Why can't I stop fussing?

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09-08-2007, 07:31 PM
KnottedYet

Why can't I stop fussing?

One of my bikes has been fussed and tweaked to perfection. It's my jewel, my zoom-zoom. (well, maybe it could use some Brooks bar tape)

My commuter is also pretty darn perfect. I've fussed and bothered and switched... but I can't stop! Now I want different bars (maybe even Albatross bars?) and I want to put Kona JackSh*t pedals on her.

I can't stop myself! There's always *something* to covet! I feel like a whiney kid in the grocery store checkout line: "I want one of those, I want that, Gimme some..."

sigh.

:rolleyes:
09-08-2007, 08:38 PM
Wahine

The key to life is not having what you want but wanting what you have.

Yes Sheryl Crow did sing this in one of her songs but it's an old
chinese proverb, she doesn't get credit for it.
09-08-2007, 09:03 PM
Zen

Fussy Hussy.
Two funny words
09-09-2007, 07:53 AM
Trek420

I don't know, hun :rolleyes:

I don't tweak my bikes.

Did all the tweaking of my road bike in my head in the decision-making process. From there on I have not changed a thing. When stuff wears out I get to replace it, whoo hoo.

I trust Chris, the owner of my LBS. I needed a new chain and he said right now there's a kind he like more than Campy record I had :eek: ok, I got that. I've worn through oh about 4-5 saddles but just get what my butt likes at the time.

When the wheels on my 10 year old commuter got groady (is that a word?) I rewarded it with Mavic Cross ride wheels again at his advice. They look and ride so well it inspired me to paint the bike to match in Mavic Yellow.

Bradley needed a new coat on her well worn steel frame. :) See "powdercoat" thread.

I'd love to throw money at the commuter but the gosh dang thing keeps rolling :cool: :rolleyes: :cool: I've replaced the rear cluster and chain two tuneups ago but rest of the power train is original. When I bring it in they put it on the rack, run it through the paces smile and say "dang, this is running well".

They know it's an old bike, "outmoded parts" I ride often and take good care of it.

After painting it's a full rebuild and I was hoping Chris would say "It's time you replace _____". Instead he cleaned it so well that I thought "these are new brakes and deraileur and .... nope, they are the same".

If I do ALC with niece UK Eliphant in '09 I'd take it in and say "I love this bike, what can I do to make it lighter, faster. Here's my charge card and what I'd expect to pay on a new bike, do an extreme makeover on this old bike"

Knowing Chris he'll say "your bike is fine, train :) :rolleyes: ;) :D "

I :heart: my LBS :)
09-09-2007, 09:47 AM
Popoki_Nui

I have the same gene, so I empathize. :rolleyes: Except my compulsion includes getting more bikes, as well as tweaking the ones I already have.
I need help. ;)
09-09-2007, 09:59 AM
Trek420

Quote:

Originally Posted by Popoki_Nui

I have the same gene, so I empathize. :rolleyes: Except my compulsion includes getting more bikes, as well as tweaking the ones I already have.
I need help. ;)

Sounds like a new 12 step program is needed. :cool: :rolleyes:

I'd love to get new shifters, the GT's thumb shifters are hard to work with my tiny mouse-like paws. At that point I'd go ahead with the rest of the power train. But it works well, and after the day at the bike spa looks good....so :cool:

On the other hand now I'm fussing with all aspects of a home remodel. :rolleyes:
09-09-2007, 12:09 PM
KnottedYet

Grip-shift, baby.

I'm tellin' ya, they are highly under-rated for commutermobiles. And it's darn nice to be able to flip through a bunch of gears at once like with Campy.

I'm not ashamed to admit I like Grip-shifts! (and I don't have mousey-paws)
09-09-2007, 12:34 PM
Trek420

Quote:

Originally Posted by KnottedYet

Grip-shift, baby.

I'm tellin' ya, they are highly under-rated for commutermobiles. And it's darn nice to be able to flip through a bunch of gears at once like with Campy.

I'm not ashamed to admit I like Grip-shifts! (and I don't have mousey-paws)

Ok, I'll ask Chris. Why would you be ashamed of grip shifters? Are they considered Fred? Are there other shifters I should be lusting after right now? Right now I'm tearing out ancient repulsive carpeting. Yep, just as I thought, plywood under there.
09-09-2007, 03:42 PM
Popoki_Nui

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trek420

Sounds like a new 12 step program is needed. :cool: :rolleyes:

:D Would a 12 bike program do instead? I like the sound of that. Heck, I'm half-way there. :rolleyes:
09-09-2007, 03:58 PM
KnottedYet

Yesssss, i think a 12-Bike Program would suit me fine! :D

(aaw, heck, let's go for a baker's dozen while we're at it!)
09-09-2007, 04:19 PM
Trek420

Quote:

Originally Posted by KnottedYet

Yesssss, i think a 12-Bike Program would suit me fine! :D

(aaw, heck, let's go for a baker's dozen while we're at it!)

Hmmm, I don't think I'd want 12 bikes. Where would I put 'em? There are bikes I admire, that catch my eye, but I can't think of 9 other bikes I must have. Guess for one thing I have what for me is the dream road bike; full custom Italian steel. I got to test ride a Seven once (thanks bikerz:) ) thought I'd feel deprived and dayuhm I love my bike.

I'd like to TRY carbon but would I want one? If I found an ol' Trek 420, I'd want it. Riv or a Surly but I'm happy with the bikes I have.

Grip shifters eh? Like these? Well, I'm sitting next to tile samples probably can't do both right now.
09-09-2007, 07:29 PM
KnottedYet

just got back from a little ride. Admiring the HUGE pile of dirty dishes in my sink and drinking a warm soy milk.

I tried a carbon frame once, it didn't suit me. And if I could find another Trek 420 like my dear cobalt blue steel mid 1990's, you bet I'd buy it! (why oh why did I ever sell that bike!?!?!)

I'd like an Xtracycle. And a Smoke for me (but not one with 29 inch wheels). And a 'bent. A folding bike could be good. And a single-speed just so I can be a poseur (it'd have to be a really really really little gear! and definitely NOT a fixie!) cuz I'm really not that cool.

Let's see, how many bikes is that now?
09-10-2007, 07:53 AM
SouthernBelle

You think that's bad. I want one of those tiny teardrop trailers so Black Beauty and I can go places and find interesting rides.
09-10-2007, 09:47 AM
Popoki_Nui

Heaven help me...with only a few moments thought, I came up with the following wishlist:
70's Gitane Super Corsa
70's Gitane Interclub
70's Raleigh Professional in Blue Mink
70's Raleigh Super Course in Root Beer
70's Peugeot PX-10
70's Crescent Pepita Special
70's Falcon San Remo
70's Tommasini
50/60s Bianchi (the one with the lovely chromed lugs, cottered steel cranks, 'with early Campy Record and finished in the classic old skool Celeste paintand graphics)
'04 Bianchi Super Grizzly MTB'
'07 Cervelo Soloist carbon
'06 Rocky Mountain Sherpa 30

Yikes.
09-10-2007, 09:49 AM
Popoki_Nui

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthernBelle

You think that's bad. I want one of those tiny teardrop trailers so Black Beauty and I can go places and find interesting rides.

:) A practical and fun item to want....nothing wrong with that!
09-10-2007, 01:09 PM
Tuckervill

Don't go changing, KNotted. You're my justification for all the changes I make! ;)

Karen
09-10-2007, 03:00 PM
mimitabby

oh my!
I just got a generator hub/ light set up on Cavalletta, my lovely new bike. Now I can ride in the dark! so that means; I HAVE TO!

I'd like more bikes too. I don't want more stuff on my bike, because i already have almost everything on it that is possible

however, i do understand.
I have a "saved search" on ebay and i get notice of every Mercian bike that is auctioned. some day; one is going to be the right size.
09-10-2007, 03:09 PM
Trek420

Quote:

Originally Posted by Popoki_Nui

:) A practical and fun item to want....nothing wrong with that!

What are those?

The fuss thread rules: you don't get to mention a bike lustworthy item without pictures or link :cool:

My own rule of thumb: If I'll ride MORE with the item .... I need it :rolleyes: :p ;)
09-11-2007, 05:30 AM
SouthernBelle

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trek420

What are those?

The fuss thread rules: you don't get to mention a bike lustworthy item without pictures or link :cool:

My own rule of thumb: If I'll ride MORE with the item .... I need it :rolleyes: :p ;)

Here's a link with a teardrop:

http://www.retrothing.com/2007/01/rollin_oak_tear.html
09-11-2007, 05:35 AM
KnottedYet

That's cute! gorgeous wood! I've been yearning for one of these http://www.tab-rv.com/ so now I have to yearn for one of those, too!
09-11-2007, 07:57 AM
jandmw

I wish I wanted to tweak my ride. Instead I keep telling myself that it would be wiser to buy a more expensive bike than to keep putting money into one that I have. BAD!!!! Even though I just got a new ride this year, I am already lusting after a new ride. :eek: Help! I need another job to pay for it, but then I wouldn't have enough time to ride. Oh the drama!
09-11-2007, 08:31 AM
SouthernBelle

Quote:

Originally Posted by KnottedYet

That's cute! gorgeous wood! I've been yearning for one of these http://www.tab-rv.com/ so now I have to yearn for one of those, too!

Oh yeah. I've seen that site too. That's a teardrop. I'm hoping I'll run across one used this spring. I've started saving my nickels and dimes.
09-11-2007, 10:22 AM
sgtiger

How about a camping trailer for your bike?!!

You could do like Brian Campbell did and build your own camper bike!
http://flickr.com/photos/bikeportlan...7601815592259/

Gee.. I can barely get up a hill pulling DD in her Chariot:o . <pant, pant> Somehow, I don't think I'd ever make it over a mountain pass with one of those.
09-11-2007, 10:29 AM
SouthernBelle

I'm worried about whether my pickup can pull a teardrop. Legs aren't gonna pull where I sleep. :p
09-12-2007, 01:29 PM
Torrilin

Quote:

Originally Posted by jandmw

I wish I wanted to tweak my ride. Instead I keep telling myself that it would be wiser to buy a more expensive bike than to keep putting money into one that I have. BAD!!!! Even though I just got a new ride this year, I am already lusting after a new ride. :eek: Help! I need another job to pay for it, but then I wouldn't have enough time to ride. Oh the drama!

Nothing wrong with lusting after a new bike, if it will let you do things you can't do now :).

My problem is my new bike is *very* close to a do it all machine already. It's not ideal for most of what I make it do... but it's good enough. I just keep daydreaming of a bike that's better. Hasn't kept me from tweaking my current bike tho. It makes sense to spend good money on things that help me get more use out of my bike. *hugs her shiny new cargo net*
09-12-2007, 05:20 PM
Dianyla

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trek420

My own rule of thumb: If I'll ride MORE with the item .... I need it :rolleyes: :p ;)

This is exactly how I justify everything. :p
09-13-2007, 05:07 AM
SouthernBelle

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dianyla

This is exactly how I justify everything. :p

Oh then I definitely need the trailer.
09-13-2007, 09:01 PM
Starfish

Oh!! SouthernBelle, Knot, wicked, wicked, for posting those pictures!! :D :mad: :D I WANT I WANT I WANT!!!! (throws self to floor, kicking & screaming)
09-14-2007, 04:43 AM
SouthernBelle

Yeah. We're just evil that way. :p
09-14-2007, 05:33 AM
Trek420

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starfish

Oh!! SouthernBelle, Knot, wicked, wicked, for posting those pictures!! :D :mad: :D I WANT I WANT I WANT!!!! (throws self to floor, kicking & screaming)

Star, that was you throwing the tantrum in the LBS yesterday?;) ;)
09-14-2007, 07:17 AM
Starfish

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trek420

Star, that was you throwing the tantrum in the LBS yesterday?;) ;)

Naw...if you ever witness one of my tantrums, there'll be no mistaking me!! :D :eek: ;)

Oh, and Duck!!!!

I WANT I WANT I WANT!!! :mad: :p :eek: :p ;) :D
09-14-2007, 07:57 AM
SouthernBelle

The trouble with the teardrop idea is that when I start describing it to somebody hoping for feedback they tell me it sounds like a good idea and can't see any real drawbacks. There must be at least one.
09-14-2007, 09:54 AM
bmccasland

bonking your head if you sit up too fast? I'm assuming your feet would be down in the pointy part?
09-14-2007, 11:21 AM
SouthernBelle

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmccasland

bonking your head if you sit up too fast? I'm assuming your feet would be down in the pointy part?

That must be it. Or getting diarrhea as there is no bathroom.