Do I 'need' a new bike?

desmondo84

Getting serious bike envy at the moment and tempted to purchase a Giant advanced trance 1. The local bike shop will do a decent deal on it for me but it's still a chunk of money... (https://www.giant-bicycles.com/nz/trance-advanced-1)

I currently have a Kona process 111 which I bought 2nd hand 3 years ago so is about 5 years old
(http://2014.konaworld.com/process_111.cfm ). I love it but it's just got wear and tare and I'm constantly have to work on it. I usually do two 25 k rides a week - about 700 m climbing and technical grade 4 downhills and some flowy stuff on each ride. Basically wondering would I be better replacing/upgrading the kona e.g. BB, cassette, deraileur etc or just bite the bullet and have a new bike. Haven't bought a brand new bike for about 10 years so am due one...

Defy_The_Odds

Sounds like you've made your mind up.

I have been down this path for the last 12 months. Umm'ing and Ahhhh'ing over countless nights whether or not to upgrade. Being a father of 2 and the only bread winner, this was a luxury that I had to carefully allow for.

In the end after some strategical financial planning with the minister of finance, I finally purchased my N+1.

A new bike will give you lots of things, one of the biggest advantages is the joy of a new bike which ultimately gets you out there riding more often. It will make you feel good and you will enjoy all those km.

Also, being new hopefully no maintenance and so again, more enjoyable riding.

I say, if the finances are there, then go for it. You can always keep the Kona as a backup or for when a mate/partner wants to join you.

Cheers and good luck !

trivial_poursuivant

What has ‘need’ got to do with anything?

‘Want’is the word you’re looking for.

And the answer is ‘Yes’

slc123

Trivial poursuivant wrote:

What has ‘need’ got to do with anything?

‘Want’is the word you’re looking for.

And the answer is ‘Yes’

Very very true...

mark_fogel

I was in a similar situation last summer... My Boardman FS has seen better days and constantly needed work after years of use. So instead of buying 1 new bike I replaced it with 2.....
A modern 150mm full sus and a 29er hard tail... if you are looking for advice from me - you need a new bike

desmondo84

Haha - maybe I should have went to Mumsnet for advice instead . Mmmm, there seems to be a common theme here... Other option is to wait to the 2019 models come out and look for more of a discount. I'll take her for a ride today and think about it .

desmondo84

well I ended up buying the bike. best decision I ever made. Amazing.

JBA

Did you get the Trance?

desmondo84

JBA wrote:

Did you get the Trance?

yeah, can't believe the difference. Climbs well and is just a joy to ride downhill. Never enjoyed my riding so much. Every bike I have bought has been a big step up but I was surprised just how fun the Trance is.

JBA

Enjoy it.
I have had a Trance for 18 months and love it.

cycleclinic

with out the reading the OP's post the answer to the title question is always yes. However can I afford a new bike or can i store a new bike may have a different answer but you always need a new bike even if you dont think you do.