Southern California - New Bike Time?

So, I haven't owned a new bike in close to 25-30 years. The current bike that I ride is (I think) a 1995 Bianchi Alfana that I bought used in 2000. It's been a great bike, and I really enjoy riding it. I think I've avoided being tempted to buy a new bike because I've felt very comfortable on steel, and I haven't been to a bike shop that had a Bianchi.

But I broke the chain last week and took it into Jones Bike Shop in San Marino to get it fixed, and they happen to be a Bianchi dealer. I have to say that I am very tempted to spring for a new bike now! I didn't have much time, but I think I saw a few very nice looking Bianchi road bikes, and I'm wondering if it's worth it to upgrade. I'd appreciate any thoughts that people have, or if there are good alternatives.

I've been called a retro-grouch, and I like what I've ridden in the past. Before this Bianchi, I had an early 80s Peugeot (also bought used) with a mix of Heuret(sp?) and Campy parts. Is there a big difference going from steel to Al or carbon? I figure I'm not going to get a really good feel with a ride around the block, but I figure it's not that big of a deal, right?

Still, if anyone has a good Bianchi that needs a new home, I'd be open to another used bike...:) But I'm really looking to get some ideas about whether I should get a new bike, or, since I'm happy with what I'm riding, I should just stick with that.

Thanks,
dc

If you like your bike, I'd say there's no *good* reason to get a new one. If you're itching to try something newer, see if you can borrow a bike from someone for a weekend or something. Or hook up with a local cycling club, make lots of friends, and try out their bikes.

Also, it's good to have an idea of what kind of riding you want to do before you start testing things out. Do you want to go super fast? Commuting? Touring? Leisurely rides? Long distance?

Yeah, if your current bike works, there's usually not a good reason to get a new one, but sometimes you have the money and you have the financial means, so you're entitled to do what you want.

I'm 29 and have yet to own a new bike myself... unless you count my 20" kid's bike when I was a little kid. I'm looking forward to treating myself to a brand new bike... for my 50th birthday.

An aquaintance stopped by last week with his brand new CF Bianchi. Beautiful bike.

Getting a new bike is up to you. I still ride my 60's era 3-speed a lot. Weighs a ton, but still a load of fun to ride. The geometry is similar to my road bike, but a lot slower...lol.
This bike caught my eye...guy only wanted $65 for it, but it's a drive to see/test ride it:
http://images.craigslist.org/3nb3o43l8ZZZZZZZZZ96700c4357a0804109e.jpg

Hey dc -

I know its tempting to drop the cash when you got it and the itch for something shiney and new. But the way I see it is you can't possibly know what is the best fit for you, size as well as function. So to me it makes sense, unless you ride in a Bently and park it in one of those San Marino estates, to make use of the huge used market we have here in SoCal to answer that question.

Check craigslist everyday. Scan LA, OC, Ventura, and even SB and the IE. When a bike that has your name on it pops up, you'll know it when you see it. Don't be locked into Bianchi. Be adventurous. Try different makes, materials, etc. If you are patient you'll find bikes for half thier shop price that are only two or so seasons old. If you stick to good to great deals you can always re-sell for little or no loss after you put on enough miles to find out what you need to know about the bike. Consider a loss the cost of renting them. This will allow you to experiment with geometries, materials, and sizes. Once you get a bead on what works best for you, then you'll know exactly what you want when and if you're ready to drop the 5K on the dream bike.

Thanks for the suggestions. Now that it's been a few days, my new-bike lust has gone down a little...:) I think I should spend a little more time on craigslist, just to price the market a little better. How about eBay these days? Has anyone had good luck with buying a bike from someone across the country recently? I think I was lucky when I bought my Bianchi because I bought it from someone in WI, and everything worked out well.

I generally ride to work 2-3 times a week (35 miles round trip), then maybe a 40-60 mile ride along with a 20-30 mile ride on the weekends. I certainly don't race, but I'm thinking a smaller group ride might help in terms of pushing me a little more while teaching me about riding in a group. While I no longer am trying to reach 60MPH on a bike, I do like to find a good pace that eats up the miles. I'm not sure how that would classify me.

Sometimes there are shipping issues with eBay bikes...make sure the seller really knows how to pack your bike up...if you go that route.

I've never had a new bike, myself, but I don't rule it out for the future. I think it'd be a nice "Christmas morning" feeling...

If you want to indulge, go for it.:)

I'm a tightwad, so, you know, always looking to save a buck.

I'm a tightwad, so, you know, always looking to save a buck.

Yeah, me too Alice,

Thinking back, my only "new" bike was my Dahon Curve folding bike.

My fixed gear bike was bought used in '82, my touring bike was a new frame/fork but was built up with a mix of old and new parts. My Ti GT was bought used, the frame anyway, on ebay. The 853 GT was a new frame and fork, but the parts were used. My 3-Speed was totally used. My Calfee "Tetra Custom" was custom built for the previous owner, but the Shimano group was new.

So you're a tightwad and I'm a cheap *******. Not a lot of difference, I guess.

Rick / OCRR