[Kornphlake]

I think the key here is that the sport isn't big enough for the average bicycle component or frame manufacturer to be able to afford to pay even a top pro what a pro skater or a pro fisherman or pro whoever gets paid. How many kids own a skateboard? How many adults own a fishing rod? How many people buy tickets to see the local ball team play? Compare that to how many people own a mid range or better mountain bike, and you'll see where the numbers don't come close to comparing. I'm sure that specialized would like to be able to pay a pro $500k to ride one season but the bottom line is that they can't afford to do it and there would be only a marginal return on the investment if any at all.

 

[thaflyinfatman]

Um, still don't know why you quoted me, unless you just wanted to quote the word "travesty." It is bitchin' after all.
But you basically just said the same thing I said.
Only a select few get paid, and it is nothing some kid should aspire to for an "occupation." Ride your bike because you love to and race it for the same reason.
I do think the very top pros should get paid though. Seeing them ride in person is amazing and they should be able to make a living, even a small one, by being at the top of a sport, even a $hittily marketed one.

I dunno, I don't think anyone *should* get paid for participating in a sport simply for fun. If they do, great, but I can't really see how anyone would think they *deserve* to get paid for riding a bike down a hill, which serves no actual useful purpose other than his own enjoyment, and (haha hypothetically) gets paid the same as somebody stuck working in an office or some crappy factory job or something. Not that I think any pro athletes should turn down payment as such, just that if they're not getting it, well meh... big deal. So I can't make a living out of riding a bike down a hill... I guess I've got it so much harder than the rest of the world now, I might even have to get a real job.

But that's life I guess...

 

[Pedalist]

Lopes is also a professional model. Gracia is marketed to a pretty wide fan base and has many sponsors. Besides how much they make think about what all they don't have to spend. NO bikes or parts, NO lodging or food, NO plain tickets or hotel expenses. A few good investments and they are set.

 

[ÆX]

I made $40 dollars at a race once.

tell us what is the most you hve made at a race everbody?

hayday of '91 at ski bowl oregon NCS. i won JRX XC and a widowmaker hill climb against tom rodgers and dave wonderly! i got 250 cash and a 200 for the xc win and a titus frame for the fastest unsponsored JRX.

that was like 850 in cash and prizes.

 

[dump]

I made $40 dollars at a race once.

I made $50 for a first place finish in a junior-x XC race... but that was in 1995 when things weren't like they arer today.

 

[JRogers]

So they pick up a board sponsor, clothes, shoes and they're set. It's a good life for a while but I couldn't imagine doing that my entire life. But for a few years it'd be fun.

I don't think anyone can imagine doing it their entire life. I mean, I know it's not the NFL (which has like a 4 year average career) but only a select group can be competitive past 30-something. And it's not like you learn a really marketable skill.