IMO, bike companies and the industry have struggled to offer real value. They will usually offer the highest end spec that has minimal gains over lower models, for extreme prices. On the lower end models they'll spec brakes with significantly less power/control and suspension that lacks the necessary/complex compression and rebound circuits to handle trails at speed. These two things would make a huge difference in the rideability of lower end models, but keeping these off lower end specs keeps the peasants as peasants. To get that, you end up having to pay for a crapload of stuff that doesn't really increase performance. In some cases, lighter weight helps, but not as much as people tend to think and unless racing hard, it's just not a big concern. Then there's 12 speed, which tacked on some weight...then 12 speed electric, even more weight. You could offer an 11spd mechanical bike with a significant weight advantage and the same/similar gear ratios, but nope, we had to go to 12 speed for no apparent reason. They want the low end 12spd stuff to just be an anchor. At the end of the day, they are trying to maximize profit, not necessarily give the best value or what benefits mtbers as well and mtbers are often chasing stupid things that don't really affect performance.
www.bicycleretailer.com
