Mountain Biking - Are you ever satisfied?

I guess for me it's a money issue, but I'm ALWAYS scheming about what to do to my freakin' ride, man! I'm never satisfied. I love how my bike rides, but I'm always wanting the BiggerBetterDeal.

Example 1: I've never really noticed all that much flex out of my std. QR Vanilla. Actually (other than my wheelset) I think the Vanilla was the best bike product I've ever purchased. For some reason I'm dadgum dead-set on getting a 20mm TA fork for lateral stiffness. It will add weight, cost more, and gain quite little in our rolling Kansas terrain.

Example 2: Not more than 2-3 days ago...I'd dropped my Vanilla down to 4". I really liked it. Today??? Yup...back to 130mm. Freakin' flip-flopper is all I am. I swear if I had any money at all, I would be buying crap every other week to tweak out.

I tend to focus on an area. Last year it was rear shocks. I finally got what I wanted and freakin' sold the 9lb frame so I could get a 4lb AM hardtail frame...go figure :)

Are you ever satisfied???

I find myself being that way with my car, bike and guns. It can get expensive. I have to keep myself in check.

I'm quite content now.

always trying to make things run better, but what can i say? i'm grateful and happy with what i have.

$500 motobecane 700ht right now. 1st mountain bike. using it to see what i need out of a bike. looks like i'll be making a major upgrade next year.

For me...there's always some upgraded part that I want, and can't afford. I don't see this changing any time soon, unless I somehow obtain a large sum of cash. But even then...I'd end up wanting some other frame...and the cycle goes on.

I've met very few people who are content with what they have. I believe these people to be lying. Human nature. Want what you don't/can't have. It's so common I believe they created a comandment for it.

I'm happy, but I always want more.

How's that?

Oh, and new bike coming soon.

I'm good with what I ride now but i would like a 29r for aome rolling local trails.

I only think about upgrading when I'm not riding. While I'm riding I love the bike. So my solution is to go for a ride every time I get the itch.

Working on my bike is almost as good as riding them. Whether it's upgrading parts, cleaning the drivetrain, or tuning up shifters, etc.

I am never satisfied... because this is what I love.

Im in the same boat for 20mm, which is why Im saving up for a pike. New wheelset would be nice too considering how heavy mine are in comparison to xc ones.

I'm very satisfied with my bike. My capabilities suck, but not the bike. That doesn't mean I'll pass up an upgrade for cheap, but I'm not actively looking to upgrade.

In the music sector, there's a condition for this: GAS, or Gear Acquisition Syndrome. You may have great stuff, but it's never good enough.

I am always putzing with my gear, doing subtle little upgrades, tuning stuff to the n'th, etc. I also ride a ton, so it gives me a good excuse to upgrade alot.... the "upgrade by hand-me-down" syndrome.

As soon as race season starts I just want gear that works, and won't break/malfunction. A couple months prior to race season I focus on improving the engine..... because its the legs that actually make you win!!!!!

I would rather have functional, mediocre gear and time to ride LOTS than really good gear and no time to ride.... its all about tradeoffs.

I definitely love everything about cycling, from the bike, the ride, the people, the competition, to the challenge!

I guess for me it's a money issue, but I'm ALWAYS scheming about what to do to my freakin' ride, man! I'm never satisfied. I love how my bike rides, but I'm always wanting the BiggerBetterDeal.

Example 1: I've never really noticed all that much flex out of my std. QR Vanilla. Actually (other than my wheelset) I think the Vanilla was the best bike product I've ever purchased. For some reason I'm dadgum dead-set on getting a 20mm TA fork for lateral stiffness. It will add weight, cost more, and gain quite little in our rolling Kansas terrain.

Example 2: Not more than 2-3 days ago...I'd dropped my Vanilla down to 4". I really liked it. Today??? Yup...back to 130mm. Freakin' flip-flopper is all I am. I swear if I had any money at all, I would be buying crap every other week to tweak out.

I tend to focus on an area. Last year it was rear shocks. I finally got what I wanted and freakin' sold the 9lb frame so I could get a 4lb AM hardtail frame...go figure :)

Are you ever satisfied???

I like your internal conflict. There's a Road Nazi soul screaming to get out of that MTB body. On the other hand, MTB Schwag is probably more involved and expensive, plus you destroy it all the time, which creates more SPO (Schwag Procurement Opportunities). So you are probably in the right place.

I've tried the road. It's too dangerous, hahaha.:lol:

I haven't been killed yet chelboed. But it's not like they're not trying. I'm a moving target.

I am happy with my XC rig, but I like the idea of a big bike so that I can bring it to a lift-assisted park. So on the one hand I am satisfied, but on the other hand I want more.

My big bike would be something like a Turner RFX (although I do like what gastro is building up) with i9 wheels, Formula brakes, SRAM goodies and XTR cranks.

XTR cranks.

On a big bike? Bare min. I'd go Hone or Atlas. Most likely Saint though. (but I'm a "big guy")


I hear ya though. I'd love to build a downtown hucker. (not much FR in KS, hehe) I'd either do a new style Komodo or maybe a Bullit.


So many projects I'd love to do.

I'd love a big, 10" travel bike, but I live in Kansas. It really isn't that flat, but most of the runs last less than a minute.

My big bike would be something like a Turner RFX (although I do like what gastro is building up) with i9 wheels, Formula brakes, SRAM goodies and XTR cranks.

You know, I think you'd be happier in the long run if you didn't skimp on parts and just went all-out.

Been rolling my XLT for a year and a half now, and just because...well, just because, I want to change forks. Got a Nixon, want an AM 2. Just yesterday, had to swap out the RF X-type crank for an ISIS I got for another bike that now won't get built (other issues). X- BB took a gravelly dump on me. Think I'll prob'ly wear out the ISIS....

I love the XLT, don't get me wrong; but I'm just feeling that urge to 'simplify'; I'm thinking a good HT w/ suss post (bad back), 100-120mm fork, urban tires, and the Avid/RaceFace/X.9 I currently run. But there are so few pickings in the HT arena that are: a.)my size, and b.)affordable!

Maybe come tax time '09....

I live in Kansas.

Hey...me too. Where at?




Been rolling my XLT for a year and a half now, and just because...well, just because, I want to change forks. Got a Nixon, want an AM 2. Just yesterday, had to swap out the RF X-type crank for an ISIS I got for another bike that now won't get built (other issues). X- BB took a gravelly dump on me. Think I'll prob'ly wear out the ISIS....

I love the XLT, don't get me wrong; but I'm just feeling that urge to 'simplify'; I'm thinking a good HT w/ suss post (bad back), 100-120mm fork, urban tires, and the Avid/RaceFace/X.9 I currently run. But there are so few pickings in the HT arena that are: a.)my size, and b.)affordable!

Maybe come tax time '09....

I used to roll a 32lb XLT and loved it...but I DO live in KS and was getting killed on the little climbs. Around here it's like...ride 20 feet...climb 30 feet...descend 30 feet...ride 20 feet...blah, blah...

There's no "climb for a couple miles and enjoy a couple miles of DH for a reward" kinda stuff. It's really nice for a hardtail or a Sp. Epic style ride.

Yeah, I've got a hardtail. I'm in KC. You?

Yeah, I've got a hardtail. I'm in KC. You?

Toe Peek Uh

Are you ever satisfied???Depends. As far as my 'main' hardware, I think I'm finally satisfied. The Blindside is everything I hoped it would be - - and everything that the Gran Mal was close-but-not-quite to being. I assured my wife it will be a five-year bike (but we all know how that goes :D). Downhill bikes have been a progression for me. My first new bike was my Yeti AS-X; but only the frame and fork were new, really, and I had to make a lot of compromises for economics sake. I rode that for 3+ seasons. The GM was my first truly new build and was wonderful; but there were niggling things about its character that I thought the Blindside could improve upon, so we parted ways after only a season. The Blindside will, I'm sure, sprout some new parts here and there as time goes by (like a set of Stroker Ace brakes) but that's really guilding the lily at this point.

But I REALLY want a full-suspension XC race bike some day. I detest racing on hardtails - - or even trail-riding them for that matter. A long-travel trail bike is in the works right now but I can see already that it will not be race-worthy because it'll be too heavy.

And then I still need to finish my '60s Schwinn cruiser; and I want a new unicycle; and a road bike that's better than my $5 yard-sale-special would be nice someday . . .
Hmmmmm - - guess I'm not quite satisfied :o

Yes and no. I am more satisfied now than ever. I always tinker, but have gotten past the "buy the newest". I play with what I have and fix it when I have to.

On my dually, I do change the suspension based on the trail, but I wouldn't call that tinkering, thats part of owning a dually :)

On a big bike? Bare min. I'd go Hone or Atlas. Most likely Saint though. (but I'm a "big guy")

I weigh 160lbs if I hold my breath so XTR would very likely be fine for me. In any case, see below.


You know, I think you'd be happier in the long run if you didn't skimp on parts and just went all-out.

My big bike dreams are nothing more than that. I've acquired 3 bikes in the last two years and am quite content with what I have. The idea of having a long travel bike is similar to the idea of having a convertible for sunny days. An idea that will likely not come to fruition.

In any case, my 5 year old will probably graduate to a 20" next year so I'm already shopping around for her big girl bike and we've narrowed it down to a few. That will be the neighborhood cruiser bike. The XC rides are a project I'm working on for both my daughters and that also is where I'll be thinking of a solution.

On a big bike? Bare min. I'd go Hone or Atlas. Most likely Saint though. (but I'm a "big guy")

XTR are plenty stiff on my slalom bike and I'm a big guy too. Just because they're lighter doesn't necessarily mean they're weaker (although granted the Saint is definitely stronger).


You know, I think you'd be happier in the long run if you didn't skimp on parts and just went all-out.

I did just that on the aforementioned slalom bike - I didn't compromise on anything and I couldn't be happier. The problem is I find working on (my) bikes cathartic, so I find myself compelled to create increasingly smaller niches that I need new bikes to fill. Same disease as ed I guess, just on a different scale.

It is one of the reasons debt is so common. Not the only reason of course, but one. It is hard to get off the cycle (pun intended). I have succeeded in some areas (my car) and not others. It is a struggle and I have found it takes some real focus to change. For me, I find that if I spend time each day intentionally being thankful for what I have and sort of an inventory of how lucky I am and how many would love to upgrade to my life . . . that helps me a lot.

It is one of the reasons debt is so common. Not the only reason of course, but one. It is hard to get off the cycle (pun intended). I have succeeded in some areas (my car) and not others. It is a struggle and I have found it takes some real focus to change. For me, I find that if I spend time each day intentionally being thankful for what I have and sort of an inventory of how lucky I am and how many would love to upgrade to my life . . . that helps me a lot.

I agree with the above, which is why I concentrate on stuff I can afford. What I do with bikes, others do with cars or racing and that can turn into real $$$. Again, it's all relative so I make bikes my focus as a couple of thousand per year is something that squarely falls within my discretionary income budget.

I did just that on the aforementioned slalom bike - I didn't compromise on anything and I couldn't be happier. The problem is I find working on (my) bikes cathartic, so I find myself compelled to create increasingly smaller niches that I need new bikes to fill. Same disease as ed I guess, just on a different scale.

Hope the sarcasm was detectable. Or is the joke on me?

I have to compromise being a college student. I only make very minor parts swaps based on anything but breakage. Handlebars/stem/tires/seat are all acceptable financially to replace and make a big difference with little cost. I would be buying nicer stuff if I could afford to, but I have found kind of a sweet spot when it comes to bicycles: the between one and two grand range. That's where I feel I'm getting acceptably quality stuff to feed my obsession.

I feel the pain of always wanting one more bike to fill a niche. I've tried and done the "one versatile bike" thing before, but there are always compromises, especially considering I like riding both road and dirt. First I thought a rigid mountain bike would allow me to do everything I wanted, but there were obviously drawbacks. Then I decided a 'cross bike would be all I needed, but of course I want more. At the moment, a Cross-country/trail bike and cyclocross bike is enough, and about all I can afford, but within the next few years I would love to have a bike in the six inch travel range for some local rides and trips to Moab and the like.

In fact, at the moment I'd rather have a few mid-level bikes than spend the money to upgrade to the nicest stuff on just one or two rigs.

The sentiment expressed by a few earlier in the thread that upgradeitis disappears once you actually get out and ride is pretty true for me, as long as the equipment is good enough that you can just sort of forget it's there. So cheap crap is out, but that doesn't mean I need the very best by any means.

So am I ever satisfied? Yes, I am very satisfied. I have a sport/hobby/passion that I love and don't really seem to grow tired of.

What I do with bikes, others do with cars or racing and that can turn into real $$$.

No doubt! I can get a lot of bike parts for the $ you're trying to get me to spend on car parts. Apparently you have no qualms about overspending by proxy...

Hope the sarcasm was detectable.

Nope, it blew right by me. :o

I guess all I can say is all my toys are bought and paid for - riding bikes has been a passion of mine for a long time, and I have structured both my personal and economic life to accommodate that.

I'm sure you've been riding longer than me--I'm only 19--but I too structure a lot of my life around riding. I got a job in a shop this summer in large part for the ability to prodeal a new bike. My other option was doing trail work out in the woods. I would have enjoyed that a lot, but I knew i wouldn't be happy unless I bought myself a new bike.

Financially I do make a lot of compromises in order to finance my hobby. I've thought about buying a car in order to go on longer trips, but that would leave very little money for bike stuff. So cycling as my main form of transportation allows me to justify spending more on bikes. I think.

Oh, and here's a hint at what should be coming in a box next week:

http://www.rainiercycle.com/embedded/RLUSAlogo_4C.jpg

+

http://www.norcalblogs.com/bullfight/archives/redsquare.jpg

No doubt! I can get a lot of bike parts for the $ you're trying to get me to spend on car parts. Apparently you have no qualms about overspending by proxy...

It's always fun to spend other people's money. So what are we at?
- floating rotors
- LTW wheels
- BBK (did I forget to mention that?)
- sticky tires

:lol:

I have structured both my personal and economic life to accommodate that.

So, a decent job and no wife?

never satisfied with a stock bike so I tend to replace and reconfigure parts until I find the ideal set up for the bike and what I will use it for

ever seen an 89' timberlind set up 1x7 with bash ring, chain guide and bar ends on it

this is my every day bike for going up and curb stairs whatever gets in my way

- BBK (did I forget to mention that?)

If you go FI on your station weapon, I will get a big brake kit. Deal?


So, a decent job and no wife?

Yeah although I built that b|tch a pretty nice bike too. :lol:

If you go FI on your station weapon, I will get a big brake kit. Deal?



Yeah although I built that b|tch a pretty nice bike too. :lol:

So harsh.......

On that note, I have been upgrading my wife's bike without her asking, so, I guess I do have that upgrade itch. I'm really thinking now that I need to sell her hardtail (1 year old) and get her a decent fs bike.

No bike is so perfect that something can't be changed. I just can't be satisfied (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDOR0G0BUzU).

I'm usually pretty good until I start noticing a lot of parts need replacing. Then that's when I say it's time for a new bike. I guess I'm that way with my gaming computers, too. But I'm crazy with computer upgrades compared to my bikes.

I've met very few people who are content with what they have. I believe these people to be lying. Human nature. Want what you don't/can't have. It's so common I believe they created a comandment for it.


I'm one of those. Believe it or not I'm very happy with what I have. So happy in fact that for the first time in a while it feels weird because I go to the bike shop and have nothing to look at. I'm not envious of bikes in magazines anymore or other friends bikes. I have exactly the bike that I want with the parts I want that rides exactly like I want it to. No complaints. I started from scratch and built up the exact bike I wanted and can't find a thing wrong with it. :D

That's not to say I don't have ideas for when things start breaking. I may change a part here or there when I need to and may try some other things but at the moment there isn't one single change I'd make even with an unlimited supply of time/money and another bike to ride while working on it. I LOVE it!!! :love:

I'll be satisfied as I can get with a trek 3900 as soon as I get my 1x8 crank set up and all that jaz, and a new fork. Looking for some decent shifters also,After that I'm not spending anymore money on the This bike. I was thinking a disk brake up front, but threw the idea away, it'd be a waste. I need a new fork, and a new crank. After that, I should be content on my 3900.... On the other hand, I'm looking to buy a new, higher end, better bike =)

now that I took time to vote,
I voted no, but im a tinkerer.
But I fall between the bike sucking and cant afford/tinkerer dept.
lol.

I'm awaiting to be paid by the Mosonry guy I helped.
Worked for like 7, 8-9 hour days, he told me I'd be making 8 bucks an hour, have to see if that happens.

I'm one of those. Believe it or not I'm very happy with what I have. So happy in fact that for the first time in a while it feels weird because I go to the bike shop and have nothing to look at.


This sounds temporary and that you are not in fact what the above quote was saying (people that do not get caught up in the upgrade cycle). Most people that struggle with it are plenty happy with what they got - right after they got it and for a while when it is still new. Not sure if that is the case with you, just sort of sounds like it with the 'first time in a while' comment. In other words, you got your fix and and buzzing now. That wears off and 'the jones comes late at night and hits with a terrible bite'

My bike is a real piece, if I had the money I would probably give it to a homeless bum in some city, and go buy myself something that isnt as whiney as my brother when he goes riding with me. I will probably regret replacing my squeaking seatpost, it drowns him out.

I will post a video of my old seatpost getting filled with pottassium nitrate fuel (hobby rocket propellant) and blowing (or at least burning it up) to pieces after i replace it. (new post is on order)