Are new bikes more fun to ride?
September 3, 2010 10:23 AM Subscribe
Bicycle-filter: Should I shout myself a new bike, or is my old one just fine? Have bought a bike you didn't need? Do you love it? Or do you kind of regret it?
I live inner-city, don't own a car, and ride every day. It's cheap, convenient, fun, and helps keep me moderately fit.
I ride a mid-level 2003 Giant OCR 1. Mostly I'm just commuting (typically towing my son in a Chariot child trailer) in casual clothes and shoes. But about once a week I put on the lycra and clip-in shoes and go for a spin. (I also own a 2yo Giant Trance X2 mountain bike which hasn't seen much action the past few months because it's been a wet winter in Melbourne, and my regular riding buddy has been too busy.)
My son will start school next year, so I'll have the time to go for 'proper' rides at least a couple of times a week again, like I used to do before I became a full-time dad.
It's end-of-year clearance sale time and I've got my eyes on a bike which I clearly don't need - a 2010 Giant Defy Advanced 1. It ticks all my lust boxes: full carbon-fibre, 6700 Shimano Ultegra, Mavic Kysrium Elite wheels, etc, etc.
If I bought it it would be an indulgence; frankly the bike is way over-spec'ed given my talents. I've had a test ride on a similar bike, and whilst it was certainly nicer than my current bike I couldn't escape the nagging thought that it had the same crappy engine my current bicycle has!
So my question is: do you think it's likely I'll likely get lots pleasure from a new bike? Or after a few months am I more likely to be thinking that it was a bit of an unnecessary extravagent purchase?
I live inner-city, don't own a car, and ride every day. It's cheap, convenient, fun, and helps keep me moderately fit.
I ride a mid-level 2003 Giant OCR 1. Mostly I'm just commuting (typically towing my son in a Chariot child trailer) in casual clothes and shoes. But about once a week I put on the lycra and clip-in shoes and go for a spin. (I also own a 2yo Giant Trance X2 mountain bike which hasn't seen much action the past few months because it's been a wet winter in Melbourne, and my regular riding buddy has been too busy.)
My son will start school next year, so I'll have the time to go for 'proper' rides at least a couple of times a week again, like I used to do before I became a full-time dad.
It's end-of-year clearance sale time and I've got my eyes on a bike which I clearly don't need - a 2010 Giant Defy Advanced 1. It ticks all my lust boxes: full carbon-fibre, 6700 Shimano Ultegra, Mavic Kysrium Elite wheels, etc, etc.
If I bought it it would be an indulgence; frankly the bike is way over-spec'ed given my talents. I've had a test ride on a similar bike, and whilst it was certainly nicer than my current bike I couldn't escape the nagging thought that it had the same crappy engine my current bicycle has!
So my question is: do you think it's likely I'll likely get lots pleasure from a new bike? Or after a few months am I more likely to be thinking that it was a bit of an unnecessary extravagent purchase?
You only have too many bikes when you get to the point where you have bikes that never get ridden. Personally, my opinion is that carbon frames and ultegra are overkill if you're not going to do any actual racing but other than that, heck yes, get a real road bike! Please note that I am biased as I'm also hoping to buy a new road bike soon.
posted by GuyZero at 10:26 AM on September 3, 2010
posted by GuyZero at 10:26 AM on September 3, 2010
oh hey - I mistakenly thought the OCR was a hybrid with a flat bar. Per FAMOUS MONSTER, I dunno about two road bikes. That said, if one has flat pedals and a trailer mount for town riding and you have another bike with clips and bottle cages, that's not really overkill unless, again, you have a bike you're not riding.
posted by GuyZero at 10:29 AM on September 3, 2010
posted by GuyZero at 10:29 AM on September 3, 2010
Aside from the smoothness of the components, I can't tell the difference between ultra-expensive and merely nice bikes. Fit is more important to me, and that has nothing to do with cost.
I'd skip the new bike and get something used if you want a nicer road bike. The difference between the crazy new carbon fiber stuff and a 25 year old high quality steel/aluminum road bike is insignificant to a non-racer. A pound of weight saved is good for ~100 yards on a fast 1 hour climb up a VERY steep grade and worth almost nothing on the flats. Since I've never spent an hour climbing a 7-8% grade, I really think there are better places to spend money than weight savings.
What's going to get you to ride more? New bike or spending some money making riding more physically comfortable? Saddle? Better shoes? Nicer helmet? Bigger tires that make the bike ride better? Those things are way more important to me.
posted by pjaust at 10:44 AM on September 3, 2010
I'd skip the new bike and get something used if you want a nicer road bike. The difference between the crazy new carbon fiber stuff and a 25 year old high quality steel/aluminum road bike is insignificant to a non-racer. A pound of weight saved is good for ~100 yards on a fast 1 hour climb up a VERY steep grade and worth almost nothing on the flats. Since I've never spent an hour climbing a 7-8% grade, I really think there are better places to spend money than weight savings.
What's going to get you to ride more? New bike or spending some money making riding more physically comfortable? Saddle? Better shoes? Nicer helmet? Bigger tires that make the bike ride better? Those things are way more important to me.
posted by pjaust at 10:44 AM on September 3, 2010
In my experience, keep the old bike if you do so for commuting and quick spins to the store.
Then you can use the shiny new one for pleasure/workout rides where you likely aren't going to be leaving it unattended (hence needing to lug around hefty locks) and don't mind so much getting into more purposeful cycling clothes and clipless shoes. Worst case, you end up not riding it in preference for the old bike that is less hassle, thus it stays in great condition, and retains some resale value.
posted by hungrysquirrels at 10:47 AM on September 3, 2010
Then you can use the shiny new one for pleasure/workout rides where you likely aren't going to be leaving it unattended (hence needing to lug around hefty locks) and don't mind so much getting into more purposeful cycling clothes and clipless shoes. Worst case, you end up not riding it in preference for the old bike that is less hassle, thus it stays in great condition, and retains some resale value.
posted by hungrysquirrels at 10:47 AM on September 3, 2010
I think it's likely to give you as much satisfaction as any other impulse purchase - you'll be head over heels for awhile and then you'll cool down. You may even forget about it if you buy it now and don't intend to really ride it until next year.
That being said, I love bikes and I've purchased them on impulse a few times. We went to a used bike shop last year to look for a ride for my girlfriend, and I ended up coming home with a "brand new" 1967 Raleigh Superbe. It's totally impractical but I love it and ride it just about every week.
I've since moved on to buying bikes for her on impulse. One day the basement will no longer fit more bikes.
posted by backseatpilot at 10:47 AM on September 3, 2010
That being said, I love bikes and I've purchased them on impulse a few times. We went to a used bike shop last year to look for a ride for my girlfriend, and I ended up coming home with a "brand new" 1967 Raleigh Superbe. It's totally impractical but I love it and ride it just about every week.
I've since moved on to buying bikes for her on impulse. One day the basement will no longer fit more bikes.
posted by backseatpilot at 10:47 AM on September 3, 2010
If you ride it, you'll love it and think it was worth it. If you don't, you'll regret it. It's that simple.
You can't have too many bikes (just too little storage space.)
posted by advicepig at 10:48 AM on September 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
You can't have too many bikes (just too little storage space.)
posted by advicepig at 10:48 AM on September 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Just to clear up a few things...
Yes, my current bike is also a road bike. I much prefer having my hands 'in the hoods' on road bike handlebars to riding with flat handlebars, even if I'm just cruising around town.
My current bike is a good fit - I changed the stem and gradually adjusted the seat position over the course of a few weeks to get it just so. At age 37 I'm more comfortable on my current than I was on my previous bike at age 20, even though the differences in position of the contact points were pretty minimal. Whenever I'm asked what bike to buy - by friends or on AskMeFi - I certainly stress fit over anything else. Part of the attraction of the Defy is the geometry is a bit more relaxed than a full-on race bike, and pretty similar to what I currently have.
posted by puffmoike at 11:03 AM on September 3, 2010
Yes, my current bike is also a road bike. I much prefer having my hands 'in the hoods' on road bike handlebars to riding with flat handlebars, even if I'm just cruising around town.
My current bike is a good fit - I changed the stem and gradually adjusted the seat position over the course of a few weeks to get it just so. At age 37 I'm more comfortable on my current than I was on my previous bike at age 20, even though the differences in position of the contact points were pretty minimal. Whenever I'm asked what bike to buy - by friends or on AskMeFi - I certainly stress fit over anything else. Part of the attraction of the Defy is the geometry is a bit more relaxed than a full-on race bike, and pretty similar to what I currently have.
posted by puffmoike at 11:03 AM on September 3, 2010
What else would you do with the money? I think that's the real question. If the answer is "spend it on hookers and blow," I'd say "hell yes, get the bike." If the answer is "pay off my credit card" I'd say "hell no." Presumably the answer is somewhere in between, and you need to judge the relative utility of your options.
I've bought bikes that I didn't need, and wound up selling with very few miles on them. The bikes that I've kept are the ones that each fill a specific purpose, as hungrysquirrel alludes to.
posted by adamrice at 11:05 AM on September 3, 2010
I've bought bikes that I didn't need, and wound up selling with very few miles on them. The bikes that I've kept are the ones that each fill a specific purpose, as hungrysquirrel alludes to.
posted by adamrice at 11:05 AM on September 3, 2010
The phrase "bike you don't need" makes little sense to me. YOU NEED ALL OF THE BIKES.
posted by broadway bill at 11:06 AM on September 3, 2010 [6 favorites]
posted by broadway bill at 11:06 AM on September 3, 2010 [6 favorites]
Response by poster: Thanks for all the great answers. The split seems to pretty much falling down the middle - might help explain my own indecision.
posted by puffmoike at 11:06 AM on September 3, 2010
posted by puffmoike at 11:06 AM on September 3, 2010
As someone with 6 bicycles, I can only tell you this: Get it.
posted by brand-gnu at 11:25 AM on September 3, 2010
posted by brand-gnu at 11:25 AM on September 3, 2010
Well, your "mid-level" bike looks pretty fancy to me, but that's probably because I ride old steel frames.
I'll nth the suggestion of a different type of bike. I have five bikes right now and they're all radically different styles (touring, mountain, recumbent, road tandem, Dutch townie). I just like being able to try a new feel every so often, especially switching between recumbent and upright. (Sounds like you mostly want something that feels zippier, but that sense of speed is relative - if a week on a three-speed makes my touring bike seem fast, I can only imagine what it would do for an aluminum beauty like yours!)
Component upgrades might be worthy of consideration too, especially if you're happy with the fit of your current bike. Try a sprung leather saddle if you want comfort, high-end racing wheels if you want something fast and smooth, et cetera.
posted by sibilatorix at 11:49 AM on September 3, 2010
I'll nth the suggestion of a different type of bike. I have five bikes right now and they're all radically different styles (touring, mountain, recumbent, road tandem, Dutch townie). I just like being able to try a new feel every so often, especially switching between recumbent and upright. (Sounds like you mostly want something that feels zippier, but that sense of speed is relative - if a week on a three-speed makes my touring bike seem fast, I can only imagine what it would do for an aluminum beauty like yours!)
Component upgrades might be worthy of consideration too, especially if you're happy with the fit of your current bike. Try a sprung leather saddle if you want comfort, high-end racing wheels if you want something fast and smooth, et cetera.
posted by sibilatorix at 11:49 AM on September 3, 2010
Let's flip this around. What are you willing to give up, in order to get this bike? For example, last year I really wanted to buy an espresso machine. I took the amount that it cost, then went back through my budget to see what would match that amount.
I decided to forgo all fast food (i.e. food that I buy away from home which is NOT restaurant meals with friends) for three months. The amount I was spending on bagels, lattes, "the occasional smoothie," for three months was roughly what the espresso machine cost.
Could I have afforded to just buy the espresso machine? Sure. But purchases have consequences.
I have a personal policy that all non-essential purchases have to really go through the wringer. It has saved me a FORTUNE.
So my questions to you are: 1) How much does the new bike cost? 2) What are you willing to give up in that amount?
Would you be willing to pack a lunch every day NO CHEATING for three months? Would you be willing to cancel cable TV for a year? (I'm hampered on specific suggestions, because I don't know what the bike costs.)
posted by ErikaB at 11:50 AM on September 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
I decided to forgo all fast food (i.e. food that I buy away from home which is NOT restaurant meals with friends) for three months. The amount I was spending on bagels, lattes, "the occasional smoothie," for three months was roughly what the espresso machine cost.
Could I have afforded to just buy the espresso machine? Sure. But purchases have consequences.
I have a personal policy that all non-essential purchases have to really go through the wringer. It has saved me a FORTUNE.
So my questions to you are: 1) How much does the new bike cost? 2) What are you willing to give up in that amount?
Would you be willing to pack a lunch every day NO CHEATING for three months? Would you be willing to cancel cable TV for a year? (I'm hampered on specific suggestions, because I don't know what the bike costs.)
posted by ErikaB at 11:50 AM on September 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
I'd get a new bike. It'll be a new toy and encourage you to ride more which is a good thing. I just got a new bike myself and have been riding regularly for the first time in years. If novelty will help you ride more, do it.
posted by chairface at 2:05 PM on September 3, 2010
posted by chairface at 2:05 PM on September 3, 2010
I have five bikes. I got each one because it did something that the earlier ones didn't:
#1. Hybrid - my only bike for more than a decade
#2. Commuter (enclosed chain, IGH, upright) for riding to work in dress clothes
#3. Touring bike with drop bars - for long rides (including day rides since I'm heavy and wanted a bike that could take the abuse)
#4. Quick-folding 16"-wheel bike to take overseas
#5. Folding 20"-wheel bike for overseas touring
#5 does most of what #4 does, and does almost everything better, so I may sell #4. #1 will probably become a winter beater soon, unless my wife takes it over.
I've successfully resisted the urge to buy a new bike that was similar to an old one; instead, as others have suggested, I tweak components. Next week my touring bike gets new handlebars, brakes, and brake levers. If I turn #1 into a winter bike I'll get studded tires and pogies.
If you rely on your bike for transportation, it's good to have a spare, though, so if you're not hankering for a different style of bike, you only have the one, and you can afford it, why not get another one?
And Sibilatorix has a good idea: if you want to make your current bike feel fast, get a slower one. On the days when I bike home on the commuter, change into bike clothes, and take off on the touring bike, it suddenly seems real fast!
posted by brianogilvie at 2:53 PM on September 3, 2010
#1. Hybrid - my only bike for more than a decade
#2. Commuter (enclosed chain, IGH, upright) for riding to work in dress clothes
#3. Touring bike with drop bars - for long rides (including day rides since I'm heavy and wanted a bike that could take the abuse)
#4. Quick-folding 16"-wheel bike to take overseas
#5. Folding 20"-wheel bike for overseas touring
#5 does most of what #4 does, and does almost everything better, so I may sell #4. #1 will probably become a winter beater soon, unless my wife takes it over.
I've successfully resisted the urge to buy a new bike that was similar to an old one; instead, as others have suggested, I tweak components. Next week my touring bike gets new handlebars, brakes, and brake levers. If I turn #1 into a winter bike I'll get studded tires and pogies.
If you rely on your bike for transportation, it's good to have a spare, though, so if you're not hankering for a different style of bike, you only have the one, and you can afford it, why not get another one?
And Sibilatorix has a good idea: if you want to make your current bike feel fast, get a slower one. On the days when I bike home on the commuter, change into bike clothes, and take off on the touring bike, it suddenly seems real fast!
posted by brianogilvie at 2:53 PM on September 3, 2010
The answer to all your questions is 'yes'. Contradictory, true, but you need all the bikes.
posted by TDIpod at 4:56 PM on September 3, 2010
posted by TDIpod at 4:56 PM on September 3, 2010
It really is a question of how you'll feel about spending money. Happy you got something, or guilty you did it? Can't help with that.
But as a guy who bought a Specialized Roubaix Expert for more than I ever thought I'd spend on a bike I can promise you'll love Ultegra 6700. It just works so well. The brakes and shifting are even a real step up from Ultegra 6600, which was pretty darn nice. You like riding on the hoods? The hoods also make a better platform than any other bike I've ridden.
I commute daily on another bike, and only use this on vacation and weekends. I've got about 2000 miles on it since I got it in May and I still think I spent my money well. If I start to get spenders remorse all I need to do is take a short ride and I'm at peace again.
Good luck with your decision.
posted by cccorlew at 5:02 PM on September 3, 2010
But as a guy who bought a Specialized Roubaix Expert for more than I ever thought I'd spend on a bike I can promise you'll love Ultegra 6700. It just works so well. The brakes and shifting are even a real step up from Ultegra 6600, which was pretty darn nice. You like riding on the hoods? The hoods also make a better platform than any other bike I've ridden.
I commute daily on another bike, and only use this on vacation and weekends. I've got about 2000 miles on it since I got it in May and I still think I spent my money well. If I start to get spenders remorse all I need to do is take a short ride and I'm at peace again.
Good luck with your decision.
posted by cccorlew at 5:02 PM on September 3, 2010
Response by poster: cccorlew probably gets closest to my current state of mind.
Can I afford it? Yes. Do I think I'll enjoy it? Hell, yes! Can I manufacture all manner of semi-legitimate justifications for why the bike would be better? At least a handful. Am I concerned that AUD$3000 is a silly amount of money to spend on something that will provide next-to-no functional difference to a perfectly functional item I already own? Well that's why I thought I'd ask cycling MeFites. I know if I asked on a bike forum it'd be one-way traffic. Whereas here I'm getting lots of great variations on the questions I'm already wrestling with in my mind. Thanks everyone.
posted by puffmoike at 9:16 PM on September 3, 2010
Can I afford it? Yes. Do I think I'll enjoy it? Hell, yes! Can I manufacture all manner of semi-legitimate justifications for why the bike would be better? At least a handful. Am I concerned that AUD$3000 is a silly amount of money to spend on something that will provide next-to-no functional difference to a perfectly functional item I already own? Well that's why I thought I'd ask cycling MeFites. I know if I asked on a bike forum it'd be one-way traffic. Whereas here I'm getting lots of great variations on the questions I'm already wrestling with in my mind. Thanks everyone.
posted by puffmoike at 9:16 PM on September 3, 2010
Response by poster: Is it possible I'll cherry pick the answers that reinforce my predisposition? Of course not!
posted by puffmoike at 9:19 PM on September 3, 2010
posted by puffmoike at 9:19 PM on September 3, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
But that's just my experience - long-term you may absolutely love the new one. But it's something to think about.
posted by FAMOUS MONSTER at 10:26 AM on September 3, 2010