Dear Curmudgeon,
I cannot defend spending a couple of thousand for a bike. But I think I can provide information on why bikes are so expensive, and why the youth of today are willing to hand over what may appear to be outrageous sums for vehicles which lack a motor, comfortable seat, roof, and most other amenities that one normally associates with pleasurable transport.
First, I take note of your description of your long-ago mount as homemade from “abandoned bits garnered from ditch and hedgerow.” Most cyclists to-day prefer a riding experience that takes advantage of modern materials and manufacturing techniques. Therefore, when visiting a bike shop expect to find many shiny models constructed of carbon-fibre, titanium, and unobtanium to enhance the riding experience – and not coincidentally make for lively exchanges of envy amongst one’s peers awheel. Naturally such advancements do not come cheap. Here the availability of easy credit (which has also deplorably fueled the housing bubble, but I digress with a sigh) has come to the rescue. Given economic realities there is little of good cheer for the upcoming generation to look forward to other than conspicuous consumption.
Needless to say the various components and accessories that augment the frame have evolved from the sturdy though dull usefulness of yesteryear, with commensurate inflation. Cranks are constantly evolving to meet the needs of marketing departments. Wheels haven’t become any more round, but have shed frivolous spokes. Pedals are no longer simple ledges upon which to casually rest one’s foot; they now require specialist attachments on shoes so that the foot is locked in, always in service to speed. Everything is more aerodynamic, which is said to be a good thing.
The modern cyclist no longer wrestles with unwieldy and windblown maps, but has the advantage of GPS, invented by the US military to guide missiles and weekend ramblers. Modern notions of health and safety prescribe such things as helmets which mimic birds of prey, and lights capable of thousands of candlepower. I could go on.
Lastly, most bicycles are built far from these shores. Although in some respects it is sad that British industry is no longer the force it once was, globalisation has greatly facilitated the race to the bottom. What better metaphor than a fast bike to help us get there?
Kind regards,