Smokin Joe
Legendary Member
- Location
- Bare headed cyclist, Smoker
I think your problem is that you just haven't fallen in love with one. Stop analysing and going over the spec in your head, and stop asking questions and just go with your heart.
I bought my first road bike in 2003 simply coz I loved it. I knew nothing about bikes at the time, all I knew was that it said super lightweight on the frame and it was a pearly blue and silver. I fell in love with it for those reasons. 105 groupset and magnesium frame meant nothing to me. I was on that bike ALL the time. I LOVED THAT BIKE. I loved showing it off.
When that bike broke in 2007 I took all the knowledge I had accumulated since 2003 and bought my carbon with ultegra. It had all the components I wanted and was pretty much they lightest bike on the market. However, the colour didn't do it for, which was the one thing I compromised on. I HAVE NEVER LOVED THAT BIKE. I like it, but I don't love it. It does the job, and it does it well, but I don't love it, it's just a bike. I haven't bought another road bike since because I haven't fallen in love with anything else either and I can't justify the cost of changing it when its such a good bike...
Until the other day. I walked into a shop and it was love at first sight. Despite the bike being £2k I knew I had to have it. I was prepared to sell my soul... Or at least my shares!! As it was, they sold out in my size. The shop has tried to find me similar but to me it's just a compromise and I'm not prepared to compromise for that much money. I want something that sets my heart on fire.
From now on, it's not about spec, it's about love. Nothing is as important as love, as that is what makes you want to ride!!
Great post Buggi, if you love how your bike looks you'll love owning it and riding it. Just looking at it in the garage will make you happy. If you think it's an unattractive beast then no matter how well it rides it's just a tool for the job.