To buy new bike or not

redzerredzer

Ive been cycling one year. Not planning on racing but planning on getting better. I bought a good aluminium bike €1200. I like it but have never been on anything more expensive so dont know the difference.

I would like to hear some opinions on :

Why should I get another very expensive carbon bike?

Why should I just keep the bike I have?

Are there pros and cons or is it simple as the more expensive carbon one is lighter and faster? How fragile are the carbon ones?

Thanks

colm_gti

Better ask The Big Lebowski what he thinks you should buy, don't want to anger him...

death1234567

A new bike won't make you better, getting out and cycling your current bike will. Miles in the legs is what its all about.

redzerredzer

I tried to ask in that thread but no replies. So here we are.

Will be putting in the miles either way. Just wondering which bike to do it on.

colm_gti

Sorry I can't offer any advice on your predicament, I too have been cycling about a year, racing for half that time, all on an aluminium bike. Never ridden anything more expensive.

Would definitely upgrade if I could afford to, but unfortunately I can't, and it doesn't bother me too much.

As has been stated, a good bike won't make you faster, miles in the legs will, but if you own a nice bike you're more likely to get out on it and get those miles in your legs.

smacl

I've been asking myself a similar question, and have come to the conclusion that in my case its not worth it. Reason being, my current bike while cheap is comfortable and reliable, and I already cycle pretty much whenever the opportunity arises. I don't race, so minor speed improvements wouldn't matter that much, and I've a few kgs to lose of the belly before spending big money on losing a kg or so off the bike. If I was to spend money on a new bike, it would be on different type of bike, maybe CX or MTB, that gave me opportunity to cycle in places or conditions that don't suit my road bike. I also enjoy mucking about with the bike, so tend to get good value out of upgrades, tools and the like.

ford2600

You have bike from new 12 months, not very long to change. If you have the money and want to treat yourself work away.
I wouldn't but that's just me.

Best advice I could give is learn to take care of your bike, clean lubing, basic servicing etc. You'll have more regard for it and I find it's a nice hobby to learn new skills. Youtune park tools website, sheldon brown etc will help.

If you change in a year or two you'll have a well taken care of bike to sell and will now how to look after your nice shinny carbon fibre bike.

In meantime take any oppurtunity you can to cycle other clubmates bike to see how they ride.

If I was buying in morning, given I don't race but like to do long distance, I'd consider a good quality steel bike, and maybe build up from frame.

Just my two cent

Also consider a mtb for winter, it's great for fittness, completely different and better fun than skiing. Pick up 2nd hand entry level with decent fork for 600 or so.

Ryder

redzerredzer wrote: »

Ive been cycling one year. Not planning on racing but planning on getting better. I bought a good aluminium bike €1200. I like it but have never been on anything more expensive so dont know the difference.

I would like to hear some opinions on :

Why should I get another very expensive carbon bike?

Why should I just keep the bike I have?

Are there pros and cons or is it simple as the more expensive carbon one is lighter and faster? How fragile are the carbon ones?

Thanks

I have an aluminum trek 1200 and titanium lynskey frame. Not easy to tell them apart.....put that down to the aluminum being a good bike rather than anything else.

The first upgrade to any bike should generally be wheels, and for 400euros you can get a good set which will make the biggest difference of all to how any bike feels/handles

Paranoid Mandroid

Edit:question answered above

Is it more of a benefit to buy good wheels at your level? I mean, I'd imagine they'd give a smoother ride, you could use them on your upgraded bike if you go down that road and lighter and stronger and cheaper upgrade than new bike.

Sorry to move the conversation but what are the thoughts of upgrading to expensive wheels on a ~€1000 bike. Madness?

Ryder

Paranoid Mandroid wrote: »

Edit:question answered above

Is it more of a benefit to buy good wheels at your level? I mean, I'd imagine they'd give a smoother ride, you could use them on your upgraded bike if you go down that road and lighter and stronger and cheaper upgrade than new bike.

Sorry to move the conversation but what are the thoughts of upgrading to expensive wheels on a ~€1000 bike. Madness?

not really...the bike is 'only' 1000e because it has cheap wheels. in most bike ranges, the frame is the same, and price varies based on components. imo, the only component that you will ever really notice a difference in is the wheelset.....and if you upgrade later to a better frame, then you can bring the wheels too and save yourself splashing all your cash at once

Seaneh

I reckon buying new wheels will make more of a difference than a new frame material for you at this stage and cost a fraction of the price.

If you have a €1200 alu bike with a carbon fork and 105 groupset you've more bike than you need already, but new wheels will make it feel like a new, faster bike.