Going back in time
londonlivvy
Posts: 644
Back in 2006 I bought a Specialised Crossroads and thought it was quite the thing. A definite improvement on the rustbucket I had previously. I then upgraded in 2008 to the Sirrus Elite, then to a Monoc race bike and then, most recently, to my shiny Orbea (though I don't ride to work on the latter).
Last night, after I left my Monoc at the bike shop, my sister kindly lent me her Specialised Crossroads to ride home / to work on. Holy Moly. The riding position took a bit of getting used to, but mostly it was unbelievably hard work, not just because of the slightly flat tyres, and was an entirely joyless ride.
So if you are debataing an upgrade, do road test a nicer bike. There IS emphatically a very noticeable difference. The ability to put your foot down and accelerate, primarily, but also just MUCH more fun.
Last night, after I left my Monoc at the bike shop, my sister kindly lent me her Specialised Crossroads to ride home / to work on. Holy Moly. The riding position took a bit of getting used to, but mostly it was unbelievably hard work, not just because of the slightly flat tyres, and was an entirely joyless ride.
So if you are debataing an upgrade, do road test a nicer bike. There IS emphatically a very noticeable difference. The ability to put your foot down and accelerate, primarily, but also just MUCH more fun.
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Comments
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If your Orbea lets you go back in time, then I want one!
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With me thinking about possibly maybe spending mega bucks on a new roadie this is exactly the sort of thread I DIDN'T NEED!
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This is (sort of) how I justify hacking around on my not-that-hacky bikes.
Why put yourself through the unpleasantness of riding something that isn't nice to ride?
Of course, it comes with the caveats: don't crash; don't ride it unless you don't care about crashing it; don't ride what you can't afford to replace etc, but even so.
AND ... conversely, what's the point of having a "nice" bike that spends much more time leant against a wall, waiting for a special occasion to go out. Nice bikes need your love...0 -
I'm having this discussion with a lad at work. He wants to spend 300 to 350 on a bike for all year commuting. I'm trying to convincing that a bit more money, on the cycle to work scheme, will deliver a much better experience, and see him commuting long term, rather than getting sick of it quickly.
I keep showing him how much he'll pay per month for a 600 bike and a 200 on kit. I think I'm getting through, but gonna use your post as more ammunition, so cheers for that!!!0 -
(to scupper your argument) I still enjoy riding my 13 year old hybrid, whilst it's not quite as quick as the CX, it still enjoys the odd spurt of speed; sufficient to see off most pretenders and as a treat it can be taken out across the fields.
It also takes me to and from the pub without complaint and doesn't mind the occassional clipless moment, as a consequence of said venue.0
