You get what you pay for. As an example I ride race bikes for fitness and a hoby. I have just bought a Trek 5.2 Madone,2009 model. The carbon fibre is high modulas carbon but boy oh boy the ride quality is light years ahead of any bike under £2000.00. Why the high cost for the bike? Its down to ROD costs,It took over 3 years to develop the bike and cost a fortune. I for one know I ride one of the best bikes ever made because of ROD and I have been riding bikes for over 40 years.
I been wfp for 4 years now and the choice and quality in poles is far better then 4 years ago, 4 years ago Ionics bought out their Ergo-light pole it cost for their 35' model £795.95 + VAT,6x6' sections,weight 3.8 kg, Ergo- Lite glass Fibre 35' 7x6' sections, weight 3.8 kg £498.95. Universal Glass fibre 34' 6x6' 7.65kg £312.95.
Now in cycling the golden rule is the lighter the bike or parts for the bike the more you pay and to get the very lightest costs you far more percentage wise then heavier parts or heavier bikes.
Now Compare the prices for the 35' pole from 4 years ago to the Slx 35'pole:- £490.00,7 sections, 1995g. Thats £300.00 cheaper BUt half the weight plus its shorter in length and is also smaller in the handle diamater.Its a bargin in real money terms,
if it was a racing bike youwould be paying a small fortune. Now back to the Trek bike the 2009 model is the same as the 2008 model other then its colour but the price went up £200.00. the 2010 bike is exactly the same other then colour the price as incresed another £500.00.So in 2 yeras its gone up £700.00.Now compare the slx in comparision its a steal for the money and the wear and tear it will save on your body is worth the cost.I for one appreciate the efforts people like Alex put into the industry and the benefical effects we get as a result.
You get what you pay for.
Neil