#121
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I don't know if I would target Serotta's pricepoint...it doesn't seem to be working for them too well right now. Basic economic theory tells us very few people, in any industry, can dictate price. Hard to look at the Zanc, Kirk, Spectrum,Strong, Peg, IF, Firefly, Vanilla, etc. and justify that pricepoint (as a consumer). Time will soon tell.
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Mr. Bob Dobalina |
#122
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He never closed his shop. Never returned deposits (to the best of my knowledge) Production never completely stopped, wait time just increased. Pegoretti isn't a one man shop. He didn't re open after his clean bill of health with a huge price increase and told the people he refunded deposits they could get back on line with a huge increase. Apples and oranges.
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#123
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#124
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Here is podcast of an interview with the Outspoken Cyclist and Brent in June of 2011
Pretty interesting stuff. |
#125
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This is not mudslinging but
I just looked at Steelman's website thanks to WIlliam's Builders list and damn, his bikes are exxxpensive!
I think he builds beautiful bikes, but correct me if I am wrong, he must be at the top of the price-heap in terms of steel bikes ?!? Maybe Maestros Sachs or Pegoretti and surely Mr. White's crazy creations exceed these prices, but for a standard (and gorgeous) road frame - wow. It must be a tough sell, when you are looking for business, versus Sachs or Pego who are full of work for the foreseeable future. |
#126
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Brent's craftsmanship is top notch along with Kieth Andersons paint job. The bike is awesome!!
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#127
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Mmmmm
I retract my *seemingly* negative comment about Steelman.
Your bike is sublime. |
#128
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Reality check...Thanks!
Business is business...sometimes people think that a bike builder is having so much fun building bikes that money discussions are a crass blemish on a purist endeavor...thanks for the reality check.
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#129
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While I agree that his prices, both for his TIG and lugged models, are significantly higher than most, who am I to criticize him? If he's comfortable with his pricing and is making a living then all the more power to him. If the pricing reduces demand, he'll either get the hint or go out of business.
In his defense, he has the reputation, longevity, and quality to justify premium pricing. |
#130
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Well, right, most builders of steel frames who post prices post lower prices, and maybe this is somewhere in the vicinity of the top, but why should that matter? I've got no skin in the game here, but what's wrong with looking for a viable business model and making adjustments as you go? I have a team mate with a Steelman cross bike. He thinks it's great. I've no idea what he'd pay for another, but I reckon (a) that there's no single universally accepted heirarchy of frame builders, (b) that Mr. Steelman has his fans -- is very well known, and very well regarded, at least by some, (c) that Steelman fans will pay some premium to deal with him, and (d) there's one way to find out how many will pay how much. I've actually got a new frame in paint with a particular fellow in Pennsylvania. I wanted a bike from him, and was willing to pay what he was asking. I didn't care -- this time -- to go to somebody else, even somebody well-regarded, who might have charged 500 bucks less for a frame. Or even 1,000. And I certainly didn't go where I did because some other guy was charging 400 bucks more. I didn't settle. I wanted to deal with a particular guy. I'm happy to be dealing with him. Which is not to say that I was entirely indifferent to price. The sky wasn't the limit. The limit was the limit -- someplace real that I didn't have to investigate or struggle with in this particular case. Somebody else might very well shop differently. I've done it before myself. You have perferences, interests, budget constraints, and you do what you do. I reckon that Mr. Steelman will find out whether 3 or 30 or 300 people will line up at the currently contemplated prices. I have no basis on which to predict the results, but I wish him well in all regards. |
#131
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yes
Me too. You are right, there is no established hierarchy.
I own a Speedvagen, and I choked at the thought of spending $3500 on a steel frame set, and whaddya know, now I own one! I would buy another Vanilla, so I guess Sacha's pricing scale worked for me. Steelmand has certainly been building nice frames for longer than Sacha and many others; this indicates nothing except that there is no formula for predicting prices, demand, and also quality. I hope he is turning people away (no, actually, I hope he has just the right number of customers). If I won a lottery, I would buy one of his bikes, no doubt. |
#132
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Sorry
but his prices are a joke. I can get a better built, custom titanium frame either road or mountain from Firefly and others. I'd hate to see him become a titanium builder. Maybe close to 10k for a frame. Nice looking frame though on the last frame posted. Maybe most of the money is in the paint.
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Ultraendure.blogspot.com |
#133
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Your frames are a thing of beauty and you are a true artist/craftsman. You are in business to make money, so pricing is your call - charge whatever you want - As you said, let the market decide if your price is fair. I hope that maybe those who were in line can somehow get back in cue (if they so desire), as opposed to starting their wait all over. I do not know you, but best of luck. It sounds like you have had quite an ordeal and I wish you well. |
#134
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Cool to see you here! You might not remember me but I visited your shop three or four years back and your wife gave my friend and me a tour of your place. I was gathering information on frame building to make my own bike which I did! So thanks and thanks? for the calendar of all the naked northern cal. builders haha I can't believe I never saw this thread before. I would hate to see one less bay area builder. |
#135
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Lee, that bike is sweet. Enjoy!
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