Older Vs. Newer bikes
09-02-08, 07:42 AM
#1
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Older Vs. Newer bikes
I have been cycling now for 3+ years and put about 6000 miles on my bike. I bought an early 90s Trek 2300 Carbon Pro from a friend of mine at a good deal. He is the same size and build as me so it fit very well. Minor saddle adjustment and I was good to go. Now I am just a recreational rider and ride about 30 to 60 mile rides most of the time. This bike has been good for me but I was just wondering am I missing something by not upgrading to a newer and better bike. I don't mind spending some money but not looking for a big dollar ride either. Should I just keep riding my old Trek or step up to something newer.
09-02-08, 07:50 AM
#3
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If you enjoy your old bike, there's no immediate need to upgrade. If you see something you like and can afford it, go for it if you think it'll make you enjoy riding that much more.
09-02-08, 07:54 AM
#4
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The only tangible benefits of a newer bike would be indexed shifters (such as STI) instead of the downtube shifters, and lighter weight.
But if you enjoy what you're riding, there's no reason to upgrade. It's all about the ride.
But if you enjoy what you're riding, there's no reason to upgrade. It's all about the ride.
09-02-08, 09:15 AM
#5
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.
The only practical reason to upgrade would be when the parts start breaking and you can't find any replacements that fit into the frame.
If this isn't an issue, then the bike isn't old enough.
If this isn't an issue, then the bike isn't old enough.
09-02-08, 09:47 AM
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That sounds good to me. My wife will be happy to hear I do not need/want a new bike. I am due for a complete tear down this winter so I will inspect all parts. It does have a 7 speed cassette and down tube shifters but here in flat South Jersey the speeds are not an issue. The crank arms are titanium and have cracked at the lower bracket mount but they have been this way for thousands of miles. Other than that it is in good shape.
09-02-08, 10:06 AM
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I can't believe that here on BF we are convincing someone NOT to upgrade....What has this world come too...
09-02-08, 10:08 AM
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That sounds good to me. My wife will be happy to hear I do not need/want a new bike. I am due for a complete tear down this winter so I will inspect all parts. It does have a 7 speed cassette and down tube shifters but here in flat South Jersey the speeds are not an issue. The crank arms are titanium and have cracked at the lower bracket mount but they have been this way for thousands of miles. Other than that it is in good shape.
Seriously? I wouldn't ride cracked crankarms any farther than directly to the LBS to have them replaced.
09-02-08, 10:19 AM
#10
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
My road bike was made in 1973... it still makes me happy.
09-02-08, 10:55 AM
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Good that you are happy with your current bike b/c to upgrade components beyond 7 speed would require
wider rear dropout spacing, which pretty much means a new frame. Ride it into the ground, then replace the whole thing (vs. upgrades here or there).
wider rear dropout spacing, which pretty much means a new frame. Ride it into the ground, then replace the whole thing (vs. upgrades here or there).
09-02-08, 03:58 PM
#13
Spin Meister
Ultimately, will it matter what you do?
Occasionally I climb on my 1962 road bike. The feel is very different from my 2008 road bike, and switching back and forth between the two is an odd sensation for a few minutes. After that, I can't tell a difference - i just enjoy the ride.
Occasionally I climb on my 1962 road bike. The feel is very different from my 2008 road bike, and switching back and forth between the two is an odd sensation for a few minutes. After that, I can't tell a difference - i just enjoy the ride.
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This post is a natural product. Slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and are in no way to be considered flaws or defects.
