Yesterday, we drove to CSG headquarters after work, enticed by the fact that the new 2012 Wethepeople range of bikes will be on display (and also promise of a free BBQ).
All the shiny 2012 range on display
Let me get the bad points out the way first. Prices have gone up, the range now starts at £349.99 for the Arcade, and goes all the way up to £899.99 for the top of the range Envy. Apart from BMX bikes, there is a 26" wheeled cruiser in the line up. I can only think of one word to describe it... ugly.
With the bad bits out the way, let's move on to the good bits. Colours change every year, and this year has gotten interesting. The colours that caught my eye were the translucent green paint finish on the Crysis and the translucent red of the Trust. It's been done before on BMX frames, but it's the first time I've seen it on a complete bike.
The price hikes on the bikes aren't totally unjustified. All the bikes across the range now come with integrated headsets, sealed bearing cassette hubs and are generally better specced.
Right at the top end we have the Envy, decked out in Eclat components. All new brake lever, cranks and new rims (called the Beserk). Is it worth 900 quid? Definitely. You would struggle to build a custom setup anywhere near as good as this on the same budget. The Envy has a more subtle look about it. Gone are the bling gold parts. Everything is black except for the polished hubs and seat post.
Envy, with Eclat Onyx crank and 26T Eclat Sylar sprocket
My favourite bike is the "glossy titan" Zodiac. Kinda looks like a high polished raw metal finish. I think it looks better than chrome. This bike, in my opinion is the best looking bike in the range.
Zodiac - "glossy titan" finish
One interesting thing to note is that the higher end bikes now have 26/9 gearing. A bold move away from the 25/9 norm, and will give a little more speed when cranking.
Unfortunately, I don't have any better quality photos to show. You will have to wait till Eurobike (end of August) when the bikes are released to the public for the first time.
Our first drop of the new 2012 bikes should be arriving in the 2nd week of September. Keep a lookout on the website for updates!
