Too much bike? Is there such a thing?

[Drtgirl]

Is there such a thing as having too much bike? Example-you have a super nice bike but are not super rider. I have the opportunity to get an incredible deal on a bike that is the company's top-of-the-line team bike for about half off. So what's the problem, you ask. I don't know, I just feel funny having this super nice bike, like I don't deserve to ride someting so plush. I recall sneering at some beginner riders that were on carbon Ibis Mojo's at the Sea Otter thinking, what are they doing on a 6K bike? I don't want to be one of those people. Thoughts anyone? Does this even make sense? LOL.

[maillotpois]

Yes.

I have too much bike.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j285/maillotpois/050.jpg

If it is not a motor powered bike, and cannot hurt you, then who cares? Maybe having "too much" or "too fancy" a bike will give you the confidence and inspiration to improve your skills and "rise" to the level of your bicycle. (I'm hoping that with some proper training and practice I will also rise to the level of my moto. :) ).

[Tri Girl]

I don't think so, but I suppose some people might. I have a top of the line triathlon bike, and while I'm always at the middle to the back of the pack, I think I'm fine with having such a nice bike. Sure, a lot of the people who win have less expensive bikes, but since their engines are so much stronger, I need the advantage of a faster bike. :p
I'm certain there are people in my tri club who wonder why slow, turtle me needs such a nice bike. I say: I can afford it, it's comfortable, and I like it so who cares what anyone else thinks? Turtles need all the advantage they can get.
I say get the nice bike.

[Pedal Wench]

I have at least four 'too-much' bikes. To me, they inspire me to live up to them, and I tend to ride and train harder so I don't let my bikes down. Go for it.

[Karma007]

Use the excuse of "you'll grow in to it."

[Biciclista]

If it's a standard road bike, you're ok, but if it's a super duper race bike, it will be useless to you unless you're going to race.

and yes, people can be snide. but YOU can really enjoy the bike!

[BabyBlueNTulsa]

I'm very much like Tri-Girl... I mean, I could say the very same things (and I have!)
This (Avail Advanced 1) is my second "too much" bike for my fitness level, but they DO inspire me to improve.... Also..with the "too much" bike, you never regret not getting exactly what you wanted. It may not been exactly what you "needed"..but.. with cycling, do those two always go together? Not really. :P

Get the nicest bike you can afford. You won't regret it, and you'll also not envy others' bikes too much. You can gaze upon her anytime and think "wow.. she's really mine.. let's go for a ride"

[SheFly]

Too much bike for me? Yes. Too many bikes for me? Yes! :D If it is a good deal, you can afford it, and you are going to love it, be darned what anyone else thinks!

MP - that is a SA - WEET moto!

SheFly

[woohoo]

I'd never ridden a road bike before but recently bought myself a nice CF number. Loving it! Is it "too much" bike? Probably. Do my face muscles hurt from smiling when I ride it? Absolutely! :D If you can afford it, go for it!

[wnyrider]

I think I know some of how you feel-- worrying about what others may think, however for me, it is not the value of the bike, but rather the style.
You have a wonderful opportunity to buy a bike that you would love to have. You don't have to "deserve" it, just take advantage of a golden opportunity. It made me smile to read that you sneered --and now you don't want to be the sneeree!

[redrhodie]

I have a really racy bike, and it was almost too much for me at first. Not the kind of too much you're referring to (will they point and laugh at me?), but the kind where it felt like it was going to fly out from under me. I couldn't for the life of me ride with no hands. It felt really twitchy at first. When my dbf got his bike, he described the sensation perfectly, "like riding a toothpick". You get used to it.

You only live once, you're being offered a great deal. Go for it.

[pinkbikes]

Hell yes! You can have too much bike! But you'll really enjoy it! And that's the best reason to do it.:D

I got into mtn biking only a year and a half ago with a nice mainstream wsd Kona and loved it. When I decided to get a FS mtn bike I went up market and rode my pink bike and loved it from the get go. I was offered a very good deal on it and bought it even though I am not even close to up to its standard. People still pass me in races and say "wow - nice bike" and I think to myself "hmm - wish I could have bought the legs that matched!"

But when I hit the singletrack and bomb down some ugly rock garden I wasn't expecting and get to the bottom grinning like a village idiot, it's worth every damned cent!:D I have never regretted spending the money and buying this bike!

Someday soon my sweet daughter will grow into my roadie and I will hand it down. And then, I will go shopping with EXACTLY the same mindset I had when I bought the pink bike.

As long as it doesn't feel too scary to ride - I say GO FOR IT!!

[jobob]

I'll let you know in a few weeks. :o :D

[SadieKate]

jobob, why are there no photos from the incubator? I distinctly remember the caregiver saying you could visit.

[jobob]

I don't want to be a pest. But give me another week. :D

[SadieKate]

I don't want to be a pest. But give me another week. :DP'shaw. I give you half of the weekend.

Drtgirl, when it comes to mountain bikes more is better, At least to some extent. Good suspension, light weight, crisp shifting, etc. Lack of these things on a mtb is magnified more than on a road bike. Go for it.

[MomOnBike]

In my altogether insufficiently humble opinion, the only way you could have too much bike is if it were the type with a motor. In that case "Too Much Bike" would mean that the power of the bike is too much for your weight/handeling skills - which is dangerous.

"Too much bicycle" is a different matter, and not a matter for worry.

The real question is, as I have often said before, is: Does the bike make you smile? If so, it's right for you. In the end, what else really matters?

[kermit]

I consider any bike an investment in my physical fitness. That's how I justify my "forever" bike. The best I can afford and will keep forever. I think a better bike makes you a better rider. I started with an aluminum bike with 105components, and when I got the carbon hotness ( roubaix pro), What a difference. Get what you want, and what makes you happy. If you love your bike you will enjoy riding it.

[Drtgirl]

Alright, I'm gonna do it! I'll post a pic once it's built up.

Thanks for the advice!:o

[bnylo]

Key here is HALF OFF!!!! :eek: OMG when will you get another visit like this from the shopping gods!? You can't pass it up!!

[Jiffer]

I have what some might consider a "too much bike". At least it was when I got it and I guess I'm still trying to live up to it. It's definitely built for speed, but like others have said, I can use all the help I can get! I ride it a LOT, so it's an investment being well used.

My husband hopped on it the other day when he unloaded it after my century for me. He just rode down the street and back and said, "Your bike rides NICE." I was like, "Huh?" I don't really know any different! I just know I like her and she has served me well. Whatever helps me keep up with my friends! :D

[Crankin]

If you like it and can afford it, who cares. I have a bike that some would think is too much for a rider like me. It may be because it's a slightly esoteric brand, but I don't care.
People are weird. I know it's not going to make me go faster, but I still like my bike...

[papaver]

Having too much bikes runs in our family. I've got 2 racing bikes, a MTB, a brompton, and 2 regularbikes and there is always room for more. My parents have 16 bikes. They are in their mid-seventies and they still ride every day winter and summer. :)

[jobob]

Key here is HALF OFF!!!! :eek: OMG when will you get another visit like this from the shopping gods!? You can't pass it up!!

I like the way you think. :D