Portis

What in God's name are you talking about? I have read several of your posts in this thread and am convinced that you are under the influence of something that is making it nearly impossible for you to create discernible threads.

If there is any confusion beyond yours, I might point out that my definition of "serious" riders, is pretty open. I was referring to people who ride a lot of miles and do it regularly. The original post (created many moons ago) was created just to learn about others who rode a lot of miles without investing a lot in equipment. It isn't really all that hard to figure out.

slowandsteady

Kinda hard for the people who don't read BF to respond now isn't it?

Threads are meant to be specific. He could have asked for every opinion on everything, but instead started a thread on a particular frame of mind. He clarified what he meant with details and examples.

There IS a difference between those who can afford more and choose not to buy, and those who would love to spend more but can't. I see nothing wrong with exploring this mindset.

closetbiker

I started out as the latter example and over the years have turned into the former example through knowledge and experience.

Just this week, I commuted to work in a snow storm on my kids toy store $100 mountain bike that has been hanging in my closet for the last 11 years. It worked great.

caloso

Yeah, me too.

Portis

Thanks for pointing that out. That was sort of the original intent of this post. Of course those that can't afford to spend, don't. It is more interesting to me to hear from cyclists who could spend a great deal more but don't.

That was sort of the intent, "Who is riding a lot of miles with minimalist equipment even though they could afford better." That is sort of where I fit, even though I probably could be a lot more minimalist. I could also spend a lot more on bikes, but up to this point choose not to. Somehow for me it seems like it would sour the experience.

caloso

I am not completely against spending good money on bikes, particularly if it were for 1) a race bike (a Cervelo Soloist, for example), 2) a historical vintage bike (raced by or against Eddy, for example), or a custom bike.

But there are so many ways to build or improve a great bike by not spending lots of extra dollars if you know what you want and have a little patience and mechanical inclination.

I-Like-To-Bike

I suppose. I could afford to buy a Rolex but choose to use a $5 watch attached to my handlebars. Exploring that mindset isn't that hard; some people like to spend their money on different things other than buying the most expensive thing they can afford.

peanutjar

Ok, this is one I need to post to, because, as I say with all things related to saving money or getting things cheaply, "I'm Dutch on one side and Scottish on the other, and I can't help myself."

Rode a 1987 model Peugeot in high school, and got out the same bike when I returned to riding summer of 2005 after a 15 year hiatus. Asked my LBS if they had any used clipless pedals to replace my old ones - sure enough a pair of Looks for $25.

Blew out a rear wheel on the Peugeot, and instead of rebuilding it for $120, decided I should look for a "new" bike. (I had yet to learn of bike swap meets, etc... plus none held in mid July near Charlotte NC...) My LBS (about 50yds from my house) had no used bikes my size (60), but at the very moment I was in the shop, another customer just happened to be trading up, bringing his bike in. $250 later, that bike was mine. Early 90s Pinarello racing bike, Campagnolo components except Shimano Ultergra rear DR for index shifting (and brakes, obviously). Heresy to some, but it works fine, so whatever. After riding it for several months I replaced the orig BB with a sealed Campagnolo unit ($25 - original was, as they say around here "wallered out"), picked up a pair of entry-level deep V aero wheels at a swap meet (with new tires, and a 11-23 cassette) for $50. I repainted it - came out well except I'm not the world's best pin-stripe guy - one would have thought that a high end builder would have been able to figure out how to paint a bike so that the paint would stay on it, but when I got it you could scrape paint off with a fingernail...

I wear mostly nike/adidas compression shirts to ride in, as I can get them for $10 at Marshalls - out of season, UnderArmour ColdGear plus a really nice Adidas running jacket with zip-off sleeves in winter - I'm not much for putting anything in my rear pockets, as I crashed with a digital camera in my back pocket last fall and if it had been in a center pocket instead of to one side I would probably have broken my back...

I strap a peanut jar under my seat for tube, tire levers, ID, $10, plus room for a energy bar - lightweight, waterproof, free - what more do you want?

Swap meets often have shoes, helmets, etc for cheap. Most recent score was 2 complete wheelsets (1 Campagnolo - never used, with 8 spd rear, 1 Shimano lightly used, plus 3 sets of tires - unused - for $75, plus another pair of used Look pedals for $5

I'm hoping they'll institute a "time/bike cost" categry at my local TT - I think I'd do pretty well.

Anyhow... you CAN do cycling for cheap. Definitley gives me the warm fuzzies every time I pass somebody struggling uphill on top of a $3000+ carbon WhoSeeWhatSis. I figure I'll ride what I've got until it actually IS the bike, not me, that won't go any faster.

slowandsteady

Of course it isn't that hard to explore that mindset. Neither is changing a flat, or wrapping your handlebars or flipping the stem. But how many dozens of posts exist for those things? I don't know why this subject makes you so touchy, but you really need to get over it.

And as far as I am concerned, I fit into both categories. I sit here with a $9 watch from Wal-mart and clothes from Walmart, but just spent $30K remodeling my bathroom with a jacuzzi, custom shower, custom toilet, and exotic wood floors.

It isn't as random as it seems. Owning a Rolex for example is basically money down the drain. It is a status symbol that tells time no better than my $9 watch.

But, upgrading my bathroom will translate into a higher selling price for my home should I ever sell it. I try to put as little money into the things that won't give me a return on my money, and choose the best for those things that WILL give me a return on my money.

Of course, pouring money into a bike won't give me a monetary return, but will potentially save me money in the future by minimizing repairs and replacements by getting the best component.

blickblocks

I've got a 1986 Univega Arrow Pace that I got for $15 and put about $100 into, and other than the weight (about 28 lbs) it's a very enjoyable bike.

lyeinyoureye

I've put ~$215 into aquiring a 90s Trek 820 mtb ($80), an 84 Trek 610 ($85), a 70s Bickerton Portable ($50), and a 61 Schwinn Traveler (free SS coaster, which was kinda cool). Another $200-250 hundred for trunk bag, lube, bearings, tires, paint, tubes, patches, seats, bar tape, clipless sandals, clips, repair kit, lights, etc...

So I'm maybe $500-550 in for a nice road bike, decent mtb/great commuter, cool folder that I probably wouldn't ride much, and SS coaster with two spring loaded racks, all in working condition, except for the folder which technically needs the lever for a quick release skewer (anyone have something lying around?). I used to average 10 miles per day on my 820, but for the past half year I've done nothing but sat on my ass, which is a shame because the 610 is amazing to ride... it shouldn't be hanging in my garage as much as it is.

I-Like-To-Bike

You believe that? Especially if you define "best" component as being the most expensive.

slowandsteady

Boy you are cranky.

I have 105 components. The RD is Ultegra. They are certainly not the most expensive, but in my opinion and in the opinion of many others, it is the best VALUE. I have ridden on lesser components and they do require more upkeep and don't shift as well even if they were just adjusted. Adjusting the derailler on a bike with lousy components is really annoying. As you can see my criteria for "best" is function based, not dollar based.

I-Like-To-Bike

You are the poster that suggested that "pouring money" into bike components saves in the long run. Now you have clarified that you are looking for value. THAT makes sense.

slowandsteady

I still think you are cranky.

I-Like-To-Bike

Maybe; but I'm still on the side of the angels too.

MotoMan

If you are not duped by keeeping up with the Jone's and Madison Ave bike ads, one can be a minimalist and get alot for minimal bucks. I built up a Nashbar Road Frame (frame less than $100) with a combination of NOS and sale items. Rides great. People are puzzled when they see no big stickers on the frame... This bike is in addition to my minimalist stock of bikes (old but fun to ride Motobecanes, Bianchi Advantage Hybred, and other odds and ends. The only nonminimalist bike I have is a Specialized MTN bike I bought to go MTN biking with my son. However, it is high maintainence, garish with stickers, and not as fun as the other bikes...

tarmusic

I'm new here to the bike forum. I bought a blue Schwinn Continental in 1974, and I still own it. My cycling history is erratic- I've stopped riding completely for years, choosing to jog or play racquetball instead, done nothing, then got into mountain/hybrid bikes 6-7 years ago. About 2 months ago I hauled out my Schwinn, put some new tires and tubes on it. It had been sitting up for years, and I anticipated that it wouldn't work. Lo and behold, it did just fine- at first- then, as I started piling on the miles, things began to break down. I took it into the bike shop and had $125 worth of work done to it- new brake cables, housing, tune-up, etc. I got it back on Monday, and it rides like a Cadillac. I know it's probably 10 lbs. heavier than the new bikes, but I'm not sure I care. It certainly does have a cool factor, especially since I'm the original owner. If the purpose of biking is to get in shape, it won't hurt me to haul an extra 10 lbs. I'm not interested in competition... just having fun.

By the way, when I went to the bike shop to pick my Schwinn up, all the guys gathered 'round and reminisced about the Continental or Varsity they owned back when... it's in great shape and gets a lot of attention... it's kinda like having a '57 Chevy.

I've just found an early 70's Schwinn Super Sport that I might buy!

bkaapcke

Portis, you really are encouraging the cheap crowd by giving them a new word for it. Minimalist. What next. bk

I-Like-To-Bike

What's Next? How 'bout the antonym: A Smarmy Elitist Spendthrift who has a bug up his butt about others who choose not to waste their money on frills that do not provide value to them.

pedex

I own 2 bikes at the moment, one is an old schwinn worldsport converted to singlespeed/fixed that I bought for $100

the other one is a track bike I jusr recently built up from new parts, cost me $515

Ive ridden 65k miles in 5 years, and do so for a living, yes it can be done for very little $$

cooker

Yes, but you didn't come up with a catchy term like "minimalist".

I-Like-To-Bike

I always thought "Jack Donkey" was pretty good and right on target for such characters.