What are the biggest wastes of money in biking?
03-13-23, 06:59 AM
#826
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03-13-23, 07:03 AM
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I like a mini-pump, I don't use CO2. I get about 4 roadside flats a year doing long-distance solo riding (works out to about 1 flat per 1500 miles). I really don't care whether anyone else's math says that the mini-pump isn't right for me and I don't think they should care what I think about their CO2 preference. "Debating" this stuff is asinine. I'm against people littering the canisters, but otherwise your choice has absolutely no effect on me.
03-13-23, 07:07 AM
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03-13-23, 07:16 AM
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When looking at vintage water bottles,I will sometimes close my eyes while clicking on “Buy It Now” like it won’t hurt if I don’t see the transaction! LMFAO!
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03-13-23, 08:31 AM
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How much do you think jet engine precision makes in the world of cycling? If it makes you feel good to hang something expensive on your bike and that makes you ride more, all the power to you. If you think ceramic bearings will make your ride noticeably "lighter and smoother" as you say, you are fooling yourself.
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03-13-23, 08:34 AM
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Well TBH, I used Maxxis ReFuses for quite some time. They are virtually bombproof, but ride like a garden hose. I see these as well as plenty of Gatorskins. I was referring specifically to Armadillos that I never see anymore.
03-13-23, 08:38 AM
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03-13-23, 08:43 AM
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The cost. The term "waste of money" is relative, but some would argue that ceramic bearings on a bicycle are WAY over the line when it comes to cost/benefit, for most folks.
On the other hand, if you're building a cost-no-object showcase bicycle, it would almost certainly need to have ceramic bearings, wouldn't it?
On the other hand, if you're building a cost-no-object showcase bicycle, it would almost certainly need to have ceramic bearings, wouldn't it?
03-13-23, 09:04 AM
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They're great for touring and commuting. Especially the marathon plus types which are essentially indestructible even with arrowhead gravel.
03-13-23, 09:35 AM
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The cost. The term "waste of money" is relative, but some would argue that ceramic bearings on a bicycle are WAY over the line when it comes to cost/benefit, for most folks.
On the other hand, if you're building a cost-no-object showcase bicycle, it would almost certainly need to have ceramic bearings, wouldn't it?
On the other hand, if you're building a cost-no-object showcase bicycle, it would almost certainly need to have ceramic bearings, wouldn't it?
About as much as any other aerospace technology used by cyclists.
Last edited by smd4; 03-13-23 at 09:46 AM.
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03-13-23, 09:38 AM
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03-13-23, 09:39 AM
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Notice the word, "type"
03-13-23, 09:42 AM
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Are they?
If they were a couple watts faster, I would buy them. I currently use NTN LLB grade bearings. They are about $20-25 each and last a long, long time. I've never seen any testing of ceramics on a bike that made a compelling case. Do you know of any? I don't believe ceramicspeed because they are tricky and crafty.
If they were a couple watts faster, I would buy them. I currently use NTN LLB grade bearings. They are about $20-25 each and last a long, long time. I've never seen any testing of ceramics on a bike that made a compelling case. Do you know of any? I don't believe ceramicspeed because they are tricky and crafty.
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03-13-23, 09:59 AM
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03-13-23, 09:59 AM
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Lift-serviced skiing is expensive. Backcountry skiing is cheap, and it takes advantage of all that cycling fitness. Plus, there are no crowds.
Tioga Pass Lodge, near Yosemite Park
Tioga Pass Lodge, near Yosemite Park
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Ride, Rest, Repeat. ROUVY: terrymorse
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03-13-23, 10:13 AM
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I'm with you on this! I'm a Nordic skier, not a downhill guy. Even groomed xc ski centers cost very little - anywhere between $10 and $30. Regardless, unless you live in Northern New England, Canada or out West, skiing requires travelling and lodging which both have significant costs. Whereas cycling I can do right from my house 9 months of the year.
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03-13-23, 10:40 AM
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Hambini rails against ceramic.
Enduro HD-15 get good reviews. Ceramic speed coated bearings give a 6 year warrantly. Basically, there are 4-5 bearings carrying a load on the wheels and at $110 per bearing, they only justification would be durability if they were not faster. I stopped sending my Powertap wheel back to SRAM for bearings because they only lasted 3-4,000 miles with the cheap junk they put in. I learned how to replace them myself with high quality steel and the main bearings last much, much longer and are noticeably smoother.
This what ceramic speed says. I would spend the $440 to upgrade my hub bearings for 5 watts but not for 1 watt, especially when 2/3 of that gain is low friction grease that can be used in steel bearings. I want to be sold on ceramic bearings but remain unconvinced.
5+ Watts Savings: Upgrade to top-performing wheel/hub bearings.Wheel bearings spin at 4-5 times the RPM of bottom bracket bearings.Wheel/hub bearing selection will have a pronounced effect on the overall watt savings.CeramicSpeed hub bearings (depending on model), will average about one watt of energy consumption per set.
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03-13-23, 10:48 AM
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03-13-23, 11:28 AM
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My hubs don’t use cartridge bearings. They use loose balls. To convert both hubs probably didn’t run much more than $50 - $60 bucks.
03-13-23, 11:59 AM
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03-13-23, 01:05 PM
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