General Cycling Discussion - Does bicycle purchasing/selecting ever make you want to commit suicide?

Here is my story...

About a month ago something triggered me to get back into bicycling. I thought about what kind of bicycle I would like to ride and thought about the days of how cool single speeds were when I was a kid. I spent a good solid week doing research online to find the perfect bicycle. At this point the 2 models that stuck out in my mind were the Redline Monocog and the Bianchi S.A.S.S. I decided to go test ride the S.A.S.S. and thought while the bike was VERY light (nice) people complained about some of the crap components on it. Worse, the previous years model (the S.I.S.S.) had some serious frame failure issues and really scared me away from the Bianchi; especially when I heard how long it took to get warranty issues resolved.

The Redline MonoCog I then decided on however would take 4+ weeks to purchase. Why I can get any model of Trek in any size within 1-3 days but an crude (read HEAVY) single speed takes over a month is beyond me. Right around the 2 week mark I was to call the dealer to remind them but instead cancelled the order. I couldn't stand it! It was getting much warmer out and brighter out later that I was coming home in a deep depression from not having a bike to ride. Out of my inability to wait for something good I made a crap decision and purchased a Trek 7300FX. It is an ok bike but in time I discovered that it is really uncomfortable, has maintenance issues that I don't want to deal with (hence my love for Single Speeds) and generally crap components.

[Note: I avoided the Kona Unit SS, KHS Solo One, Specialized P1, and maybe another because everyone say the components are crap for the price they are asking on a single speed.]

I then started reading a book called, "Immortal Class." I then started falling in love with the concept of the Fixed Gear bicycle. So great, now I own a bike I hate AND I'm falling in love with a new type of bicycle. I am a big love of simplicity and the single speeds and fixed gear bikes are great however they are so expensive!

Tonight I went to get a refund for my bike but discovered my bike shop will only do returns on the same bike or towards another bike. So what did I buy? A Trek Navigator 400... They had no single speeds and no fixies. I just wanted to get away from the derailer crap and get a bit more comfort. Now why I am unhappy? While I haven't picked up the bike yet I am hearing that it is a mega PITA to remove the rear wheel on the nexus 8. SOB!!!

I love the nexus 8 and think even if eventually I can afford a fixed gear or single speed (imagine that) I will always be fearing how to change the rear wheel on this thing. There is no documentation on this thing and so I am going to bed yet again all freaked out...

I didn't realize finding the perfect bicycle is so nuts! I think if somehow I can get the mechanical skills necessary of removing the rear wheel on this thing (I am supposed to be picking it up on Late Sat/Sun) it would be a good bike for when a fixed/ss was a little hard on the knees...

Sorry to be rambling... This month has just been a big pit of depression for me. I didn't realize that for me to find the perfect bike I'd have to actually pick individual components. I mean this is 2004, why the heck is it so hard to find a comfortable fixed gear or single speed with good solid parts?? Should I start my own company??

Oh well thanks for listening.......... So odd how it's so easy for me to pick out a car to buy yet for buying a bicycle I am literally putting a gun to my head each time...

Best cure for depression. Go for a ride!! Quit fretting about it and enjoy the ride.

A quick and easy way to go singlespeed is to pick up a pre-enjoyed bike and convert it. There is a couple ways to accomplish this, depending on whether the frame has horizontal or vertical dropouts.

I converted my old Peugoet Roadie by simply using spacers and a single cog on the hub. Twelve bucks and some elbow grease (Actually a little more, cause I replaced the 20 year old wheels...)

I'm in the hunt for a nice MTB candidate. Since most have vertical dropouts, I'll simply use a Singulator to get the tension. May not be the conform to the fanatics vision, but I'll be a happy camper.

It's not about the bike, its about the ride.....or something like that

There is no question that picking out the perfect scoot can be tedious. However, the reward for all that mental work can be great. I ordered a Santa Cruz Blur last year. It took about 3 months for the frame to come in. During that time, I researched components, and really came away with a great knowledge of the bike, and all it's parts. Now, I really appreciate the bike, and riding more.

BTW, I also bought a Bianchi SISS last year. I ended up riding it more than the Blur! I can appreciated your love of single-speeds now! The steel frame rides like a dream, and I did some upgrades after I figured out how much fun this bike really is. I went with a tubeless wheelset (kept the Spot hub though), a Cane Creek headset, and Time ATAC clipless pedals. I then later snapped on a suspension fork.

Anywho, that's been my experience for what it's worth. Now get out there and ride, and dream of your perfect steed. It's out there, and you will find it! :)

Whoever said the Kona Unit had "crap components" didnt do their homework. For the money, it probably has some of the best components of any mainstream singlespeed out there.

Lets see... Avid brakes, disc ready Shimano/Kona hubs, Sun Mach IV rims, Shimano Freewheel, Raceface cranks...

I don't see the "crap". Not to mention its an OX Trutemper frame which IMHO is pretty much tops. Also something to consider is that on a singlespeed, how many components are there really? Its not like you have a cassette, derailleurs, shifters, etc.

Whoever said the Kona Unit had "crap components" didnt do their homework. For the money, it probably has some of the best components of any mainstream singlespeed out there.

Lets see... Avid brakes, disc ready Shimano/Kona hubs, Sun Mach IV rims, Shimano Freewheel, Raceface cranks...

I don't see the "crap". Not to mention its an OX Trutemper frame which IMHO is pretty much tops. Also something to consider is that on a singlespeed, how many components are there really? Its not like you have a cassette, derailleurs, shifters, etc.

I think what I understood them to say was something like it had bad components for the money they are asking for it.

i bought a GT3.0 aggressor two yrs ago and have replace'd every thing on it.....everything! i was'nt much of a mechanic(bicycle)then but i am now and have absolutely enjoyed doing the work to it myself.i would'nt have thought i'd be an advid cyclist,but replacing all the cheap stuff on that frame w/better component's,it has made me enjoy riding something that is alot smoother and comfortable more often.it will also give you something to talk about as well and if something were break down on a ride,well atleast you'll know how to deal w/the problem(alway's have/carry a tube repair kit)! im not into the single speed's bec/i would'nt& could'nt go the distance that i do now,but hey,it's all about getting in a good ride and it's JUST GOOD for you! love the high from a good ride....take care all,david

I now believe that when you are purchasing a bicycle you are almost digging deep into your soul to figure out who you are and where you want to go..

There is no perfect bicycle.

Get out the door and go riding. That is how you stop the insanity. There are many bike purchases in your future and owning several bikes is OK.

Your thinking processes would drive my crazy, also!

Picking a bicycle doesn't make me wan't to commit suicide. Final exams make me want to commit suicide. The problem is, no one will take my exams for me if I do, so I would flunk, and I have a sinking suspicion the finals would follow me.

Picking a bicycle makes me want to rob a bank.

BTW, I think the Redline Monocog rocks! It may be heavier than other SS, but it's tough, and it's really well balanced. Just my opinion.

I don't worry about components anymore. I see if the bike rides in a way that i like, and then i worry about parts when/if they break.

C'mon, it's just a bike. You're not going to find the One True Perfect Bike anywhere, so just enjoy whatcha got.

I now believe that when you are purchasing a bicycle you are almost digging deep into your soul to figure out who you are and where you want to go..I somehow felt that when we purchased our current home some years back. I know the feeling....

I have no problem deciding what BRAND of bike I want to buy, and actually no prblem trying to decide which MODEL to buy, the hard part is getting the money $$$$$ to buy what i want to buy........

I think you're looking to bikes for some type of salvation, like a bike is going to make you happy.

If you are becoming that depressed over what type of bike you are riding, then maybe there are some deeper issues you need to deal with.

When it comes to bikes, you are trapped. How do I know? I went through the same thing you did. I bought a bike, then I read some article on how my bike sucked and how this other bike was better. So I sold the bike, then bought the other bike, only to find out that it wasn't what it was hyped up to be. Then, I would get on review sites and find out how my components sucked, so I would upgrade. Then, I read another article on how my bike was only suited for one purpose, so I bought two, but didn't have space for a third, so I sold one to buy another, only to find out that I missed the first one.

Basically, I wasted a bunch of money on bikes thinking that eventually, I would end up with the perfect bike.

Now, I am happy with what I have. I'll get a few new things for my bike every now and then, but I usually don't replace components unless they really need to be replaced, or if they flat out suck.

My advice? Get the bike you want, accept it for what it is, and go out and ride.

as with all hobbies, the novelty will wear off

youre just reading and researching too much into it. back when i was into headphones, i read a headphone forum 24-7... i bought, and listened, and sold over 12 or so pairs of headphones over a period of a few months...sennheisers...akgs...grados.. i got prosumer soundcards, and headphone amplifiers, and interconnect cables, and all this junk... in the end i sold em all save for a few

when i first jumped into bikes i wanted a rocky mountain, then a merlin, then a strong, then a seven, then an IF... my tastes changed more than my socks. my main bike is a roadie that i really found sitting behind a garbage dump. dont get me wrong, i would love to have a fixie and a 29" mtb'er sitting next to me right now, but when im on the road i dont care about any of that... all i can think of is how to blast by that dude in his billboard jersey in front of me :D

"Does bicycle purchasing/selecting ever make you want to commit suicide?"....

Your thread question applies to any purchase decision on any product. Or any situation where we're going to give up some of our money for some promise in return.
The anxiety and frustration is caused by knowing that a decision we made yesterday, doesn't look so good anymoore based on the new information we've got today. It's kinda like starting a relationship after too many beers and in poor lighting. It's the light of the next day that reveals our mistake. This pattern repeats itself a few times (as it did with you). Eventually the financial pain point is reached where we simply live with the last poor choice we made.

After doing what you've done on many occasions over many years, I've learned to do a few things:
1. Force myself to sit on a purchase decision for a few days (big dollar purchases)
2. Research whenever I don't feel I have a solid understanding of the product or market
3. Listen to my wife more often

You've got to broaden your scope. There is no one perfect bike. That is why you need multiple bikes. One for each mood and for each riding condition. Don't limit yourself. You should have at least one type of each category of bike.

Live a little!

L8R

Picking out my bike was a culmination of alot of sweat and homework. Did I want to commit suicide? Hell no, I wanted to go for a ride. I know I chose well as three years later I still have what I think is the badest ride on the block. When I get on my bike, I know I can kick tail. If I get my clock cleaned, it ain't the bike, its the rider.
You pays your money you takes your chances. Get the bike YOU want. Yeah, it may cost you your first born and your eye teeth. But then you have something you look forward to riding and that makes all the difference in the world.
I learned something from a divorced lady I know who's been through the mill. She always says, I did my time and now "Its all about me baby". You only get one shot at life. Make it a good one!

Jim