Originally Posted by
vascoboy
hello all, I own several nice luggedsteel bikes (serotta, gios, Ironman). Love 'em all,...& I'd like a CF bikefor the stable. I'm 50+, ride about 100-125 miles a week...The folks at the LBS have suggested that w/ the bikes I have, i'd have to really spend $$$ to really benefit from CF bike.
Originally Posted by
vascoboy
I know this is a loaded question, and don't wish to start steel vs CF debate. Thanks for your recommendations.
Christian
I’m a decades-long cyclist, currently a year-round commuter and road cyclist, and pondered the utility of a CF bike for years.
Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
…For years, I rode a steel Bridgestone RB-1, costing about $650 down from about $800 as an end-of-year model when I bought it in the early 1980’s. I came to learn it was considered a classic.
After the introduction of carbon fiber bikes, I always wondered if the premium prices of CF, which I considered to be about $2000 was worth the presumed enhanced riding experience.
The Bridgestone was totaled in 2012 in an accident from which I was not sure I would ride again. Well I did, and decided to get a CF.
My trusted mechanic said here’s the bike you want, knowing my riding style. Well the MSRP was $8000, but he got it for me at half off.
Now, considering the attitude most non- or occasional cyclists towards bicycles and prices, I’m frankly somewhat embarrassed to admit to paying so much,sounding like some over-the-top conspicuous consumption. Personally, I can afford it, and it was an offer I could not refuse.
Cycling is that important to me and I’m fortunate to be able to continue the lifestyle, so that puts it in perspective for me….
Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
…My average speed stayed the same, but I thinkI was hampered by injuries from the accident, and I believe the new bike compensated at least to maintain my average speed. I did note that I was more inclined to sprint (successfully) to beat traffic lights before they turned red. I further craved the smoothness of the ride, including the shifting,making cycle-commuting more pleasurable. Of greatest benefit, while long (greater than 40 mile) rides took the same amount of time as before, I felt much less tired at the end.
As described by @Andy_K, the ride is "ethereal." Over the past year, I have engaged in a few threads about the value of an expensive bike. My ultimate reply is:
Originally Posted by
Jim fromBoston
…I won’t rehash these threads, or my posts
pro expensive bikes, but my last and most whimsical argument to own one was,
“At least I have no buyer's remorse about what I might be missing.” 
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 07-04-16 at 06:09 AM.