Will my bike always be a "beginners bike"?
03-16-21, 11:45 AM
#51
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This happens in ALL circles. I was in a VW car group. Watercooled cars. You had the folks with more money that could notice if you had "Ebay wheels" or if you had real BBS wheels. Or if you had a Chinese intercooler or if it was a name brand nicer one.
Golf, same with clubs.
All of it also sometimes boils down to what you can afford and also some of the more expensive stuff actually lasting longer and needing less replacement (like buying 105 or Ultegra instead of a lower one).
Just can't worry about it or you'll never be able to join any kind of hobby club.
Golf, same with clubs.
All of it also sometimes boils down to what you can afford and also some of the more expensive stuff actually lasting longer and needing less replacement (like buying 105 or Ultegra instead of a lower one).
Just can't worry about it or you'll never be able to join any kind of hobby club.
03-16-21, 11:52 AM
#52
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Frankly I really don't care what their bikes cost because Im quite happy with my own.
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03-16-21, 11:53 AM
#53
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Everyone's having a good laugh at the asker's expense (and maybe that of the club, too).
But realistically, while prejudices can sometimes be an issue, choosing the right tool for the job is usually meaningful; the stories where someone on suspension MTB dropped the roadie "A" ride are notable because they're unusual.
If the club has rides that seem interesting, give it a shot starting from the ride the club is allowing as an entry point; get to know people, talk to the longstanding members shepherding that ride, figure out if there's going to be a fit in one of their ride types.
And if there's not a fit, that's fine too - find a different group, or leverage their presence even without being able to join. There's a group with no events I'd fit into, but I still find it interesting to examine their published routes and use those as ideas for my own rides.
But realistically, while prejudices can sometimes be an issue, choosing the right tool for the job is usually meaningful; the stories where someone on suspension MTB dropped the roadie "A" ride are notable because they're unusual.
If the club has rides that seem interesting, give it a shot starting from the ride the club is allowing as an entry point; get to know people, talk to the longstanding members shepherding that ride, figure out if there's going to be a fit in one of their ride types.
And if there's not a fit, that's fine too - find a different group, or leverage their presence even without being able to join. There's a group with no events I'd fit into, but I still find it interesting to examine their published routes and use those as ideas for my own rides.
Last edited by UniChris; 03-16-21 at 11:56 AM.
03-16-21, 12:14 PM
#54
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03-16-21, 12:24 PM
#55
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I found that a flashy bike attracts the wrong attention.
Which bike looks more expensive? One is $234 and the other is not.
03-16-21, 12:25 PM
#56
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03-16-21, 12:27 PM
#57
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^ How far is that guy going to get with his kickstand down?
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03-16-21, 12:41 PM
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Seeing as how he appears to have been cut out and pasted onto the picture of the bike, probably not very far
The description at an online marketplace is especially hilararious:
The description at an online marketplace is especially hilararious:
Volity Mountain Bike, 700C Aluminum Mens Bike Road Bikes 21-Speed Double Disc Brakes Bicycle, Full Suspension, Multi-color:
It is an affordable entry level 21 speed road bike well suited for commuting. It features a lightweight aluminum frame , a Shimanos drivetrain powerful disc brakes for all weather stopping. The complete bike weighs in at an impressive 35 lbs, the lightest in its class.
It is an affordable entry level 21 speed road bike well suited for commuting. It features a lightweight aluminum frame , a Shimanos drivetrain powerful disc brakes for all weather stopping. The complete bike weighs in at an impressive 35 lbs, the lightest in its class.
03-16-21, 01:03 PM
#60
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).If they said their bikes cost less than $2,000, they were actually implying that you can get a more than decent bike (assuming road, although OP never clarified that either) for under what is truly $$$$. Cheaper bikes than that are fine, but there are diminishing returns if wanting to upgrade those, just as there are diminishing returns for paying more.
03-16-21, 01:11 PM
#61
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03-16-21, 02:14 PM
#62
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Depends on how serious a club is. I got invited to a semi Professional team BITD, but I had to buy a certain "level" of bike which was $2000. At the time in the mid 90's $2000 would have bought you a really nice used sports car! and that price was impossibly out of reach for me. But the team relied on sponsorship to get to races etc and to keep the sponsors happy every one needed high end equipment. If you are taking cycling seriously as a sport your bike is a tool and workmanship is often gauged by the tools you carry. No different then a mechanic needing a certain level of professional tools to work at a high end dealership.
03-16-21, 04:02 PM
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I ride in a group of folks with varying levels of dedication. Our group leader is a lady with an entry level Trek with bottom level Shimano groupset and GP5000’s.
She can flat kick the doo out of anyone in the group except one guy who does monthly double centuries. However he would not openly state he’s a stronger cycle than her either.
That beginner cycle works pretty well for her......
She can flat kick the doo out of anyone in the group except one guy who does monthly double centuries. However he would not openly state he’s a stronger cycle than her either.
That beginner cycle works pretty well for her......
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03-16-21, 04:13 PM
#64
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I ride in a group of folks with varying levels of dedication. Our group leader is a lady with an entry level Trek with bottom level Shimano groupset and GP5000’s.
She can flat kick the doo out of anyone in the group except one guy who does monthly double centuries. However he would not openly state he’s a stronger cycle than her either.
That beginner cycle works pretty well for her......
She can flat kick the doo out of anyone in the group except one guy who does monthly double centuries. However he would not openly state he’s a stronger cycle than her either.
That beginner cycle works pretty well for her......
03-16-21, 04:39 PM
#65
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The biggest imitation will be the riders performance, not the bike being ridden. There are riders out there that will out perform and out maneuver professional riders on their fancy expensive modern carbon frames using a basic 40 year old steel frame sport touring commuter, like me! (Just kidding..)
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03-16-21, 04:40 PM
#66
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I think you took the clubs opinions to heart. If you enjoy your bike, even if this is your only baseline for how a bike is supposed to feel and be enjoyed, having fun and getting a good workout in while staying safe is all that matters.
03-16-21, 05:01 PM
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03-16-21, 06:46 PM
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03-16-21, 06:52 PM
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03-16-21, 07:04 PM
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03-17-21, 03:24 AM
#72
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