Bike Envy

[Kano]

I got it, and it's making DH crazy....

I see them road bikes, and he just plain cringes! I'm pretty sure he's convinced I'll hurt myself on one of those, big time. So, he keeps trying to talk me into being a "mountain biker." (I walk my bike down dirt hills)

But today, oh, today...

First, let me proclaim that I have no clue what makes one bike better than another. Don't have any comprehension about why bike A is $500 and bike B is $5000 -- well, that might be extreme, but, you know what I mean!

Terry, one of the ladies I was riding with today, has this Cannondale bike. It is blue -- no, the light changes and it's purple! Now it's blue again, no, wait, purple!

I LOVE that! and to continue on as my grandson would, I WANT that! I NEEEEEED that!

Beyond that, I noticed a seat, handlebars, a triple front ring, brakes, wheels, y'know, all the stuff bikes have!

And that's why I'm here: to understand more than the pretty coat of paint on the bikes!

Karen in Boise

[maillotpois]

What's beyond the paint?

It's frame material, geometry, components, soul.

Does the $500 bike "feel" different than the $5000 bike? Maybe. Can you feel the difference? Maybe. DH has a $4000 bike and a $1100 one. He says they feel really similar. Do they "feel" different than the pro teams' $9000 bikes? Maybe, but not to us.

At some point, there's a real diminishing return on bike costs. But between the $500 level and the $2500 level, you can really gain a lot in weight, handling, comfort, stiffness - whatever you are looking for.

You have to supply the soul, though.

[KnottedYet]

I understand your pain...

I rode a Jamis Aurora today. Wasn't too thrilled with the paint, but oh, the splendor of a smooth silky steel frame! I rode, nay I SAILED, over tree roots and gravel and railroad tracks and the bike-lust I felt was tremendous!

(why oh why did I ever EVER sell my steel Trek?!?!)

And it had drop bars. Drop bars are a joy.

I can't afford a new bike. I might just be able to afford changing my Kona over to drops. (would have to change levers and shifters and bars and brakes and stem)

Bike envy is a b*tch.

[mimitabby]

I will go you one even better.
Today after our hilly ride, we went to Elliott Bay Bike where my husband is buying a custom bike. It will have chrome, all of his favorite colors (Black, red and chrome) lugged fittings, space for fenders, his exact measurements, the wheels he wants; a generator hub so he can have lights without batteries...
get the picture, ladies? he and the guy talked for an HOUR about just the options... that was before they talked about fit and paint and wheels...
half the stuff they talked about.. I honesty didn't know what it was (they have rear hubs with people's names on them!!) What's wrong with a plain rear hub? (hush, wife, we are tricking out this bike, only signed components will do!!)

This bike shop is a bike shop we used to not go into because... we couldn't afford their bikes!! But he just got a big bonus and decided he really really wanted a bike like this...

and frugal me, i am saying no, no, no, a used bike is all I will ever need (NOT!!)
but it's his turn and we'll watch and see...

But as he got measured and counted cogs and gears and junk.. hey i KNOW they didn't get to handlebars either!
i walked around and touched all the cool bikes..

I am so bad; i want a Bianchi Bergamo because it's orange and DOESN'T have road bike handlebars!

[Kitsune06]

I just saw the hotness that is the Trek Portland today. Ooohhhh

[Bikingmomof3]

I am going through this right now with my husband. I want, no need to upgrade. I need to research to have a stronger argument besides, "I like the colour" or "The wheels are sweet", my current arguments. *sigh*

[mimitabby]

I am going through this right now with my husband. I want, no need to upgrade. I need to research to have a stronger argument besides, "I like the colour" or "The wheels are sweet", my current arguments. *sigh*

How about "This bike is a dog! I need a wild cat for a bike!"
or "If I had a nice light cool bike like this one, I'd be so thrilled with it that Iwould ride xxx miles every xxx (insert day, week, month) and Would I EVER get fit!!"