You are looking at buying a new bike, what part do you consider most in design terms?
- Its material- carbon/alloy/cromo.
- Its colour and aesthetic paint work.
- The aesthetic form and shape, it looks smooth.
- The brand name.
- The marketing you've seen
- Its technological features.
I'd say its a big combination of those, but I'll say technological features (its geometry, how the frame is built, strengthening, drop out design, linkage and shock hardware.
Does the companies history come into your purchasing choice?
Yes it does, if a company has produced bikes that ride well before then I'd be more likely to go with that brand.
Do you prefer to buy something main stream, or to be the alternative person?
- Main stream for me!
- Alternative captain!
Bit of both, did have a very mainstream bike to start off with but now riding an Intense, which could be considered a little bit alternative I guess.
Do you have a preferred suspension platform of the below?
- DW link/VPP
- FSR
- lawwill
- Single-pivot
- Linkage activated.
Not really, riding a VPP platform bike (951) at the moment which rides amazingly.
Of the below, what marketing strategy best works for you?
- Pro riders succeeding
- Magazine Ads
- Technical videos of how it works
- Numbers out of the trail
- Bike check Vids
- Magazine reviews
Numbers out on the trail have a bit of an influence, I'd be more likely to buy something that other people I know have ridden and liked. Technical videos are also great because I'm a bit of a nerd when it comes down to it.
Do you feel that today's industry has put the visual aesthetics above the form/function of the bicycle ?
No, I feel that most manufacturers are still trying to create the best riding bike and only then once it's tested well that they begin to tart it up with graphics and paint.
Do you feel that the industry is now at a point where it has plateaued? Bicycles are all relatively well preforming?
Yes, I think now that the MTB scene has been around for long enough that there is no manufactuer producing a bike that rides awfully compared to others out on the market.
where do you feel design will lead the bicycle industry in the next decade?
Gearboxes will be looked at again, lighter frames that may sacrifice longer term durability, different bloody standards for bottom brackets/headsets/rear axles.
Would you like to see the price of the products come down, or for a greater development of the sport continue at a higher cost?
- Prices down thanks!
- Develop away!
Develop away, within reason. Theres no point making a bike uber expensive with tonnes of research if I wont be in a position to purchase it.
Do you feel as an bicycle fan that due to design the industry is failing you in any way? If so, how?
As mentioned before, too many standards are starting to take shape and I think that instead of trying out new things, companies need to realise that interchangability (if thats a word?!) of parts is a good thing. EG if I'm at a race, and I bend my BB30 crankset on a downhill bike, I'd be up s**t creek trying to repair the bike, whereas if my bike was to keep it simple with an 83mm BB, then I'd have more luck sorting something out.
How important is safety to you when making purchases regarding bicycle equipment?
- Critical, dont care how it looks!
- somewhat important, balance of all factors
- Has to look good first!
Definitely safety, if a bike looks bling with thin tubing but snaps in half landing a double then I would not be impressed!
What do you feel makes a successful design in todays market? Do you want carbon?gearboxes? Hydraulic, electric shifters, electric support motors etc? Weight? Looks?
Gearboxes are a big thing, maintaining a drivetrain especially in a muddy environment can be a nightmare. Electric shifters should start moving more from road to XC/AM/DH.
How often/ have you crashed and landed on your phone, keys, wallet, other object and been hurt?
No, but it's always in the back of my mind.
In depth answers are appreciated, so feel free to rant away.
Cheers guys.
