What have I gotten myself into?

[jlnc]

Rhetorical question...
I just think it is funny that last year I broke out my 3 year old, barely ridden dept store comfort bike and started riding. Over the course of the summer I made exactly 3 purchases: a bottle cage (I thought I was so crafty for "installing" it myself), a helmet (required for a charity ride i wanted to do) and a small bag to fit under the seat (that barely held my keys and cell phone).
This February, I decided to upgrade and bought a Trek 7.5 FX. So far, I have purchased: a new seat (oh, it's called a Saddle??), multiple pairs of bike shorts (trial and error), chamois butt'r (ohhh, it really DOES help!), new bottle cages (well, they had to match the new bike, right?), cycle computer (necessary to confirm that I actually am still moving when going up hills), bigger bike bag, spare tube and flat kit (to fit in afore mentioned bike bag), pump (finally figured out how to use correctly), gloves (2 pairs, 1 full, 1 half), electrolyte gel thingys (not sure if these really help, but now convinced I need them), bike lock (have yet to use it though)....I'm sure there is more, but you get the picture. THe scary part is that I am already thinking I want a new road bike!!!
I am hooked! And thanks to everyone on TE for such great info, this site has helped me a lot this year!

[redrhodie]

You're funny! I went through the same thing. It doesn't get better. Sorry. Yesterday, I stopped in the lbs, handed my guy my debit card, and said Just take it all! You're getting it all eventually anyway. But, it's been worth every penny. My bikes, my gear, all keep riding fresh and me happy. I spend less than smokers or drinkers do on their addictions.

[westtexas]

I spend less than smokers or drinkers do on their addictions.

+1

Oh yes, definitely an addictive sport. I cannot wait until I have the cash available to get a new road bike. My LBS has lots of great brands of road bikes and I can't wait to hand over my money to them, haha!

[AppleTree]

jlnc...you are in good company here! And I agree on the inspiration in this forum, I have learned so much (and spent so much!) because of it. I finally got brave enough to join in too.

Enjoy putting the miles on your new Trek!

[Roadtrip]

I too went the "round the bush" method of growth in biking. I started ou on a cushy cruiser, then the FX hybrid, then road bike, now I even own a mountain bike. Tons of clothing and assorted things like mirrors and fenders, etc.

Welcome to the club

Shannon

[jlnc]

Redhoodie, haha I'm sure they were happy to hear you offer up your debit card!
Shannon, what road bike did you move to after your FX? How was the change?

[Biciclista]

welcome!!! yes, we all kind of go the same way.. do i like this? OH YES!!

YES!!

[Roadtrip]

Shannon, what road bike did you move to after your FX? How was the change?

The more aggressive position is something I'm still trying to get used to. I bought a Specialized Ruby ( you live once right ) full carbon bike with 105 componets. The Ruby is more relaxed geometry then some other roadies. I had a fitting done on the bike so it's just dialing everything in and I "think" I finally have it close!

Still have my FX and ride as it's my beater/commuter bike for grocery runs. it's just a blast to ride, plus it's a little easier on the hills, which always helps

[jlnc]

What do you mean by "the FX is easier on the hills"? Easier than your Ruby??

[Owlie]

Oh, I jumped in on the deep end with a road bike (a cheap entry-level road bike).

I'm hoping to manage to scrape together the cash for a nicer road bike, a hybrid commuter for grad school (cheaper than a car, right?), and a mountain bike. (Not all at the same time!) And a couple new pairs of shorts. And...and...and...

[Orange utopia]

I was just thinking that I have to stop going to bike shops for a while. I have had my road bike for a long time but it is in great shape. I recently bought a hybrid for some light trails and short fun rides and I love the new bike. But after several trips to several different bike shops for various things I am having a hard time not wanting a new fancy carbon road bike.

It doesn't help that my DH is into cycling too, just bought a new road bike for himself and doesn't know how to say no to me. If I said I wanted a new bike once a year he would nod and smile and pull out his credit card.

One of us needs to be strong or else the kids' college funds are going to disappear.

[indysteel]

We're up to eleven or twelve bikes (I've lost count) in our household. It's crazy. We have enough bikes, gear and parts to open our own shop. It helps that DH does all of our wrenching, but the rest of it does add up.

We purposely live under our means in some other significant ways, which is how we justify the money we spend on what we consider to be healthy hobbies.

[Velocivixen]

@ jInc, I feel your pain. I had a 21 speed Electra Townie which I rarely rode (gee...I wonder why?), sold it at a consignment bike place and used that money to pay for my 2011 Trek FX 7.3! I've had that one almost 7 months and it's decked out as a commuter. Now I want a road bike (steel) for better efficiency and comfort.
Have fun!