Quote Originally Posted by 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.
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!