philmarion

Just wondering.....because I have a 1992 Miyata Triplecross. I ride it to work every day and on weekends. I wonder if I need a new bike. I certainly could afford a $1000 new hybrid bike but seriously, why should I bother buying a new bike? Every time I get serious about buying a new bike I guess I start feeling guilty about trading my trusty ol' Miyata in for something younger and newer. Is this misspent loyalty? Is there really any reason why a new bike would be better? Doesn't it just make sense to keep buying new components as they get old and need replacing? I think this year the only expenditure was new brake pads and right gear shifter. Next year I might need new rims. Last year it was new crank shaft. Is it more cost efficient to replace components or buy a complete new bike every 10 years?
This is a serious and sincere post. I really wonder if buying a new bike is a waste of money if all I need is a few new components every year. Has bike technology changed to the point that I should retire the 1993 Miyata? As far as I know a bike is just a frame and components. Why would I want a new bike? Is chtrmoly outdated now? If bikes are better nowadays and I do buy a new bike won't that mean that I'll now have to cycle farther to get the same workout as I did on my current bike?
One important aspect has been that my back and right ankle are starting to hurt more and more. This is what is making me wonder if I need a new bike since it might mean less wear and tear on my body. I am 45 years old now so I am not the spring chicken I once was. I do have 1 killer hill on my daily ride (both ways as it is a steep ravine). Do I really need a new bike or does this sound like I need to pay someone $50 to make sure the bike is ergonomically suited for my body?
The Miyata frame is old and scratched, I doubt any of the other original parts remain other than the handle bar and front forks, but what advantage would a new bike bring? Is it silly consumerism to want a new bike when buying new components is just as good of an option - or is it?
I sincerely thank all replies in advance. I haven't bought a bike since 1992. IF I decide to get a new hybrid am I better to get one from an online vendor? I recently upgraded my computer and found it much cheaper to buy the various components online and build it myself - much cheaper than a brick and mortar store computer. I wonder if that is not also the case with bikes. Would a custom build from cheaper online vendors be the route to go, or like automobiles, are bikes best bought from a brick & mortar dealer?
Are there cheap online vendors? With the Cdn$ so strong I would consider buying from US vendors.

yellowjeep

um picture of your bike please

philmarion

Why would you need a photo of my bike?

thelazywon

Good lord, you post like you've stopped taking your meds and are in the manic phase.

666

What's a hybrid? Is that a bike that has a mix of Shimano and Campy?

yellowjeep

So we can see it. Componet wise whats on it

philmarion

I just want to know if there are any rational reasons for buying a new bike when I already have one. Are there technological advances that would make buying a new bike advantageous. In the world of cars and computers this is obvious, but what about hybrid bikes. Is there any reason to buy a new bike over continuing to add new components to my 1992 Hybrid?

philmarion

Good lord you post like you haven't any social skills.

philmarion

They are Shimano mainly. But I guess i can take a photo of them....

texasphil

It never hurts to have two bikes. I have three, I ride them all. One is a hybrid mountain utility cycle for all the errands, commutes and trips to the store. The next is a road bike with commuter bars for occasional fast commutes and long weekend rides. The other is a single speed strictly for fun and hill training. If one bike has a mechanical issue I grab one of the others. Or I might just feel like riding a certain bike that day.

Takara

It's OK, you don't have to buy a new bike. Seriously.

Avalanche325

We don't need you to post a picture, we can see you and your bike just fine.

By the way, are those new shoes you're wearing today?

c64

find a shop that has a repair section that looks like they work on older stuff. Have them tune it up. If you can see that they're working on 15 year old bikes, you can be sure that they won't try to sell you something you don't need.

SDRider

Yes, you definitely need a new bike.

ThinkEr

yes you need a new bike, and a new personality too

VeloLisa

Hi, philmarion. You might get better/more serious responses if you posted your question in the Commuting section of the forum. Hybrids don't get too much respect here in the Road Cycling section...

That said, I have six bikes, and they each serve a different purpose. For me there is no rational reason to get a new bike. With me I guess it's kind of an obsession. But, like a previous poster said, it's always nice to have two bikes. It's good to have a spare.

Sprocket Man

The OP is new here so you guys should give him a break.

To the OP - if you're telling a story, be as verbose as you want. If you're asking a question, keep it brief.

And always be cognizant of paragraph breaks.

SDRider

Agreed. Sorry for dismissing this post so quickly.

I'll add that if you're thinking of getting a new bike, I would recommend that you do so. Take your time, do your research, and get a good fitting. Throwing money at an old bike, unless it's a top quality vintage bike, is a waste IMO. Can you continue to make it work? Absolutely, but I'd say you've gotten enough use out of that old bike that a new one is certainly warranted. Besides, who are we to judge what you need...or want?

Don't feel guilty about wanting/buying a new bike. Times aren't that tough and if you have the means then why not?

MONGO!

Everyone in this joint "needs" a new bike

philmarion

All that on the basis of one post? Is it your habit to be a jerk all the time?

There are a few *****holes on this board. I get better responses on 2 other forums.

Thanks to the rest of you who offered genuine replies. I appreciate it. Some good advice in there guys (and gals). But you really should get rid of jerks like thinkEr and thelazywon. To offer up rude, ignorant replies for no reason is childish. Do you really want losers like that on your public forum? It surely doesn't make people want to stick around.

Goodbye.

Toastytofu

"-_- this mate's gone daft... BF people are quite nice...

rapidcarbon

yes you do need a new bike, just like all of us ALWAYS do need a new bike

dcvelo

A sensitive soul, clearly.

To buy or not to buy. That is the question....

Little Darwin

The commuting forum maybe a better place for your question.

Classic & Vintage would consider your bike too new, and this forum would consider it too old...

And most forums here love pictures of bikes... we just do!

As far as cost effective, replacing parts on an older bike is most cost effective in most cases, and unless there are other factors, continuing to replace the occasional part will always be the cheapest way to remain cycling until the replacement parts begin to become very rare.

A newer bike might be lighter, and may provide other minor benefits that could help you get up the hills a little easier, but some newer bikes could be more complex mechanically, and therefore could reduce the reliability you have come to enjoy. Those in the commuting forum value reliability, so they could help you in balancing your cost/benefit in that realm.

Bike Lover

Yet you still have to wonder about fit. Have you made any changes that would cause additional aches and pains? Even slight changes can have a pretty big impact. I think you mentioned getting fit on the bike. If you do this, make sure they know you are a commuter and are looking for more of a comfortable bike fit, not a race type fit.

As far as having to replace a bike, no, it's never necessary. It can be fun and enjoyable to get a new ride but if it's working then ride on. Would a hybrid work for you? Perhaps. I don't know too much about them. They are supposed to be more upright and comfortable, but how much more, you'd have to see for yourself. Still, I wonder if you could change out the stem on your current trusty steed and get some of the same benefits.

Anyway, I'm done rambling. Hope some of my random thoughts at least helps a little.