"X" as in fill-in-the-blank product.
So I received the 3rd edition of Lava Magazine in the mail. Other than being a complete ZIPP advertisment edition (nothing wrong with this! just noting the obvious), they did write an article on the most widely used equipment @ Kona (page 38).
Some of the winners?
Cervelo held the title for most widely used frame @ 468. Runner up was Specialized @ 113 frames
Zipp wheels DOMINATED the field with 1910 wheels to HED @ 255 as the runner up.
Continental Tires was another big winner @ 704 tires vs runner up Vittoria @ 193 tires.
So why were these frames, wheels, and tires used more than other companies?
Is it marketing? (plain old advertisement?)
Word of mouth?
Are these products actually more superior to their competitors?
Regardless of your sport, why do you choose the fitness products that you use the most?
Let's do a quick poll:
What kind of bike frame do you use if you ride a bike?
What kind of running shoe do you use?
What kind of workout clothes do you use? (tri, running, cycling, swimming, weigh lifting, etc)
What kind of nutrition do you use?
Do you choose your items because everyone else uses em?
Are you a person who tries out everything but then will settle on the best item?
Does cost affect your item's purchase?
For me, I ride a Cervelo because, yes, I am a lemming and the price can't be beat, and the bike fit me, the price still couldn't be beat, and the frame looks F-ing cool and doesn't scream that I am a fatass tool riding a superior bike frame that I shouldn't be riding.
I use Mizuno shoes because they were the first I tried on, they fit, and I haven't had any issues with them in the 3 years that I have been seriously running.
I use Pearl Izumi cycling and tri clothing because I have always used them. I guess it is a legacy thing?
I have used Zipp wheels before because they were the easiest to get ahold of. I think they are a great product and if I am the limitation, then the wheels clearly win, no matter what brand I use.
I use Gu exclusively and sometimes gatorade. I use Gu because I love the flavor (Chocolate Outrage baby!) and it gives me just enough energy without spiking my blood sugar.
What about you?
What kind of bike frame do you use if you ride a bike? FELT & Qroo
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of running shoe do you use? BROOKS - love the wide toe bo)
What kind of workout clothes do you use? (tri, running, cycling, swimming, weigh lifting, etc): BROOKS, NIKE, SPEEDO - usually cheapest available
Do you choose your items because everyone else uses em? LOOK FOR POSITIVE REVIEWS
Are you a person who tries out everything but then will settle on the best item? YES - I will research every brand before I make a buying decision.
Does cost affect your item's purchase? YES, if not I'd have 30 bikes (-:
My tri bike is a Specialized. My road bike is a Guru Titanium. My backup road bike is a Lemond. My mountain Bike is a Specialized. Don't judge.
ReplyDeleteMy running shoes are either ASICS Kayano or New Balance (I need wide).
Workout clothes are either Sugoi, Nike or Pearl Izumi. They seem to just fit me best.
I choose what I buy more on fit. Cost is secondary. I wind up trying a lot to find the best fit.
My race wheels are Zipp but I have the clydes. Since I'm a bigger (read fat) rider I need more spokes.
Most people buy products that everyone else buys. It is crowd logic. If everyone else uses them and says they are the best then they should be pretty good. On top of that people still just want to fit in and be with the cool crowd – not too different than high school.
ReplyDelete“There are two ways to approach decision-making: as a satisficer (yes, that is a word) or as a maximizer.
Satisficers are those who make a decision or take action once their criteria are met. That doesn’t mean they’ll settle for mediocrity; their criteria can be very high, but as soon as they find the pasta sauce or the business card that has the qualities they want, they’re satisfied. Maximizers want to make the optimal decision. Even if they see a bicycle or a backpack that meets their requirements, they can’t make a decision until after they’ve examined every option, to make the best possible choice. Studies suggest that satisficers tend to be happier than maximizers; maximizers spend a lot more time and energy to reach a decision, and they’re often anxious about whether they did, in fact, make the best choice.” - ( http://www.happiness-project.com/happiness_project/2009/01/your-happiness-project-dont-let-the-perfect-be-the-enemy-of-the-good.html )
I think that people that buy the most popular products are satisficers. Zipp wheels and Cervelo frames definitely meet these criteria – nothing wrong with that at all.
I ride a Trek road bike, a Giant TT bike, a Scott mountain bike. My race wheels are used HED-3’s. I run in Reeboks. My tri clothing is Tyr, PI, Desoto, Zoot – you name it.
Cost is a consideration on every item – (I am a maximizer – big time)
What kind of bike frame do you use if you ride a bike? Orbea Ora
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of running shoe do you use? Right now I'm in Asics - but that changes.
What kind of workout clothes do you use? (tri, running, cycling, swimming, weigh lifting, etc): It varies... when I find something I like, I buy it, but no brand preference.
What kind of nutrition? - Depends on the workout - I like Lunas, Sport beans, Powerbar Chews, Little Debbie :)
My wheels are Flashpoints - couldn't afford Zipps at the time and love the ride of my FP80s.
Do you choose your items because everyone else uses em? Nope... chose them based on cost, looks, feel, etc.
Are you a person who tries out everything but then will settle on the best item? Yep - with the cost of tri gear, I want what's best for me, not what's best for everyone else.
This is an interesting topic, as I'm most likely going to be changing bikes soon, getting new shoes, using new nutrition, etc. I guess I don't have brand loyalty, although I love what I'm currently using. :)
Qintana Roo TT- I did a bunch of research. Best bang for the buck I the amount of $$ I had.
ReplyDeleteI have no road bike (whole nother saga).
I have a specialized MTB 12 YEARS OLD near mint.
Im an ASICS guy do to comfort and feel. I would jump ship in heartbeat if any felt better.
I roll PI,SUGOI,TYR,DECENT,NIKE,ADDIDAS,UA,etc.. price defenitely matters. I want the best product for my money and I'll try all brands to get it.
GU, because it rocks, stays down and does what its suppose to.
I price shop everything to the hilt, sorry that's what I do. I do try and stay loyal to suppliers as much as possible though via price and customer service.
Bike frame: Cervelo I love my tri bike!
ReplyDeleteRunning Shoes: Brooks Racer ST4...the best shoes ever!
Clothing: Tri-Desoto, Zoot, Sugoi-I buy based on comfort, price, and style
Run-Sugoi shorts, any performance top that's on sale...it doesn't matter to me!
Nutrition: Hammer gels, Gus, NUUN, Gatorade Endurance. Through trial and error, these are the things that I have found that work for me!
What kind of bike frame do you use if you ride a bike?
ReplyDeleteSpecialized Tri and Bianchi Road. Specialized because I tried Cervelo, Felt and Specialized and liked the Transition the best. Bianchi because it's a sexy old school legacy brand that happens to be awesome (at least mine)
Mavic wheels, Fizik saddles, Ultegra groupsets, then Richey, FSA, Profile Design, I think that's it.
What kind of running shoe do you use?
Newton. Because they work. Zoot racing flats. That was admittedly a vanity purchase that ended up working out.
What kind of workout clothes do you use? (tri, running, cycling, swimming, weigh lifting, etc)
Tyr tri clothing; Hincapie or LG cycling clothing all because of fit, everything else I am not too picky, except I try to avoid Nike. Would rather put money in Suguoi's pocket.
What kind of nutrition do you use?
Nuun, Clif, Hammer, Cytomax, Fluid
Great topic!
ReplyDeleteBike Frame: Currently a carbon Fuji. Hopefully Cervelo shortly
Running Shoe: Brooks. I needed a neutral shoe, tried it and my knee problems vanished. I'm probably switching to the Saucony Kinvara after winning a pair and being absolutely smitten by them.
Clothes: Lots of different. Lots of Nike DriFit because I found a good sale. Plenty of race shirts (the Brooks Podium long sleeve rocks) as well. For inexpensive stuff, I've had great luck with the C9 brand at target especially with their compression (knock off Under Armor) shirts.
Nutrition: Gatorade. Water. Trail Mix. Granola bars. An occasional Gu. Yep. I need to work on this.
Do you choose your items because everyone else uses em?
Only if it is people that I trust using them. I don't necessarily buy because the crowd has it, but if someone I trust and whose opinion I respect recommends something new, I'll give it a shot.
Are you a person who tries out everything but then will settle on the best item?
I don't necessarily try a lot of things, but I do a lot of research before taking the plunge.
Does cost affect your item's purchase?
Definitely. I'm a cheapskate and it to be a good deal for to splurge.
What kind of bike frame do you use if you ride a bike? Pretty sure it is a Trek.
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of running shoe do you use?
Brooks Ghost. Also have Glycerin but prefer the Ghost after trying Adidas Supernova (til they were worn out) and NB something that I hated and returned.
What kind of workout clothes do you use? (tri, running, cycling, swimming, weigh lifting, etc)
What kind of nutrition do you use?
um, cotton shirts, nike tempo shorts (I'm a tempo whore), whatever socks are clean (I have been known to steal my kids' socks), have bought KB and Zimco shorts cycling waiting for me in the US. Have 1 pair of De Soto shorts here for all cycling. Nutrition is Cytomax we had muled down for us and GU (also muled or we can get it 80 km away). For tops I have some roadrunner bra/top things and some other tops I got off Ebay.
Do you choose your items because everyone else uses em?
Gawds no.
Are you a person who tries out everything but then will settle on the best item?
I'd like to, but generally I go with cheapest. I went with the Nike tempos because I got a "lot" of them off Ebay and fell in love with the pretty colors.
Does cost affect your item's purchase?
So TOTALLY.
Bike Frame : Giant because the frame size was good for a chick and it fit me...plus the first time I rode it, it felt like it was an extension of me. When I get a TT bike it will probably be Cervelo
ReplyDeleteShoes : Train in Brooks because they suit my foot and I race in Newtowns because they are light, comfy and make me feel good
Workout clothes : addidas run shorts (because they have a zipper pocket and when i run in the rain they're still comfy), any ladies run top because we have extra logistics to deal with! Cycle gear - 2XU tri shorts and addidas sleeveless cycle top in summer
Nutrition : Electrolyte Shotz tablets because they don't give me GI issues....Carbo Shotz gels for the same reason
Wheels : racing ZIPP 404s. You can't beat them and they climb like a mountain goat.
Do i try everything out? Sometimes...i'm a bit of an expo junky. Most of my purchases have worked out well tho and I would purchase them again.
Does cost affect my purchase - sometimes. The big ticket items I see as a long term investment so it will depreciate over time
Great Topic!!
ReplyDeleteI ride a Giant Aeryn Tri Bike and a Trek Madone road bike. I have to admit I cought my road bike on the basis that is was carbon fiber and PINK!! Ha ha!! But I am still in love with it. I am thinking of upgrading my Tri Bike this season, but so much to choose from. NO CERVELO for me!! too many!!
I run in Sauconys mainly because every other shoe I have tried have given me blisters or have hurt my feet in some way. Sauconys Im still yet to get that
Workout clothes- I use Pearl Izumi Tri Shorts to train mainly because they were on sale, Running-NIKE love Nike., Swimming well I get a discount at Swimoutlet!
Nutrition- I use Hammer Perpetuem, Heed and PowerBar Gels mainly because this works for me. I have tried Hammer Gels but have vomited twice with using. PowerBar gels go down nice and easy. Oh and I cant forget My enduralytes either!!
I have to say that some items I have copied from other people but for the most part I am me and I like being ME!! :)
Good one Jon!
ReplyDeleteI have a cheapo Raleigh roadie
Brooks Running stuff
Clothes? Nothing fancy...I have a mix of brands I have found on sale...
I like Hammer and First Endurance
I generally talk to people to see what they like, but in the end go with what works for me and my budget.
Man, you are a master at discussion topics. Love this one.
ReplyDeleteBike, Trek 1.2 I am cheap. It was decent and I truly believe that the motor is what is key with bikes.
Shoes, Brooks. Wide front for my foot and have had no knee or back problems (from the shoes that is).
Clothes, dude, if it chaffes, its OUT. Specialized tri-shorts (pad has not given me issues) and Sugoi tops typically.
Nutrition, only hammer gels work for me, the rest get me sick. Infinit fluid nutrition, has worked so far and no tummy issues.
Tri-James made some solid statements. I shop on price and I will pay the money if I feel that I will gain a benefit from it. Keep in mind, I am buying for TWO people, so cost is a major concern between my wife and I.
What kind of bike frame do you use if you ride a bike? Roadie - Giant OCR A0 half carbon half alum, I got a good deal on the bike and it fit
ReplyDeleteTime trial Cervelo Dual - Alum with carbon fork and seat post, I got a screaming deal off ebay, for me its about what I can afford
What kind of running shoe do you use? Brooks, brooks sponsors me for 2 years now (ya, talk about irony)
What kind of workout clothes do you use? (tri, running, cycling, swimming, weigh lifting, etc)
Tri, running, working out, all brooks gear
Swimming, I wear reg old swim trunks, for the extra drag.
Cycling, team kit, no say in that matter
Tri - I like how 2XU fits me, expensive as all get out, but is most comfortable for me
What kind of nutrition do you use? Clif products, its on of the few that doesnt cause me GI issues, this was after alot of trial and error
Do you choose your items because everyone else uses em? I admit the Garmin was bought because everone has it, but alot comes down to the price, I try to be frugal in my shopping for the sport, the more I can save, the more I can buy later on. The only brand I am loyal to is Brooks, but to save money on other gear, I will go with price alot.
Are you a person who tries out everything but then will settle on the best item? Only with nutrition
Does cost affect your item's purchase? Yep, thats why I dont have Zipp wheels, I have done countless hours of research of other brands that are half the cost, I am just not fast enough to jusify the cost of the purchase, Just like a good aero helmet will save for more time and money then aero wheels.
Whatever was on sale. Thats what I buy.
ReplyDeletegreat post.
ReplyDeleteI am currently doing lots of research on bikes now so it is interesting to read all the comments here. I am a runner who fell into triathlon-and fell in love-so it is all pretty new to me.
I rode this season on my Dad's hand-me-down road bike (that weighs a ton!) and did quite well on that so I can just imagine how much better it'll be once I get my arse on the proper bike. I don't care what Jane Doe is riding, I will get what works for me (and my wallet. Do I covet my friends beautiful black and purple Cervelo P2> Sure. But...I will get what is best for ME.
Wheels? umm, yeah. we can cover that topic later! LOL
I wear what is comfortable-Mizuno, Brooks, XBionic (cold weather cycling gear rocks!), Zoot.
I run in Asics Kayanos but that is soon to change. Brooks Trance and some fancy hot pink Kinvara's are en route to my doorstop as we speak.
Gu works for me. I try to keep it simple.
Price is important-but so is quality. Right now I am a stay at home mom and my hubby works really hard to keep us comfy and happy. When I return to work the budget will change but for now I have to do with what works into the budget. I wish I had an extra 5k to drop on gear.
What kind of bike frame do you use if you ride a bike- 1986 Centurion Ironman....it was free and my wife decided the money I had put aside for a new bike would be better served as a down payment on our house.
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of running shoe do you use- Saucony. I was fitted for a pair of the omni's several years backa nd everytime i need new shoes I just get the current model.
What kind of workout clothes do you use?- for workouts mostly underarmour. I started using it in college and have kept buying it. For cycling a mix of performance generic, pearl, and Sugoi. WHen I started MTBing Performance was the only jersey I find in a @x now that I am smaller i buy off the clearance rack.
What kind of nutrition do you use? Hammer Gel. It's what by LBS carries.
Do you choose your items because everyone else uses em.- No most of the time I buy something on sale and like the brand so i stick with it. The under armour in college may be an exeption, I may have bought that the first tiem because it was popular. I don't remember.
Are you a person who tries out everything but then will settle on the best item?- usually try multiple brands over time.
Does cost affect your item's purchase? Yeas. as you can see, I get most of my items from clearance. I have a few hand me downs too.
What kind of bike frame do you use if you ride a bike? - Quintana Roo Chicqilo. Wanted a good entry level bike, but now wished I had upgraded to the carbon Dulce or top of the line CD 0.1
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of running shoe do you use? - Brooks Ghost 1 or 3. Brooks racing flats for sprint tris.
What kind of workout clothes do you use? (tri, running, cycling, swimming, weigh lifting, etc) - Summer running - Shorts and tanks from Target. Winter running - Nike thermal tights and shirts.
Swimming - Speedo or Nike. Tri suit - 2XU! Cycling - 2XU and Descente.
What kind of nutrition do you use? - Hammer. Gu makes my stomach churn.
Do you choose your items because everyone else uses em? - Swimming is out of habit, tri is out of testing, and cycling is a work in progess. All cycling shorts are not created equal!
Are you a person who tries out everything but then will settle on the best item? - Yes! Still searching for a good wetsuit.
Does cost affect your item's purchase? - Yes, but often a good product is worth the price. Sierra Trading Post often has good deals on cycling gear.