Originally Posted by hhnngg1

I got cheap after buying my first bike which I got when I was a beginning triathlete on the recommendation of fellow roadies and triathletes based upon my running ability (I ran a lot, like 70 miles per week.) Got a Cervelo bike right off the bat. Figured I'd spend more and be happier not upgrading.

That turned out to be good advice in terms of not needing to upgrade, but honestly, Ive since gotten cheaper in everything else. Once it became crystal clear that road ability had zero to do with gear or even the bike and everything to do with training, I cared a lot less about the 'stuff.'

We all know it, but the 41 is filled with people who are really into 'stuff' and not into the training. That's fine as long as you know you're into it for the reasons of collecting bike gear or hobbying with the stuff, but don't confuse that one bit for actually improving your performance.

You can (and we have one guy on our club ride who does it) hammer with the best of them on a totally dirty, cheapo 80s era steel Schwinn bike with rust on it, and downtube shifters from the same era just as well as the best of them. (At least at the amateur level.) I've been crushed by a fair number of older cyclists who are retired and ride the crap out of their bikes (like 4-6 hours every day, 7 days per week) since it's all they do, and they often rock the most rattiest, oldest jerseys and gear you can imagine. And I'm not that slow on a bike.

I personally would be much happier taking all the gear out of cycling. I've since taken to riding my 'backup commuting' bike nearly exclusively outdoors - it's a $650 new Giant Defy3, with no upgrades. Sora parts. Stock wheels. I am not limited one bit by it.

Get the gear if you enjoy it, but if you live to train or ride, focus on that and forget the rest.