Got $21,000? This Baum is ready and in stock!

[professerr]

Originally Posted by chunkylover53

This is cycling, speed is everything lol. I get your point, I really do, but people are lying if they say they don’t roll their eyes a bit when they see a slow, inexperienced rider who can barely clip in show up on a top end bike. As far as I can see it, it’s pretty much the emperor has no clothes at this point.

Yep, I roll my eyes a wee bit, bite my tongue and, pre-covid, chat up “that guy” riding the car-priced bike and squeezed into his AC Q36.5 matching kit. That is, until we get to Old La Honda and he let’s me know it is his rest day.

Of course I don’t blame builders who feel compelled to decry “judging” their delicate patrons, though most seem to wryly look the other way. Bite that hand that feeds, and all that.

As for Above Category, ha, short of say a Kiton boutique, I’ve never seen a retail place so dialed into cracking the code of their customers’ wealth and status. That said, some of the guys there do seem to genuinely dig cool stuff.

[joosttx]

Originally Posted by e-RICHIE

I come from the sport, but happen to be in the trade too - though more in the margins with each passing new trend - and my experience is in contrast to yours. Judging folks by what they roll on, and how they roll on it? That’s a foreign concept to me.

The real dogs of Marin feel the same. There is incredible talent here both in the youth and in the old regardless what they ride or make. As Neil Young sing, "I could live in a teepee and I could live in a penthouse too". He is still Neil Young

Another point, however, I have seen a connection between or least a type of person being good in a sport that is about endurance and about skillfully picking your moments and making money.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by joosttx

Marin Service Course sold a Wilmer bike to a billionaire for over $30K. Every bearing on the bike was replaced with Ceramic Speed bearings.

Anyone want to wager how tall and what size the owner of AC is and rides?

Chad Nordwall was the originator of AC, not sure he still is the owner. He's pretty small, I think a 55cm would be too big for him.

I worked on that LandShark when he lived in Boulder..just out of the Army, looking for a life partner..couldn't find one, moved to the Bay area..found his lovely bride, and the rest, as they say, is history.
https://abovecategory.com/pages/about-us

[charliedid]

Originally Posted by Dead Man

some people rarely see bikes this expensive and its interesting and evocative. pretending like everyone ought be used to or unimpressed by luxury bikes is a lil pretentious bruh

This is an enthusiast bike forum...bruh

[oldpotatoe]

Isn't it? Would I pay $72,000 for a Seiko? Not in any way. Grand Seiko

Would I pay $72,000 for a Rolex? You Betcha. WhiteGold, GMT2

[Jared Purdy]

Originally Posted by nmrt

Just got an email from Above Category where they list bikes that are in stock and ready for purchase. Some really nice lookers out here. Check it out. BTW, I am not affliliated with AC. I just admire the nice looking bikes they build. If you look closer, you'll see an "old" Baum MTB for just $4000.

https://abovecategory.com/collections/readytoridebikes

Better off buying one of those custom Enve bikes. It even comes with a travel case! ~ $12.5K US.

[54ny77]

When did AC first open?

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

Chad Nordwall was the originator of AC, not sure he still is the owner. He's pretty small, I think a 55cm would be too big for him.

I worked on that LandShark when he lived in Boulder..just out of the Army, looking for a life partner..couldn't find one, moved to the Bay area..found his lovely bride, and the rest, as they say, is history.
https://abovecategory.com/pages/about-us

[Coffee Rider]

Originally Posted by Jared Purdy

Better off buying one of those custom Enve bikes. It even comes with a travel case! ~ $12.5K US.

The people buying these aren't that interested in the Enve and the slightly lower price point (other than the Baum) won't make much of a difference in the thought process. These are just the bike equivalent of really expensive cars. I don't begrudge the guys driving Ferraris (though I think these are more like Bentlys or Rolls Royces).

[krooj]

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

Isn't it? Would I pay $72,000 for a Seiko? Not in any way. Grand Seiko

Would I pay $72,000 for a Rolex? You Betcha. WhiteGold, GMT2

$72k for a sports model precious metal Rolex goes against the whole idea of a "tool watch". For that kinda cash, you're better off with PP, AP, VC, or ALS.

Side note: I can't wait for the current Rolex insanity to calm down, mostly so I have a hope of buying a BLNR from the AD come my 40th. At least some ADs are sympathetic to special occasion purchases.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by krooj

$72k for a sports model precious metal Rolex goes against the whole idea of a "tool watch". For that kinda cash, you're better off with PP, AP, VC, or ALS.

Side note: I can't wait for the current Rolex insanity to calm down, mostly so I have a hope of buying a BLNR from the AD come my 40th. At least some ADs are sympathetic to special occasion purchases.

The below doesn't work, care to translate? BTW-my 'tool' watch is a bought new, 1978 GMT Master, stainless..BUT at $70,000 for any watch or bike or....if ya can afford it, ya got that kinda $, it's essentially 'free'..

https://translate.google.com/

[fignon's barber]

Cycling would be boring if everyone rode CAAD 10's with 105.

[RyanH]

1:50ish I guess if we're going off newest model year.

[yinzerniner]

Originally Posted by krooj

.

Side note: I can't wait for the current Rolex insanity to calm down, mostly so I have a hope of buying a BLNR from the AD come my 40th. At least some ADs are sympathetic to special occasion purchases.

That will never happen. The last time a first time purchaser could buy a “sport” Rolex model from an actual dealer without waiting was the mid-90s since they implemented their allocation requirement.

Hate to crush your dreams but your only hope is either going through the grey market hoping for another financial crash like ‘08 when all the bankers were selling their subs for $3k and Daytonas for $6k.

[krooj]

Originally Posted by yinzerniner

That will never happen. The last time a first time purchaser could buy a “sport” Rolex model from an actual dealer without waiting was the mid-90s since they implemented their allocation requirement.

Hate to crush your dreams but your only hope is either going through the grey market hoping for another financial crash like ‘08 when all the bankers were selling their subs for $3k and Daytonas for $6k.

Waiting is fine - I’ve got 3 years yet. I did actually manage to get a Sub date from an AD within 6 months or asking, back in 2019. Since 2019, things have gotten insane and it’s a good thing I don’t want a Daytona.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[choke]

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

Isn't it? Would I pay $72,000 for a Seiko? Not in any way. Grand Seiko

Would I pay $72,000 for a Rolex? You Betcha. WhiteGold, GMT2

I wouldn't pay that for either, though I'd be more inclined to pay it for the Grand Seiko. And I have owned both brands.

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

The below doesn't work, care to translate? BTW-my 'tool' watch is a bought new, 1978 GMT Master, stainless..BUT at $70,000 for any watch or bike or....if ya can afford it, ya got that kinda $, it's essentially 'free'..

PP = Patek Philippe
AP = Audemars Piguet
VC = Vacheron Constantin
ALS = A. Lange & Söhne
BLNR = black/blue bezel GMT Master
AD = authorized dealer