Entry Level Awesomeness

The filtering down of technology is everywhere these days.  Every year you get more and more for your money.  Computers, cell phones, flat screen TVs.  If it was cutting edge a couple years ago it's commonplace today.

The bike industry is no exception.  Take disc brakes for example.  15 years ago only the highest of the highest end had discs.  Now it's almost impossible to find a mountain bike without them.  Carbon Fiber used to be considered a pretty exclusive material, something available to pro level racers and rich bike snobs only.  These days, carbon is still considered a pretty high end material, but is certainly a lot more attainable for the masses.

Here are two bikes that highlight exactly what I'm talking about.

The first is the Norco Range 3.  It sells for $2545.  This 6" travel heavy duty all-mountain bike covers all the bases.  Good quality, adjustable suspension, great brakes, and a functional and reliable drivetrain.  Yeah sure, it doesn't have all the knobs and dials that it's bigger brothers do, but most people buying those bikes never really use them anyway.

Here's some substance to back up the claims that this bike rocks.  Darren and I are both bike snobs that have been riding nothing but the best for the past decade or longer.  Darren and I both put a ton of miles on it's older brother, the Fluid LT3 over the past couple years and can't say enough good things about it.  I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to get on that bike and ride it, totally stock. straight out of the box.  5 years ago, however, it would have been a totally different story.  5 years ago I would never have considered riding a $2500 because the entry level bikes were just that:  Entry level.

The second bike is the Norco CRR 3.  Norco has really pulled out all the stops on this one to produce the absolute best bike at this price point.  I know this is a pretty bold statement, but if you find a better spec'd bike at this price point please let me know.  Full carbon frame, and not just cheap carbon, but super light, super stiff (made in the same factory as Pinarello), full 105 10 speed drivetrain, and a descent wheelset.  All this for $1745.  Last year this same spec list would have brought you up well past $2K.  Once again, thank you filter down technology...