Buying expensive bikes and parts...
01-25-16, 10:29 AM
#451
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I have a crazy expensive (at least for me) commuter on order. I'm sure I'll love it. And you know I'll post photos of it here. But do I NEED it... I guess I've proved I don't. But I don't have a ski boat or a mountain cabin and my car is paid for. I don't gamble. I have zero in the fashion department. I haven't purchased a guitar in 30 years. So what the heck, I'm worth it, right? Please say yes. Not that your disapproval would stop me.
Consider this. Maybe part of the joy and pleasure in a bike like that IS the fact that buying one is a little ... I dunno ... naughty.
My wife recently bought a nice little sports car. She'd always wanted one. It wasn't particularly expensive ... I think it's actually about the same as the average car purchase. But it's about as unpractical as it gets. Low ground clearance, summer tires, only two seats and just enough space for two small overnight bags.
But she likes it ... no ... loves it, largely because it's impractical.
What I think of it? She's happy ... that makes it worth every penny.
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Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
01-25-16, 10:36 AM
#452
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01-25-16, 10:44 AM
#453
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My point is this, if you have never enjoyed doing an upgrade or gazing at componentry with a wishful eye, why not just buy a Huffy. Who doesnt want an occasional purchase to make the ride better. Seriously, it is what cyclists do. Your reply communicated we all sounded like women.
01-25-16, 11:06 AM
#454
Banned
Reliable function wins .. The ones getting most use Have an IGH (Rohloff)
or the Mountain drive Crank + 3 speed (more internal Gears)
and Have Mudguards ..
I built Nice Bikes For Ex GF's .. But took my bicycle tours alone.
I'm still using components I bought in 1975.
or the Mountain drive Crank + 3 speed (more internal Gears)
and Have Mudguards ..
I built Nice Bikes For Ex GF's .. But took my bicycle tours alone.
I'm still using components I bought in 1975.
Last edited by fietsbob; 01-25-16 at 03:28 PM.
01-25-16, 12:14 PM
#456
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Of course, I did quote you.
My point is this, if you have never enjoyed doing an upgrade or gazing at componentry with a wishful eye, why not just buy a Huffy. Who doesnt want an occasional purchase to make the ride better. Seriously, it is what cyclists do. Your reply communicated we all sounded like women.
My point is this, if you have never enjoyed doing an upgrade or gazing at componentry with a wishful eye, why not just buy a Huffy. Who doesnt want an occasional purchase to make the ride better. Seriously, it is what cyclists do. Your reply communicated we all sounded like women.
From your other posts, I could tell we were on the same page with this topic. That is why it confused me when I "thought" you recommended me to buy a Huffy.
Life is too short to NOT too have hobbies, and life is also too short stressing over your hobbies.
When it comes to Hobbies, Erich philosophy is..
"If you want it and have the money, then buy it! Having the desire and the resources is all the reasons you need to buy something"
01-25-16, 01:28 PM
#457
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From your other posts, I could tell we were on the same page with this topic. That is why it confused me when I "thought" you recommended me to buy a Huffy.
Life is too short to NOT too have hobbies, and life is also too short stressing over your hobbies.
When it comes to Hobbies, Erich philosophy is..
"If you want it and have the money, then buy it! Having the desire and the resources is all the reasons you need to buy something"
Life is too short to NOT too have hobbies, and life is also too short stressing over your hobbies.
When it comes to Hobbies, Erich philosophy is..
"If you want it and have the money, then buy it! Having the desire and the resources is all the reasons you need to buy something"
My personal philosophy has been "heavy bikes are uninteresting". But then, by today's standards my 19lb Cannondale is a boat anchor. Time to upgrade.....
01-25-16, 05:39 PM
#458
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Many years ago I read, "When a wealthy man has a mi-life crisis he buys an Italian sports car. When a bicyclist has a mid-life crisis he buys an Italian bicycle."
Expensive can be subjective too. A good example is the used Dura Ace AX groupset my sister got me for Christmas 2015. That groupset cost more than many newer, more efficient (?) groupsets would have BUT, but she go the AX stuff for me because she knew that I liked the aesthetics of it and would like to get it. Thus, a les expensive thing was actually an expensive backgrade.
Beauty is indeed in the eyes of the beholder and many are willing to spend $ on what they think it beautiful.
Cheers
Expensive can be subjective too. A good example is the used Dura Ace AX groupset my sister got me for Christmas 2015. That groupset cost more than many newer, more efficient (?) groupsets would have BUT, but she go the AX stuff for me because she knew that I liked the aesthetics of it and would like to get it. Thus, a les expensive thing was actually an expensive backgrade.
Beauty is indeed in the eyes of the beholder and many are willing to spend $ on what they think it beautiful.
Cheers
01-25-16, 06:42 PM
#459
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Many years ago I read, "When a wealthy man has a mi-life crisis he buys an Italian sports car. When a bicyclist has a mid-life crisis he buys an Italian bicycle."
Expensive can be subjective too. A good example is the used Dura Ace AX groupset my sister got me for Christmas 2015. That groupset cost more than many newer, more efficient (?) groupsets would have BUT, but she go the AX stuff for me because she knew that I liked the aesthetics of it and would like to get it. Thus, a les expensive thing was actually an expensive backgrade.
Beauty is indeed in the eyes of the beholder and many are willing to spend $ on what they think it beautiful.
Cheers
Expensive can be subjective too. A good example is the used Dura Ace AX groupset my sister got me for Christmas 2015. That groupset cost more than many newer, more efficient (?) groupsets would have BUT, but she go the AX stuff for me because she knew that I liked the aesthetics of it and would like to get it. Thus, a les expensive thing was actually an expensive backgrade.
Beauty is indeed in the eyes of the beholder and many are willing to spend $ on what they think it beautiful.
Cheers
Don't forget, Exclusivity is also more Beautiful (just my personal opinion of course, so please none of you cool kids bag on Erich for his personal opinion).
To me Dura Ace 9000 are some of the Best Looking Components ever on a Road Bicycle. I think that is because I do not see a lot of Dura Ace 9000 equipped bikes... I am sure if every Schmuck had them, then they would NOT be as beautiful
01-26-16, 11:48 AM
#460
Senior Member
I'll agree with both of you. Anytime is a good time to upgrade! My wife asked if I decided to race duathlons so I could get a tri bike.
01-26-16, 12:10 PM
#461
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I am a huge fan of good bikes. Ie bikes that fit really well, work really well and have a a sweet ride. I have achieved that in full with:
My racing bike, a $450 (shop employee discount) Fuji Professional
My Peter Mooney, custom with parts on hand and picked up at employee discount (and early in Peter mOoney's career so I paid far too little for it!)
The Japanese Schwinn sport bike I set up as a city/rain;winter fix gear (the frame was bent and cost me near nothing)
Jessica, aka Team Dumpster, the ~'89 sport Peugeot frame I picked up for $20, repaired, outfitted for $85 and parts on hand. Such a good ride I doubled the cash layout with a good seat. When I had my first Ticycles bike painted, I threw this in with it, again doubling its cash layout.
The Trek 420 the Schwinn evolved to 30 years later
Both of my custom TiCycles bikes, both full custom (and different) frames; not cheap
An early '70s Raleigh Carlton Competition frame I picked up for $80 and paid TiCycles 10X that to refurbish
As you can see, my money expenditures have been all over the place. I have never been shy about using used parts and all of my customs have seen them, often in key places. I buy new: rims, spokes, rubber, seats, about half of my stems and bars. The rest - why?
Ben
My racing bike, a $450 (shop employee discount) Fuji Professional
My Peter Mooney, custom with parts on hand and picked up at employee discount (and early in Peter mOoney's career so I paid far too little for it!)
The Japanese Schwinn sport bike I set up as a city/rain;winter fix gear (the frame was bent and cost me near nothing)
Jessica, aka Team Dumpster, the ~'89 sport Peugeot frame I picked up for $20, repaired, outfitted for $85 and parts on hand. Such a good ride I doubled the cash layout with a good seat. When I had my first Ticycles bike painted, I threw this in with it, again doubling its cash layout.
The Trek 420 the Schwinn evolved to 30 years later
Both of my custom TiCycles bikes, both full custom (and different) frames; not cheap
An early '70s Raleigh Carlton Competition frame I picked up for $80 and paid TiCycles 10X that to refurbish
As you can see, my money expenditures have been all over the place. I have never been shy about using used parts and all of my customs have seen them, often in key places. I buy new: rims, spokes, rubber, seats, about half of my stems and bars. The rest - why?
Ben
01-26-16, 12:25 PM
#462
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I dont upgrade bikes as much as upgrading the fleet. Last summer it was the 77 Colnago and this year a '76 The Finest build. Of course, there are the little upgrades when needed, tires being the biggie. I cant buy Conti's anymore than ride a Varsity.
01-26-16, 08:35 PM
#463
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As long as you can afford the N+1, or what ever upgrade you choose, its good for me. You worked for your money, and its yours to spend as you see fit (spousal approval needed, or course, unless you live on the ragged edge.) Some folks like to restore the original parts, or keep things as stock as possible. Others like to upgrade when it strikes them, or they see something that catches their fancy. And, the frequent N+1 guys and gals keep the LBS, or private sellers, in the black. Its the people that choose to criticize someone for riding what they feel is wasteful, or unnecessary, that grind my gears. Ride 'em if you got 'em.
Bill
And, yes I just did a slightly expensive upgrade, no excuses about that, either.
Bill
And, yes I just did a slightly expensive upgrade, no excuses about that, either.
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Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Last edited by qcpmsame; 01-27-16 at 07:11 AM.
01-27-16, 08:47 AM
#464
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Well, I've had titanium, aluminum, and steel bikes but never a full carbon fiber framed bike. Maybe it's time to go shopping.
01-27-16, 09:38 PM
#466
just keep riding
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01-27-16, 09:53 PM
#467
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01-28-16, 06:54 AM
#468
Semper Fi
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As if we ever need any of the above to allow us the joy and pleasure of the wonder of a glorious N+1
Largely, we have no excuse for what we do, are without reason about how we do this, and it is beyond human rational thought to rationalize how, what, and why, we do these things on 2 wheels. Phew.
Bill
Largely, we have no excuse for what we do, are without reason about how we do this, and it is beyond human rational thought to rationalize how, what, and why, we do these things on 2 wheels. Phew. Bill
__________________
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
01-28-16, 08:36 AM
#469
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Naw, all of my bikes are 62, 63, or 64. I like the bars 1" below the saddle, so I need an uncut steer tube.
I'm going to look into selling my Seven once I get the wheel problems sorted out. Or maybe I'll just buy wheels, again.
A friend has a brand new Ridley Noah frameset for sale but it's a large and I don't want to run 70 or 80 mm of spacers.
I'm going to look into selling my Seven once I get the wheel problems sorted out. Or maybe I'll just buy wheels, again.
A friend has a brand new Ridley Noah frameset for sale but it's a large and I don't want to run 70 or 80 mm of spacers.
01-28-16, 02:15 PM
#470
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I'm heading to Sacramento for NAHBS on Feb 26-28 looking for a modern steel frame. The Lolo from Breadwinner Cycles is who I'll probably go with (Lolo ? Breadwinner Cycles).
Gruppo will be Campy Chorus with an Enve cockpit and a PowerTap wheelset.
I already have Ti (Moots Compact), custom carbon (Alchemy Xanthus), aluminum (Van Dessel Drag Strip Courage and KHS Solo One) and an old steel Albert Eisentraut.
This will complete my collection for now
.
Gruppo will be Campy Chorus with an Enve cockpit and a PowerTap wheelset.
I already have Ti (Moots Compact), custom carbon (Alchemy Xanthus), aluminum (Van Dessel Drag Strip Courage and KHS Solo One) and an old steel Albert Eisentraut.
This will complete my collection for now
.
01-30-16, 02:33 AM
#471
Senior Member
I'm fine with whatever amount someone spends on a bike. If you can justify spending a lot, and you want to spend a lot... do it. I have about $5000 invested in my commuter bike. I initially spent around $1500 on the bike, but I've made a lot of upgrades and purchased many accessories. I justify it - I commute by bicycle nearly everyday... and this bike makes about 75 percent of those commutes.
I feel a little guilty about having a $3000 road bike. It doesn't get much use during the winter due to the wet weather. However, it's a joy to ride in great weather and even takes over commuting duty mid-june through mid-september. I could add fenders to the bike and it would get more use in the winter. I'd rather get bike N+1 that would be a road bike with full fenders that are permanent... someday I'll justify that purchase.
I feel a little guilty about having a $3000 road bike. It doesn't get much use during the winter due to the wet weather. However, it's a joy to ride in great weather and even takes over commuting duty mid-june through mid-september. I could add fenders to the bike and it would get more use in the winter. I'd rather get bike N+1 that would be a road bike with full fenders that are permanent... someday I'll justify that purchase.
01-30-16, 03:15 AM
#472
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I've occasionally told people about some "great deal" I was getting on a new bike, and they've always been shocked at the prices. They can comprehend spending $80 or MAYBE $200. MAYBE.
But $800 or $900? Absolutely not. No way. Let's not even discuss $2500 or $8000 bikes. Let's face it, the typical bikeforums member is way out of touch with the value of a bike.
An $8K bike isn't any faster than an $800 bike. It's the engine.
But $800 or $900? Absolutely not. No way. Let's not even discuss $2500 or $8000 bikes. Let's face it, the typical bikeforums member is way out of touch with the value of a bike.
An $8K bike isn't any faster than an $800 bike. It's the engine.
01-30-16, 11:42 PM
#473
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Let's face it, the typical person who thinks $300 is too much to spend on a bicycle has no idea how much fun it can be to throw a leg over a $900 QUALITY bicycle and ride 100 km. The same person might stand in line in the snow for the chance to buy the latest Air Jordan sneekers at $139 a pop. Where's the value in 2 years? And who is out of touch?
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Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
07-07-20, 03:23 AM
#474
Pedal Pusher
That says it all... If you want it bad enough, you'll figure out a way to get it... That defines us...
(Above) My 1970 Peugeot PX-10E ... Now a powder coated one speed...
I bought it used in 1971 got $125... I was 15, made $2.10 an hour... Rode it everywhere...
Finally got a car, and still rode it everywhere...
One of the constants in my life...
Wheels - Mavic & Phil... Hand built in '77... Always smooth and true... Schwalbe rubber...
Crank - Campy and Phil...
Brakes - Mavic Cantilever - ??? Levers
Headset - Campy Record
Stem and Bars - No name spare parts...
Seat - Brooks Professional
Pedals - Changes from flat to clipless... Mostly flat...
(Above) My newest... 2020 Zizzo Liberte... Significantly upgraded with a recycled drivetrain and a mix of new and old parts...
About $800 into it... Most of that in the wheels...
Both the Peugeot and the Zizzo give me the high quality rides I am accustomed to...
I still feel like that 15 year old with the wind in my hair every time I go out and ride those things...
That's what is priceless...
(Above) My 1970 Peugeot PX-10E ... Now a powder coated one speed...
I bought it used in 1971 got $125... I was 15, made $2.10 an hour... Rode it everywhere...
Finally got a car, and still rode it everywhere...
One of the constants in my life...
Wheels - Mavic & Phil... Hand built in '77... Always smooth and true... Schwalbe rubber...
Crank - Campy and Phil...
Brakes - Mavic Cantilever - ??? Levers
Headset - Campy Record
Stem and Bars - No name spare parts...
Seat - Brooks Professional
Pedals - Changes from flat to clipless... Mostly flat...
(Above) My newest... 2020 Zizzo Liberte... Significantly upgraded with a recycled drivetrain and a mix of new and old parts...
About $800 into it... Most of that in the wheels...
Both the Peugeot and the Zizzo give me the high quality rides I am accustomed to...
I still feel like that 15 year old with the wind in my hair every time I go out and ride those things...
That's what is priceless...
Last edited by P.L.Jensen; 07-07-20 at 03:32 AM.
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07-07-20, 05:38 AM
#475
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Cool bikes, welcome back!
