Which is more beneficial for the 'average' rider?

yeachan153
yeachan153 Posts: 401
edited May 2011 in Road beginners
I dont really understand, unless you're racing and shaving a few seconds with weight why you would pay so much for a better groupset? Surely, for the 'normal' rider, acquiring a set of good clipless, and a new tyre is much more beneficial? Am i wrong? Does it make a massive difference even for those non-racers?

Comments

  • Smokin Joe
    Smokin Joe Posts: 2,706
    It makes no difference.

    But better engineered equipment is nicer to use. It's like the difference between shagging an ugly bird and a fit young blonde, there's no physical reason the latter should be better than the former but it just is.
  • Im Bald Ok
    Im Bald Ok Posts: 146
    Smokin Joe wrote:
    But better engineered equipment is nicer to use. It's like the difference between shagging an ugly bird and a fit young blonde, there's no physical reason the latter should be better than the former but it just is.

    :lol: This is the best analogy EVER :lol:
  • turnerjohn
    turnerjohn Posts: 1,069
    [quote=

    But better engineered equipment is nicer to use. It's like the difference between shagging an ugly bird and a fit young blonde, there's no physical reason the latter should be better than the former but it just is.[/quote]

    you got first hand experience :wink: ?
  • Dmak
    Dmak Posts: 445
    I've considered upgrading my pound shop Sora groupset. But it works and I'm not racing.

    If I really did need to upgrade I'd just buy a new bike. Groupsets on their own are not great value.
  • rjh299
    rjh299 Posts: 721
    Im Bald Ok wrote:
    Smokin Joe wrote:
    But better engineered equipment is nicer to use. It's like the difference between shagging an ugly bird and a fit young blonde, there's no physical reason the latter should be better than the former but it just is.

    :lol: This is the best analogy EVER :lol:

    +1 :lol::lol::lol:
  • Lagavulin
    Lagavulin Posts: 1,688
    Smokin Joe wrote:
    It makes no difference.

    But better engineered equipment is nicer to use. It's like the difference between shagging an ugly bird and a fit young blonde, there's no physical reason the latter should be better than the former but it just is.
    That is brilliant! :lol:
  • Smokin Joe wrote:
    It makes no difference.

    But better engineered equipment is nicer to use. It's like the difference between shagging an ugly bird and a fit young blonde, there's no physical reason the latter should be better than the former but it just is.

    This quote really should be a sticky!!!

    Only thing I could add about this analogy is that you don't mind shagging the ugly bird as long as your mates don't see you with her.... :D
  • tri-sexual
    tri-sexual Posts: 672
    Smokin Joe wrote:
    It makes no difference.

    But better engineered equipment is nicer to use. It's like the difference between shagging an ugly bird and a fit young blonde, there's no physical reason the latter should be better than the former but it just is.

    you sir is a genius :lol:
  • Bozman
    Bozman Posts: 2,518
    Maybe the ugly bird will end up being a better shag because she has more to make up for, while the fit young blond will probably end up being a let down due her delicate nature and poor experience.
  • Bar Shaker
    Bar Shaker Posts: 2,313
    Bozman wrote:
    Maybe the ugly bird will end up being a better shag because she has more to make up for, while the fit young blond will probably end up being a let down due her delicate nature and poor experience.

    You keep telling youself that.
    Boardman Elite SLR 9.2S
    Boardman FS Pro
  • shane r
    shane r Posts: 326
    Bozman wrote:
    Maybe the ugly bird will end up being a better shag because she has more to make up for, while the fit young blond will probably end up being a let down due her delicate nature and poor experience.

    ...and she's probably higher maintenance
    Coupla Road Bikes
  • Noclue
    Noclue Posts: 503
    But back on topic (although i do agree with the above :D ) there may be some differences, i for one just can't get on with those silly thumb buttons on Sora STI's so would only look to Tiagra or above, and have previously upgraded a bike from 7 speed to 9 as i just couldn't get the right gear with the gaps.
  • Bozman
    Bozman Posts: 2,518
    A low maintenance fit young blonde rates along side the search for the holy grail.

    Getting back to groupsets

    I use Duraace, Ultegra and 9sp ultegra on my bikes, i've used 105 in the past as well, the difference is minimal(slightly smoother) and they're all reliable.
    Buy what you can afford, what you've never had you won't miss.
  • Zachariah
    Zachariah Posts: 782
    The fit young blonde will statistically produce fitter offspring capable of outcompeting others for the best mates and resources, therefore IS better in evolutionary terms. So sorry, it fails as an analogy!
  • shane r
    shane r Posts: 326
    Zachariah wrote:
    The fit young blonde will statistically produce fitter offspring capable of outcompeting others for the best mates and resources, therefore IS better in evolutionary terms. So sorry, it fails as an analogy!

    What if her mum is a fat near-sighted ginger?
    Coupla Road Bikes
  • shane r wrote:
    Zachariah wrote:
    The fit young blonde will statistically produce fitter offspring capable of outcompeting others for the best mates and resources, therefore IS better in evolutionary terms. So sorry, it fails as an analogy!

    What if her mum is a fat near-sighted ginger?

    I love ginger.......biscuits & cake
  • Thebigbee
    Thebigbee Posts: 570
    Smokin Joe wrote:
    It makes no difference.

    But better engineered equipment is nicer to use. It's like the difference between shagging an ugly bird and a fit young blonde, there's no physical reason the latter should be better than the former but it just is.

    May be the funniest analogy ever but not exactly true.

    I have shagged some right munters but they know exactly what buttons to press.

    I actually went out with a Spanish bird who wasn't hideous, she just looked old - I think the sun had aged her face - but her body was 11 out of 10 and she was an awesome lover.

    Hmm remembering her g string tanlines now.....
  • Thebigbee
    Thebigbee Posts: 570
    Bozman wrote:
    Maybe the ugly bird will end up being a better shag because she has more to make up for, while the fit young blond will probably end up being a let down due her delicate nature and poor experience.

    And what would you rather have. Cracking sex but a bird that you don't want your mates to see. Or mediocre sex that you are happy to show off to your mates?

    Oh - the dilemma!!
  • bridgitte bardot was a hot young blonde ! but she wore out real quick !
  • Are you saying Brigit Bardot was like Dura Ace then?

    I feel that the important part of the OP question was whether the more expensive kit made our performances better, so unfortunately like the pretty/sexy/fit women the answer has to be no improvement there then.....sadly :(
  • izza
    izza Posts: 1,561
    The analogy still works. You just have to follow it to a natural conclusion.

    With a really fit bird you are going to be more aroused or less drunk. Either way, your performance is going to be affected - you're going to be finished quicker and you'll be more proud of your efforts the next day.
  • Hmmmm so izza thinks that finishing quicker is an improved performance???

    That definately only works for the bike!!!
  • Slack
    Slack Posts: 326
    To me, I think the analogy refers to the end result of chucking ones muck! However, the journey of getting there is not the same! There is certainly a difference in caressing/groping the genitelia of different sized women - the thought of some just gives me the shivers!

    That said, when the lion is in the jungle, I'm sure he's not bothered about age or size!

    So with regard to groupset's, cheaper versions get the job done, but with less finesse.

    For other kit, it's just down to what the individual thinks they need to ensure they cycle efficiently and comfortably within their financial means. The best upgrade is one's self in terms of optimum body weight and fitness. Rotating mass makes a difference i.e. tyres and wheels.
    Plymouthsteve for councillor!!
  • night_porter
    night_porter Posts: 888
    So now I understand why you don't want a woman with a spare tyre :lol:
  • So now I understand why you don't want a woman with a spare tyre :lol:

    Depends where she's carrying it :wink:
  • MattC59
    MattC59 Posts: 5,408
    Smokin Joe wrote:
    It makes no difference.

    But better engineered equipment is nicer to use. It's like the difference between shagging an ugly bird and a fit young blonde, there's no physical reason the latter should be better than the former but it just is.

    This quote really should be a sticky!!!

    Only thing I could add about this analogy is that you don't mind shagging the ugly bird as long as your mates don't see you with her.... :D
    Whilst absolute genius, I'm afraid that it's not quite correct, as the ugly bird will often put in more effort, 'out performing' the fit young blonde :wink:
    Science adjusts it’s beliefs based on what’s observed.
    Faith is the denial of observation so that Belief can be preserved
  • Steve_F
    Steve_F Posts: 682
    Love the analogy, pretty much spot on.

    Only thing I really noticed changing from Tiagra to Ultegra was that the brakes were better. The shifting is better but in all honesty not enough to notice most times.
    Current steed is a '07 Carrera Banshee X
    + cheap road/commuting bike
  • kenniff
    kenniff Posts: 207
    Its the same as cars,if you want a jag have one but the performance will be different to a focus,does'nt mean everyone has to own a focus.
    As for the young ladies,can she cook,cos i spend more time eating than loving and i aint no oil painting meself...lol
    :roll:
    Easy life
  • Velonutter
    Velonutter Posts: 2,437
    Nice one as usual S-J 8) :lol:

    OT Never shagged an ugly bird and never would, which brings me onto Groupsets, would never use an ugly one and never will...that's why i ride Campag 8) :lol:
  • izza
    izza Posts: 1,561
    MattC59 wrote:
    Smokin Joe wrote:
    It makes no difference.

    But better engineered equipment is nicer to use. It's like the difference between shagging an ugly bird and a fit young blonde, there's no physical reason the latter should be better than the former but it just is.

    This quote really should be a sticky!!!

    Only thing I could add about this analogy is that you don't mind shagging the ugly bird as long as your mates don't see you with her.... :D
    Whilst absolute genius, I'm afraid that it's not quite correct, as the ugly bird will often put in more effort, 'out performing' the fit young blonde :wink:

    Never found that to be true in reality. Given ugly birds only get practice with fumbling drunkards the only thing they are well versed in is telling allies it is alright to be floppy.

    As for large lasses having more fat in their epidural layers, thereby chubbier cheeks, therefore being a tighter fit during a BJ, then I'd understand your logic.