Aero Wheels or Electronic Shifting?

warrior4life

wheels

slowbike

ugo.santalucia wrote:

coriordan wrote:

If money was no object to you, would you just stare at it in the bank? You can't take it with you when you die, and the more you spend, the more someone else earns. Think of it like that.

I think the key is here. We have passed the point where people buy with the money they have in the bank a few decades ago. Credit was introduced to bridge the gap between pay day and spend day and it became the only way fairly quickly. There is hardly anybody in this country who is not in debt... you can call it a mortgage, a loan, a student loan, a credit card, whatever you like most folks have it. Yet it is ignored so that we can all keep spending money that technically we owe. We are kept together by the asusmption, more of a hope, that our mortgage is an investment, which cannot be true forever.

When you belong to the 5% of the richest people in the world and yet you still owe money, you know society has a fuxxing problem!!

There are benefits to consumerism, but I fear the balance tipped some time ago and we are beginning to experience only the drawbacks, the most obvious is that, since money is always owed by the poor to the rich, it always goes in the same direction, from the poor to the rich.

Boy, we've gone a long way with these aero wheels... they must really make you fly!!

Sheesh! you're fixing the worlds financial issues with the choice between electronic shifting and aerowheels ....

FFS - just let him buy that damm bike

rolf_f

coriordan wrote:

If you are affluent and like certain things, then why not buy things?

Personally, I think that once you get to the point that you feel you can just buy anything you like and that there are no consequences/restraints related to the spending, then there is no point in spending - you won't get that much fun out of it aside from in the very short term. I'm with Ugo. I don't envy the wealthy - really I feel sorry for them. I have enough money to be able to afford what I want but I choose to be careful about what I actually buy so that I still appreciate it.

There was an article in the paper a while back highlighting that the problems we think of being limited to us relatively normally incomed types apply just the same to those far richer. This was about one of the American Airlines that cleverly has a frequent flier club providing lounges and limos etc 'free' of charge. It has a status element so those that have it (and they are well off to have it) want to keep it. Trouble is, the airline doesn't tell you what the criteria for membership is so the members end up paranoid about losing it - to the extent that they end up taking pointless flights just to ensure that they retain their status. I think I'm happier being poorer and limoless in standard class!

drlodge

ugo.santalucia wrote:

Basically any behaviour is now acceptable, except for three: racism, underage sex and rape

Except in the Islamic world.

mrb123

drlodge wrote:

ugo.santalucia wrote:

Basically any behaviour is now acceptable, except for three: racism, underage sex and rape

Except in the Islamic world.

About time this thread moved on to religion.

dennisn

MattW267 wrote:

Thanks to those that answered the question.
Looks like there's more benefit from better wheels than perfect shifting.

And I've got the Brooklyn Bridge, which I'll sell you.Trust me on this one. Anyway, you seem to be under the illusion that you can buy performance in the cycling world. Most people kind of chuckle under their breath when the guys who can't ride fast show up at a race with a fancy bike and a bit of attitude. They are promptly blown out the back. Buy either or buy both. Won't matter cause you'll be out the back just as fast as you always are.

Ber Nard

dennisn wrote:

MattW267 wrote:

Thanks to those that answered the question.
Looks like there's more benefit from better wheels than perfect shifting.

And I've got the Brooklyn Bridge, which I'll sell you.Trust me on this one. Anyway, you seem to be under the illusion that you can buy performance in the cycling world. Most people kind of chuckle under their breath when the guys who can't ride fast show up at a race with a fancy bike and a bit of attitude. They are promptly blown out the back. Buy either or buy both. Won't matter cause you'll be out the back just as fast as you always are.

You still haven't grasped why he's asking the question, have you?

charlie_potatoes

I wonder what Hitler's view would have been?
Probably electronic shifting?
Or maybe Aero Wheels?

Ber Nard

drlodge wrote:

ugo.santalucia wrote:

Basically any behaviour is now acceptable, except for three: racism, underage sex and rape

Except in the Islamic world.

Brilliant. If I mention Hitler, can someone call Godwin's and we'll draw this thread to a close?

Edit: Beaten to it!

ugo.santalucia

I did kind of assume the OP has already moved on and this is the perfect terrain for a pub conversation... not sure why folks are against it. In the days of fast-happenings this thread is a dinosaur

Example: I won an auction on sunday- I built the bike on monday - I did a century ride on wednesday... it's already history

ugo.santalucia

Rolf F wrote:

coriordan wrote:

If you are affluent and like certain things, then why not buy things?

Personally, I think that once you get to the point that you feel you can just buy anything you like and that there are no consequences/restraints related to the spending, then there is no point in spending - you won't get that much fun out of it aside from in the very short term. I'm with Ugo. I don't envy the wealthy - really I feel sorry for them. I have enough money to be able to afford what I want but I choose to be careful about what I actually buy so that I still appreciate it.

By modern standard (using credit) I could probably buy a fleet of 5K carbon bikes as many do, but for some bizarre reason I particularly enjoy the bargain, the unwanted, the unloved... the 20 quid Ultegra chainset, the 200 quid frameset, the 70 quid Record Shifters. The classifieds are full of slightly scratched and scuffed treasures that nobody want. I am particularly fond of those as it takes away the hassle of having to worry about them. I used to like having things looking pretty and tidy, but then I realised that there is anxiety involved in having to keep up with your own expectations... basically it becomes an obsession, which is unhealthy.
This forum is the temple of the obsessive compulsive...

mrb123

My two pence...

Maybe it's wrong and possibly I'm a slave to consumerism, but I enjoy buying new things.

If I'm after some new bib shorts or maybe some tyres for the bikes, I like to do some research, have a look at this forum and internet reviews before I make a decision. When my new kit arrives I'll confess there is a certain excitement in opening up the package and I really enjoy using and appreciating nice gear that I have taken time and effort to choose.

Part of what I like about cycling is all the new gear and tech that is available. Yes, I've probably got bikes that are far superior to my ability, and yes, I'd probably still enjoy riding an old £100 banger, but heading out on my nice carbon summer bike gives me a thrill every time.

I suspect a lot of people feel the same, otherwise forums like this one wouldn't exist and thrive. Cycling is my hobby - I work hard all week so why not spend money on it if that's what I enjoy? Much better than pissing it up the wall I reckon!

In respect of the original, long forgotten question. For an upgrade I'd go wheels. For a new bike or build I'd go DI2 - as others have said you can always get the wheels in the future.

charlie_potatoes

MrB123 wrote:

My two pence...

Maybe it's wrong and possibly I'm a slave to consumerism, but I enjoy buying new things.

If I'm after some new bib shorts or maybe some tyres for the bikes, I like to do some research, have a look at this forum and internet reviews before I make a decision. When my new kit arrives I'll confess there is a certain excitement in opening up the package and I really enjoy using and appreciating nice gear that I have taken time and effort to choose.

Part of what I like about cycling is all the new gear and tech that is available. Yes, I've probably got bikes that are far superior to my ability, and yes, I'd probably still enjoy riding an old £100 banger, but heading out on my nice carbon summer bike gives me a thrill every time.

I suspect a lot of people feel the same, otherwise forums like this one wouldn't exist and thrive. Cycling is my hobby - I work hard all week so why not spend money on it if that's what I enjoy? Much better than pissing it up the wall I reckon!

Agree with this but..... The fact that it depresses the lefties on here....That's the jam in the doughnut that is

Anonymous

I totally disagree.

Go wheels!

ugo.santalucia

Charlie Potatoes wrote:

Agree with this but..... The fact that it depresses the lefties on here....That's the jam in the doughnut that is

It's a bitter sweet kind of depression... seeing the humanity entangled in the debts/consumption circle makes you feel good about yourself.
It's a bit like when your neighbours don't do the recycling... it is annoying, but it is also good, as you can see what could have been with less education

charlie_potatoes

ugo.santalucia wrote:

Charlie Potatoes wrote:

Agree with this but..... The fact that it depresses the lefties on here....That's the jam in the doughnut that is

It's a bitter sweet kind of depression... seeing the humanity entangled in the debts/consumption circle makes you feel good about yourself.
It's a bit like when your neighbours don't do the recycling... it is annoying, but it is also good, as you can see what could have been with less education

Some of the most intelligent people on the planet buy nice wheels. Have you checked out Stephen Hawking's new Carbon Clinchers?

ugo.santalucia

Charlie Potatoes wrote:

Some of the most intelligent people on the planet buy nice wheels. Have you checked out Stephen Hawking's new Carbon Clinchers?

We'll have to settle this on the metric century challenge...

Or a hill climb, you choose

charlie_potatoes

ugo.santalucia wrote:

Charlie Potatoes wrote:

Some of the most intelligent people on the planet buy nice wheels. Have you checked out Stephen Hawking's new Carbon Clinchers?

We'll have to settle this on the metric century challenge...

Or a hill climb, you choose

Best I opt for the metric challenge then. I seem to recall that my fancy wheels didn't cut the mustard on the hill climb

dennisn

Ber Nard wrote:

dennisn wrote:

MattW267 wrote:

Thanks to those that answered the question.
Looks like there's more benefit from better wheels than perfect shifting.

And I've got the Brooklyn Bridge, which I'll sell you.Trust me on this one. Anyway, you seem to be under the illusion that you can buy performance in the cycling world. Most people kind of chuckle under their breath when the guys who can't ride fast show up at a race with a fancy bike and a bit of attitude. They are promptly blown out the back. Buy either or buy both. Won't matter cause you'll be out the back just as fast as you always are.

You still haven't grasped why he's asking the question, have you?

Well, he did use the word "benefit". Sounds like he's trying to buy performance to me. Bunches of people out there who buy into the idea that they can go faster if only they would buy the stuff their heroes use. Ability to use these items doesn't count in their world. To many it's down to waxing the car. It will run better and faster if it's waxed. Nothing else required. Buy a fancy bike, put on some fancy clothes, and Bingo you're a fast rider.

mrb123

Charlie Potatoes wrote:

ugo.santalucia wrote:

Charlie Potatoes wrote:

Agree with this but..... The fact that it depresses the lefties on here....That's the jam in the doughnut that is

It's a bitter sweet kind of depression... seeing the humanity entangled in the debts/consumption circle makes you feel good about yourself.
It's a bit like when your neighbours don't do the recycling... it is annoying, but it is also good, as you can see what could have been with less education

Some of the most intelligent people on the planet buy nice wheels. Have you checked out Stephen Hawking's new Carbon Clinchers?

Yeah, but I'm sure he got DI2 first.

charlie_potatoes

MrB123 wrote:

Charlie Potatoes wrote:

ugo.santalucia wrote:

Charlie Potatoes wrote:

Agree with this but..... The fact that it depresses the lefties on here....That's the jam in the doughnut that is

It's a bitter sweet kind of depression... seeing the humanity entangled in the debts/consumption circle makes you feel good about yourself.
It's a bit like when your neighbours don't do the recycling... it is annoying, but it is also good, as you can see what could have been with less education

Some of the most intelligent people on the planet buy nice wheels. Have you checked out Stephen Hawking's new Carbon Clinchers?

Yeah, but I'm sure he got DI2 first.

ugo.santalucia

Charlie Potatoes wrote:

Best I opt for the metric challenge then. I seem to recall that my fancy wheels didn't cut the mustard on the hill climb

Deal... I'm really hopeful to climb the GC a bit in April and I've got the Fred Whitton in May... 180 Km, so if I do a bit of loops of the car park before and after, that's 2 points, innit?

ugo.santalucia

dennisn wrote:

Well, he did use the word "benefit". Sounds like he's trying to buy performance to me. Bunches of people out there who buy into the idea that they can go faster if only they would buy the stuff their heroes use. Ability to use these items doesn't count in their world. To many it's down to waxing the car. It will run better and faster if it's waxed. Nothing else required. Buy a fancy bike, put on some fancy clothes, and Bingo you're a fast rider.

Dennisn, you really have to come to the UK. There's no place for you in the US now that Donald Duck is elected.

WTF have you lot gone wrong to have such a bunch of m-o-r-o-n-s for candidates? :shock:

charlie_potatoes

ugo.santalucia wrote:

Charlie Potatoes wrote:

Best I opt for the metric challenge then. I seem to recall that my fancy wheels didn't cut the mustard on the hill climb

Deal... I'm really hopeful to climb the GC a bit in April and I've got the Fred Whitton in May... 180 Km, so if I do a bit of loops of the car park before and after, that's 2 points, innit?

I see you've sneaked a midweek ride in this week :evil:

ugo.santalucia

Charlie Potatoes wrote:

ugo.santalucia wrote:

Charlie Potatoes wrote:

Best I opt for the metric challenge then. I seem to recall that my fancy wheels didn't cut the mustard on the hill climb

Deal... I'm really hopeful to climb the GC a bit in April and I've got the Fred Whitton in May... 180 Km, so if I do a bit of loops of the car park before and after, that's 2 points, innit?

I see you've sneaked a midweek ride in this week :evil:

sunny day, the first in ages, took a day off to try the full FWC distance, albeit on a flatter terrain.

https://www.strava.com/routes/4630020

We had it planned for the weekend before, but it snowed in the morning and we had to cut our ambition to 120 Km or so. Should be doing another century this sunday... maybe 100-110, Im already in tapering mode

charlie_potatoes

ugo.santalucia wrote:

sunny day, the first in ages, took a day off to try the full FWC distance, albeit on a flatter terrain.

https://www.strava.com/routes/4630020

We had it planned for the weekend before, but it snowed in the morning and we had to cut our ambition to 120 Km or so. Should be doing another century this sunday... maybe 100-110, Im already in tapering mode

Best I pull my finger out then

turbotommy

ugo.santalucia wrote:

Charlie Potatoes wrote:

Agree with this but..... The fact that it depresses the lefties on here....That's the jam in the doughnut that is

It's a bitter sweet kind of depression... seeing the humanity entangled in the debts/consumption circle makes you feel good about yourself.
It's a bit like when your neighbours don't do the recycling... it is annoying, but it is also good, as you can see what could have been with less education

Ah, how satisfying it must be, to sit on mount Olympus with the other gods, and pass judgement on the mere mortals below...

This thread is hilarious. It really is.

Have a good weekend chaps.

StillGoing

ugo.santalucia wrote:

Charlie Potatoes wrote:

Agree with this but..... The fact that it depresses the lefties on here....That's the jam in the doughnut that is

It's a bitter sweet kind of depression... seeing the humanity entangled in the debts/consumption circle makes you feel good about yourself.
It's a bit like when your neighbours don't do the recycling... it is annoying, but it is also good, as you can see what could have been with less education

Personally I don't know anybody that bought their house without a mortgage. It's a debt most homeowners will have to endure. But other than a mortgage I have no credit agreements or debits. What I buy is paid for with cash up front. Yes, I earned it, I get to spend it on what I want irrespective of whether it pleases or displeases any onlookers. If it gives the buyer pleasure, where is the harm? Do they need it - no, so what. Will it make them better in any way? Maybe it will give them increased motivation and a bit of shiny new stuff can have a positive effect on people.

Elfed

Charlie Potatoes wrote:

ugo.santalucia wrote:

Charlie Potatoes wrote:

Agree with this but..... The fact that it depresses the lefties on here....That's the jam in the doughnut that is

It's a bitter sweet kind of depression... seeing the humanity entangled in the debts/consumption circle makes you feel good about yourself.
It's a bit like when your neighbours don't do the recycling... it is annoying, but it is also good, as you can see what could have been with less education

Some of the most intelligent people on the planet buy nice wheels. Have you checked out Stephen Hawking's new Carbon Clinchers?

He didn't dare mention the upgrade, otherwise he'd have been dissuaded with an Alpine holiday and a lovely winter coat!

Elfed

ugo.santalucia wrote:

Charlie Potatoes wrote:

ugo.santalucia wrote:

Charlie Potatoes wrote:

Best I opt for the metric challenge then. I seem to recall that my fancy wheels didn't cut the mustard on the hill climb

Deal... I'm really hopeful to climb the GC a bit in April and I've got the Fred Whitton in May... 180 Km, so if I do a bit of loops of the car park before and after, that's 2 points, innit?

I see you've sneaked a midweek ride in this week :evil:

sunny day, the first in ages, took a day off to try the full FWC distance, albeit on a flatter terrain.

https://www.strava.com/routes/4630020

We had it planned for the weekend before, but it snowed in the morning and we had to cut our ambition to 120 Km or so. Should be doing another century this sunday... maybe 100-110, Im already in tapering mode

Chapeau!