Is it time for a new bike?

[Mr. Bloom]

While in the LBS the other day, Fred said "you know, it's clear you've been bitten by the bug...it's time to consider a step up"...Good sales technique Fred

He's suggesting that I trade in the Lemond Reno for something like a Trek 2.3 - which I will add is one sexy lookin' bike

Silver is starting to ponder the issue, and I want more opinions.

I need a return on value...that is, "sexy lookin' " is not reason enough

A Trek 2.3 is a lighter bike (maybe a couple pounds, but I weigh 170!), has upgraded components, a compact double (i'm on a triple now).

I've done about 2,500 to 3,000 miles in 7 months.

So the question is: What kind of performance improvement could I expect for the few hundred extra $?

[7rider]

It's always time for a new bike. At least in theory.
You've got to ask yourself a few questions.
Start out with "what is deficient with my current bike?"
If nothing, then consider it a few bills saved.
If the triple is an issue - your Reno can be fitted with a double pretty easily, for considerably less $ than a new bike.
Are you happy enough with the Reno - fit, performance - that it is more worth it to upgrade the components vs. upgrade the bike?
That said...105 is, I've heard, a great improvement over the Tiagra stuff on your Reno (assuming that's how your bike is spec'd per the Lemond website). Shifting will be more precise and smoother.
The aluminum vs. carbon frame is a personal preference. I'd suggest you go take the 2.3 out for a fairly substantial ride and see how you like it. The Madone series this year from Trek is very nice. I"m not a big fan of carbon bikes, but I have to say, that one was probably the nicest I've ridden.
You're right..."sexy" isn't really enough of an added value!
Have fun looking....that's often the best part!
p.s. 170 really isn't that much of a burden for a carbon bike. Talk to Fred about it, but I've seen guys bigger than 170 on carbon bikes.

[redrhodie]

Hey Mr,

I know how you're feeling. I had a perfectly decent bike, but decided to upgrade to a custom bike, and felt really weird about it. As the bike building process was underway, I found myself trying to justify to myself why I needed this fancy bike. I knew I still wouldn't be winning the Tour de France. It seemed like such an unnecessary luxury. Well, sometimes it's the luxuries that make life fabulous! You need things like that in life.

One thing that for sure is true--it's more fun to ride a better bike. So I say go for it. Your other bike will be for rainy days and going to the store. You need a backup! Plus, we can all tell what a great guy you are. You deserve it!

[makbike]

Mr. Silver-

I'm going through the same thing. I've sold my recumbent and am giving some serious thought to purchasing a new bike. However, I'm having a hard time convincing myself to part with the cash. My Univega (purchased in the mid 80's) is a great little bike even though it weighs 30+ pounds. I find myself thinking about a light weight bike, what will that do to my speed, my confidence, my desire to ride more? After the club ride this morning I'm planning on visiting a couple of shops and hopefully taking some bikes out for a spin or two. I've been looking at the LeMond Buenos Aires (WSD) but that is all at this time, just looking. At the moment I keep telling myself there is no harm in looking so that is just what I plan to do, look and dream. Who knows maybe by spring I'll be riding a new, fancy, light weight bike or I may just stick to riding my trusted friend. So Mr. Silver, go out and look and dream and have fun.

[SouthernBelle]

I would say if you think a new ride might improve your experience in some way enough to make it worthwhile, ride several bikes. Not just the one Trek. Don't get too wrapped up in the triple vs double thing, but do look at what a component upgrade would do, if anything from your point of view. I'm also guessing you are currently riding 3x9, most new bikes will have 10 in the back.

I personally like my triple, but you are stronger than me.

[rij73]

The nicer components will mean better shifting for sure. Also, when I got a new bike I went from a triple to a compact double. My easiest gear now is only a teensy bit harder than the easiest gear on the triple, but I find shifting is so much better with a double. It's simpler and more straightforward. I know some people love their triples, but I definitely wouldn't go back.

So, smoother, easier shifting... A bit more speed because of the lighter weight... Better comfort because of the carbon stays... All the little things together will make a bike that as long as it fits you properly will be more fun to ride. You definitely deserve it with your major accomplishments, so if you can afford it, go for it!

[silver]

a few thoughts here.....

the 2.3 does not have a compact double....it's a regular double. You use your small ring on the triple a lot! That said, I LOVE my double...love the shifting, but am scared to do some of the hills that you do.

Mr. is very hard on his bike. He's only 170# but somehow he cranks and mashes that thing up. It's his style and there's nothing wrong with it, but he does need a bike that is substantial enough to handle it. Honestly, I don't think that he should go to an all carbon bike but I've always liked this model of trek that has the carbon stays, carbon, seatpost and carbon fork, but aluminium body.

Trek doesn't have a 49cm in this model and Fred used that to sell you on the Lemond. You need to look at the geometry.

You should consider not trading in your bike, so that you would have a second bike for second home if need be or a second bike for the trainer. Or even a second bike that has the triple for rides that you feel you may need it.

I'm going to go inspect your bike to see if it is specked out as listed here.

[mimitabby]

I wonder why someone who loves 20% grades would want a double instead of a triple. (There are lots of other cool bikes out there!)

Don't be suckered in by the sales talk.

[Veronica]

Will it make you any faster? Maybe a little. You can put in your stats in this nifty calculator. Five pounds off my bike gets me up Mt Diablo 3 minutes faster. That's a 12 mile climb, average grade of 6%, with spots of 9% to 17%. A lighter bike only really matters on a climb.

V.

http://www.kreuzotter.de/english/espeed.htm

[silver]

The 2.3 trek is 50/34 with a 11-25 cassette.

I'm riding a 53/39 with either a 11-25 cassette (on my Bontrager race wheels) and a 12-27 cassette on the American Classic wheels. (I'll likely flip flop the cassettes for tri racing season). This takes me over all the hills that I do around here. Except the 25% (is that what it was) alley that Mr. likes to do. I'm too afraid to try.

[Veronica]

You can look up the gear ratios on Sheldon Brown's site to see how big of a jump it would be. Once you figure out what the easiest ratio on the new bike will be, make Mr. ride up that 25% using that gear ratio equivalent on his current bike. That way you can see if a compact double with that gearing will work for you, where you ride.

I did this when I bought my new bike and got a compact double on it. My compact double lowest gear is about 10% taller than the lowest gear I have on my triple. Once I ordered the new bike, I just stopped using that lowest gear. I missed it for awhile, still do sometimes.

V.

[silver]

Oh, that's good V. Good way to go about it. So using that, he would only have the equivalent of 3rd gear.

[Triskeliongirl]

I have a compact double (50/34) with an 11/34 in back. If that is what Mr. Silver wants, he should negotiate with the bike shop. Usually they will make swaps to get you the gearing you want. If he wants a mountain cog set in back though, he will want a 9 and not 10 speed druve chain (can get a 12/27 in 10 though). He will have to be sure they choose the apprpriate rear derailleur though. For the 12/27 he will need a medium cage and for the 11/34 he will need a long. Mine has a long so I can use an 11/34 but it also works fine with my 12/27. The bike may only come stock with a short if it comes with a tight rear casette. But, getting back to whether Mr. S. needs a new bike. Given that his current bike is aluminum, is the new bike really that much lighter? Aluminum is light, just harsh to some people. Rather than going from an entry level to mid level bike, why not go to a high end when the time is right (full carbon w ultegra/durace). The higher you go in component group, you gain both lightness and performance (smoother shifting, etc.). I think 170 lb is fine for full carbon. Titanium is something else to consider, light and strong, and lasts forever and doesn't rust. A custom is something to consider if stock geometries don't work well.

[RoadRaven]

Without even reading the whole thread, i have the answer...

Its ALWAYS time for a new bike!



And of the whole thread, the bit that caught my eye next after the title was in these last few posts...

Welcome MrSR500
And yes, there are a few of here who time trial... do a search on the word/s and you should get linked to quite a few threads.
There is also one in the tips/tricks forum on tips for time trialling I started last year (I think) and quite a few TE-ers have added to it.

Its the ultimate race - the race of truth, the great equaliser, because all you have is you and your bike... I love TTs (can you tell?)

Ans like MrSilver says, they don't take all day and you can really measure yourself and challenge yourself