Originally Posted by
BikeCycling
I am an amateur. I have only been cycling seriously for a couple years.
I've gotten pretty into it and have been pushing myself harder lately, ...
Welcome to Bike Forums, and congratulations on getting pretty into cycling. Most of us are amateurs; I doubt the professionals have time to post on Bike Forums.
Originally Posted by
BikeCycling
... with goals of being competitive this year. I have an older, steel-frame road bike that I bought for about $250. Since I've been training harder and riding with teams/group rides, I've found myself getting faster and stronger! Lately I've been able to hold 17-20 on longer rides and can even push above 20 for a bit. I'm proud of myself!
My friend has a really nice, newer model aluminum road bike. She only rides socially for fun. She said I need to borrow her bike for the next fast group ride I do because I'll go even faster. I feel like I've been getting stronger and faster on my bike, so this isn't necessary...but I was thinking, at what point does the bike start to hold me back?
If you can hold the high teens (in miles per hour) solo on the flats, I can fairly confidently say that "an older, steel-frame road bike ... bought for about $250" is already holding you back.
Originally Posted by
BikeCycling
At what point is it time to upgrade to a nicer, lighter bike?
Now, if your finances permit. The road bike market is no longer as crazy as it was during the pandemic.