$100,000 pickup? Pricey stuff sells

In a mind-bending moment for many, Ford showed off a new pickup truck last week that will cost more than $100,000 — the first 100K pickup.

What’s more, a dealer privately told me that a handful of people who desire only the best, as defined by the highest cost, will line up for them.

It’s part of what is a national trend in the outdoors industry. Decent low-cost items can sit untouched while a handful of big hitters yearn for only the pricey stuff. This includes bicycles, fishing reels, recreational vehicles and an array of other gear.

The new Ford F-450 has dual rear wheels, a top-shelf luxury interior and a towing capacity of 30,000 pounds. The sticker price is $87,000 (and some might charge additional dealer fees and destination charges). The add-ons, and most want all of them, dealers say, makes it $96,000. Sales tax on vehicles in California is 7.5 percent, which adds $7,200, for a price of $103,200.

Funny thing is, my old Ford 4x4 Powerstroke 7.3 Diesel has nearly 380,000 miles on it, goes down the road just fine, has a recommended ceiling of 20,000 pounds for loaded truck and trailer, and goes about anywhere in any condition. Yet to stick with something like that is rare in America these days, dealers say.

Those willing to pay the highest price for what they perceive as the best new thing drive the market.

A spinning reel for fishing, for instance, is basically a line holder. That is, the spool does not move when you cast or retrieve. Shimano makes a model for freshwater fishing called a Syncopate that holds 240 yards of 8-pound line and costs $29.99. It also makes a similar-size reel called a Stella SFI that holds 200 yards of 8-pound line and costs $800. Owners of retail shops say there is a level of buyer who won’t settle for anything else.

The sale of entry-level bicycles has been poor for years, like, for example, a Kent mountain bike with full-suspension, 21-speed Shimano shifter and derailleur for $200. The bike business has instead stayed afloat with high-end models; Santa Cruz Bicycles makes the Nomad Carbon, for instance, which makes 5,000-foot climbs a rhythmic event and lists for $8,399. That’s the one everyone wants.