright, I've grown up with my trusty (?) Murray bike that the folks bought for me from Toys 'R Us.

Now, approx. 5~6 mos. ago, I actually bought a bicycle from a bike shop - a Trek Navi 100 if you must know:

But I've noticed that several components, well, almost everything other than the frame, is some sort of a "brand-name" piece.

So, and this is a pretty big generalization here; if I was looking around for a Specialized, or a Trek Bike, is what I'm doing really looking at just different frames?

You are indeed largely shopping for frames, but you are also shopping for the specific builder's ideas about what components are best for the money, and their preferences in frame ride, geometry, materials, and construction.

 

[boyRacer]

Originally posted by: Jehovah
So, and this is a pretty big generalization here; if I was looking around for a Specialized, or a Trek Bike, is what I'm doing really looking at just different frames?

As far as the drivetrain is concerned especially for the higher end models, then the answer is yes.

 

[mercanucaribe]

Yes but also, brand name of the components doesn't mean that much. Shimano makes good stuff but they also make some crap like you see on Wal Mart bikes.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Jehovah
What makes the bike the brandname it uses?

Alright, I've grown up with my trusty (?) Murray bike that the folks bought for me from Toys 'R Us.

Now, approx. 5~6 mos. ago, I actually bought a bicycle from a bike shop - a Trek Navi 100 if you must know:

But I've noticed that several components, well, almost everything other than the frame, is some sort of a "brand-name" piece.

So, and this is a pretty big generalization here; if I was looking around for a Specialized, or a Trek Bike, is what I'm doing really looking at just different frames?

Frame and component group. There is a big difference between component groups and sometimes mixing between components on different models of bike. The manufacturers might use the same frame for a few different models or change forks and or components which bump the cost and increase the profit some.

Edit=Murray is crap.

 

[Toki]

Originally posted by: tami
you can buy a BMW bike for $2,999. (i'd advise against it though. the frame is apparently the same as a $300 bike.)

i know someone with a BMW bike. he won it in some drawing.

 

[Googer]

Geometry and materials make the biggest differance followed by components. Quality Components like brakes, wheels, pedals, can make a nice differance in how good the overall ride is.

Also Weight is the most important part of any good bike, the less it weighs the more you will like it and the more it will cost.

 

[ironcrotch]

I prefer Huffy

 

[Schadenfreude]

Well, like I said; I own a Trek Navi 100, and admittedly, it does make a world of difference as far as how comfortable and smooth everything is. Thanks for all the input!

btw, what's your opinion of the Navi 100? I don't do any moutainbiking nor am I into racing, so I got it, but I'm pretty oblivious as to what other options were out there . . . I knew that Trek is a dependable label, so I went with it.

 

[Googer]

My recomendation is get several differant Two Year or longer Bicycle Magazene subscriptions. Read them and lear all that you can, you will be better off in the end with all the knowledge you will acquire form them for such a low cost. The Same is true for the computer, just a shame though BYTE magazene broke up.

 

[newbiepcuser]

Originally posted by: Jehovah
Well, like I said; I own a Trek Navi 100, and admittedly, it does make a world of difference as far as how comfortable and smooth everything is. Thanks for all the input!

btw, what's your opinion of the Navi 100? I don't do any moutainbiking nor am I into racing, so I got it, but I'm pretty oblivious as to what other options were out there . . . I knew that Trek is a dependable label, so I went with it.

Its a city bike, should be a lot better than what they sell in retail stores. Just grease the chain up so often.

You're just riding it in the park and stuff, you should be fine.

I'm Specialized fan boi, so I'm kinda partial to them.

 

[czech09]

RIP my Magna after I got hit by some lady going 40mph in a 20mph zone on my bike...good thing only my Magna is down and out. Sorry I know I know it's random.

 

[vegetation]

Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
Yes but also, brand name of the components doesn't mean that much. Shimano makes good stuff but they also make some crap like you see on Wal Mart bikes.

Yep, just the name of Shimano means nothing. Low end Shimano stuff is just pure junk. On mountain bikes, quality definition begins at the LX level (great stuff), progressing to the XT (super) and finally XTR (primo).

 

[Googer]

Here is my recommedation:
http://mikesbicyclecenter.com/site/itemdetails.cfm?ID=711&Catalog=39&sort=Price
It's the minivan of Pedal Power.