I am coveting my Neighbours Ass..

[Chris.IOW]

So only a few months into my love affair with cycling and I am already looking enviously at others fancy carbon bikes and thinking....oooooh I want one of those.

So will these thoughts eventually pass or is the only answer to start an expensive experiment into whether n+1 really does = cycling nirvana.

P.S. I am only interested in answers that will enable me to explain to my Girlfriend why the house refurbishment fund is becoming the Next bike fund thank you!

 

[TVC]

We all need a little carbon in our lives. Explain how you're ready testing the limits of your current bike and require something that will help your physical development (useful to show her a picture of her preferred pro cyclists legs at this point).

 

[Furkz]

does this help

 

[summerdays]

Point out that you must have a back up bike to enable you to get to work if the first bike fails.... the fact that it is slightly more expensive doesn't need to be mentioned - just that your continued earning power (for the house refurbishment) won't be interrupted by a flat tyre!

 

[Chris.IOW]

Some excellent points. The photo of the legs seemed to work! Unfortunatley we live about 100meters from my office so the commuting argument doesn't really work. Which is a shame really as I would love to have a ride to and from work each day.

I reckon we might be on for a purchase soon. :-)

 

[Panter]

If you live 100m from work, it would be downright irresponsible not to buy a new carbon bike. Not sure why, it's just the rules

 

[4F]

Some excellent points. The photo of the legs seemed to work! Unfortunatley we live about 100meters from my office so the commuting argument doesn't really work. Which is a shame really as I would love to have a ride to and from work each day.

I reckon we might be on for a purchase soon. :-)

Could you not do a lap of the Island first before going to work ? It would be rude not to buya a new bike then

 

[Chris.IOW]

Could you not do a lap of the Island first before going to work ? It would be rude not to buya a new bike then

If I did that twice a day I might end up with legs like the photo!

 

[Melonfish]

Some excellent points. The photo of the legs seemed to work! Unfortunatley we live about 100meters from my office so the commuting argument doesn't really work. Which is a shame really as I would love to have a ride to and from work each day.

I reckon we might be on for a purchase soon. :-)

well if you live 100 meters from your office you simply have no choice but to strike out in the opposite direction of work and do at least a 10 mile loop to work (you could even stop at home and get a shower if they don't have the facilities) justification enough is that

 

[Chris.IOW]

Haha, success. We have purchase approval. Only two conditions.

1) I'm meant to wait until the 2012 bikes come out and get a 2011 model at a discount...which is fine longer to work out what to get and then sneakily buy the 2012 model anyway!

2) I have to have legs like Andy Schleck in a years time...yikes!!

Now...what to get what to get. :-))

 

[jayonabike]

Carbon's crap. It melts in the sun and dissolves in the rain. Get a titanium bike instead, much better.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Carbon's crap. It melts in the sun and dissolves in the rain. Get a titanium bike instead, much better.

^it's a good point well made

 

[hotmetal]

Don't listen. They're only jealous…

 

[smokeysmoo]

Don't listen. They're only jealous…

I'd be very happy to sell you my Focus Cayo Pro. Brand new 2011 frameset, (never ridden and never will, fantastic bike but carbon is dead to me). Full Dura-Ace 7900, DT Swiss wheels, Ritchey finishing kit etc, etc, etc.

 

[JonnyG]

The search for my first road bike started in earnest today with a demo on a Specialized Sectuer Elite. Obviously similar to the Roubaix I tried in the week the Sectuer did feel very comfortable and after an hour I had no wrist or back ache... there is a limit, as has been pointed out, as to what you can learn from an hour on the bike but no problems so far.

Next, from a different LBS, tried came the Giant Defy. Again, comfort was good and the steering seemed a bit sharper than the Sectuer but not as sharp or comfortable as the Roubaix, which is well ahead at the moment. a lovely bike and the benchmark for any that I try from now.

I can see this getting a bit confusing as it goes on. There really is a lot to choose from and I'm not sure I have enough time to try them all.

Next will be a Trek, but not sure which one to compare at the moment.

J