Who wouldn't want to be sponsored like Lance?
As spring approaches, more and more people are contacting KGS Bikes to ask us to fit them to their new bikes that are provided by sponsors. Some are wanting to get fitting data so they can choose a bike that a sponsor provides. In all of these cases, we have to educate and in many cases we can’t help folks no matter how badly they want us to.
We have always promoted the unusual concept of avoiding sponsor bikes because we feel that it is not a good relationship for either party. We suggest instead that a money sponsor be found and that we are then commissioned to design a custom bicycle that will provide better results. What? Turn down a free or discounted bike? Here is our perspective.
Bike manufacturers have relatively low basis costs in their equipment. It is relatively easy for them to snag people wanting sponsorship and then get them to commit to promoting that bike. They can get exposure if they give out equipment or deeply discount it, with the logic that if the riders perform well, it is a good deal. The problem is, riders have been conditioned to look for sponsorship deals and the deal is more important than the benefit to the rider. If the bike fits perfectly, then it is a fantastic deal to the rider. The problem is, the manufacturer has no real incentive to get things perfect, or even close, for that matter, because they know that many riders will go for a sponsored bike over it’s performance enhancement to the rider.
If things are not right, the manufacturer has a disincentive to improve the lot of the rider, as they have already done their part, which is to deliver a free or cheap bike. The rider then has to live with this problem and is obligated to try and make the ill fitting bike work, and to promote the brand. This is where problems happen.
In our experience, the design of the frame is critically important to your success. If properly designed and built around you, it is a success tool that will allow you to train harder, recover faster, corner better, sprint better, and will be more comfortable and much more fun. If you paid for it with your hard earned dollars (either your own or those you got from a money sponsor) you have the leverage to get the provider of the bike to make things right for you!
This happens in all areas of bike racing and triathlon, as everyone wants to reduce their cost and they also see themselves providing value to the sponsor. If the important thing is results, however, why tie yourself to a sponsor who is not in it to help you? This is like the fox guarding the henhouse. Once you are committed, you are committed. You will have to live with the consequences of that decision for the season or however long your contract is.
Seth Godin made a great comparison as to the difference between being actively skeptical and willfully ignorant. I believe that most people fall into the latter category and will compromise their season for the sake of getting something free.
It is a big leap of faith, but the performance increases that can be gained by balancing quads and glutes, stabilizing the low back and ankles, balancing over the wheels so handling is improved, increased ability to jump out of the saddle, more power, quicker recovery, are in addition to comfort! Consider your season and what you want to achieve. Do you really want to compromise in the bike, especially if you can get one for a little less?
We are happy to explain our position in more depth. Just contact us!
