Just bought new bike and feeling guilty...
#51
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I felt guilty when I bought my new bicycle. I had recently retired and had only recently returned to cycling... with hopes it might reverse my health issues. My lovely wife did not support my purchase. Which made me wonder if I was making a good decision. But I knew I needed a better bicycle to get up the hills that had me pinned into my own neighborhood.
That was in 2010... and the bicycle turned out to be one of the best buys I've ever made. I lost a bunch of weight... my health is now excellent. I ride a solid 2000 miles a year (in the seasonal Midwest). And more than that... the bicycle has provided me with a vocation of sorts in my retirement years. I've got a lot of happiness for of the price of a bicycle. A bargain!
That was in 2010... and the bicycle turned out to be one of the best buys I've ever made. I lost a bunch of weight... my health is now excellent. I ride a solid 2000 miles a year (in the seasonal Midwest). And more than that... the bicycle has provided me with a vocation of sorts in my retirement years. I've got a lot of happiness for of the price of a bicycle. A bargain!
#52
Senior Member
Yup, as long as you can afford it, I don't see a problem. My wife is having guilt issues because while she begged me not to buy it, I just bought her a $200 stationary bike as hers broke. She'd rather spend the money on the kids. She's been riding hers that broke daily starting the beginning of last summer. Just got my small year end bonus check and had an extra $200 of it to spend. She complained of spending the money but I said we need to now. It won't be around next week. She was really bummed out about her bike breaking a few weeks ago.
Now me, I'll really feel guilty in the spring as I want to use half of the tax refund on a bike for myself. But I am more picky than her, I want a 9 speed hybrid which means I'll be in about the 3rd tier of the Escape, FX, Quick, or Sirrus. I'll be spending about $600-650 on a bike. I don't want to spend that much as that is a stretch for me and I'll feel guilty over it, especially when we only spent $200 on her stationary.
Now me, I'll really feel guilty in the spring as I want to use half of the tax refund on a bike for myself. But I am more picky than her, I want a 9 speed hybrid which means I'll be in about the 3rd tier of the Escape, FX, Quick, or Sirrus. I'll be spending about $600-650 on a bike. I don't want to spend that much as that is a stretch for me and I'll feel guilty over it, especially when we only spent $200 on her stationary.
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#56
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If you ride this as long as you did your previous bike, the cost is negligible. 25 years on 1 bike! This new bike will cost 5.75/day for the first year, minus tax! Ride it 2 years....you can half that value! You are certainly worth that much to yourself. I have justified many costs this way! My poor wife!
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#58
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I'm just feeling guilty.
__________________
FB4K - Every October we wrench on donated bikes. Every December, a few thousand kids get bikes for Christmas. For many, it is their first bike, ever. Every bike, new and used, was donated, built, cleaned and repaired. Check us out on FaceBook: FB4K.
Disclaimer: 99% of what I know about cycling I learned on BF. That would make, ummm, 1% experience. And a lot of posts.
FB4K - Every October we wrench on donated bikes. Every December, a few thousand kids get bikes for Christmas. For many, it is their first bike, ever. Every bike, new and used, was donated, built, cleaned and repaired. Check us out on FaceBook: FB4K.
Disclaimer: 99% of what I know about cycling I learned on BF. That would make, ummm, 1% experience. And a lot of posts.
#59
Newbie
Hey, I just read through this thread about your new bike and you've got me thinking about how I just need to get on my newish bike and RIDE. Riding gets rid of any guilt! And, I've always wanted to do the Chico Wildflower, so your story inspired me to sign up.
I'm in my mid 50s and love riding but just haven't really for years. My newish bike is a touring bike from REI (the Randonee) that I got about 6 months ago. It's rather heavy but I love it because it fits and I don't get so tired on it with the odd aches and pains (no hand numbing!) and I'm looking forward to just cruising the miles away. Not a speed-rider, really just a touring type.
My husband has been very supportive and when I mentioned the Wildflower ride, (we've talked about it for years), he got excited too. So we just signed up and now have a fun event to train for. We're doing the 65 mile route, not the whole 100 mile century.
So thanks for sharing your story and providing the inspiration I've needed as we move into the new year. Now go have fun on your new bike!!! It's a beauty!
I'm in my mid 50s and love riding but just haven't really for years. My newish bike is a touring bike from REI (the Randonee) that I got about 6 months ago. It's rather heavy but I love it because it fits and I don't get so tired on it with the odd aches and pains (no hand numbing!) and I'm looking forward to just cruising the miles away. Not a speed-rider, really just a touring type.
My husband has been very supportive and when I mentioned the Wildflower ride, (we've talked about it for years), he got excited too. So we just signed up and now have a fun event to train for. We're doing the 65 mile route, not the whole 100 mile century.
So thanks for sharing your story and providing the inspiration I've needed as we move into the new year. Now go have fun on your new bike!!! It's a beauty!
Last edited by k8t; 12-26-13 at 11:02 PM.
#60
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Hey, I just read through this thread about your new bike and you've got me thinking about how I just need to get on my newish bike and RIDE. Riding gets rid of any guilt! And, I've always wanted to do the Chico Wildflower, so your story inspired me to sign up.
I'm in my mid 50s and love riding but just haven't really for years. My newish bike is a touring bike from REI (the Randonee) that I got about 6 months ago. It's rather heavy but I love it because it fits and I don't get so tired on it with the odd aches and pains (no hand numbing!) and I'm looking forward to just cruising the miles away. Not a speed-rider, really just a touring type.
My husband has been very supportive and when I mentioned the Wildflower ride, (we've talked about it for years), he got excited too. So we just signed up and now have a fun event to train for. We're doing the 65 mile route, not the whole 100 mile century.
So thanks for sharing your story and providing the inspiration I've needed as we move into the new year. Now go have fun on your new bike!!! It's a beauty!
I'm in my mid 50s and love riding but just haven't really for years. My newish bike is a touring bike from REI (the Randonee) that I got about 6 months ago. It's rather heavy but I love it because it fits and I don't get so tired on it with the odd aches and pains (no hand numbing!) and I'm looking forward to just cruising the miles away. Not a speed-rider, really just a touring type.
My husband has been very supportive and when I mentioned the Wildflower ride, (we've talked about it for years), he got excited too. So we just signed up and now have a fun event to train for. We're doing the 65 mile route, not the whole 100 mile century.
So thanks for sharing your story and providing the inspiration I've needed as we move into the new year. Now go have fun on your new bike!!! It's a beauty!
I actually don't feel guilty about the bike anymore. The stories of everyone here has really helped. I am out of town visiting family now, and have been unable to ride, but got to take a spinning class today and I got so excited about this goal! I am telling everyone who will listen about this century ride.
My husband is supportive and gave me arm warmers, bike tools and a cool water bottle cage for Christmas. Tomorrow I am picking up a double wireless cateye cadence computer and when I am back home will take it for a ride! The only thing I am nervous about now is the new road bike cleats I will be sporting. When they fitted me for the bike I wasn't as comfortable with these new clipless pedals as I was with the SPDs I had on my old bike.
K8t are you near Chico? If so, PM me, I am part of a beginner ride group on the weekends. Btw, I looked up the specs for a randonee and it looks great! I love steel bikes.
#61
Senior Member
Maycat, I'm anxious to hear how you like the bike. I'm planning to buy myself a new road bike soon and I have it narrowed down (on paper) to the Roubaix, Cannondale Synapse, Trek Domane, or Cervelo S2. I'm doing my research now.
#62
Newbie
Hi Maycat,
I'm blocked from PMing you because I don't have enough posts on the forum yet. Oh well!
We are over on the coast, in Humboldt County.We have plenty of hill practice opportunities.(LOL) In fact Humboldt State University (HSU) is often referred to as hills and stairs university. One of the reasons I went with the Randonee is because of the gearing. It will allow me to climb the hills around here and actually train without getting too defeated right from the get go. And I have my own issues with psyching myself out over just the thought of a steep hill. I have to get over that!
I envy you having a beginners riding group. We have lots of ride groups around here but the rides are still too intense for me, especially at this time. Like I said, I like a touring pace so I'm pretty slow. Keeps me happy but it does make me not feel comfortable about joining any rides. I would always be the slowest and hate the idea of holding anybody else back.
I know what you mean about the hills on the Wildflower ride. We went over and drove the routes a couple of years ago so we could see just what was what. I'm pretty confident that we'll be able to do the first hill going up to Paradise, but the additional Table Mountain(?) climb would be a bit much for me at this point. Maybe next time.
Have fun on your first few rides. There is nothing like the roll of a new bike!
I'm blocked from PMing you because I don't have enough posts on the forum yet. Oh well!
We are over on the coast, in Humboldt County.We have plenty of hill practice opportunities.(LOL) In fact Humboldt State University (HSU) is often referred to as hills and stairs university. One of the reasons I went with the Randonee is because of the gearing. It will allow me to climb the hills around here and actually train without getting too defeated right from the get go. And I have my own issues with psyching myself out over just the thought of a steep hill. I have to get over that!
I envy you having a beginners riding group. We have lots of ride groups around here but the rides are still too intense for me, especially at this time. Like I said, I like a touring pace so I'm pretty slow. Keeps me happy but it does make me not feel comfortable about joining any rides. I would always be the slowest and hate the idea of holding anybody else back.
I know what you mean about the hills on the Wildflower ride. We went over and drove the routes a couple of years ago so we could see just what was what. I'm pretty confident that we'll be able to do the first hill going up to Paradise, but the additional Table Mountain(?) climb would be a bit much for me at this point. Maybe next time.
Have fun on your first few rides. There is nothing like the roll of a new bike!
#63
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I'm feeling a bit guilty myself. Just put a down payment on this bike. My original budget was 1500 but got a good deal on a 2013 closeout. Experiencing some buyers remorse. Hope it passes.
#64
Senior Member
I would love to upgrade to brifters/shimano brake shifters, but since it is a 7 x 2 the lbs mechanics said I couldn't do that without replacing the wheelsets/ cogs to 8 or 9. They said I could do bar end shifters. As I was riding this it was just to hard to shift. I got used to them, but it is nothing like the ease of shifting with this bike. I may still upgrade it and get my husband to ride it.
is that you can't shift from the drops, you have to be on the hoods...
https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-ST-230...=2300+shifters
#65
Senior Member
oh and these would also work (better even)
Shimano ST-A070 Road Shifters 2 x 7-Speed Black Pair
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007Q4MM1I/...=dradisplay-20
Shimano ST-A070 Road Shifters 2 x 7-Speed Black Pair
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007Q4MM1I/...=dradisplay-20
#66
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Update: I went on my first ride on my bike, and actually, the first road bike ride since my bike crash two months ago. It kicked my butt! I joined a local beginners group and they went on an intermediate ride to the Honey Run Covered Bridge. I didn't know it would be that hard, but I stuck with it.
I was very scared, especially since I am terrified of falling again, and this time we went on a real windy road with cars whizzing by. There was no real hills, they call them rollers, but to me it was quite hard. A few times I thought I was going to faint or throw up on the longer hills. I had to stop many times on the way back to catch my breath, even when there were no hills and we were in the flats. I am not sure if it was because I am so out of shape or the anxiety from riding again. My friend who was with me had me do some calming breathing exercises and it helped. Oh, and the wind! The wind was bad (at least for me) and for a while I was huffing and puffing and only going 8 miles an hour.
My bike performed brilliantly. It was much easier to switch gears with a touch of my fingers. She was fast and smooth. I didn't have to get off the bike, walk and push her up any of the hills. There was a few scary parts with trucks and cars whizzing by on the windy road and the river down below and mentally I was thinking if I fall to tuck and roll, and if I fall into the ditch to make sure they save the bike first and worry about me later. I highly recommend the Roubaix and may even call her "Princess."
The only thing I struggled with on the bike were the new Shimano cleats and pedals I tried. They are so slippery to clip into. I am used to my SPDs. I didn't get any numbness in my feet, though. I guess it will take more time to get used to them. I just have anxiety every time I have to clip in or clip out. Also, I am not sure about the saddle, but it is hard to tell after 2 months off the bike.
After the ride (2 hours total) I felt very weak. I had done a tough workout the day before, was already sore, then had driven for 6 hours. I drank some orange juice, took a shower, and ended up taking a nap.
Here is the strava info:
<iframe height='405' width='590' frameborder='0' allowtransparency='true' scrolling='no' src='https://www.strava.com/activities/104307365/embed/7ad5074339108d4c790769d1d9b606cb909c0197'></iframe>
Here are pics:
I was very scared, especially since I am terrified of falling again, and this time we went on a real windy road with cars whizzing by. There was no real hills, they call them rollers, but to me it was quite hard. A few times I thought I was going to faint or throw up on the longer hills. I had to stop many times on the way back to catch my breath, even when there were no hills and we were in the flats. I am not sure if it was because I am so out of shape or the anxiety from riding again. My friend who was with me had me do some calming breathing exercises and it helped. Oh, and the wind! The wind was bad (at least for me) and for a while I was huffing and puffing and only going 8 miles an hour.
My bike performed brilliantly. It was much easier to switch gears with a touch of my fingers. She was fast and smooth. I didn't have to get off the bike, walk and push her up any of the hills. There was a few scary parts with trucks and cars whizzing by on the windy road and the river down below and mentally I was thinking if I fall to tuck and roll, and if I fall into the ditch to make sure they save the bike first and worry about me later. I highly recommend the Roubaix and may even call her "Princess."
The only thing I struggled with on the bike were the new Shimano cleats and pedals I tried. They are so slippery to clip into. I am used to my SPDs. I didn't get any numbness in my feet, though. I guess it will take more time to get used to them. I just have anxiety every time I have to clip in or clip out. Also, I am not sure about the saddle, but it is hard to tell after 2 months off the bike.
After the ride (2 hours total) I felt very weak. I had done a tough workout the day before, was already sore, then had driven for 6 hours. I drank some orange juice, took a shower, and ended up taking a nap.
Here is the strava info:
<iframe height='405' width='590' frameborder='0' allowtransparency='true' scrolling='no' src='https://www.strava.com/activities/104307365/embed/7ad5074339108d4c790769d1d9b606cb909c0197'></iframe>
Here are pics:
Last edited by Maycat; 01-06-14 at 12:09 AM. Reason: Trying to get the strava link to work
#67
Junior Member
Good for you!!! You may need to review your nutrition before/during/after the ride. You may have needed some fuel near the end of the ride. It was great that you did not give up and finished the ride. Kudos to your riding buddy who helped you through the experience.
P2
P2
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2011 Trek Madone 5.2 WSD
2009 Trek 2.1 WSD
2011 Trek Madone 5.2 WSD
2009 Trek 2.1 WSD
#69
Senior Member
Update: I went on my first ride on my bike, and actually, the first road bike ride since my bike crash two months ago. It kicked my butt! I joined a local beginners group and they went on an intermediate ride to the Honey Run Covered Bridge. I didn't know it would be that hard, but I stuck with it.
I was very scared, especially since I am terrified of falling again, and this time we went on a real windy road with cars whizzing by. There was no real hills, they call them rollers, but to me it was quite hard. A few times I thought I was going to faint or throw up on the longer hills. I had to stop many times on the way back to catch my breath, even when there were no hills and we were in the flats. I am not sure if it was because I am so out of shape or the anxiety from riding again. My friend who was with me had me do some calming breathing exercises and it helped. Oh, and the wind! The wind was bad (at least for me) and for a while I was huffing and puffing and only going 8 miles an hour.
My bike performed brilliantly. It was much easier to switch gears with a touch of my fingers. She was fast and smooth. I didn't have to get off the bike, walk and push her up any of the hills. There was a few scary parts with trucks and cars whizzing by on the windy road and the river down below and mentally I was thinking if I fall to tuck and roll, and if I fall into the ditch to make sure they save the bike first and worry about me later. I highly recommend the Roubaix and may even call her "Princess."
The only thing I struggled with on the bike were the new Shimano cleats and pedals I tried. They are so slippery to clip into. I am used to my SPDs. I didn't get any numbness in my feet, though. I guess it will take more time to get used to them. I just have anxiety every time I have to clip in or clip out. Also, I am not sure about the saddle, but it is hard to tell after 2 months off the bike.
After the ride (2 hours total) I felt very weak. I had done a tough workout the day before, was already sore, then had driven for 6 hours. I drank some orange juice, took a shower, and ended up taking a nap.
Here is the strava info:
<iframe height='405' width='590' frameborder='0' allowtransparency='true' scrolling='no' src='https://www.strava.com/activities/104307365/embed/7ad5074339108d4c790769d1d9b606cb909c0197'></iframe>
Here are pics:
I was very scared, especially since I am terrified of falling again, and this time we went on a real windy road with cars whizzing by. There was no real hills, they call them rollers, but to me it was quite hard. A few times I thought I was going to faint or throw up on the longer hills. I had to stop many times on the way back to catch my breath, even when there were no hills and we were in the flats. I am not sure if it was because I am so out of shape or the anxiety from riding again. My friend who was with me had me do some calming breathing exercises and it helped. Oh, and the wind! The wind was bad (at least for me) and for a while I was huffing and puffing and only going 8 miles an hour.
My bike performed brilliantly. It was much easier to switch gears with a touch of my fingers. She was fast and smooth. I didn't have to get off the bike, walk and push her up any of the hills. There was a few scary parts with trucks and cars whizzing by on the windy road and the river down below and mentally I was thinking if I fall to tuck and roll, and if I fall into the ditch to make sure they save the bike first and worry about me later. I highly recommend the Roubaix and may even call her "Princess."
The only thing I struggled with on the bike were the new Shimano cleats and pedals I tried. They are so slippery to clip into. I am used to my SPDs. I didn't get any numbness in my feet, though. I guess it will take more time to get used to them. I just have anxiety every time I have to clip in or clip out. Also, I am not sure about the saddle, but it is hard to tell after 2 months off the bike.
After the ride (2 hours total) I felt very weak. I had done a tough workout the day before, was already sore, then had driven for 6 hours. I drank some orange juice, took a shower, and ended up taking a nap.
Here is the strava info:
<iframe height='405' width='590' frameborder='0' allowtransparency='true' scrolling='no' src='https://www.strava.com/activities/104307365/embed/7ad5074339108d4c790769d1d9b606cb909c0197'></iframe>
Here are pics:
I find a mirror helps me deal with traffic.
Some like helmet mounted (I don't).
I had some that were "aero" that fit in the drops...
some of these are wide angle and you may or may not like it...
https://www.amazon.com/Sprintech-Drop-Mirror-Black-Pair/dp/B00168K3IY/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1389031133&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=aero+bike+mirroe
Now using some that mount to the STI's. Love these!
Some of these are sensitive to the generation of STI's...
https://www.amazon.com/Mirrycle-Road-.../dp/B001BYK3WE
Oddly a bright blinky seems to buy me more consideration from traffic. Just personal opinion. Some concur, some not...
#70
Newbie
Congratulations Maycat!
You overcame some really big issues on this first ride ~ just getting on the bike after a fall is huge, riding in traffic on a narrow road, completing an intermediate ride your first time out with a beginning group, getting on the bike in the middle of winter. Kudos to you, and your friend for helping you through it!
It cracks me up when a "flat" ride actually has a bunch of long rollers. LOL
Good job!!!
You overcame some really big issues on this first ride ~ just getting on the bike after a fall is huge, riding in traffic on a narrow road, completing an intermediate ride your first time out with a beginning group, getting on the bike in the middle of winter. Kudos to you, and your friend for helping you through it!
It cracks me up when a "flat" ride actually has a bunch of long rollers. LOL
Good job!!!
#71
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Update: Second ride
Rode the ride to Honey Run again today. Here is my Strava Report. Great ride. I did much better. I love this bike more and more each ride! This time my riding buddy coached my breathing the whole time and my cadence. I didn't have as much problems going up the rollers. The big hill I almost passed out on last time was over before I knew it. I highly recommend this bike (a Specialized Roubaix 105) for a Clyde or tall Athena like me. Seriously, I am so grateful to have it.
I did topple over on the bike once while having problems clicking in on one side and clicking out on the other! I didn't panic, relaxed during the fall, and now have a nice bruise on my upper thigh, but otherwise it was a great ride.
I did topple over on the bike once while having problems clicking in on one side and clicking out on the other! I didn't panic, relaxed during the fall, and now have a nice bruise on my upper thigh, but otherwise it was a great ride.
#72
Senior Member
Maycat, you made my morning. Your ride and attitude are inspiring! Thanks.
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I know a lot about buyers remorse. It's over rated and only lasts a little while. Your already showing signs of getting cured! Keep having fun we only get so many minutes to live. Lol
Joe
Joe
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[QUOTE=Maycat;16332035]Hello everyone!
Anyway, I am picking up the new bike today. It is my birthday present to myself, as my husband informed me that because all his money will go towards my step-kid's Christmas gifts I won't be getting a birthday or Christmas present from him (love those December birthdays). Your husband seems like a real nice guy!
Anyway, I am picking up the new bike today. It is my birthday present to myself, as my husband informed me that because all his money will go towards my step-kid's Christmas gifts I won't be getting a birthday or Christmas present from him (love those December birthdays). Your husband seems like a real nice guy!