Should I get a new bike?

[bluerider]

I bought my 1500 WSD a year ago and I'm already looking to upgrade. I think I've justified it (?) with the mileage I put in and how dedicated I am to the sport. I'm now training seriously for racing and am at a stage where I think (but not necessarily can justify) I need a better bike.

And I truly believe the bike doesn't make the rider, quite the other way around. But that certainly doesn't mean I don't have bike envy when I see other people's nice rides.

Don't get me wrong, I love my current bike. It's been with me from the beginning of my love affair with cycling but I can't afford to keep a stable of bikes. So now, I have someone who is interested in buying my bike but I'm not sure I can let go.

So, I guess I'm looking for feedback from those who have traded-up so to say and any recommendations on what I should look for so I don't have this itch again.

I'm also fairly reasonable (as reasonable as a cyclist can be) and would never spend $8K on a bike or anything. Just something that can develop with me as I can better.

Thanks for your feedback.

[yellow]

I am still on my "entry level" bike (that I have upgraded a bit) that I got in 2002.

Yes, I want a new bike, as I feel I've outgrown Pipit. Circumstances have prevented me from getting one, though. But I still plan on it. My plan? A custom built bike, probably a Seven, that will be the last frame that I ever need to buy.

A good friend of mine (and very strong rider) once said to me in response to my complaint about my bike "The bottom line is it's really what's working the machine, not the bike." So every time I think I need a new bike RIGHT NOW, I always remember this. I know I'll get a nicer bike someday...just not right now.

I say (1) if you can afford it and (2) you have done all you can do with your current bike to meet your needs, then yes, start shopping. Take your time, talk to people, and really think about what it is that you want. If you can, invest in the maximum you can, so you won't be doing this again in another year or two.

Good luck. I know as much as I have complained about the pain my bike gives me on very long rides, selling her would be very, very tough.

[bluerider]

Thanks yellow. I agree, when the potential buyer was testing her out, I was having pangs in my heart seeing someone else on it.

I can't bear to say goodbye to her. She's taken me through all my adventures.

I agree with your friend, I totally don't believe the bike makes the rider. I ride with guys who own super-posh bikes but hey, I still keep up with them.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[Kitsune06]

I'm a pretty firm believer in 'It's the operator, not the machine' ... with provisions:
1. Does your machine fit you properly?
2. How is the frame weight/strength/stiffness compared to the bike you have your eye on? Everything else is changeable... Frames are forever.
3. Is the frame still in good condition?

BC has been with me for about 3 years now... but a fully outfitted hardtail at 28# isn't too bad. Her frame's in good shape. The money I'd spend on a new bike will instead go to a new wheelset, disc brakes, avid Full Metal Jackets (avid mech brakes) and, when necessary, derailleurs, chains, etc as needed.

...but I'm embarrassingly attached to my bikey. I think I'd shrivel into a ball and cry if I lost her.

[mimitabby]

this is what you call discretionary spending, isn't it?
if you have the money, and it would bring you joy, help keep you
focussed and excited about biking, buy a new bike.
You're supporting the industry. What's wrong with that?
If you don't have to sell your other bike, that's great too.
then you can have two cool bikes.
I am now hanging out with a lot of people who don't have cars
in their garages, because the garages are full of bicycles!!!

enjoy, good luck!
m

[betagirl]

Hi

I was similar to you last spring. I bought my entry road bike, a Trek 1200 in fall 2003. I put a bunch of miles on it, did my 2nd RAGBRAI on it, etc. It really got me into cycling more seriously than I had in the past. I pushed myself, joined a club of 99.9% men. I had total bike envy of what they had. Like you, I love my Trek. It's a fantastic bike. But I had that itch pretty bad. So I evaluated my expenses in like March 2005 and I had some money from a bonus at work coming. So, I went shopping I thought I was going to get another Trek because the 1200 had served me so well. I started looking at Lemonds also. I was about sold on a Lemond Versailles when they showed me the Zurich. Maybe it was the beautiful blue color that caught my attention, but it rode like butter when I tested it. It was about $400 more than I'd set as my max price range, but I was in love. I can say that I no longer have that itch to buy a new bike. I can't say it won't ever come back, but the Lemond is perfect for me for now. I kept my Trek and use it as my commuter.

[bluerider]

I'm a pretty firm believer in 'It's the operator, not the machine' ... with provisions:
1. Does your machine fit you properly?
2. How is the frame weight/strength/stiffness compared to the bike you have your eye on? Everything else is changeable... Frames are forever.
3. Is the frame still in good condition?

BC has been with me for about 3 years now... but a fully outfitted hardtail at 28# isn't too bad. Her frame's in good shape. The money I'd spend on a new bike will instead go to a new wheelset, disc brakes, avid Full Metal Jackets (avid mech brakes) and, when necessary, derailleurs, chains, etc as needed.

...but I'm embarrassingly attached to my bikey. I think I'd shrivel into a ball and cry if I lost her.

Thanks kitsune06. My machine fits me like a dream. It's alum but I really like the stiffness of the ride although it can get pretty rough on bumpy roads. The frame is in great condition. I've babied my bike like nothing else I've ever owned.

I'm embarssingly attached to my bike as well. A serious buyer came by yesterday and I very reluctantly allowed her to test ride it and watching her ride away with made me so sad. I'm such a wuss.

[bluerider]

this is what you call discretionary spending, isn't it?
if you have the money, and it would bring you joy, help keep you
focussed and excited about biking, buy a new bike.
You're supporting the industry. What's wrong with that?
If you don't have to sell your other bike, that's great too.
then you can have two cool bikes.
I am now hanging out with a lot of people who don't have cars
in their garages, because the garages are full of bicycles!!!

enjoy, good luck!
m

Yeah, I agree, selling this bike would mean another roadie on the road and I'm always up for supporting that. I wish I could keep her but it would be unfair to her. I truly believe bikes should be ridden and taken out to play vs collecting dust or being a wall hanging.

[bluerider]

Hi

I was similar to you last spring. I bought my entry road bike, a Trek 1200 in fall 2003. I put a bunch of miles on it, did my 2nd RAGBRAI on it, etc. It really got me into cycling more seriously than I had in the past. I pushed myself, joined a club of 99.9% men. I had total bike envy of what they had. Like you, I love my Trek. It's a fantastic bike. But I had that itch pretty bad. So I evaluated my expenses in like March 2005 and I had some money from a bonus at work coming. So, I went shopping I thought I was going to get another Trek because the 1200 had served me so well. I started looking at Lemonds also. I was about sold on a Lemond Versailles when they showed me the Zurich. Maybe it was the beautiful blue color that caught my attention, but it rode like butter when I tested it. It was about $400 more than I'd set as my max price range, but I was in love. I can say that I no longer have that itch to buy a new bike. I can't say it won't ever come back, but the Lemond is perfect for me for now. I kept my Trek and use it as my commuter.

Thanks beta! You took the plunge! I love my Trek too. I think that's it, I ride with mostly guys and they are always talking or tinkering with their bikes. I definetely ride the entry level bike in the group but the way I see it, if I can keep up to on your fancy tite bike, it's really my engine motoring!

[Kathi]

I bought my 1500 WSD a year ago and I'm already looking to upgrade. I think I've justified it (?) with the mileage I put in and how dedicated I am to the sport. I'm now training seriously for racing and am at a stage where I think (but not necessarily can justify) I need a better bike.

And I truly believe the bike doesn't make the rider, quite the other way around. But that certainly doesn't mean I don't have bike envy when I see other people's nice rides.

Don't get me wrong, I love my current bike. It's been with me from the beginning of my love affair with cycling but I can't afford to keep a stable of bikes. So now, I have someone who is interested in buying my bike but I'm not sure I can let go.

So, I guess I'm looking for feedback from those who have traded-up so to say and any recommendations on what I should look for so I don't have this itch again.

I'm also fairly reasonable (as reasonable as a cyclist can be) and would never spend $8K on a bike or anything. Just something that can develop with me as I can better.

Thanks for your feedback.

Never say never, my 8k bike is due in this week!

Seriously, 10 years ago I thought spending 1k on a bike was too much money. But I bought an alum bike for $1100. I thought it fit perfectly but the more I rode it, meaning longer distances and tours it I realized how it was beating me up and the fit was ok but not as perfect as I thought. Then I splurged and bought a carbon bike. Again I thought the fit was perfect but as I gained more experience riding I again realized the fit wasn't perfect and realized that in trying to make changes to get a perfect fit there are compromises. So, now I'm splurging again by going custom.

What I'm saying is that outgrowing your bike is normal as your riding goals, riding style, and experience changes so your choice of bikes will change as well. If you think your current goals will be better served by a newer, lighter bike go for it. Keep your old bike for the trainer or when the new bike is in the shop. You'll be glad you did!

[kiwi girl]

If you can afford it, and want it, I say go for it. I spent two summers after starting to think 'I'd WANT a new bike' with the 'I don't NEED a new bike' thought going through my head. Two years in a row after my performance reivew I thought put my performance pay and backpay towards a new bike before talking myself out of it. I finally bought the new bike and am enjoying my riding so much more

[bluerider]

Never say never, my 8k bike is due in this week!

Wow! Thanks Kathi!!! I'm sure you are so excited. Hope you'll post pics and give us specs.

I have thought a lot about it and another rider told me to think about it from the standpoint that I'm actually bringing another rider to the sport if I sell my baby. So that is somewhat comforting.

I think I may take the plunge after all...

[bluerider]

If you can afford it, and want it, I say go for it. I spent two summers after starting to think 'I'd WANT a new bike' with the 'I don't NEED a new bike' thought going through my head. Two years in a row after my performance reivew I thought put my performance pay and backpay towards a new bike before talking myself out of it. I finally bought the new bike and am enjoying my riding so much more

Thanks kiwi. The nagging in my head has already started. I need one...no, my current bike is awesome...but I need to go faster...but no, I just need to train more...AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

[SJCzar]

I know exactly how you feel. I've had a Trek 2100 for two seasons and I love "Nathan" but I definitely have new bike envy.

I made the mistake of demoing a Madone for one of the days of my week long trip. There was a very noticeable difference on a eighty mile ride on an all carbon fiber bike. The components were much smoother as well.

I keep telling myself that I haven't earned a new bike yet.....but that hasn't stopped me from wanting it. I try to remind myself of all the more responsible things I could be spending that money on instead, but I still keep dreaming of that sweet, sweet, new ride. I have a picture of my Project One creation above my desk at work. Perhaps someday I won't be able to control myself and I'll order "Nathan II".