How do you know when it's time for a better bike?

[divingbiker]

I've been wondering how one knows when it's time to upgrade to a better MTB. What got me thinking about this is the incredible bikes ridden by the instructors of a beginner MTB clinic I'm taking now. One has an Independent Fabrications titanium 29er, one has a Santa Cruz superlight, you get the idea. We were doing some uphill drills the other night and they said that the bike will make a difference in the ease of climbing steep hills, hopping over logs etc., but I know that at this stage, it's my lack of skill (and excess weight), not the bike, that is holding me back, and probably will be for a very long while. And while I love mountain biking, I don't know that I'll ever be so into it that it will be worth buying a new bike.

So how do you know when you've outgrown your bike, or if you ever will? I've got a Kona Cinder Cone right now.

I'm always looking for an excuse to buy a new bike, but I just can't even imagine spending over $4,000 on a mountain bike (I can imagine spending that on a road bike, however...)

[mimitabby]

part of it has to do with your resistance to spending.
there is no set formula, like it has been 1000 days since i bought my last bike and the term of limitations is up, so i better start looking for a bike.
My girlfriend just got her huffy 3 speed fixed up, the bike is 40 years old. She's thrilled to have it working again, she loves it. And it will do what she needs it to do!

If you can afford it, go shop around. It's good for the economy. and unfortunately, shopping for bikes is REALLY thrilling, addictive and fun.

[mimitabby]

more:
that's the beauty of the bicycle.
On every big ride i've been on, there's been some guy on a one speed, or a unicycle or even a hotwheels plastic bike going down the road with us.
You don't NEED the fanciest coolest bike. For MTB'ing there's a lot of stuff you can do with your cheap old bike. But it will be easier with the newer lighter fancier one.
The same with things like tribikes. you don't NEED a special tribike for a triathlon, but it might shave some seconds off your ride.

are you wanting a new bike? have some fun. go look around. maybe you'll fall in love!

[RoadRaven]

I'm a roadie, but excuse me while I chime in here...

How do you know when its time for a better bike?

Easy... its ALWAYS time for a better/new bike!!!!!!!!

[madisongrrl]

If your bike bothers you to the point that you don't want to ride it or if it doesn't fit well, then get a new one. But realistically, if you aren't racing, then it won't matter. If you are still trying to get into shape and still learning how ride singletrack it is better to wait. As you get deeper into the sport, you will have a better understanding of what you want and need...especially if you are going to drop 1000-3000+ on a new one.

[yogabear]

I say get a new bike if that will make you happy. To me, life is too short not to have nice things in life. I mean, I understand if you have a budget, etc. I am just saying that if you go out and ride on that new bike and it makes you happy, more motivated, and you have fun...then, why not?

There's not a set formula as to when or how many miles or hours in the saddle...oh yeah, you don't have to be a certain size/weight or fitness level prior to getting a new bike.

I was struggling back in 1995-1996 with a mountain bike that was too big. Back in those days, they didn't make women specific and many of the higher end frame companies didn't have any smaller sized frames (I'm 5'1 with short torso)...

So...did the best thing any girl would do...I told my husband to be that I'd rather have an 'engagement bike' than a ring. Well, he still wanted to get me a ring, so I have a 1/2 carat and ended up with a 12" Litespeed. My Litespeed helped me be more comfortable and have more fun on my bike. It made all the difference to me...I wanted to ride, and eventually I trained more 'cause I was more comfortable and then, I raced for a while

I still own that same Litespeed from 1997, my 'engagement bike'...It was a great investment...Sure, I had to get a new fork 'cause I love new gadgets, but I don't regret it at all