February 14, 2008 4:54PM
The $21,000 Bicycle
By Cheryl Casone
We have a segment we call “Big Spender.” We do it every week, and it usually features a high priced item that only the wealthy can afford. Diamonds, art, or cool cars. We’ve had some great stuff, but nothing we’ve done has caused as much debate among our staff as this……
THE $21,000 ROAD BIKE
Our guest was Paul Levine of Signature Cycles. For more on what 21k gets you…
He started the company in 1999 and it is now the world’s largest high-end custom bike dealer. The average bike he sells costs $8500. A normal road bike costs just $1400. You do the math!
There are perks like he will come to your home, and there are verbal interviews ahead of the physical measuring because he wants to get to know you. There is a physical assessment also. It takes four to six weeks at least to have your bike made.
His clients are mostly older, 35 to 65, and range from blue collar to white collar.
Thoughts?
CC
Comment by Gregg
Feb 14th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I have no idea what I would do with a 21k bicycle. No, wait I do. I would buy it, look at it, admire it, ride around the circular driveway, then in no less haste, sell it and buy some stock. I know, I know, How can I possible be thinking about buying stock in this so-called recessionary market? I don’t buy the hype, nor the bicycle, but I am glad to see others are spending their money on consumer goods. I LOVE to hear that. Now go take on the day….(Ugh!!!)
Comment by FR Wilburn
Feb 14th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Being the owner of a $10,000 dollar bike and a semi-pro triathlete, I understand the term “quality.” I know what makes a ‘professional’ bike worth every penny for the high performance athlete. But a company, and more importantly, an individual that would buy a $21,000 bike that is optimally for looks and not performance, that just “fits” well, is really all this country has become about. The rich, and lazy, among us that simply have to spend their money on something is the height of a sick society…and we then wonder why other countries have a problem with us. Wake up people and smell the waste, greed and sloth.
Comment by Rick Covington
Feb 20th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Cheryl!! Great blog..Wish you were still at SWA…By the way, what is up with Southwest Airlines stock? Flat for a few years now…Nice to see ya at FOX now..
Comment by mike
Mar 6th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
it’s an awesome bike.
those critics need to lighten-up.
you can use that same argument about high-end cars or expensive restaurants. if wealthy people around the world want to buy high-end toys, then they deserve it. better than doing drugs and not exercising. & at least it is an environmentally healthy product.