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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Posts
    184

    Too much bike? Is there such a thing?

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    Is there such a thing as having too much bike? Example-you have a super nice bike but are not super rider. I have the opportunity to get an incredible deal on a bike that is the company's top-of-the-line team bike for about half off. So what's the problem, you ask. I don't know, I just feel funny having this super nice bike, like I don't deserve to ride someting so plush. I recall sneering at some beginner riders that were on carbon Ibis Mojo's at the Sea Otter thinking, what are they doing on a 6K bike? I don't want to be one of those people. Thoughts anyone? Does this even make sense? LOL.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Marin County CA
    Posts
    5,936
    Yes.

    I have too much bike.



    If it is not a motor powered bike, and cannot hurt you, then who cares? Maybe having "too much" or "too fancy" a bike will give you the confidence and inspiration to improve your skills and "rise" to the level of your bicycle. (I'm hoping that with some proper training and practice I will also rise to the level of my moto. ).
    Sarah

    When it's easy, ride hard; when it's hard, ride easy.


    2011 Volagi Liscio
    2010 Pegoretti Love #3 "Manovelo"
    2011 Mercian Vincitore Special
    2003 Eddy Merckx Team SC - stolen
    2001 Colnago Ovalmaster Stars and Stripes

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    where the wind comes sweeping down the plain
    Posts
    5,251
    I don't think so, but I suppose some people might. I have a top of the line triathlon bike, and while I'm always at the middle to the back of the pack, I think I'm fine with having such a nice bike. Sure, a lot of the people who win have less expensive bikes, but since their engines are so much stronger, I need the advantage of a faster bike.
    I'm certain there are people in my tri club who wonder why slow, turtle me needs such a nice bike. I say: I can afford it, it's comfortable, and I like it so who cares what anyone else thinks? Turtles need all the advantage they can get.
    I say get the nice bike.
    Check out my running blog: www.turtlepacing.blogspot.com

    Cervelo P2C (tri bike)
    Bianchi Eros (commuter/touring road bike)

    1983 Motobecane mixte (commuter/errand bike)
    Cannondale F5 mountain bike

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Posts
    2,609
    I have at least four 'too-much' bikes. To me, they inspire me to live up to them, and I tend to ride and train harder so I don't let my bikes down. Go for it.
    For 3 days, I get to part of a thousand other journeys.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    N. California
    Posts
    440
    Use the excuse of "you'll grow in to it."
    Be yourself, to the extreme!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Beautiful NW or Left Coast
    Posts
    5,619
    If it's a standard road bike, you're ok, but if it's a super duper race bike, it will be useless to you unless you're going to race.

    and yes, people can be snide. but YOU can really enjoy the bike!
    I like Bikes - Mimi
    Watercolor Blog

    Davidson Custom Bike - Cavaletta
    Dahon 2009 Sport - Luna
    Old Raleigh Mixte - Mitzi

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Tulsa
    Posts
    307
    I'm very much like Tri-Girl... I mean, I could say the very same things (and I have!)
    This (Avail Advanced 1) is my second "too much" bike for my fitness level, but they DO inspire me to improve.... Also..with the "too much" bike, you never regret not getting exactly what you wanted. It may not been exactly what you "needed"..but.. with cycling, do those two always go together? Not really. :P

    Get the nicest bike you can afford. You won't regret it, and you'll also not envy others' bikes too much. You can gaze upon her anytime and think "wow.. she's really mine.. let's go for a ride"
    2009 Giant Avail Advanced 1
    2008 Trek FX 7.5 (Commuter)

    Baby Blue..retired to new rider: 2006 Giant OCR-C

  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Suburban MA and Western ME
    Posts
    1,815
    Too much bike for me? Yes. Too many bikes for me? Yes! If it is a good deal, you can afford it, and you are going to love it, be darned what anyone else thinks!

    MP - that is a SA - WEET moto!

    SheFly
    "Well behaved women rarely make history." including me!
    http://twoadventures.blogspot.com

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Posts
    77
    I'd never ridden a road bike before but recently bought myself a nice CF number. Loving it! Is it "too much" bike? Probably. Do my face muscles hurt from smiling when I ride it? Absolutely! If you can afford it, go for it!

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Ohio
    Posts
    167
    I think I know some of how you feel-- worrying about what others may think, however for me, it is not the value of the bike, but rather the style.
    You have a wonderful opportunity to buy a bike that you would love to have. You don't have to "deserve" it, just take advantage of a golden opportunity. It made me smile to read that you sneered --and now you don't want to be the sneeree!

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Newport, RI
    Posts
    3,821
    I have a really racy bike, and it was almost too much for me at first. Not the kind of too much you're referring to (will they point and laugh at me?), but the kind where it felt like it was going to fly out from under me. I couldn't for the life of me ride with no hands. It felt really twitchy at first. When my dbf got his bike, he described the sensation perfectly, "like riding a toothpick". You get used to it.

    You only live once, you're being offered a great deal. Go for it.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    271
    Hell yes! You can have too much bike! But you'll really enjoy it! And that's the best reason to do it.

    I got into mtn biking only a year and a half ago with a nice mainstream wsd Kona and loved it. When I decided to get a FS mtn bike I went up market and rode my pink bike and loved it from the get go. I was offered a very good deal on it and bought it even though I am not even close to up to its standard. People still pass me in races and say "wow - nice bike" and I think to myself "hmm - wish I could have bought the legs that matched!"

    But when I hit the singletrack and bomb down some ugly rock garden I wasn't expecting and get to the bottom grinning like a village idiot, it's worth every damned cent! I have never regretted spending the money and buying this bike!

    Someday soon my sweet daughter will grow into my roadie and I will hand it down. And then, I will go shopping with EXACTLY the same mindset I had when I bought the pink bike.

    As long as it doesn't feel too scary to ride - I say GO FOR IT!!

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Folsom CA
    Posts
    5,667
    I'll let you know in a few weeks.

    2009 Lynskey R230 Houseblend - Brooks Team Pro
    2007 Rivendell Bleriot - Rivet Pearl

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    Bendemonium
    Posts
    9,673
    jobob, why are there no photos from the incubator? I distinctly remember the caregiver saying you could visit.
    Frends know gud humors when dey is hear it. ~ Da Crockydiles of ZZE.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Folsom CA
    Posts
    5,667
    I don't want to be a pest. But give me another week.

    2009 Lynskey R230 Houseblend - Brooks Team Pro
    2007 Rivendell Bleriot - Rivet Pearl

 

 

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