Old vs. new....
bristolpete
Posts: 2,255
Had a great day out at the hand built bike show in Bristol and got me thinking about the current zeitgeist for selling with reference to over sized head tubes, big BB, huge chain stays etc.
Now I love modern bikes and enjoy riding them but can these artisan bikes as they call them deliver the power ? The general theme at the show was with a bespoke fit comes the power, but at times, whilst I enjoyed it, I remember that everyone is there to sell a product, all be it in a different way to the big brands in world cycling.
I would like to go down the hand built route in the future. I certainly have the short inseam long body scenario that a custom bike would warrant but the aforementioned small junctions and tubing hold me back. But, some of the bikes were absolutely stunning and frankly who needs a TV when you can look at these all night?
Any thoughts out there?
Pete.
Now I love modern bikes and enjoy riding them but can these artisan bikes as they call them deliver the power ? The general theme at the show was with a bespoke fit comes the power, but at times, whilst I enjoyed it, I remember that everyone is there to sell a product, all be it in a different way to the big brands in world cycling.
I would like to go down the hand built route in the future. I certainly have the short inseam long body scenario that a custom bike would warrant but the aforementioned small junctions and tubing hold me back. But, some of the bikes were absolutely stunning and frankly who needs a TV when you can look at these all night?
Any thoughts out there?
Pete.
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Comments
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I guess the question would be "how much power are you planning to put out?" Mr Mercx seems to have got by with old bikes, but that is a bit of a luddite view I guess.
Nowt wrong in moving with the times and wanting bling, but I don't race and I am not a powerful rider so huge sprint efforts are out...meaning that I can live with a bikes made of formed alu, tubular alu and 653 reynolds. Mind you, a nice carbon bike would just complete the collection, or would it...0 -
I have steel, alu and carbon bikes and if I had to choose only one it would be the carbon bike every time. I just think its a genuine leap in technology that offers qualities over and above all the other options.
Each to their own though, I don't need 5 bikes but you bloody try and take one off me and see what happens!My Marmotte 2012 Blog:
http://steve-lamarmotte2012.blogspot.com/
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Bobbinogs wrote:I guess the question would be "how much power are you planning to put out?" Mr Mercx seems to have got by with old bikes, but that is a bit of a luddite view I guess.
Nowt wrong in moving with the times and wanting bling, but I don't race and I am not a powerful rider so huge sprint efforts are out...meaning that I can live with a bikes made of formed alu, tubular alu and 653 reynolds. Mind you, a nice carbon bike would just complete the collection, or would it...
Yes, I have considered this view. The other side of that is what would Eddie have been like after a bike fit sorted his leg issue and a sub 16lb lightweight bike under his derriere. All relative as you say.0 -
speshsteve wrote:I have steel, alu and carbon bikes and if I had to choose only one it would be the carbon bike every time. I just think its a genuine leap in technology that offers qualities over and above all the other options.
Each to their own though, I don't need 5 bikes but you bloody try and take one off me and see what happens!
Interesting perspective and I appreciate your candid reply. I too am a new world rider in many respects.
I said at the show if I won a dream home with would have to be new, sleek, steel, chrome, glass etc. If you gave me a barn with wooden beams and a fire I would give you the keys back
I think bikes are much like that ? 0
