Worth a Custom Build??

**elk** · 08-23-2010, 01:56 PM

I have been nipped by the Luna bug...is it worth saving up for a Margo bike even if I'm a pretty casual rider? I ride maybe once a week...10-30 miles...

but if my bike fit perfectly ...would I ride MORE?!?!?

What keeps me grounded is the hills around my house...I have to get in the car to go somewhere I can ride without having a heart attack...

(renouncing weeniedom and achieving weenie-less-ness are not the same...)

**Zen** · 08-23-2010, 02:31 PM

Which is cheaper, a Luna or a move to the flatlands?

**tulip** · 08-23-2010, 03:37 PM

Only you can determine what kind of bike is right for your kind of riding. Personally, if I were only riding 10-30 miles a week, I'm not sure I could justify getting a custom bike for that. There are lots of very nice stock bikes in the world.

But only you can determine what will work for your situation (riding mileage, budget, style of riding, etc). I adore my Luna. I have ridden alot more since getting it than I did before I got it. The bike I had before--totaled in a crash--did not fit me well and was not comfortable to ride. My Luna, however, is just dreamy.

**moonfroggy** · 08-23-2010, 03:50 PM

i probably ride an average of 50 miles a week but that is because i don't have more free time. since i got my luna i have been able to comfortably ride much longer distances than before. so before discomfort was a factor in how far i would ride now it is just how many hours i have that i can be away from my son and on my luna!

that said i could not find a stock bike that fit me or was comfortable and i went to many many shops. the stock bikes that came closest to fitting also cost about the same as a luna but they still didn't really fit me very well.

so what is keeping you from riding more now? and also i feel like it isn't really just how many miles for me it is how i feel when i ride and the joy i have. not being sore while riding makes it a more joyful experience i feel like even if i was only riding 10 miles a week i would be as glad i got my luna as i am now.

i am really looking forward to the day my son can go on long rides with me. i have day dreams of touring with him...

**elk** · 08-23-2010, 06:18 PM

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the depth and variety of wisdom(s) on TE...I forgot what an amazing ride it is just being here....

SO...then....Zen...are you intimating that I could do better on hills with a different bike? Or maybe I would ride more...thus get stronger, thus vanquish hills like a warrior....;-)

Tulip...I can justify anything I SAVE up for....

**marni** · 08-23-2010, 06:37 PM

Originally Posted by elk

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the depth and variety of wisdom(s) on TE...I forgot what an amazing ride it is just being here....

SO...then....Zen...are you intimating that I could do better on hills with a different bike? Or maybe I would ride more...thus get stronger, thus vanquish hills like a warrior....;-)

Tulip...I can justify anything I SAVE up for....

I say go for it- I am currently saving up for a custom built, custom designed bike for my 65th birthday. Only three more years to go. In the meantime I average about 80 miles a week on my Trek pilot and love it but........am lusting after several others in the meantime.

let us save our shekels together. Personally I mentally pay myself .10 a mile since I save that much in gas running by biking instead of shopping or around each week and amusing myself.

marni

**Bike Chick** · 08-23-2010, 06:54 PM

My Luna was worth every penny and every ride is a pleasure. You might find yourself riding more if you have one and even if you don't, it's sure nice to run your hands over while it sits waiting on you

The nice thing about a custom build is that you can have Margo put whatever gearing you want on it so those hills won't be such a challenge.

**elk** · 08-23-2010, 06:55 PM

Originally Posted by marni

I say go for it- I am currently saving up for a custom built, custom designed bike for my 65th birthday. Only three more years to go. In the meantime I average about 80 miles a week on my Trek pilot and love it but........am lusting after several others in the meantime.

let us save our shekels together. Personally I mentally pay myself .10 a mile since I save that much in gas running by biking instead of shopping or around each week and amusing myself.

marni

smart cookie.... I say 1.00 a mile...

**elk** · 08-23-2010, 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by Bike Chick

My Luna was worth every penny and every ride is a pleasure. You might find yourself riding more if you have one and even if you don't, it's sure nice to run your hands over while it sits waiting on you

The nice thing about a custom build is that you can have Margo put whatever gearing you want on it so those hills won't be such a challenge.

you understand me..... Looks (in some things are everything...)

**blackhillsbiker** · 08-23-2010, 07:19 PM

Wow. I'm currently saving up to upgrade from my Dew. I love it, mostly. But it rattles quite a bit. And the ride is a bit harsh. I don't want another aluminum bike. And I want something that could be used for many miles of light touring or long rides like the RAGBRAI. I just went to the Luna website and am inspired to save a bit longer. The thought of a bike that is built taking my neck and back into consideration is really appealing. It doesn't hurt to be able to choose the color either.

Deb

**Bike Chick** · 08-24-2010, 02:30 AM

If you want a Luna, get a Luna.........you only go around once! There isn't anything on her website that says you have to ride XX miles per week to have one, is there?

**redrhodie** · 08-24-2010, 05:30 AM

Originally Posted by Bike Chick

If you want a Luna, get a Luna.........you only go around once! There isn't anything on her website that says you have to ride XX miles per week to have one, is there?

+1 to that! I find having nice equipment is one of the things that keeps cycling fresh for me. Where I'll hem and haw over which brand of paper towels to buy, I have no problem picking out an Ibex jersey.

**Triskeliongirl** · 08-24-2010, 07:40 AM

Do you think you don't ride more because your bike doesn't fit or because it is geared to high? If the answer is yes to both then a custom bike will solve both problems. But if the problem is purely gearing, there may be things you can do with your current bike to change the gearing (larger rings in back, smaller rings in front, etc.).

**Becky** · 08-24-2010, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by marni

Personally I mentally pay myself .10 a mile since I save that much in gas running by biking instead of shopping or around each week and amusing myself.

Isn't the IRS rate $0.51 per mile?

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