Road Cycling - Just wondering...

Why do I only see new (2003 or maybe 2002) bikes here? Especially in the "What road bike do you have?" thread? Do you people buy new bikes every year? Where do the old ones go?

Just wondering, I have a '94 Trek 370 and am looking around for something new and better.

I have an old old 2001 Trek.

yea i also have an OLD 2001 but it just got retired.

My newest bike is from the last century, a 1998 vintage at that. My road bike is from 1988, my touring bike is 1992, my cruiser is form the 60 or 70s. I dream of the day that I can buy a new shinny new bike and ride with the big boys and girls.

Too bad bike shops don’t have a lease programme like they do for cars.

Honestly my bikes, race, dont last that long. Before i started racing i had one bike for 7 years, my parents now have it and it's a 91, and a 98 that got sold last year.

I still ride my 1993 Litespeed Classic and it's photo is posted here. But I noticed that in the weekly training ride, those who belong to a club & race seem to have a new bike every season. I know these guys and gals get tremendous discounts on frames and components when purchased by their club, team, or whatever..... So sometimes, it pays to belong to a club with a racing team even thou you may not race...

I actually have a mid-80's Raleigh but I don't list it because it's not in rideable condition. And I have a mid-90's Targetcycle I don't list because it's embarrassing.

Before acquiring my current bikes I had a Trek hybrid. My riding style and needs changed, and so I sold it as soon as I had acquired its successor.

But underlying all this is that cycling is a popular activity among the middle-aged, so there's a relatively large number of cyclists who can afford frequent upgrades. There was a time in my life when the very idea of a $2000 bike would have been ludicrous, and buying it would have been irresponsible. Now it's a luxury I can afford, and even justify.

RichC

I've got a MTB from the last century too with an ancient tapered spindle BB and V-brakes (how quaint). My newest bike is an oldschool 2001 Aegis with the antiquated 1" headset although it is threadless.