Why do you people here ride/own carbon fibre bikes?
05-13-07, 09:49 PM
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Why do you people here ride/own carbon fibre bikes?
Hi,
Why do all these corporate hot shots who spend their weekends doing ''team'' group rides with their co-workers and bosses, all seem to opt for the $6,000 carbon wonder bikes (i.e. the most expensive ''top-of-the-line'' bike sold at the LBS)? If these guys really wanted to use these group rides to impress their bosses and distinguish themselves from their peers, wouldn't they want to go with something elegant and tastefully understated? - I'm thinking of a quality lugged steel frame here.. A lugged steel frame won't help you win the tour de france - where even a few gram advantage is critical, but it may help set you apart from all the other white collar clowns who don't really know anything about bike aethstetics and just assume that their ride will be the most admired because they shelled out the most green.
Almost every time I go for a ride I come across atleast three such groups riding along on their ''team discovery'' Lance Armstrong bikes or Litespeed ''razor'' titanium frames, talking about such-and-such account or the ''billingham contract'' or how to get the competitive advantage in the current market . .some of them are in decent shape, some of them have round protruding bellies - but ALL of them riding bikes made for people who have pro-sponsors and compete in cat 5 races. It just seems to me like trying to impress someone with your musical skills by buying a stratovarius - instead of actually practicing and getting good at the violin. If my boss wants to organise a company jam session to help bring together the company team, - I'm not going to spend my money on the most expensive violin.. Instead I would buy me a nice fiddle and spend the leftover money on some music lessons - and be the only badass on my ''team'' who can actually 'play' when it comes time to do so.. Absolutely.
Why do all these corporate hot shots who spend their weekends doing ''team'' group rides with their co-workers and bosses, all seem to opt for the $6,000 carbon wonder bikes (i.e. the most expensive ''top-of-the-line'' bike sold at the LBS)? If these guys really wanted to use these group rides to impress their bosses and distinguish themselves from their peers, wouldn't they want to go with something elegant and tastefully understated? - I'm thinking of a quality lugged steel frame here.. A lugged steel frame won't help you win the tour de france - where even a few gram advantage is critical, but it may help set you apart from all the other white collar clowns who don't really know anything about bike aethstetics and just assume that their ride will be the most admired because they shelled out the most green.
Almost every time I go for a ride I come across atleast three such groups riding along on their ''team discovery'' Lance Armstrong bikes or Litespeed ''razor'' titanium frames, talking about such-and-such account or the ''billingham contract'' or how to get the competitive advantage in the current market . .some of them are in decent shape, some of them have round protruding bellies - but ALL of them riding bikes made for people who have pro-sponsors and compete in cat 5 races. It just seems to me like trying to impress someone with your musical skills by buying a stratovarius - instead of actually practicing and getting good at the violin. If my boss wants to organise a company jam session to help bring together the company team, - I'm not going to spend my money on the most expensive violin.. Instead I would buy me a nice fiddle and spend the leftover money on some music lessons - and be the only badass on my ''team'' who can actually 'play' when it comes time to do so.. Absolutely.
05-13-07, 09:53 PM
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Why does it bother you so much what other people ride? Ride what you want. Let them ride what they want. Get over it.
05-13-07, 09:54 PM
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Originally Posted by red house
Hi,
Why do all these corporate hot shots who spend their weekends doing ''team'' group rides with their co-workers and bosses, all seem to opt for the $6,000 carbon wonder bikes (i.e. the most expensive ''top-of-the-line'' bike sold at the LBS)? If these guys really wanted to use these group rides to impress their bosses and distinguish themselves from their peers, wouldn't they want to go with something elegant and tastefully understated? - I'm thinking of a quality lugged steel frame here.. A lugged steel frame won't help you win the tour de france - where even a few gram advantage is critical, but it may help set you apart from all the other white collar clowns who don't really know anything about bike aethstetics and just assume that their ride will be the most admired because they shelled out the most green.
Almost every time I go for a ride I come across atleast three such groups riding along on their ''team discovery'' Lance Armstrong bikes or Litespeed ''razor'' titanium frames, talking about such-and-such account or the ''billingham contract'' or how to get the competitive advantage in the current market . .some of them are in decent shape, some of them have round protruding bellies - but ALL of them riding bikes made for people who have pro-sponsors and compete in cat 5 races. It just seems to me like trying to impress someone with your musical skills by buying a stratovarius - instead of actually practicing and getting good at the violin. If my boss wants to organise a company jam session to help bring together the company team, - I'm not going to spend my money on the most expensive violin.. Instead I would buy me a nice fiddle and spend the leftover money on some music lessons - and be the only badass on my ''team'' who can actually 'play' when it comes time to do so.. Absolutely.
Why do all these corporate hot shots who spend their weekends doing ''team'' group rides with their co-workers and bosses, all seem to opt for the $6,000 carbon wonder bikes (i.e. the most expensive ''top-of-the-line'' bike sold at the LBS)? If these guys really wanted to use these group rides to impress their bosses and distinguish themselves from their peers, wouldn't they want to go with something elegant and tastefully understated? - I'm thinking of a quality lugged steel frame here.. A lugged steel frame won't help you win the tour de france - where even a few gram advantage is critical, but it may help set you apart from all the other white collar clowns who don't really know anything about bike aethstetics and just assume that their ride will be the most admired because they shelled out the most green.
Almost every time I go for a ride I come across atleast three such groups riding along on their ''team discovery'' Lance Armstrong bikes or Litespeed ''razor'' titanium frames, talking about such-and-such account or the ''billingham contract'' or how to get the competitive advantage in the current market . .some of them are in decent shape, some of them have round protruding bellies - but ALL of them riding bikes made for people who have pro-sponsors and compete in cat 5 races. It just seems to me like trying to impress someone with your musical skills by buying a stratovarius - instead of actually practicing and getting good at the violin. If my boss wants to organise a company jam session to help bring together the company team, - I'm not going to spend my money on the most expensive violin.. Instead I would buy me a nice fiddle and spend the leftover money on some music lessons - and be the only badass on my ''team'' who can actually 'play' when it comes time to do so.. Absolutely.
05-13-07, 09:55 PM
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Red, maybe you should stay in the politics forum. The ironic thing is that i'm learning more and more about you because of your random bashings of the roadies in the road forum.
What do you have on your chest? Did Scrooge put your family in the poor house when you were a kid? Seriously, this whole "dropping by" to ***** about us is a little odd, and unproductive. Why don't you ride your simple fixed gear in blue jeans and make fun of the roadies in your area that way you can see what they have to say to you in person
What do you have on your chest? Did Scrooge put your family in the poor house when you were a kid? Seriously, this whole "dropping by" to ***** about us is a little odd, and unproductive. Why don't you ride your simple fixed gear in blue jeans and make fun of the roadies in your area that way you can see what they have to say to you in person
05-13-07, 09:59 PM
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Questions back at you:
1. Why do the same people buy Porsches and Ferraris but never drive them on a racetrack?
2. Why do people buy basketball, football, insert-pro-sport-here jerseys and other gear when they don't play for that team or any pro team?
It's not just cyclists, it's everybody. Go analyze society as a whole if this issue bothers you.
1. Why do the same people buy Porsches and Ferraris but never drive them on a racetrack?
2. Why do people buy basketball, football, insert-pro-sport-here jerseys and other gear when they don't play for that team or any pro team?
It's not just cyclists, it's everybody. Go analyze society as a whole if this issue bothers you.
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05-13-07, 09:59 PM
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Originally Posted by cuski
Hey, Marx... People can spend their money on whatever they want....
True.. people are 'free' to spend 6 G's of their salary just so that they can ride carbon copies of whatever their co-workers and/or bosses ride. Thank God for America - where people have the liberty to spend thousand$ to purchase things that allow them to blend into the herd - all the while thinking that they are expressing their ''individuality'' and status with their shallow and expensive tastes.
Is THAT what makes America great?? ooookayyy..
-?
05-13-07, 10:01 PM
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I AM THE NEXT MESSIAH. SEE MY SIG AND AND FOLLOW MY ADVICE. IT READS : LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO RIDE A CHEAP BIKE. NOW GO SPREAD THE WORDS.
Originally Posted by red house
Hi,
Why do all these corporate hot shots who spend their weekends doing ''team'' group rides with their co-workers and bosses, all seem to opt for the $6,000 carbon wonder bikes (i.e. the most expensive ''top-of-the-line'' bike sold at the LBS)? If these guys really wanted to use these group rides to impress their bosses and distinguish themselves from their peers, wouldn't they want to go with something elegant and tastefully understated? - I'm thinking of a quality lugged steel frame here.. A lugged steel frame won't help you win the tour de france - where even a few gram advantage is critical, but it may help set you apart from all the other white collar clowns who don't really know anything about bike aethstetics and just assume that their ride will be the most admired because they shelled out the most green.
Almost every time I go for a ride I come across atleast three such groups riding along on their ''team discovery'' Lance Armstrong bikes or Litespeed ''razor'' titanium frames, talking about such-and-such account or the ''billingham contract'' or how to get the competitive advantage in the current market . .some of them are in decent shape, some of them have round protruding bellies - but ALL of them riding bikes made for people who have pro-sponsors and compete in cat 5 races. It just seems to me like trying to impress someone with your musical skills by buying a stratovarius - instead of actually practicing and getting good at the violin. If my boss wants to organise a company jam session to help bring together the company team, - I'm not going to spend my money on the most expensive violin.. Instead I would buy me a nice fiddle and spend the leftover money on some music lessons - and be the only badass on my ''team'' who can actually 'play' when it comes time to do so.. Absolutely.
Why do all these corporate hot shots who spend their weekends doing ''team'' group rides with their co-workers and bosses, all seem to opt for the $6,000 carbon wonder bikes (i.e. the most expensive ''top-of-the-line'' bike sold at the LBS)? If these guys really wanted to use these group rides to impress their bosses and distinguish themselves from their peers, wouldn't they want to go with something elegant and tastefully understated? - I'm thinking of a quality lugged steel frame here.. A lugged steel frame won't help you win the tour de france - where even a few gram advantage is critical, but it may help set you apart from all the other white collar clowns who don't really know anything about bike aethstetics and just assume that their ride will be the most admired because they shelled out the most green.
Almost every time I go for a ride I come across atleast three such groups riding along on their ''team discovery'' Lance Armstrong bikes or Litespeed ''razor'' titanium frames, talking about such-and-such account or the ''billingham contract'' or how to get the competitive advantage in the current market . .some of them are in decent shape, some of them have round protruding bellies - but ALL of them riding bikes made for people who have pro-sponsors and compete in cat 5 races. It just seems to me like trying to impress someone with your musical skills by buying a stratovarius - instead of actually practicing and getting good at the violin. If my boss wants to organise a company jam session to help bring together the company team, - I'm not going to spend my money on the most expensive violin.. Instead I would buy me a nice fiddle and spend the leftover money on some music lessons - and be the only badass on my ''team'' who can actually 'play' when it comes time to do so.. Absolutely.
05-13-07, 10:08 PM
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$6000 is for wussy, with proper mixing and matching you should easily be able to build a $12000 bike...
05-13-07, 10:10 PM
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Originally Posted by red house
True.. people are 'free' to spend 6 G's of their salary just so that they can ride carbon copies of whatever their co-workers and/or bosses ride. Thank God for America - where people have the liberty to spend thousand$ to purchase things that allow them to blend into the herd - all the while thinking that they are expressing their ''individuality'' and status with their shallow and expensive tastes.
Is THAT what makes America great?? ooookayyy.. -?
Is THAT what makes America great?? ooookayyy..
-?
05-13-07, 10:11 PM
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your frame should be 10k +
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05-13-07, 10:12 PM
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+1 What ET said. When I finish school and have a real job, I think it's not unreasonable to spend anywhere between 15,00 USD to 20,000 USD for a good bike that I choose all the components and build myself. And if I crash it, then I'll just buy a new one. Material things are always replacable, you enjoyment and health will vary with age and one day you won't be on this earth to enjoy them. I say live and let live.
Originally Posted by EURO-TRASH
$6000 is for wussy, with proper mixing and matching you should easily be able to build a $12000 bike...
05-13-07, 10:13 PM
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Originally Posted by red house
Why do you people here ride/own carbon fibre bikes?
05-13-07, 10:15 PM
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Originally Posted by samsation7
+1 What ET said. When I finish school and have a real job, I think it's not unreasonable to spend anywhere between 15,00 USD to 20,000 USD for a good bike that I choose all the components and build myself. And if I crash it, then I'll just buy a new one. Material things are always replacable, you enjoyment and health will vary with age and one day you won't be on this earth to enjoy them. I say live and let live.
05-13-07, 10:19 PM
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Get a Yugo, then you will be able to afford a $6000 CF bike. However I have had my eye on a BMC Pro Machine and that one is over $8000.
05-13-07, 10:20 PM
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Originally Posted by red house
Thank God for America - where people have the liberty to spend thousand$ to purchase things that allow them to blend into the herd
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05-13-07, 10:20 PM
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If you need to ask the question you won't understand the answer.
Why do people purchase a lexus? Why own a top of the line computer?
Why purchase a rolex? Why why why? Does it really matter?
Why do people purchase a lexus? Why own a top of the line computer?
Why purchase a rolex? Why why why? Does it really matter?
05-13-07, 10:21 PM
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Originally Posted by timmyquest
Red, maybe you should stay in the politics forum. The ironic thing is that i'm learning more and more about you because of your random bashings of the roadies in the road forum.
What do you have on your chest? Did Scrooge put your family in the poor house when you were a kid? Seriously, this whole "dropping by" to ***** about us is a little odd, and unproductive. Why don't you ride your simple fixed gear in blue jeans and make fun of the roadies in your area that way you can see what they have to say to you in person
What do you have on your chest? Did Scrooge put your family in the poor house when you were a kid? Seriously, this whole "dropping by" to ***** about us is a little odd, and unproductive. Why don't you ride your simple fixed gear in blue jeans and make fun of the roadies in your area that way you can see what they have to say to you in person
I own two bikes timmyquest. One is a fixed, and the other is a 90's racing bike: a miyata with a Dura Ace 7800 crank (attached to an eight speed drive train). Why the bourgeois crankset you ask? - Because; in my opinion it is the perfection in design, and it looks pretty. I didn't buy it because it was the most expensive, or to project my status and to win friends and influence people. The Dura Ace crankset represents a part of me and my specific tastes - and it shows that I am distinguishing and knowledgble about my bike and components.
Last edited by red house; 05-14-07 at 04:29 AM.
05-13-07, 10:23 PM
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what's the waiting time on one of those nice steel frames? 7 years? yeah, sounds fun.
and not everyone who buys a carbon bike does it to "conform" to what everyone else is riding. they may be buying it because they actually want it, and it looks good to them. whereas a "classic" steel frame may look booring.
edit: he rides a fixie, enough said.
and not everyone who buys a carbon bike does it to "conform" to what everyone else is riding. they may be buying it because they actually want it, and it looks good to them. whereas a "classic" steel frame may look booring.
edit: he rides a fixie, enough said.
05-13-07, 10:24 PM
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Originally Posted by samsation7
I AM THE NEXT MESSIAH. SEE MY SIG AND AND FOLLOW MY ADVICE. IT READS : LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO RIDE A CHEAP BIKE. NOW GO SPREAD THE WORDS.
I'm not advocating that anyone ride a ''cheap bike''
-?
05-13-07, 10:25 PM
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Originally Posted by red house
....It just seems to me like trying to impress someone with your musical skills by buying a stratovarius - instead of actually practicing and getting good at the violin. If my boss wants to organise a company jam session to help bring together the company team, - I'm not going to spend my money on the most expensive violin.. Instead I would buy me a nice fiddle and spend the leftover money on some music lessons - and be the only badass on my ''team'' who can actually 'play' when it comes time to do so...
A Stradivarius is not that easily acquired(stratovarius on the other hand like roleckx watch could be arranged though).
The violin takes the average person roughly 10,000hrs to become 'good' at it - 'some music lessons' will not cut it. ('badass' on the other hand may be possible by hooking up to some electronics, but may not be appreciated by the boss if a fan of classical music and/or a violinist)
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