round-the-bend

I'm wondering if the bike I'm on the verge of buying is too good for me. I road cycled when I was in my teens and my bike was a 2nd hand WB Hurlow with Campag. I came back to cycling 2 years ago and bought my daughter and I mountain bikes, mine is a Specialized Stumpjumper comp. The intention was to go riding with my daughter (as well as on my own) but I've just been hankering for a road bike. She has now lost interest and grown out of her bike, so I figure this is the time to go back to road. The bike I'm on the verge of buying is a Wilier Izoard Centaur with Racing 3 wheels. I'm not going to race but I may do some time trials (if they do them for my age) it's really for keeping fit and because I love road bikes. I'm in pretty good shape although not super fit. Am I wasting my money?

LowCel 

If you are going to ride it then there is no way I would consider it a waste of money.

pseudobrit

No. No bike is ever too good for you. But you can be too good for your bike. It sucks worse when your bike is the weak link.

Super Guanche

If you can afford it go for it. The Izoard is a lovely frame and with those wheels and groupset you're getting yourself a solid package. It's not like you're a total newcomer who's spending crazy money on something he mightn't use much.

feartec

[COLOR=Black]I had the same problem myself. I've been riding an old 23 yo Univega 10 spd, but talking with several roadies and so-forth lead me to the decision to go in my most upper bracket for a new bike. The less I have to replace over the long run, the better. I didn't go with low end components, and I spared no expense on good riding gear. Total cost: 1500$ for the shorts, jerseys, pump, water bottle holder x2, tools, shoes, safety lights, good handlebar tape, helmet, wedge bag, spare tubes, patch kits, and the bike ( 2008 CarbonStay Motobecane Grand Sprint Ultegra 20 speed)

. It adds up quickly, so just be aware of those extras. I may be new to the whole long distance thing, but I have had to call my aunt to pick me up before because I was stranded with nothing but a bike. Never again, my friend.

EventServices

Will these new golf clubs make me a better golfer?

No. But they sure won't hold me back.

justin70

buying a really good bike to start with will save you money in the long run because you won't be upgrading parts (or frame) in a year. You have to ride the bike to justify spending lots of money but it sounds like you will. If you have the money get the bike that makes you want to ride it.

urbanknight

You are asking a group of people who are almost all riding bikes that are too good for them. If I ever need confirmation of that, I'll go for a ride on the Orange Line Bike Trail where a migrant worker in jeans and flannel shirt riding a girl's huffy with the seat too low and the tires underinflated will hold pace with me for over 3 miles.

Snow_canuck

LOL so true

Yeah, the guys on $3k++ CF bikes are easy to keep up with. It's the guy on the $199 beater that's fast.

caloso

Nah. Buy the best bike you can reasonably afford. If you're not good enough for your bike, keep riding it until you are.

roadiejorge 

It's a waste of money if it ends up being a coat rack in a few months, but if you plan on riding it then it isn't a waste at all. There's nothing wrong with wanting to get better components and frame to enhance your ride.

Treefox

+1

figgskzoo

+1 perfect analogy

doctortalk121

get the bike. you'll be glad you did

OldRoadGuy

Invest in yourself.

mezza

Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it Do it

Savagewolf

If you have to ask, then the answer is almost always yes.

Besides that, though, go for it. If you know you'll be riding a lot, I think it's a great idea to be on a good bike. You'll enjoy your rides quite a bit more, and get to enjoy the extra speed and smoothness that a higher end bike often provides.

If you'll be riding that bike, it's not a waste of money at all.

urbanknight

One thing I will point out is that people rarely get rid of a bike because it is too good for them. People do upgrade all the time because they want something better. It's like a drug, and no matter how nice of a bike you get, you'll probably want something better eventually - lighter or more aero wheels, smoother shifting, malier or prettier color, stiffer or more comfortable feel, etc.

RazorWind

There's no such thing as too good a bike for you. Only "too expensive." It's not like a car where you can get one that goes too fast for your level of talent; the bike's only going to go as fast as you're able to ride it.

If you can afford it, get the bike you want.