Do you sometimes feel like you hate your bike?
11-12-18, 08:51 AM
#26
Senior Member
Thread Starter
11-12-18, 08:54 AM
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: LF, APMAT
Posts: 2,752
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 623 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 397 Times
in
226 Posts
I wouldn't blame (or hate) my bikes for a bad ride. They're just inanimate objects that is my responsibility to maintain. However, there are some days were I'm just not "feeling it" when I get started on a ride. 99% of the time, after cycling for a bit, I'm enjoying it. Some of those rides have turned out the best. I do get bored by doing some of the same routes over and over. I try to vary things, but there is only so much I can do that is still safe and efficient.
11-12-18, 10:36 AM
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
Do you sometimes feel like you hate your bike?
”Hate” is indeed an attention–grabber in the title, but maybe “disaffection” is a better word. Two clichés come to mind: “A bad workman blames his tools,” and “No pain, no gain.”
I presume that a cyclist's bike is mostly freely chosen, perhaps with restraints, like cost, but is a tool of choice. Personally, I have frequently defended my choice of a high end bike as:
To get me out on the road, particularly since I cycle-commute as one alternative to get to work, I’m mindful of these two taglines:
Another disaffection, as noted above may just be boredom, and my remedy is: :
BTW, @5kdad, I read your pictorial ride report of Ragbrai; it was very illustrative and nicely captures the crowded field (one reason I have not been inclined to ride 
)
Ok, maybe "hate" is not the right word, but there's been times when I've been out on a long ride, and I ask myself, "Why am I out here doing this?" Your muscles hurt, you are hot or cold. There's other things you need to be doing.
Ever what to throw your bike into the ditch?
But I think cycling may be my medicine. It calms much of what bothers me. But like a drug, it's effect is short lived, and I need more in a day or two. Once a long ride is over, I feel refreshed all over. Much of my body aches and pains seem to subside. My mind feels fresher, more clear, more positive, more excited about what I've just accomplished.
But I don't intend to imply that the cycling experience is drudgery…But often time, the hardest part of the ride is just getting motivated, to get from the couch to the bike.
Once there, all is well.Most of the time, I do enjoy my bike rides. But the biggest joy comes from the over all feeling I have, once the ride is over. … But what wonderful memories I have of those efforts!
Anyone else relate?
Ever what to throw your bike into the ditch?
But I think cycling may be my medicine. It calms much of what bothers me. But like a drug, it's effect is short lived, and I need more in a day or two. Once a long ride is over, I feel refreshed all over. Much of my body aches and pains seem to subside. My mind feels fresher, more clear, more positive, more excited about what I've just accomplished.
But I don't intend to imply that the cycling experience is drudgery…But often time, the hardest part of the ride is just getting motivated, to get from the couch to the bike.
Once there, all is well.Most of the time, I do enjoy my bike rides. But the biggest joy comes from the over all feeling I have, once the ride is over. … But what wonderful memories I have of those efforts!
Anyone else relate?
Your post reads like a paradox full of contradictions. It also recognizable since I've been there many times. My conclusion is its not about the bike but the journey.
Sometimes its a pleasant one, sometimes it isn't.To make sure my cycling is always a pleasant experience I make sure (as best I can) the benefits outweigh the negatives.
For instance, I know I don't tolerate cooler temperature so if the temp. is going to drop below my tolerance I won't go out. There's also roads, days and time of day that I try to avoid. To put it simply you may just be bored and need a change of environment, or may just need to take a break.
Sometimes its a pleasant one, sometimes it isn't.To make sure my cycling is always a pleasant experience I make sure (as best I can) the benefits outweigh the negatives.
For instance, I know I don't tolerate cooler temperature so if the temp. is going to drop below my tolerance I won't go out. There's also roads, days and time of day that I try to avoid. To put it simply you may just be bored and need a change of environment, or may just need to take a break.
I presume that a cyclist's bike is mostly freely chosen, perhaps with restraints, like cost, but is a tool of choice. Personally, I have frequently defended my choice of a high end bike as:
… The [steel] Bridgestone was totaled in 2012 in an accident from which I was not sure I would ride again. Well I did, and decided to get a CF. My trusted mechanic said here’s the bike you want, knowing my riding style. Well the MSRP was $8000, but he got it for me at half off
Personally, I can afford it, and it was an offer I could not refuse. Cycling is that important to me and I’m fortunate to be able to continue the lifestyle,so that puts it in perspective for me,.… ….
Personally, I can afford it, and it was an offer I could not refuse. Cycling is that important to me and I’m fortunate to be able to continue the lifestyle,so that puts it in perspective for me,.… ….
Originally Posted by SammyJ
I have NEVER regretted going on a ride;I have often regretted not going when I could have!
Originally Posted by chasm54
There have been many days when I haven't felt like riding, but there has never been a day when I was sorry I rode.
I'm very motivated by novelty, and stymied by boredom on a bike, but I do have the motivation of commuting to work. I have found that when I drive my frequent, decades-old routes I often notice things I had not seen before. I think it’s because I can look around at more than just the road surface when driving.
So when the commute [route] is getting too familiar, I just raise my head higher and look over a wider field of view….
So when the commute [route] is getting too familiar, I just raise my head higher and look over a wider field of view….
A local BF subscriber @rholland1951 who contributes hundreds of photographs to the local Metro Boston thread from the same 11-mile long MUP he rides, once commented something like that "just the lighting / time of day / day of the year makes the ride “different.”
So too does the direction, one way, or the reverse.
So too does the direction, one way, or the reverse.
)
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 11-13-18 at 04:49 AM.
11-12-18, 10:48 AM
#30
Senior Member
I don’t think hate. But I find myself always thinking there is a better bike out there, and new tech and this featherweight bike is going to make every ride the “perfect” ride. So my road bike is lighter than my commuter. I have been on the carbon with better technology. And honestly, other than a couple more gears, better tires or 5 lbs less weight, I can’t add more than 1-2 mph depending on the configuration. Most of it is aesthetics and highly dependent on the engine.
11-12-18, 10:58 AM
#31
Full Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Lisle, IL
Posts: 407
Bikes: 2003 Litespeed Vortex, 2017 All-City Mr. Pink, ~1997 Trek Multitrack 700
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 139 Post(s)
Liked 94 Times
in
57 Posts
I've never hated my bike. But I have sworn at the relentless headwinds on some rides. And there have been some rides where I hated my saddle. I still haven't found saddle/bike short nirvana yet in spite of multiple iterations of both, but things have improved with the last few combinations I've tried.
11-12-18, 11:18 AM
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 12,905
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mentioned: 129 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4806 Post(s)
Liked 3,928 Times
in
2,553 Posts
I have never hated my bikes, But I am very aware my most fun bike, the completely custom ti fix gear named Jessica J from inception, can be a harsh mistress. ("Mistress" as in feminine of "master", not as an illicit partner.) She is a stiff, quick steering road racing bike (in a world where gears and freewheels were never invented; in that world, she would have been one of the best racing bikes ever made in 1988). If I am smooth, she rides like silk, If I am not, she can be a bucking bronco. And on long, hard days, there is no master (mistress) like a fix gear,
Ben
Ben
11-12-18, 11:33 AM
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: The banks of the River Charles
Posts: 2,029
Bikes: 2022 Salsa Beargrease, 2020 Seven Evergreen, 2019 Honey Allroads Ti, 2018 Seven Redsky XX, 2017 Trek Boon 7, 2014 Trek 520
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 696 Post(s)
Liked 910 Times
in
487 Posts
11-12-18, 12:10 PM
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
I don’t think hate. But I find myself always thinking there is a better bike out there, and new tech and this featherweight bike is going to make every ride the “perfect” ride. So my road bike is lighter than my commuter.
I have been on the carbon with better technology. And honestly, other than a couple more gears, better tires or 5 lbs less weight, I can’t add more than 1-2 mph depending on the configuration. Most of it is aesthetics and highly dependent on the engine.
I have been on the carbon with better technology. And honestly, other than a couple more gears, better tires or 5 lbs less weight, I can’t add more than 1-2 mph depending on the configuration. Most of it is aesthetics and highly dependent on the engine.
Hmm.... 'Significant' how? There's the question of magnitude, and the question of whether the difference would be something you care about. As far as what you care about goes, only you would know, but you did mention speed, performance, etc., so presumably you're not concerned about prestige, which of course you can expect to have more of from a higher-end bike. 
As far as magnitude goes, quantitative improvements would not be immediately evident; it's not like all of a sudden you'll be dropping folks you couldn't keep up with before. But if you've ridden enough to survive a few crits, I'm sure you've developed the sensitivity to notice increasingly fine differences in ride quality and responsiveness, andsuch improvements might be felt immediately…
I'm pretty sure that there's nothing about higher-end bikes that makes them more comfortable as a rule, but one could get a made-to-measure frame to help ensure a good fit, and some frames are made to be more comfortable on extended rides.
I had tested a few different (cheaper) CF bikes for short rides, and they all seemed “nice.” I think it took me a while to really appreciate the quality of my current bike, which as noted I bought virtually on a recommendation. After four years I'm happy with my choice.
As far as magnitude goes, quantitative improvements would not be immediately evident; it's not like all of a sudden you'll be dropping folks you couldn't keep up with before. But if you've ridden enough to survive a few crits, I'm sure you've developed the sensitivity to notice increasingly fine differences in ride quality and responsiveness, andsuch improvements might be felt immediately…
I'm pretty sure that there's nothing about higher-end bikes that makes them more comfortable as a rule, but one could get a made-to-measure frame to help ensure a good fit, and some frames are made to be more comfortable on extended rides.
I can’t claim to discuss technical specifics, and bought my high end road bike (Specialized S-Works) on the advice of my mechanic, but here’s my testimonial about going from a fine steel to a high end carbon fiber:
I made the switch from steel to carbon, and I started out wondering the same, if the quality of carbon fiber would justify the premium cost. I have previously posted on several threads:
I own a CF and have joined several such discussions.
IMO, Rowan's comment about various dimensions of performance being important in various ways to the valuation of the cyclist justifies the cost to the purchaser, and unlike speed is not necessarily quantifiable. I have posted my justifications as
…** Performance in this context does not mean out right speed because that is down to the person riding it and their strength and endurance.
But rather is in the quality of the shifting, braking, ride, handling through corners and over rough surfaces, aerodynamics and (dare I say it) comfort.
But rather is in the quality of the shifting, braking, ride, handling through corners and over rough surfaces, aerodynamics and (dare I say it) comfort.
IMO, Rowan's comment about various dimensions of performance being important in various ways to the valuation of the cyclist justifies the cost to the purchaser, and unlike speed is not necessarily quantifiable. I have posted my justifications as
My average speed stayed the same, but I think I was hampered by injuries from the accident, and I believe the new bike compensated at least to maintain my average speed. I did note that I was more inclined to sprint (successfully) to beat traffic lights before they turned red.
I further craved the smoothness of the ride, including the shifting, making cycle-commuting more pleasurable. Of greatest benefit, while long (greater than 40 mile) rides took the same amount of time as before, I felt much less tired at the end…
“At least I have no buyer's remorse about what I might be missing.”
I further craved the smoothness of the ride, including the shifting, making cycle-commuting more pleasurable. Of greatest benefit, while long (greater than 40 mile) rides took the same amount of time as before, I felt much less tired at the end…
“At least I have no buyer's remorse about what I might be missing.”
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 11-12-18 at 12:53 PM.
11-13-18, 05:44 AM
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 199
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 42 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
3 Posts
I did a sprint triathlon this summer and I hated every minute of it. I felt too jump from the get go, and even though the bike ride was so short it was hillier than expected. I sprained my ankle a couple of days before. I HATED it. I wanted to quit, and it was only a sprint!
I look miserable in ever picture until when I finally crossed the finish line 3rd from last, I immediately wanted to do it again. I’m training for a longer one next year. I have no idea why the brain works like that, I’m sure I’ll feel the same next year. But the sense of accomplishment is overwhelmingly worth it.
I look miserable in ever picture until when I finally crossed the finish line 3rd from last, I immediately wanted to do it again. I’m training for a longer one next year. I have no idea why the brain works like that, I’m sure I’ll feel the same next year. But the sense of accomplishment is overwhelmingly worth it.
11-15-18, 02:00 PM
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Brighton, Michigan
Posts: 662
Bikes: Optima Baron LR, '14 Nishiki Maricopa,'87 Trek 330 Elance, '89 Miyata 1400, '85 Peugeot PGN10, '04 Fuji Ace, '06 Giant Rincon, '95 Giant Allegre, '83 Trek 620, '86 Schwinn High Sierra
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 224 Post(s)
Liked 162 Times
in
106 Posts
Have you ever been on a recumbent in hilly areas? I have on my Baron LowRacer. And, I hate it. Downhill is a rush like no other. Uphill? It's like hell. The steeper, the worse the pain is.
My other honorable mention is my 1987 Peugeot PGN10. I bought that bike at age 17 with money saved up from working at Arbys. But I didn't care about the size of the bike, and I should have. I wanted that bike, right there, on the showroom floor. I spent the next 30 years getting it to fit right, and never could. Stems, bars, saddle positions. Everything felt too big.
And when I would come back off leave from the USMC, every time I rode that bike, it always seemed like I had a flat tire. Enough so that I slammed to bike down on the pavement and bent the rim. After EAS'ing from the USMC, I took up biking again, got a new wheel, and rode it till about 5 years ago.
Just this year, I gave it to my daughter's friend who fit it much better than I did. I almost had tears in my eyes when I handed it over to him. I hated...and loved that bike.
My other honorable mention is my 1987 Peugeot PGN10. I bought that bike at age 17 with money saved up from working at Arbys. But I didn't care about the size of the bike, and I should have. I wanted that bike, right there, on the showroom floor. I spent the next 30 years getting it to fit right, and never could. Stems, bars, saddle positions. Everything felt too big.
And when I would come back off leave from the USMC, every time I rode that bike, it always seemed like I had a flat tire. Enough so that I slammed to bike down on the pavement and bent the rim. After EAS'ing from the USMC, I took up biking again, got a new wheel, and rode it till about 5 years ago.
Just this year, I gave it to my daughter's friend who fit it much better than I did. I almost had tears in my eyes when I handed it over to him. I hated...and loved that bike.
11-15-18, 02:18 PM
#39
Member
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 46
Bikes: Surly Disc Trucker, 1977 Motobecane Super Mirage
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 34 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I wouldn't blame (or hate) my bikes for a bad ride. They're just inanimate objects that is my responsibility to maintain. However, there are some days were I'm just not "feeling it" when I get started on a ride. 99% of the time, after cycling for a bit, I'm enjoying it. Some of those rides have turned out the best. I do get bored by doing some of the same routes over and over. I try to vary things, but there is only so much I can do that is still safe and efficient.
11-16-18, 06:07 PM
#40
Senior Member
Love my bike but do get bored of doing the same routes and our short mid week 20 miler .... the last 5 miles is virtually always directly into a 15 / 20 mph headwind on a wet ish gravel section which slows you down and if it's cold as well puts a bit of a downer on the whole thing .... knowing the pub's at the end of it is probably what gives you the will to keep going 
Last edited by Witterings; 11-16-18 at 07:49 PM.
11-16-18, 07:38 PM
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Toronto, CANADA
Posts: 6,204
Bikes: ...a few.
Mentioned: 47 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2012 Post(s)
Liked 409 Times
in
235 Posts
My bikes are like my children--I love all of them, and the one I favour varies from moment to moment, day to day.
I'll tell you what I hate, though. It's winter! It's the cold, the snow, ice, frozen brake lines, numb toes and fingers. That's what I hate!
I'll tell you what I hate, though. It's winter! It's the cold, the snow, ice, frozen brake lines, numb toes and fingers. That's what I hate!
11-16-18, 08:33 PM
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
Love my bike but do get bored of doing the same routes and our short mid week 20 miler .... the last 5 miles is virtually always directly into a 15 / 20 mph headwind on a wet ish gravel section which slows you down and if it's cold as well puts a bit of a downer on the whole thing ....
knowing the pub's at the end of it is probably what gives you the will to keep going
knowing the pub's at the end of it is probably what gives you the will to keep going
”Hate” is indeed an attention–grabber in the title, but maybe “disaffection” is a better word. Two clichés come to mind: “A bad workman blames his tools,” and “No pain, no gain.”…
Another disaffection, as noted above may just be boredom, and my remedy is:
Another disaffection, as noted above may just be boredom, and my remedy is:
I'm very motivated by novelty, and stymied by boredom on a bike, but I do have the motivation of commuting to work. I have found that when I drive my frequent, decades-old routes I often notice things I had not seen before. I think it’s because I can look around at more than just the road surface when driving.
So when the commute [route] is getting too familiar, I just raise my head higher and look over a wider field of view….
So when the commute [route] is getting too familiar, I just raise my head higher and look over a wider field of view….
A local BF subscriber @rholland1951 who contributes hundreds of photographs to the local Metro Boston thread from the same 11-mile long MUP he rides, once commented something like that "just the lighting / time of day / day of the year makes the ride “different.”
So too does the direction, one way, or the reverse.
So too does the direction, one way, or the reverse.
11-17-18, 01:19 AM
#43
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 15
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Nope. When I'm towards the end of a century on my S5, undercarriage numb from the harsh ride, cold, and sore - I'd still rather be on my bike.
11-21-18, 01:08 PM
#44
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 6,432
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 539 Post(s)
Liked 44 Times
in
38 Posts
I used to have a mix of enjoyment and hate every ride. I thought I "had" to use clipless but it caused my feet to hurt and go numb partway into every ride along with some knee pain. Tried multiple fittings, shoes, insoles, etc, couldn't fix it. I switched to flats with good shoes and pedals (five ten freerider shoes and dmr vault pedals) and all that went away and my enjoyment of riding went way to heck up. Some people never have this issue with clipless but I did.
But...I later hurt my leg working out (not biking) and have gone through physical therapy and I can tell you exactly why it sometimes gets painful to ride - because certain muscles that are supposed to be working aren't able to do their job. My glutes do not like to function. My hamstrings are rather gummed up. On better days it's ok but on bad days my body is complaining to me that things aren't right.
Ironically like the OP I feel pretty good after the ride. My body likes the medium-pace cardio, but complains when muscles aren't compensating for other muscles that aren't doing their job.
But...I later hurt my leg working out (not biking) and have gone through physical therapy and I can tell you exactly why it sometimes gets painful to ride - because certain muscles that are supposed to be working aren't able to do their job. My glutes do not like to function. My hamstrings are rather gummed up. On better days it's ok but on bad days my body is complaining to me that things aren't right.
Ironically like the OP I feel pretty good after the ride. My body likes the medium-pace cardio, but complains when muscles aren't compensating for other muscles that aren't doing their job.
11-21-18, 01:21 PM
#45
Senior Member
11-21-18, 01:29 PM
#46
Senior Member
[QUOTE=5kdad;20657486]
Ever what to throw your bike into the ditch?
In hindsight maybe - my 1999 Cannondale CAAD-framed road bike - rode like a truck on a rough road with no suspension. A 30 mile ride would feel like punishment.
I didn't fully perceive this at the time, but once I bought and rode a CF Specialized Roubaix the problem caused by the stiff aluminum frame and 23mm tires on th Cannondale was apparent.
Strangely enough, now that I am riding 'vintage' steel bikes with biggish tires (32 - 38mm) I find the Roubaix to be less-than-comfortable. What will come next?!
Ever what to throw your bike into the ditch?
In hindsight maybe - my 1999 Cannondale CAAD-framed road bike - rode like a truck on a rough road with no suspension. A 30 mile ride would feel like punishment.
I didn't fully perceive this at the time, but once I bought and rode a CF Specialized Roubaix the problem caused by the stiff aluminum frame and 23mm tires on th Cannondale was apparent.
Strangely enough, now that I am riding 'vintage' steel bikes with biggish tires (32 - 38mm) I find the Roubaix to be less-than-comfortable. What will come next?!
11-22-18, 12:18 AM
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 63
Bikes: Bianchi Eros, Bianchi Intenso, Lemond Zurich, Stowe, Trek 930
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I sometimes wish I could transform my bike mid-ride into my motorcycle -- because I certainly can't produce 150 horsepower. But that doesn't make me hate the bike.
11-26-18, 11:35 AM
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 2,599
Bikes: 06 Lemond Reno, 98 GT Timberline mtn.bike
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 427 Post(s)
Liked 699 Times
in
436 Posts
Can't say I've ever hated my bike. I have hated my decision on taking my mtn.bike (heavy) out for a hilly road ride (thinking I'd like the workout), then realizing there were lots of hills which I would have handled much better on the road bike! Usually, if I'm not enjoying the ride, it's because of me, not the bike.
11-26-18, 08:22 PM
#49
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Central Illinois
Posts: 869
Bikes: 2008 Dawes Haymaker 20XX Leader LD515 TotoCycling Road Bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 27 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 32 Times
in
19 Posts
I only hate my bicycle(s) when I develop a problem mid ride that can't be resolved until I get home. Once such instance was a pedal bolt coming loose causing a clicking sound with every full rotation.
11-26-18, 09:18 PM
#50
C*pt*i* Obvious
The bike(s) can be annoying when they have mechanical issues, but I'm almost always successful at repairing them eventually.
As for some of the people that I have to share the roads with, definitely some hate there.
Some of the roads suck too.
As for some of the people that I have to share the roads with, definitely some hate there.
Some of the roads suck too.