Do you suit your bike?

[AnythingButVanilla]

When I was looking to buy a road bike at the beginning of the year I really lusted after the Spesh Roubaix carbon one but settled on the Dolce Sport instead. Aside from the fact that spending that much money on a bike is pure idiocy (for me), I look slightly less of a dick pushing a £600 bike up a hill rather than a 3k one

A man in work had a Pinarello something or other stolen from within the hospital grounds on Thursday and I didn't like to ask why he was using an expensive carbon bike to commute and why he didn't spend more on decent locks.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

My best bike, a Verenti Kilmeston, cost £900 and its ability is just above mine, and I can fully use my skills when I'm riding it, my work horse, a Pearson Touché fixed, has abilities that are similar to mine and again I can fully use my skills when I ride it , both bikes are fun to ride and that is the important thing. It doesn't matter what you ride as long as you enjoy it.

 

[Piemaster]

The best bike is better than me.
I'm much better than me when on the best bike.

 

[ColinJ]

I am sure I would be quicker on something lighter but then that would just mean waiting for Colin longer at the top of hills and getting cold

Ha ha! If we actually get a summer this year, at least you'll get the chance to lie around in the sun a lot and work on your tan ...

My CAAD5 aluminium Cannondale is old hat now, but I still enjoy riding it. The Campagnolo Chorus groupset on it is what was the top of the range Record from the year before which got rebadged when Campag brought out any even more expensive version of Record. The frame/forks is pretty much the same combination that Cipollini rode to win the World Road Race at Zolder in 2002. Basically, apart from cheaper wheels, tyres and finishing kit, it is what the pros were riding 10 years ago. It'll do me!

If I could afford it, I'd replace my Basso racing bike with a titanium audax/light touring bike for general riding duties.

 

[vernon]

[QUOTE 1856028, member: 45"]My bike is all I need.[/quote]

My bikes are all I need.

 

[Hover Fly]

I could have spent more when I bought my bike, but I wouldn't have got a better one. Suits me fine.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

If it adds value to your life and you enjoy it, then what ever you paid for your bike it is worth. Cycling is a healthy acivity, which can help you prelong life with better health.
The other side to the question asked in this thread is if people who believe they have a bike which is equal to any ability they have equally feel that that have maximized this ability.

 

[defy-one]

This thread reminds me of the reply Lord Litchfield gave when asked "which is the best camera?", he said "one that takes pictures"

 

[cookiemonster]

My Giant roadie suits me perfect. I don't race so it's used for commuting to/from work/gym/uni.

Do about 100 miles per week and it doesn't complain.

 

[fossyant]

Im personally always reluctant to list my bikes, In fact I only show one on this forum. I find that threads like this always have someone mentioning scalping weekend warriors on high end bikes, im not sure why this seems to make people feel so great. If you want to see some peoples ability improve stick a high end bike in front of them like a Cevello, Dogma, Venge.

There is now't wrong with having a high end bike, I have two from when I bought them 20 years ago, and one is totally irreplaceable - custom hand built frame made with Columbus SLX by a builder local to me, but he is no longer around.

I'm thinking about getting both road bikes re-painted (same colour schemes as they are now) but it would be very expensive. Some on here have seen both and would say they don't need re-painting, but the odd chip here and there (touched up) - you all know me !

I have no issues with anyone wanting a top end bike, why not.

What I do have issues with is if someone buys a top end bike, at least know how to service it - e.g. change cables, chains etc. Really embarrassing having some great kit and knowing nothing about how the bike works - no bike is rocket technology.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

My first response to this was to ask 'which one?'

My turquoise Brompton fits the lightly eccentric reputation I have where I live;
My black single-speed fits my image of myself as a devil-may-care urban warrior;
My Kaffenback remind me where I came from and how much I have to be grateful to all the members of the old Cycling Plus forum (many of whom are now on here);
I think I do my all-carbon Planet-X Stealth justice in the triathlons I do - or at least it inspires me to ride better;
My 'beast' (ice-bike) is the only thing I can ride round here in the depth of winter;
My Titus makes me think of what I'd rather be doing but there's no real opportunity for proper XC round here;
My Blue 4XL is probably the bike that's most my level: a slightly unusual, nice, light, slightly out-of-date (but not that non-cyclists would notice) road bike with Campagnolo - of course.

And in some ways, they all reflect me, because with the exception of the Kaff and the single-speed (which was cheap anyway), I sourced the frames and parts cheap, built them up myself and ended up with something worth far more than I paid.

 

[fossyant]

My first response to this was to ask 'which one?'

My turquoise Brompton fits the lightly eccentric reputation I have where I live;
My black single-speed fits my image of myself as a devil-may-care urban warrior;
My Kaffenback remind me where I came from and how much I have to be grateful to all the members of the old Cycling Plus forum (many of whom are now on here);
I think I do my all-carbon Planet-X Stealth justice in the triathlons I do - or at least it inspires me to ride better;
My 'beast' (ice-bike) is the only thing I can ride round here in the depth of winter;
My Titus makes me think of what I'd rather be doing but there's no real opportunity for proper XC round here;
My Blue 4XL is probably the bike that's most my level: a slightly unusual, nice, light, slightly out-of-date (but not that non-cyclists would notice) road bike with Campagnolo - of course.

And in some ways, they all reflect me, because with the exception of the Kaff and the single-speed (which was cheap anyway), I sourced the frames and parts cheap, built them up myself and ended up with something worth far more than I paid.

Lost count there !!!

 

[fossyant]

The answer is, if it makes you want to ride more, then that's the correct answer.

We all have different bikes, but if each bike leaves you feeling you want to ride again, then that's correct. If it doesn't then here starts the 'Why not'.

I have 4, two do the same job, two do different. One is MTB and family stuff, one is for work, the 2 others for training (spottives etc. Both used to be race bikes).

The one I ride most is the 'work' bike - it's at a good level, the parts work and don't fail, they aren't heavy, and it just works, day in, day out. Wheel choice means I can get it fixed/repaired cheaply by myself (LBS suggested them and originally built them) - I can replace the cartridge bearings easily, and a rim renewal is a couple of nights work.

My wife had a trusty old Apollo MTB 'thing' - was OK as she didn't ride much, but a couple of years ago, she said she wanted something better - i.e. hybrid. So I got her a good Pinnacle (Evans) one for about £450 - she is delighted how light and quick it is, and how easy it shifts.

Just spent £330 on my son's MTB (was £450) and it's the same - the thing just shifts effortlessly, brakes on a sixpense etc etc. and it's not heavy as he has just moved to full size.

Important thing is - 'It makes you happy so you want to ride more'.

 

[Becs]

My Galaxy suits me - built for comfort not speed!

 

[TheDoctor]

All my bikes suit me.
Brompton - flexible and adaptable
513 ST SS - single minded
Dynatech fixie - fixed ideas
MTB - Single-track mind
Carbon Uberbike - looks flash from a distance, but not close up
Ribble flat bar winter bike - looks a bit rough but is a very nice ride.

That's me, that is!!!!