Road Cycling - Its getting harder to resist!

The guys in the Sporting good shop down from my office are really working to get me out on the Trek 5000 for a test ride! You see, I stop in to droooooooooooooool about once a week when I am taking a break from the work thing. I keep telling them that I don't want to waste their time since I am not ready to purchase right now. Today they told me that it was so slow, I'd be doing them a favor.. :p

The bike is on sale right now for US$1795.00! They also told me that I could put it on lay away to get locked into that sale price with no penalty if I decide I don't want it!

So, I really need you guys to talk some sense into me. :D I have not looked at any other roadies as I am not really in the market, but dang, that "thang" is sexy!

http://www.trekbikes.com/images/bikes/2004/road/large/5000.jpg

Desist i say desist !!

why buy a bike if you don't need it, especially one thats so expensive and possibly beyond your capability?

why buy a bike if you don't need it, especially one thats so expensive and possibly beyond your capability?

Ah, you're new to this whole cycling thing, aren't you?

Don't they have any good bikes for sale?

Ah, you're new to this whole cycling thing, aren't you?

Nope, just been around the block enough times to know that something like a Trek 5000 is too much bike for most people, especially if it won't be raced.
No offense, though. I don't mean to stir up the pot.

why buy a bike if you don't need it, especially one thats so expensive and possibly beyond your capability?

Actually your right. I don't "NEED" any more bikes. As for being beyond my capability; it may be in the beginning, but I would work myself into it. Makes more sense to me to purchase a bike like this instead of a lower end roadie just to find out that I am exceeding its capability. In which case, I spend even more money in the long run to purchase another bike. And at its current pirce, its only around US$500.00 more than a lessor selection. I do intend to race it. That is why I would be looking at such a machine. But this was a good attempt to talk me out of it. ;)



Don't they have any good bikes for sale?

Well, they do have a LeMond Ti bike in nice bright yellow. But man, they don't give Ti away! Its on sale for US$2295.00. :eek: This is not a very good attempt to talk me out of it.

:lol:

why buy a bike if you don't need it, especially one thats so expensive and possibly beyond your capability?

Those two criteria are meaningless unless put into proper context. Why buy anything? There is really very few things in this world that is actually needed and most things people own are beyond their capabilities. Take a look at that computer you're sitting in front of. Do we all really need a device with more computation power used to calculate orbital mechanics for the solar system, weather patterns for the globe and model thermonuclear reactions? Maybe a good enough reason is that he wants to buy it. The criteria should be: "Will it harm me to own it? Does it fit? Will I want to ride it?" If he's not putting his financial status in jeopardy, what's wrong with getting it?

Khuon, Those are words of wisdom, :)

Forget what I said. Buy what you like. My only point is I think you should give serious thought to whether or not you want a racing bike as opposed to something more comfortable and practical. If racing is what you do, then it looks to be a good choice.

Forget what I said. Buy what you like. My only point is I think you should give serious thought to whether or not you want a racing bike as opposed to something more comfortable and practical. If racing is what you do, then it looks to be a good choice.

We all race to some degree. Sure, most of us don't strap on a number, but most of us want to go fast sometimes. Really, we want to go faster than the guy beside us! It's fun, it's competition, and to some degree, it's racing.

Get the Trek. You'll have fun "racing", just riding, climbing, or cruising around. That's what it's all about!

My advice - do all your homework, buy exactly the bike you want, do not compromise for a good deal. "Almost the right bike" is just painful, to your body and your wallet. And your soul.

Are you in the market for a bike? No? Uh.... well, I think you answered the question about whether to buy it.

However... If the bike shop is offering a test ride, this might be a good opportunity to find out some stuff. You might take this as a chance to demo a couple of different materials and sizes back to back. Have you test ridden all the bikes and materials that you are considering?

So the test ride: Do this when not in a hurry, not on your lunch hour. Ride your size, with correctly adjusted bars and seat position. Bring your saddle and pedals, have them install them on the bike. Measure your current most comfortable bike (and bring it with you), and get the position as close as possible. Make them swap stems and seatposts if needed. Wear your bike shorts and shoes. Really.

Go ahead and test ride it, but leave your visa card at home. Test ride the Ti bike at the same time, back to back. Don't make a decision based on looking at it in the store, make it based on how it feels on the road - your favorite roads, and your least favorite. Ride bumpy pavement. Climb. Descend. Forget about components (except the choice between a double and a triple crank). Forget about "nice bright yellow" - you can have it painted later if you hate it. Fit and frame material are the most important.

Write down everything you learn for later, when you *are* in the market for a bike.

Is it "too much bike?" Not if you have the money and will ride it! It's only too much bike if it's going to hang in your garage gathering dust.

Oh I just noticed: "sporting goods shop" - ick. Buy from a local reputable bike shop. A good shop will get you fitted right, swap stems out if needed, and do minor adjustments for free. Sporting goods shops just want to move merchandise.

Measure twice, buy once.

Anna



Actually your right. I don't "NEED" any more bikes. As for being beyond my capability; it may be in the beginning, but I would work myself into it. Makes more sense to me to purchase a bike like this instead of a lower end roadie just to find out that I am exceeding its capability. In which case, I spend even more money in the long run to purchase another bike. And at its current pirce, its only around US$500.00 more than a lessor selection. I do intend to race it. That is why I would be looking at such a machine. But this was a good attempt to talk me out of it. ;)




Well, they do have a LeMond Ti bike in nice bright yellow. But man, they don't give Ti away! Its on sale for US$2295.00. :eek: This is not a very good attempt to talk me out of it.

:lol:

Just took a look at the 5000 on the Trek site. Man, that thing is PURTY! You'd be saving about $400 of MSRP. Sounds like a great deal to me.

Getting a tax refund this year?

HEy N7 what are you riding now. I know your a hard core commutter. Are you looking into a speedy ride for after work/weekends?

HEy N7 what are you riding now. I know your a hard core commutter. Are you looking into a speedy ride for after work/weekends?

Yep, exactly.

I cam currently riding a 1978 Raleigh Grand Prix 10 speed. Very light for its time and rides smooth. I am pretty much always in the 10th gear most of the time on flat level. It climbs like a rocket. (well, compared to my commuter bike) I have a route I "train" on that is a 30 mile out and back in steep terrian too.

The more I think of my reason for considering the 5000 is because after loosing >100#s I figure I deserve it. :D Acutally, it does not have to be this bike, but it is the one that I keep coming back to. Nothing is final. Its fun to get many opinions.


Forget what I said. Buy what you like. My only point is I think you should give serious thought to whether or not you want a racing bike as opposed to something more comfortable and practical. If racing is what you do, then it looks to be a good choice.

Heck no I won't forget what you said. Your opinion has value to me as well. I'm not looking for a, "yes man." :)


Those two criteria are meaningless unless put into proper context. Why buy anything? There is really very few things in this world that is actually needed and most things people own are beyond their capabilities. Take a look at that computer you're sitting in front of. Do we all really need a device with more computation power used to calculate orbital mechanics for the solar system, weather patterns for the globe and model thermonuclear reactions? Maybe a good enough reason is that he wants to buy it. The criteria should be: "Will it harm me to own it? Does it fit? Will I want to ride it?" If he's not putting his financial status in jeopardy, what's wrong with getting it?

I'll have you know that Quantum Physics is a side hobby of mine. Nothing I like better than setting down in front of the console of my Cray and working on galactic time travel foumulas. :lol:

Oh, I forgot to mention that it would be ridden daily! (well, at least in good weather)

$1795.00 is a really good price, good luck on your decision. :)

Forget what I said. Buy what you like. My only point is I think you should give serious thought to whether or not you want a racing bike as opposed to something more comfortable and practical. If racing is what you do, then it looks to be a good choice.


I too have been considering this bike. I don't race now, but might later. So my question: what is more comfortable and practical? I ride a Cannondale R800 now!

I'd suggest shopping around a bit first, but I certainly won't discourage you from getting an awesome bike!

Sorry to stir the pot, but may I suggest looking at some Campy bikes as well...

The more I think of my reason for considering the 5000 is because after loosing >100#s I figure I deserve it. :D

Ah! I didn't know this part of the story. I too have recently lost a bunch of weight (>65 pounds so far) and recently treated myself to a new bike because of it.

Dude, buy the Trek.

If it's so hard to resist, just stop resisting! :p

N7CZ - 2 questions:
1. Can you afford the $1800?
2. Is it worth $1800 TO YOU?

If the answer to either question is "no", then don't buy the bike. Otherwise, you work hard for your money, and if you can afford it, then get it. And congrats on the weight loss! If you need that as a justification then toss that in there, too. I operate on the 2 basic questions above (and for all the financial wizards in the house, yes, that does factor in savings etc.). I have 2 bikes that are beyond my capabilities, but are very comfortable and inspire me to ride. Expensive, but not outrageously so... well, to a bike rider anyway. To some of my non-riding friends, I just won't go there with them.

(sorry, that wasn't a very good attempt to talk you out of it now, was it?)

Just buy the bloody thing !

N7, here are your 3 options:

1. Buy it because you like it, it fits and you know it's a good deal.

2. Waste valuable time shopping around to make sure you're getting a good deal, go back to buy it and find out it's already been sold

3. Don't buy it and be forever kicking your arse because you missed a good deal.

There is nothing like riding a fine road bike, especially when you've been riding an old 10 speed.
I'd say you can't afford not to buy it.

Buy the bike.........Buy the bike.......Buy the bike......... :D

Life is short. Don't live with regret. Get it!

N7: It appears you haven't taken it for a test ride yet, correct? If not, I say do that first. And also test ride other bikes you're interested in. You may find, although unlikely, ;) that there's something else you like more. And who knows, it may be cheaper. :)

You see, I stop in to droooooooooooooool about once a week when I am taking a break from the work thing.

Your syntax reveals your true desire...get the bike!

BTW, what gruppo?

Don't they have any good bikes for sale?

Was going to make a negative remark in response to your 'comment' but the more I think about it the more I realize you took care of it by saying what you said in the first place.

thats a fine looking price! i have a 2300 and love it. the components might lag on that 5000, but its a good bike overall. if you can afford it, then go for it. it will be so smooth and wont really lose its style since its carbon.

1978 Raleigh Grand Prix 10 speed............. It climbs like a rocket.

If that is what you think, and you don't want to spend money, do NOT ride this or the Ti bike. It you do you will be saying "1978 Raleigh Grand Prix 10 speed........ It climbs like a rock."

I think pinerider nailed it. If you've test-ridden it and it fits okay, then the only obstacle is financial. If you liked it on the test rides, wait 'til you get it out for a couple of hours on the open road and in the hills. You haven't had a chance to seriously appreciate how much road bikes have improved in the last 25 years.

If you can part with the Raleigh, spruce it up and put it on ebay with a decent reserve, buyer pays shipping. You might be surprised. Worst case, you're out the cost of the listing.

The guys in the Sporting good shop down from my office are really working to get me out on the Trek 5000 for a test ride! You see, I stop in to droooooooooooooool about once a week when I am taking a break from the work thing. I keep telling them that I don't want to waste their time since I am not ready to purchase right now. Today they told me that it was so slow, I'd be doing them a favor.. :p

The bike is on sale right now for US$1795.00! They also told me that I could put it on lay away to get locked into that sale price with no penalty if I decide I don't want it!

So, I really need you guys to talk some sense into me. :D I have not looked at any other roadies as I am not really in the market, but dang, that "thang" is sexy!

http://www.trekbikes.com/images/bikes/2004/road/large/5000.jpg


N7CZinMT....hey i just picked up a new specialized triple from knickerbiker for $590.00.....it is very entry level but man is it a step up for me.....check it out

i say ride it. it is a good chance to ride carbon. come to think of it, ride the Ti one also. ride it after riding the 1978 Raleigh Grand Prix. take the wheels and components out of the equation. those can be put on almost any cycle. i don't know how much you weigh, but anything over 200lbs and the trek becomes an expensive short term bike. i value value. the 1978 Raleigh is great. if you still think its great AFTER the test rides then you have only confirmed your initial thoughts.
CF for a heavier rider won't last 26 years (or even 1/2 that) with heavy use.

Coming to bikeforums.net to get talked out of buying a sweet ride is kind of like going to the crack house to get talked out of buying more crack. Admit it, cycling is your addiction, that bike your crack rock. My name is Otoman, and I am a cycling junkie. There, I said it -- only eleven more steps to go!

I'll have you know that Quantum Physics is a side hobby of mine. Nothing I like better than setting down in front of the console of my Cray and working on galactic time travel foumulas. :lol:[/QUOTE]


Then why not travel forward in time and see if you bought the bike!

Sheldon

Then why not travel forward in time and see if you bought the bike!

Sheldon

Because I have not completed the computations...silly! :rolleyes:

N7CZinMT....hey i just picked up a new specialized triple from knickerbiker for $590.00.....it is very entry level but man is it a step up for me.....check it out

Hey Kerny! Did you have to order it? The last time I was in there, they only had a couple 2 year old road bikes. Everything else was MTBs and kids bikes. I have to take the tandem in to have the front BB tightened up. I'll check with Bren. If you did have to order it, I'd love to get with you to take a look at it.

Thanks

Bob

I just want to thank everyone for their opinions. Yes, this is not the place to be talked out of the bike. :)

Sorry for not responding to each and everyone of you, but am overwhelmed by the response.

RiPHRaPH, I am currently around 225#s. Have been told that I was not to heavy for the CF. Thanks for giving me pause to get more opinions regarding the weight issue.

I have not ridden the bike yet. Perhaps I'll swing up after work tomorrow and take it for a spin.

Oh, I forgot to mention that it would be ridden daily! (well, at least in good weather)

Based on what i have read about your weather that will be far from daily. :) I don't think anyone can or should change your mind. It is your money and potentially your bike. All I can do is offer my insight. As far as rewarding yourself for losing the weight, you are already doing that by adding years to your life. That is a pretty decent reward. ;)

I ride everyday as well. I humped through the winter cycling like you and some others did and really enjoyed reading everyone's posts in there. It is encouraging. I have a couple cheap entry level Trek 4300 mountain bikes that i ride. There have been times that i have had the tempatation to go dump some major cash on bikes but I have discovered that I enjoy the ride more than the bikes. I don't really care that my bike may be inferior to someone elses or not.

A couple days ago i encountered landscape timber from hell on a trail. I was traveling pretty fast downhill and my bike stopped on a dime. I flew over the handlebars and the bike took a pretty good trip as well. Despite my leg looking like it had a cheese grinder used on it, i found that i was worried about my bike more. The derailler was sticking in the spokes and I was all stressed. I can only imagine how stressed i would have been if i had done that to a $2000 bike. :(

I have no thoughts of spending more money on a bike. I have spent probably 10 times more on accessories than i have on bikes. I spent more on my hitch and rack than i did on either bike. To me it always seems like the more I spend on something the less I end up enjoying it. I have never enjoyed a brand new car as much as I enjoyed my first high school car for $500.

blah, blah, blah..........go get the danged bike. :D

It is a good price. I hate to egg you on, but I would lean towards it. You could always do that layaway deal and change your mind later. Heck, in 6 months if you regret buying it, you could always ebay it...I mean, have you seen what a trek oclv brings on ebay lately? Its amazing...

But, I am partial to Ti Lemonds ;)

Don't they have any good bikes for sale?


Apart from the one he posted?