When does it end? The “better bike”

[ChiZ01]

once you are used to gravel bike and its wide tires, it is really hard to go back to 25mm

[ichobi]

I don't think it'll ever end untill you (or anybody) gets bored and see it for what it is!
It's mostly up our heads. You come to a certain point and then nothing is better, just different.
But different is another flavor, perhaps that has it's appeal at a given moment.
Aka better (or again, just another flavor). Biking is probably a sport / hobby we can't just buy ourselves ahead (better).
It's not a sports car, boat or motorcycle.

Part from that, evolution will happen, be it slow, be it fast. Otherwise second hand and yesterdays fleet (at discount) would be a "just as good option".

I like the part where you said not better but different. This resonates well with my experience. Once you get to ride all the "best stuff" you quickly come to realize that they performs very similarly but with minor differences here and there. The difference is so marginal and the only meaningful thing left to decide is which one you like the look better. A change from one 50mm wheel brand to the other, at similar price/performance level is just that - a change. You make the rest up in your head, mostly.

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[3Pio]

I like to explore, research and to test....

At the beggining too many marketing claims, but as much as i had chance to try, to actually ride the things i slowly realized what i really like vs what they are telling me to like...

So at that point, im stopping having urge to buy latest, more improved etc, and when really enjoying the bikes/parts i have... I just use them and concentrate of riding, places to go....



At that point when i found the things i like, sometimes i just copy the same (like when i discovered that i really like caad12 and campy 11 sp so now i have two of them), especially when i realize that wont be possible to buy it again in the future....

To reach this points i had to ride many km's, to buy many parts, to test ride many bikes... So long and expensive process... Somehow remind me about similar things happened in my HiFi hobby.. When i cleared my mind from marketing which was telling me what i need and concetrated on what i really like, at the end build setup which really make me concentrate on listening music, not listening all cables, amps, dacs.....

And at my experience biggest difference is if bike suit u or not (geometry, handling, shape of handlebar etc...), all other thing beeing just different.. Not better or not.. And must admit i dont like where the industry is going regarding what is now better or best (i dont believe in Aero Frameset gains, i really done like integrated cabling, i dont like electrical groupsets....)

[rlanger]

And must admit i dont like where the industry is going regarding what is now better or best (i dont believe in Aero Frameset gains, i really done like integrated cabling, i dont like electrical groupsets....)

Aero gains are awesome if you race and/or consistently ride at 40+km/hr!

So I'm with you, especially since I don't race and only usually only get up over 40km when I'm going downhill. For me, I get way more aero benefit from core strengthening exercises which help me stay in the drops or on the hoods with 90 degree arm bends.

I definitely prefer the look of bikes with non-dropped seat stays, or with very little drop like the Colnago V3-r for example.

So I'll be sticking with my 2015 non-aero, rim-brake frame for some time now as I love its ride feel, handling, and looks.

[RocketRacing]

My gravel bike has 2.2 inch wide tires (conti speed kings), you guys need to try those. They are so much faster on gravel it is shocking. But i keep my 25c tires for road.

[mendiz]

Another time this "moderator" , that is lusting over LW Fernwegs and do not have the money to buy them and later write that 32 spokes aluminium wheels is the same than LW
For my 32 years road cycling the best cyclist always has been the less obssesed about material, or powermeters. Besides Adam Hansen, Simon Zahner and Johan Coenen, who has been pro cyclist in this forum? However all the nonsense about frame aerodynamics of people no fit or overweight.
The aesthetics is the big factor for me besides great hub and great construction of material. By the way the 9100 Shimano Dura Ace has a finish and paint of much less quality than 7800.

[ichobi]

It's a bit of a fallacy to find successful pro cyclists who is obsessed with gear. By definition they have to ride what they are given. Look at what happen to the last guy who fuss over his skinsuit and tt bike? Oh wait, he got fired!

If the industry don't have people like us who discuss the minute weight and watts savings, these pros will be out of business in a hurry, and there is nothing wrong with that. With this sport, you can enjoy the fitness side, the social side, the equipment side, the history, the latest racing scene pro or amateur, paved or trail. How many sports allow such freedom and multiple entry point of enjoyment? I would say ZERO.


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[TLN]

To reach this points i had to ride many km's, to buy many parts, to test ride many bikes... So long and expensive process... Somehow remind me about similar things happened in my HiFi hobby.. When i cleared my mind from marketing which was telling me what i need and concetrated on what i really like, at the end build setup which really make me concentrate on listening music, not listening all cables, amps, dacs.....

I definately feel similarities with HiFi or computers here, but I'd prefer to get something that will be sufficient for my needs, then stop and enjoy. I jumped from pair of computer speakers straight to KEF LS50 Wireless, from Aluminum BMC Granfrondo to Allez Sprint and then S-Works Tarmac. My wife will start biking on Synapse with Etap. Are there parts that are better, weight less? Sure, lots of them. I'm trying to reach poing where I'm happy with purchase and enjoy it, rather then thinking about potential upgrades.

[RocketRacing]

Another time this "moderator" , that is lusting over LW Fernwegs and do not have the money to buy them and later write that 32 spokes aluminium wheels is the same than LW
For my 32 years road cycling the best cyclist always has been the less obssesed about material, or powermeters. Besides Adam Hansen, Simon Zahner and Johan Coenen, who has been pro cyclist in this forum? However all the nonsense about frame aerodynamics of people no fit or overweight.
The aesthetics is the big factor for me besides great hub and great construction of material. By the way the 9100 Shimano Dura Ace has a finish and paint of much less quality than 7800.

There will always be gear focused pros, like seb K. But most pros are more focused on sponsorship as much as anything (training aside). A solo pro (tri) vs team based is a different game. The better you are, the more you can pick and choose your gear/sponsors. but most are just paying the bills, not getting sagan eddition frames and clothing.

I am a professional, just not in cycling. So i have a budget to get pretty solid gear, so i chose what i want and have chosen to take a marginal gains approach. But i am also working to optimize my training (balancing time, injuries, etc), position, etc.

Maybe i win a few local tt's next season. At 133lbs, likely not, but my only goal is to improve and have fun. And i like a nice bike so i treat myself to the pleasure, and any small advantages they might provide.

[RocketRacing]

On that note, i suspect my desire to get the next fastest thing will end when:
- there are no further meaningful gains to be had by upgrading
- when i athletically peak, from age or injury. Right now i am on a rapid ascent, but it will end eventually, given that i only have so much time for this hobby.

[g32ecs]

How many sports allow such freedom and multiple entry point of enjoyment? I would say ZERO.


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There's lots. You just have to be involved in one. Some of them far more simpler than cycling.

I played another sport before cycling (actually, I was into weight lifting). You want to see people who obsses about something 24/7 live/breath/speak? Check out the bodybuilding community. You'll find people highly derranged, obsessed, eating disorders...and they enjoy doing it for some less than $10/month gym membership.

It gets mucky with supplements. Much like cycling, tons of BS claims that people get hooked on. I believe the supplement industry is far bigger than cycling gear industry (would have to Google, but they're much accessible and cheaper)

[RocketRacing]

How many sports allow such freedom and multiple entry point of enjoyment? I would say ZERO.


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There's lots. You just have to be involved in one. Some of them far more simpler than cycling.

I played another sport before cycling (actually, I was into weight lifting). You want to see people who obsses about something 24/7 live/breath/speak? Check out the bodybuilding community. You'll find people highly derranged, obsessed, eating disorders...and they enjoy doing it for some less than $10/month gym membership.

It gets mucky with supplements. Much like cycling, tons of BS claims that people get hooked on. I believe the supplement industry is far bigger than cycling gear industry (would have to Google, but they're much accessible and cheaper)

Not so sure on weights being cheaper. With the same gym membership i can just go on a spin bike with no extra investment.

Bikes, like weight lifting, like any hobby, have all price points. A full home gym with variable freeweights, benchpress, bars, etc, kettlebells, etc next trend, next essential piece of home equipment can get plenty expensive if you are willing to go down the rabbit hole. If you are into shooting, it is easy to get a 100,00$+ shotgun.

Remember that we are a minority. Most people have a simgle cheap bike and that is enough.

[Daveke]

For me it doesnt matter that it is a "better bike"

I like to spend the money I make during my work, and with my business on things I like. I like to build and ride bikes in my free hours, so it's not about having a better bike for me, but more so the joy I get of building and riding them.
Everyone has their taste, some people like to spend their money on older bikes with the coherent groupsets and wheels. I like the modern frames, wheels and electronic shifting plus disc brakes. My taste is expensive, do I need it? Hell No. Do I like it? Hell Yes

[g32ecs]

How many sports allow such freedom and multiple entry point of enjoyment? I would say ZERO.


Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

There's lots. You just have to be involved in one. Some of them far more simpler than cycling.

I played another sport before cycling (actually, I was into weight lifting). You want to see people who obsses about something 24/7 live/breath/speak? Check out the bodybuilding community. You'll find people highly derranged, obsessed, eating disorders...and they enjoy doing it for some less than $10/month gym membership.

It gets mucky with supplements. Much like cycling, tons of BS claims that people get hooked on. I believe the supplement industry is far bigger than cycling gear industry (would have to Google, but they're much accessible and cheaper)

Not so sure on weights being cheaper. With the same gym membership i can just go on a spin bike with no extra investment.

Bikes, like weight lifting, like any hobby, have all price points. A full home gym with variable freeweights, benchpress, bars, etc, kettlebells, etc next trend, next essential piece of home equipment can get plenty expensive if you are willing to go down the rabbit hole. If you are into shooting, it is easy to get a 100,00$+ shotgun.

Remember that we are a minority. Most people have a simgle cheap bike and that is enough.

Believe me, the hardcore guys would rarely have a gym at home THAT extensive. Space is a premium. Probably a power rack and some olympic bars and weights at the most for maintenance. I was in that world hardcore for the most of my 20s.

It's the gym that gets them to do it. For $10/mth you can have everything PLUS the social aspect of it.

Anyway, we're beating an irrelevant contribution in this topic. I just answered ichobi's question.

[3Pio]

This morning, i checked the forum on my mob phone while drinking my Cappuccino (my almost every day rithual)...

And then this AD appear on Tapatalk

Totaly perfect with this topic.. (i guess if u ARE then Neverending Story, If u are NOT some chances for end (happy end )

Sorry for off topic but very funny about this ad

And no, im not Dentist







p.s. I must admit im a bit dissapointed why did not appeared when i was checking Pinarello Dogma F12 threads , but life is not always fair

p.p.s. If someone which have Dating Sites ADS appearing on forum want to to exchange for this one, please txt me.. At least that way i'll know im regular normal person if that kind of ads shown on my profile, vs this one

Maybe i should spend more time on Porn vs BikePorn?

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