Aiming for perfection?

redddraggon

On my carbon bike I've never been truly happy with the setup. The bike has been more than fine at each step and I could happily ride it no problem, but it just wasn't as good as it could be.....

I've gone through 4 stems,
2 handlebars (soon to be 3 when the next set actually arrive)
3 Saddles
2 seatposts
2 sets of ergos (Centaur -> Chorus)
Godknows how many sets of bar tape.

I think fitwise it'll finally be sorted when my new bars come, it's just a shame I can't afford those Cosmic Carbones I'd quite like.

Anyone else suffer from this?

Rich-Ti

Ooooh yes - I'm never completely happy, there's always something new I want to have a go with!

'09 Ergos is next on my list I think... or maybe some new pedals...! :roll:

synchronicity

You're not alone... I go through this on my own bikes a lot too. Changing stems/bars/posts/saddles is fairly normal. None of the original stuff ever remains for long.

I mainly do it for better fit, but also the look is important for me...

FSR_XC

It would have been cheaper / better getting 'measured' for your bike / riding position!

redddraggon

FSR_XC wrote:

It would have been cheaper / better getting 'measured' for your bike / riding position!

Not really. My first position was fine, and the "professional fit" would probably have kept a similar to my first position, which I didn't want. Fit wasn't the reason I changed bits anyway.

Most of the bits I've taken off my good bike have been used on my other bikes, so it hasn't really cost me more than it would otherwise, as I would have to buy the stuff for those bikes anyway.

shazzz

Not me.

For some reason I seem to be able to cope quite well with an off the shelf set up when I buy a new bike. I love pawing over piccies of new kit but can never see the point in constantly changing things around. TBH, I find it difficult to tell the difference with small variations in stem length, etc. A whole industry seems to have sprung up around "bike fit". Of course it's important, but there is some rather compulsive behaviour displayed by some!!!

FSR_XC

redddraggon wrote:

FSR_XC wrote:

It would have been cheaper / better getting 'measured' for your bike / riding position!

Not really. My first position was fine, and the "professional fit" would probably have kept a similar to my first position, which I didn't want. Fit wasn't the reason I changed bits anyway.

Most of the bits I've taken off my good bike have been used on my other bikes, so it hasn't really cost me more than it would otherwise, as I would have to buy the stuff for those bikes anyway.

Fair comment.

Captain Fagor

My problem isn't bike set up, it's entire bikes. I build the bike of my dreams, then soon enough my eye wanders to something else.....

[Swiss Tony]
You know, building bikes is like making love to a beautiful woman...
[/Swiss Tony]

Just filling a hole in an empty life, I suppose. :oops:

STEFANOS4784

Captain Fagor wrote:

Just filling a hole in an empty life, I suppose. :oops:

+1

Sure beats moping about feeling sorry for myself though

dennisn

redddraggon wrote:

On my carbon bike I've never been truly happy with the setup. The bike has been more than fine at each step and I could happily ride it no problem, but it just wasn't as good as it could be.....

I've gone through 4 stems,
2 handlebars (soon to be 3 when the next set actually arrive)
3 Saddles
2 seatposts
2 sets of ergos (Centaur -> Chorus)
Godknows how many sets of bar tape.

I think fitwise it'll finally be sorted when my new bars come, it's just a shame I can't afford those Cosmic Carbones I'd quite like.

Anyone else suffer from this?

Yes. I have done exactly the same as you. 2 bars, 3 saddles, 2 seat posts, however only one set of shifters(DA) and it's on a steely bike. Close. It's a disease you can't do a thing about except buy more stuff. And you really do need those Cosmics right?? Of course you do.

Dennis Noward

nasahapley

Crikey Red, you must be popular down at your local lbs! The only thing I've changed on my bike since I got it is the seat height, a tyre and a couple of inner tubes. Still, worse things you could be addicted to than bike componentry I s'pose, and you've found some like-minded souls to support you/egg you on.

SCR Pedro

Mine seems to be getting more blue. It started with the blue electrical tape I use to secure the cadence sensor cable. I though, 'that looks really cool', then came the blue handlebar tape, then came the blue tyres, then the blue bottle cage.

I suppose it distracts me from that Wilier Cento-Lampre bike which is 4 times more expensive than my Giant. I also like the Liquigas Cannondale. In some ways, I'm glad that I'm poor...

Pedro

Rich-Ti

I've had 'a moment' this evening - now I want to build a whole new bike... :roll:

Ken Night

nasahapley wrote:

Crikey Red, you must be popular down at your local lbs! The only thing I've changed on my bike since I got it is the seat height, a tyre and a couple of inner tubes. Still, worse things you could be addicted to than bike componentry I s'pose, and you've found some like-minded souls to support you/egg you on.

Nashapley, you're probably blessed with and equable temperament

I would imagine Red knows more about componentry, compatibility and prices than most bikeshop staff and is uncompromising in the quest for perfection. As a result he'll be a complete PITA for most bikeshop staff

I have been guilty of patronising staff, looking at stuff in the LBS and buying online, getting advice in the LBS and buying online, taking up time and not being able to make a decision

I should say the best LBS relationship is one based on mutual respect and understanding, and some LBS's can't deal with the all of the wide variety of customers -from the noob, to the obsessive

So, yes Red, the quest for perfection is a difficult one. IMHO, the answer is to have lots of bikes,(currently a pathetic six) with enough differences in the components and ride to keep you happy

il_principe

There's always something on your bike you feel could be improved, and by the time you've got everything just so - either something new will come out, or another frame will catch your eye.