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07-05-04, 05:03 AM
I posted my first thread on the forum a year ago when I sought advice on buying a new bike. I wanted to know what kind of advantages I could expect from a new model (versus the 19-year-old steel-frame bike I had been riding). I received many helpful replies, so now I thought I’d return the favor by sharing some of what I found…in case there may be someone else out there thinking of doing what I did.
Much of the improvement has come, predictably, from the light weight of the new bike, the ease of indexed shifters, and—of course—the increased number of gears. But the overall improvement (in speed, ease, responsiveness, etc.) has been even greater than what I was led to expect. There have also been a few intangible benefits. For example, I was understandably hesitant about paying so much for a new bike, but the expense has since provided a double insentive: first of all, I’m riding much more than I did before (figuring I have to get my money’s worth out of this thing); and secondly, when I’m out for a ride, I find myself riding more seriously (if that’s the word). I can’t help thinking that I should push just a little bit harder because I’m on a better bike. (Or—putting things a little differently—I can no longer blame the bike when I’m struggling up a hill…)
To make a long story short, I’ve found that expected improvements have exceeded expectations, and there have also been unexpected benefits. If there’s anyone else with an old bike wondering if a new model is really worth it, my answer is a definite YES.
Thanks again to all those who gave advice the last time around.
Much of the improvement has come, predictably, from the light weight of the new bike, the ease of indexed shifters, and—of course—the increased number of gears. But the overall improvement (in speed, ease, responsiveness, etc.) has been even greater than what I was led to expect. There have also been a few intangible benefits. For example, I was understandably hesitant about paying so much for a new bike, but the expense has since provided a double insentive: first of all, I’m riding much more than I did before (figuring I have to get my money’s worth out of this thing); and secondly, when I’m out for a ride, I find myself riding more seriously (if that’s the word). I can’t help thinking that I should push just a little bit harder because I’m on a better bike. (Or—putting things a little differently—I can no longer blame the bike when I’m struggling up a hill…)
To make a long story short, I’ve found that expected improvements have exceeded expectations, and there have also been unexpected benefits. If there’s anyone else with an old bike wondering if a new model is really worth it, my answer is a definite YES.
Thanks again to all those who gave advice the last time around.