Commuting - ANOTHER opinion thread. Upgrading a 2011 Fuji Newest 3.0

I bought my fuji about 4 months ago now and love it. It's the best investment I've made in a while. For the money I paid for it, it was a great value but I am already looking to upgrade to something better. I was looking around on the Nashbar website and found a Carbon bike for under $1,000.00(999.99). The reviews on it are great and people seem to have reached a consensus of "great frame, decent components", but what do you expect if you are paying under 1,000 for a carbon bike. Has anyone ever bought or had an experience with nashbar bikes or this bike specifically? Do you think it would be a good upgrade from my current Fuji or should I shell out a little more money for a different bike and maybe even skip the carbon fiber craze?

Currently I use the Fuji to commute to work and exercise.

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_533667_-1___202613#ReviewHeader

What exactly are you upgrading? Or do you just want a carbon fiber bike? Less ads on your bike?

I don't mind the ads. I just thought the price for a carbon fiber bike sounded like a good deal.

I don't mind the ads. I just thought the price for a carbon fiber bike sounded like a good deal.

I'd recommend that you sit down and list (on paper) in two-column format the things that you like and the things you don't like about your current Fuji bike. Be brutally honest and include just the facts - what it is.

Now, create a third column entitled "why this matters" and write in honest assessments of whether these issues appeal to practicality, performance, or vanity. The TRUTH is important here...

For all of the negatives, create a fourth column labeled "what it's worth", and determine what you'd be willing to spend to correct this aspect.

Add the fourth column and that's your budget. Can you afford it now in cash? Can you save the amount over time and continue with your current ride? Can you accomplish most of it by simply changing some aspect of your current bike frame?

At least this way, you'll know why you're dissatisfied and what you're willing to do about it.

No don't buy a Nashbar carbon bike because it seems like a good idea...

PG

I don't get it either. Is there something you dislike about your 4 month old bike? That barely enouigh time even to get it scratched. If you are looking to add another bike to your stable, and it fills a need, then do so. Personally, I wouldn't use a CF bike for commuting on a regular basis, but some people do. Main reason is most CF frames are not designed for racks and fenders, and commuter bikes tend to get beat up more than weekend bikes.

I'll give you 299 for the Fuji. it will help you get closer to purchasing the nashbar bike :D

I'm actually very happy with my bike and am super glad I ended up buying what I did. It's probably my fault for giving the impression that a. I wanted to replace my current bike and b. I was looking to do this soon. I was looking to get an opinion on a bike that had a small amount of reviews and like anything, yes, I want to upgrade to something better than what I have currently but I am going to end up buying a mountain bike way before another road bike. I live in Chicago and will need something more suited for winter weather. Anyways, thanks for the advice guys.

I'd recommend that you sit down and list (on paper) in two-column format the things that you like and the things you don't like about your current Fuji bike. Be brutally honest and include just the facts - what it is.

Now, create a third column entitled "why this matters" and write in honest assessments of whether these issues appeal to practicality, performance, or vanity. The TRUTH is important here...

For all of the negatives, create a fourth column labeled "what it's worth", and determine what you'd be willing to spend to correct this aspect.

Add the fourth column and that's your budget. Can you afford it now in cash? Can you save the amount over time and continue with your current ride? Can you accomplish most of it by simply changing some aspect of your current bike frame?

At least this way, you'll know why you're dissatisfied and what you're willing to do about it.

No don't buy a Nashbar carbon bike because it seems like a good idea...

PG

This post is awesome!

Personally, I wouldn't use a CF bike for commuting on a regular basis, but some people do.

I have broken 3 metal frames simply via daily use (typically at a weld). I am 100% confident that I will never brake my carbon fiber frames via daily use. Just sayin'

Ride your Fuji for a year and don't think/worry about a new bike. After you put on the miles and learn how you like or dislike it's geometry and handling you can test ride some other bikes next spring/summer and see how they compare. You may decide you do not need a 2nd road bike but want an off road bike or a folding bike etc... Take care.