Bikes at organized events, bike envy?
 

Hello all,

I recently partook in an organized cycling event here in Belgium, and it struck me how nice and new everyones bikes were. Not a race, just an event for amateurs.

My bike is 12 years old, and it feels like it was by far one of the oldest bikes there. It really seems like everyone went out and bought a new bike last week or something crazy like that. I saw a lot of new Canyons, Pinarellos, Williers, Ridleys, etc. Mostly carbon. judging from the models and paintwork most of them were less than 3 yrs old.

I consider my bike pretty nice, but among all this new bling, almost felt inadequate, even though I know it is not.

Do you notice the same when you go out and partake in events? Do most people ride bikes 3 yrs old or newer? I thought this was striking.

I guess you could also look at it differently and take an older bike as a badge of honor and testament you are not 'new to the sport'.

Cheers!

It doesn't matter how new your bike is, it only matters how cool you are riding it.

No.
I don’t think so.

I don't care what others ride and don't wish I had what they have.
This is mostly because I like the tactile feel of mechanical shifting and I like the look of steel frames.
They do their thing and I will do mine.

Having an old bike is a flex. Everyone nowadays seems to be on fancy carbon bikes. Keep up on your old school bike and people will take notice

Some folks have more money and/or different priorities. I've long since reached the point where I know I'll never own a $10,000 bike, just as I'll never own a $100,000 car. I'm okay with that. Sure I kinda envy the guys with the latest 12 speed, electronic shifting, flyweight frame with carbon wheels. I'm glad those bikes exist, because they demonstrate a combination of passion for excellence and the continuing push of progress. They're combination of art and engineering, the current pinnacle of what a bike can be.

But I'm still happy to throw a leg over a 40 year old, 21lb steel bike, and take it out and use it to the limits of my meager abilities. Yes, my 2 year old CF bike continues to be faster than any of my older bikes, on the same routes. Consistently. But it's not leaving the others for dead. If it was A Good Bike 40 years ago, and it's performing at that level, it's still A Good Bike. I don't ride old bikes to "flex", though I will admit that it feels kind of good being an old fat guy on a 40 year old bike passing younger riders on fancy new bikes, but that's not why I ride the old bikes.

​​​​​​I won't go back from Di2, but I do miss the feel of direct connection from a good mech setup. They're both a joy to use, in different ways.

To answer the OP, I ride a bike that makes me happy. I don't even want a different bike (except a MTB) because I like the way this one rides.

Occasional admiration, but not envy.

I tend to notice the 40+ year old bikes or the very new bikes when at such events. Nothing spectacular about the middle years for bicycles. Though I don't particularly think less or more of any no matter what they ride. I'm just admiring the bike.

Still get admiring comments and envy over wanting a Ti bike on my 15 yo Lynsky during sportives. Beautiful thing about Ti is the finish looks as good as the day I bought it.

Although I do give her a bath and polisher her up before big events.

...or it's just riding what you enjoy.

The bike in my collection that is most likely to elicit comments and compliments is a 30 year old frame with 16 year old components. I think mostly because it's red, with bright alloy kit and white saddle and bar tape. Makes it stand out.

I have noticed that a lot of people ride newer bikes than mine. The bike I usually ride on longish charity rides is a 2008 Ciocc with a good group set and wheels. It has tens of thousands of miles on it and looks dated next to the latest and greatest, but it still rides as well as ever. Any time I think of replacing it I’m put off by how much it would cost to buy anything noticeably better.

I did a group ride in WLA today that had about 20 riders. I have a pretty nice Bianchi Infinito CV in good condition and it seemed like I had the worst bike of the group. I do really enjoy my ride and mostly wondered why 95% of the bikes were matte black? Of course I’m rolling with the Celeste.

I always find myself looking at simple yet well thought out tandems. Never paid much attention at the other stuff to get any feeling of where I may be placed.
if you're wearing some loud socks, I'll likely notice that too.

I like looking at other bikes but I care more about how a bike fits and rides. If I was going to get a new road bike I would research it first to see of it would work so it would be pointless to lust after someone's bike just because I liked the way it looked.

Besides, whatever bike you have you can let your legs do the talking.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6f31015d00.gif
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f530391100.gif
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...feccb2abfd.gif
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...cf7c52ad91.gif

What you ride compared to what someone else rides doesn't make YOU inadequate. If you're happy riding your bike be happy riding your bike. If you want a new bike buy a new bike. It's isn't a referendum on your self-worth. Unless, of course, you want it to be.

I like seeing the nicer bikes, but I'm very happy with my older-2006- LeMond. So while I very much enjoy looking at the nicer bikes, I don't envy them. My bike does all I want or need. Being a senior might have something to do with it, maybe if I was younger and competing, a nicer bike might be on the wish list.

I enjoy seeing nice bikes. I look at them to see how the riders have them setup. Maybe they're doing something with their bike that I never thought of. Yes, I will admire their bikes but it's never a competition as to what you have and what I have. It would never enter my mind.

I prefer a component that the industry decided was obsolete, so all I have are vintage steel bikes. The biggest cluster I have on back is a 9 speed. I also prefer shiny components. That eliminates most modern components as well. Sadly, no carbon components for me.

I absolutely love to look at the bikes around me during events. Not to compare but simply because I enjoy seeing all the different styles materials and ages. My personal bike is also an eye catcher although it is four years old at this point but it generally elicits lots of comments.

to your point though of the seemingly large number of newer bikes, I look at this as a positive, one thing about covid is the number of increased bike usage, I think it’s absolutely fantastic, and if these newer people are joining supported or event rides then all the better because maybe they’ll stick with it! To be fair I live in a pretty tourist centric area and at our Saturday club rides we can get upward of 150 people with guests and visitors, I love to welcome people to the rides best suited for them and am always amazed at how many new aquaintances I make each season simply by talking about bikes and cycling!

Just imagine one of those riders on the $10,000 carbon superbikes looking at you and thinking, "Man, I wish I had a classic steel bike like that!"