I’m sorry, but I dislike almost everything about CeramicSpeed. They have pushed the boundaries as far as ridiculous over-spending more than almost anybody else in this industry. The more we accept $500 RD pulley wheels, $1500 RD Cage replacements, $150 chains, $75 bottles of lube (that get you b/w 15-20 applications…total) the more we kill triathlon.
Furthermore, how laughable have these “journalistic” publications become? Anybody that thinks media (in general, and specifically in endurance sport) is here to provide objective data and information that allows you - the consumer - to make the best decisions…raise your hand…
He never said he hates America and if you are saying that America is defined by extremism in consumption than I would disagree. That is not the America my ancestors fought for in the American Revolution. Marketing and materialism are a part of what America (and the world) have become today, but it is not what defines America. His complaints about CeramicSpeed are about CeramicSpeed and not in any way related to his views on the United States. I think it is unfair to associate the two.
Ben is the customer facing guy for what is essentially a marketing and packaging company. He should be congratulated for taking a niche bearing producer and turning it into a giant f***ing money factory.
He cannot argue the assertion that their products are absolutely ridiculous.
Agreed. SLF Motion and Enduro Bearings are making better products at reasonable prices. I’ve got Enduro Bearings on my bike. Blake at SLF Motion is doing awesome things with his company.
He never said he hates America and if you are saying that America is defined by extremism in consumption than I would disagree. That is not the America my ancestors fought for in the American Revolution. Marketing and materialism are a part of what America (and the world) have become today, but it is not what defines America. His complaints about CeramicSpeed are about CeramicSpeed and not in any way related to his views on the United States. I think it is unfair to associate the two.
I’m guessing that’s pink font so pretty sure he is kidding / being sarcastic.
I do not equate Silca to CS. Silca makes a luxury product that they (mostly) market as such. In addition, they make less expensive products that are actually really quite good.
CS makes something that is pretty much a marketing ploy. They have capitalized on the brainwashing effect of “save 1w here, save 3w there” when you buy all our products that come in these great looking boxes at 80% margins.
He never said he hates America and if you are saying that America is defined by extremism in consumption than I would disagree. That is not the America my ancestors fought for in the American Revolution. Marketing and materialism are a part of what America (and the world) have become today, but it is not what defines America. His complaints about CeramicSpeed are about CeramicSpeed and not in any way related to his views on the United States. I think it is unfair to associate the two.
I’m guessing that’s pink font so pretty sure he is kidding / being sarcastic.
Ah, I missed that. I think I need my second cup of morning coffee!!
While I don’t disagree with the general sentiment of your post, I don’t think it’s fair to single out one brand. This type of marketing has been going on for a long time (to varying degrees) from many companies - other bearing companies, wheel manufacturers, frame manufacturers, tire manufacturers, helmet/clothing manufacturers, etc.
It does seem that marketing of marginal performance gains has had a cumulative effect of fatigue on many triathlon consumers, or perhaps on the reputation of the sport. Again, I’m not pointing this at CeramicSpeed specifically (and many of the wattage gains claimed by these manufacturers are likely legitimate), but I think it points to a larger issue of the sport being perceived as a rich guy’s sport. Or perhaps that triathlon is missing the point of adult athletic endeavors in general - i.e. personal development, socialization, fun, health, etc.
It’s easy to say, “Just don’t buy it if you don’t like it.” Clearly, this is true. The unfortunate part is that it seems many people have done exactly that, and moved on from the sport entirely. I was doing a bike fit for a woman a couple months ago who commented that she was just overwhelmed by all of the equipment (and turned off by the high prices) for a sport that she just didn’t find to be enough fun to offset the costs and work required. She said that after her upcoming event she was going to sell her bike and get a stand-up paddle board.
The high-end customer will always be there (for products that you’re referring to). And that’s all good. I think there is a big void of products and marketing towards entry-level stuff, and trying to pull non-triathletes in to the sport.
Meh, I just laugh to myself and shake my head. If people want to spend their money on this stuff, so be it. I’ve built several bikes using steel bearing everything and Squirt lube - still have that dreamy “hidden motor” free spinning drivetrain.
I also could never justify a Mercedes, but still think they are pretty sweet to look at.
I think there is a big void of products and marketing towards entry-level stuff, and trying to pull non-triathletes in to the sport.
And therein lies the problem with endurance/triathlon media. All the articles are about the latest $500 Wahoo climb simulator (that is additional to your $1200 Kickr, but the Climb actually looks pretty cool) or the $75 lube or the new $2500+ Zipp tubeless wheels. It’s perceived of as a rich man’s sport because it’s completely marketed as such. And, in my own personal opinion, CeramicSpeed is one of the biggest offenders.
CS makes something that is pretty much a marketing ploy. They have capitalized on the brainwashing effect of “save 1w here, save 3w there” when you buy all our products that come in these great looking boxes at 80% margins.
