Super Bikes - Bike Shop Q&A

Tim Bishop of Maison du Vélo shares his inside knowledge of superbike buying.

- Simon Smythe

CW What makes a superbike super?

MdV It’s very subjective. Some people don’t even want the lightest or the fastest bike but just the most beautiful bike. They have a romantic notion about their dream bike. Superbike can mean the bike they’re most in love with.

People are after a lot of different things and can fixate on brands for different reasons. Some riders might just want an Italian bike.

CW Who buys superbikes?

MdV It’s a diverse range of customers. The common factor is that they have a very large disposable income. Sometimes they’re for racing, sometimes for doing sportives, gran fondos, sportive world champs. Some people just want to own the pinnacle of technology. But racers are more concerned about speed and value for money and will try and cut corners.