wphamilton

That's a pretty big generalization, but I'm talking about Rubino Pro's and GP4000. The recent chart I've seen had the Pro Tech only a few watts more than GP4000 @ 40kph

deacon mark

I am a jazz guitarist to replace a Gibson L5 makes cycling cheap. I cannot even replace 2 of my guitars makers are dead and they make an L5 even cheap. Once you get past the initial bike it starts getting cheaper. I shop around and do all my own mechanical work and build wheels. Again easy compared to repairing guitars I have to refret a maple neck Strat for customer makes a bike tune seem like nothing.

MRT2

Needs vs. wants, my friend. You already had pedals and cleats, but you convinced yourself you wanted something better

Same with shiny new kit. A few years ago, I got by with a couple pair of inexpensive cycling shorts I bought on sale at Nashbar or at a LBS. I didn't even own a jersey. These days, my drawer is overflowing with shorts, socks, tights, knee warmers, base layers, gloves, and jerseys. Way more than I actually need given that you only really need two complete sets of kit, and if you really had to, you could get by with one set.

As for Continental tires, they are a fine choice, but if you really can't swing it, lots of lower priced alternatives available.

WhyFi

This is the support thread - https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...-purchase.html

DOS

I got married 26 years ago. I was 24, she was a week past her 22nd birthday. She is still beautiful, still the funniest person I know, and the only grief she gives me about cycling purchases is when I try to upgrade something on her bike instead of mine. Ourbhouse, cars and kids are maintained mostly by my income and her hard work.

RPK79

Several LBSes around here hold weekly meetings where a group gets together and... oh wait... not helpful.

PepeM

I know. I was sort of making fun of the whole 'it's not expensive if you use old rags as jerseys and a trash can for a helmet' but I agree with you, anything can get expensive if you let it.

GravelMN

When my daughter was a broke as hell student carefully managing her bucks, she went to the local bike co-op, built her own bike mostly with carefully selected used parts, and rode it with Bontrager T2 tires (about $20 each) with flat pedals and athletic shoes. She still has that bike and rides it for commuter/recreational purposes on a regular basis, even though she has a much nicer road bike for group rides. Her total investment in her first bike, including some discount rack liner shorts was less than the OP spent upgrading his pedals, and she rode that bike with no significant improvements for two years. I guess some people's idea of "broke as hell" and frugal cycling are a bit different.

PepeM

I did just fine in plenty of hammerfests with Bontrager T1 tires. GP4000s are definitely not some sort of necessity, but I do prefer nicer tires of course.

topslop1

I'm on Schwalabe Luganos on my ride.. how do they stack up against GP's ?

Dan333SP

Strava or it didn't happen.

DOS

A few watts, Vittorias have better puncture resistance and durability and are generally cheaper. Road Bike Tires Rolling Resistance Reviews

Worknomore

I used to be very wealthy but I spent a lot of my money on beer, women and bicycles. The rest I just wasted.

PepeM

Never used GPs. Currently on Rubino Pros and they are nicer than the T1s, but they are no hidden motor.

bigdo13

You can get a totally acceptable bike off of CL for $400 bucks...

clothing is expensive... but there's options... order stuff from china til you can afford the nice stuff... it's not as good, but it'll get you out there... and you can get a set of bibs for every season for what it costs for one good pair of italian made kit...

the sport is kind of expensive, i gotta say.. not many young people in the U.S. are going to be able to afford it, and that's why they don't do it... most young guys from my background would never be able to spend even the $400 bucks on a bike ever... The economy is so bad right now too... hard to try and convince students like you with abhorrently high loans that they should get a bike and become a roadie... and that's why so many people just buy a gym membership or whatever and go that route or just are unhealthy...

Humans are made to move their bodies year round, and so that's why cycling is so great, it's seamless exercise that people can do every day, but yeah, it can be a lil' expensive first coming into the sport..but i feel like when you invest in something at a high cost, at the top of the list should be your health...

PepeM

$40 for a 40 minute race is also a bit steep. Even worse if you get dropped after five minutes. Don't even get me started on the cost of Gran Fondos. At least those last several hours I guess.

fietsbob

of course in comparison 4 tires for your car will set you back a Lot More ..

therhodeo

Are we pretending that Gibson is the only option here? Given their quality control or lack thereof I'd much rather pay 1/4 the price or less for an Eastman.

TheLibrarian

I don't find a need for cycling specific clothing and how often do you need a new tire. I was going to get nice pedals but mine are fine and for pedals, grips and seat I can almost buy a new bike. It amazes me the prices of some things. What I can get for $60, I can get a flying drone for under $20 and then they want $40 for some action figures or a shirt. Makes no sense.

rfmarotti

Link?

OnyxTiger

Boom.

rfmarotti

Thanks!

Drew Eckhardt 

Previous year custom program sizing sample and team kit (both new) are in the same price range, but high-quality with known fit and chamois construction.

You just don't get to choose colors.

24-hour fitness charges $27-$100 a month depending on location plus $49 annual fee, or $400 for 2-year access to all clubs from Costco. A used bike plus a new low cost outfit or two is more affordable.

Dan333SP

BS. Explain this-



I bet they droped you.

PepeM

20% grade for 30 miles.