Big Box Bicycles: How much do those frames cost to make?

I found on a Linkedin group called “Bicycle design and engineering” this interesting  information and my question is:  
Why would you buy or you don’t buy a bicycle like that?

Started by Michael Downes

I was wondering about those Big Box $100 'bicycles'. Does anybody have any insight into what percentage of the retail price is represented by just the frame? I ask because I noticed a wide range of frame styles from really basic diamond frames to complex 'full suspension' designs and yet there is not much of a price range. They seem (at least here in the States) to run from just under $80.00 to a maximum of $150.00. Compare that to the products in the IBD's where the price points cover a far greater range.

Adam Hunt - Depends a lot on landed costs. I had a friend of mine who was sourcing out Chinese made titanium frames and the cost for the frames and forks were far lower than you would expect.

Mike Flaherty  - Due to cheap materials and fast, lower quality welding these frames can run as low as $15. My old trading agent in Taiwan was telling me that he found a complete 21 speed mountain bike in China that was only $21 to make - complete with all components. It can get pretty crazy.

Bob Long  -  I have purchased several frames from several sources in China, ranging from $12-40$.
Complete bikes with Big Box type components from 35-80$ depending on the style and Qty. I had custom bikes made with custom colors, min order was 100-200 units.

cyclists’ heavy breathing causes pollution as they ride

Legislator says cyclists’ heavy breathing causes pollution as they ride…. No worries on doing any exercise, just as long as you hold your breath!

 

 

Retrieved at this link

SEATTLE —

A state legislator started a firestorm by claiming bicyclists add to greenhouse gas emissions by breathing heavily as they ride.

Bike shop owner Dale Carlson said he was so concerned about a proposal to tax bicycle sales that he wrote to state legislators.

The email he received back from the transportation committee’s ranking Republican, Ed Orcutt of Kalama, made an unusual claim.

“He talked about the effect on global warming we have from breathing hard,” said Carlson.

Orcutt refuted the idea that cycling is environmentally friendly by explaining that cyclists have “an increased heart rate and respiration.”

Orcutt wrote that means “the act of riding a bike results in greater emissions of carbon dioxide from the rider.  Since CO2 is deemed to be a greenhouse gas and a pollutant, bicyclists are actually polluting when they ride,” the email said.

“Oh, I thought that was amusing,” said Carlson.

Carlson forwarded Orcutt’s email to a friend.  It’s now all over cycling blogs and social media.

In an interview with the Seattle Bike Blog, Orcutt went a step further and was quoted saying “you would be giving off more CO2 if you are riding a bike than driving a car.”     

When KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter Graham Johnson reached Orcutt by phone, he retracted what he had said.

“I was over the top on that one and I do apologize to the cycling community for that,” said Orcutt.

Orcutt acknowledged there was no merit to his claims.

“It’s not a strong enough argument. I really shouldn’t have even brought it up,” said Orcutt.

“That’s good to hear,” said Carlson.

Carlson hopes attention turns to the House Democrats’ proposed bike tax.

The tax would help fund road improvements with a $25 sales fee on bikes worth $500 or more.

Opponents say it would hurt cyclists and small businesses.