It's New Bike Day - Sensible Mustachianism or Consumer Sucka-ism?

[TooManyGuitars]

With a cracked wheel, a cracked fork, and another frame repair that I do not trust to last forever, it became clear last week that it is finally time for a new commuter bike.  After much consternation (what to get? how much to spend?) and discussion with fellow mustachians, non mustachian bike enthusiasts, my wife and others, I settled on ordering a brand new steel bike through a local shop.  Today I will pick up my new Surly Cross Check with upgraded shifters and slick tires for commuting.  $2400.

Sure I could have bought something perfectly suitable second hand for much less.  Plenty of suitable rides for $1000 around. However  I ride every single day rain or shine, and my ride to and from work is among my favourite parts of my day.  And compared to riding the bus, let alone driving, I'll be back in the black inside of a year with hours of joy and fitness to show for it.

So a week after making the decision, and on the day of picking it up, I still firmly believe this is a purchase I feel good about.  First new bike I have bought in about 12 years.  I have the cash on hand, can afford it, and will use it and love it every day.

What does everyone else think?  Sensible purchase, or consumer sucka?

[big_owl]

Sensible?  Meh, Prolly not.  But you can afford it and it makes you happy?  Then WGAF, might as well roll with it.  You only get one trip around the merry-go-round before you have to get off...

[RWD]

What does everyone else think?  Sensible purchase, or consumer sucka?

Depends on the state of your finances. Does this barely make a dent or will it significantly affect your path to FI?

[Ricky]

There's plenty of suitable rides for under $500 as far as that goes - but there's no sense in listening to Internet strangers judge you. I think it can be both sensible and silly at the same time. That's way more than is necessary to ever spend on a lifetime of bikes (not including maintenance) but since you're using it everyday you will at least appreciate it, which is really all that matters. It's relatively far better than buying a new boat to use 3 months out of the year :)

[tobitonic]

I'm not in a position to judge because it's not my wheelhouse. We spent 3k on a piano a few weeks ago; I wouldn't expect most here to have an informed opinion on that, either (vs on a piano forum).

[Zikoris]

I think it's insanity. I think normal people get increasing value with price bike-wise up to a certain amount (Maybe $800-$1000). After that, I very much doubt anyone except Lance Armstrong-ers would benefit in any way from spending more.

[2Birds1Stone]

I love bikes and own a high end hard-tail mountain bike and a full carbon Triathlon bike.......both cost less than that.

I can't imagine spending that much on a commuter bike, and what really confused me is.....after a google search it looks like the Surley Cross Check MSRP's for $1250 USD.

[Eric]

That's more than my first car.  And I'm not that old.

[hdatontodo]

I just got a Redline Conquest Comp cyclocross bike from Mike's bikes by way of groupon. They are $899. I ordered the cheaper $699 one, but they substituted the better bike since 60cm was OOS.

[spokey doke]

I love bikes and own a high end hard-tail mountain bike and a full carbon Triathlon bike.......both cost less than that.

I can't imagine spending that much on a commuter bike, and what really confused me is.....after a google search it looks like the Surley Cross Check MSRP's for $1250 USD.

Yes, I was a bit surprised that Surly's were going for that much...I paid about what you put down on my road bike, much more on my mtn bike...and oh, how I can tell the difference between these bikes and others. If it makes you that happy, then great (it does for me).  Plenty of folks will say it can't make that much difference, and if it doesn't for them, then they can ride their own bike, go enjoy yours.

[ptgearguy]

Its a nice bike but I would not call it a smart purchase. Can't say I havent made worse in the past and back in the day I got a 2000 dollar bike so live and move on. Just ride that bitch to the ground :)

[sol]

I am kind of a bike nut, and I would never spend that kind of money on a ride.  Especially not for a commuter, the purpose of which is to get beat to crap by daily curb jumping while still being lovely to ride, but not so fancy looking that it risks getting stolen.

My go-fast bike is a Giant TCR Composite that I paid $1000 for, from a very nice gentleman who was giving up triathlons due to back problems.  Retails for about the same as your new Surly and weighs 10 pound less. 

Bikes, even more so than cars, are better bought second-hand.

[RWD]

That's more than my first car.  And I'm not that old.

That's exactly what I paid for my first car, if I recall correctly, about 13 years ago.

[fallstoclimb]

My max on a bike is around $1500, and that's only because I'm a short lady who has trouble finding bikes on the used market.  The more I get into bikes the sillier I feel not buying them all used.

I'm confused as to why you spend that much on a Surly Cross Check.  I got one last year for about $1300 and I don't think it was on sale.  I love that bike a lot, but no way is it worth $2400. 

[big_slacker]

I kind of don't get it either, a $2400 cross check? What components are on that???

A cross check frame is like $550, a complete SRAM force CX1 1x11 group including hydro disc brakes is $960, you can get a decent disc/cross specific wheelset for $500 and that still leaves you under what you paid. That Cross Check you got better be SUPERFLY for the cost or your bike shop is making a huge profit on it.

I don't at all think buying a nice bike is at all a bad choice, but that price for that bike doesn't seem to be a good value unless there is something I'm missing.

[HenryDavid]

Compared to cars, bikes are free.
Keep your Surly 30 years, pile on the miles, let the wind blow through yer hair.
When it's all scratched and bent and re-straightened (worst case scenario), you'll still be riding that thing.

I once calculated I'd spent maybe $7k on bikes in my life. Unnecessary! But whatever.
Still only one cheap car, over 40 years. And probably 5-6 cars avoided instead. Plus all their associated costs.
And soooo muuuch fun.

[Jack]

That's more than my first car.  And I'm not that old.

That's exactly what I paid for my first car, if I recall correctly, about 13 years ago.

It's not all that much less than I paid for my current car, a year ago!

I understand the idea of getting a nice bike, but there's no way to justify it approaching the cost of a car (unless maybe the bike in question is really special/custom, like an electric cargo recumbent or something).

[BTDretire]

  I'm perfectly happy with my 1996 Trek 820. I negotiated the price down from $40.00 to $30.00, and then
bought it about 6 months ago.
 To others RE: cars, I paid $200 for my first car, although it was 45 years ago :-)

[Erica]

My bike was $5000 about 8 years ago.

My Mtn Bike was about that cost 10 years ago.

I'd be leary of a bike that inexpensive but maybe that is why the frames are made of steel.

But that doesn't mean it isn't a good bike, just that I do not see much expense there since...


1. It keeps you healthy, literally 50% of what you need to do to remain that way (other than eat right)

2. Provides almost FREE recreation considering you are using it enough.

3.  Provides almost free transportation

4. You look good!! (being in shape, thin and fit)

5. You feel good


$2400 can't be considered expensive for all of the above, eh? :) That's a steel of a deal!

[Erica]

That's more than my first car.  And I'm not that old.

That's exactly what I paid for my first car, if I recall correctly, about 13 years ago.

It's not all that much less than I paid for my current car, a year ago!

I understand the idea of getting a nice bike, but there's no way to justify it approaching the cost of a car (unless maybe the bike in question is really special/custom, like an electric cargo recumbent or something).

Your car provides only transportation and temporary shelter. It cannot be nearly as valuable to your whole person as a bicycle.

[Jack]

Your car provides only transportation and temporary shelter. It cannot be nearly as valuable to your whole person as a bicycle.

My car contains much more raw materials and much more complex machining and assembly. Even if a bike manufacturer lacks economy of scale, there is no excuse for a bike to cost as much as a car (even when comparing a new bike to a used car!).

The health benefits of cycling do not significantly affect supply and demand, and thus are irrelevant.

My bike was $5000 about 8 years ago.

My Mtn Bike was about that cost 10 years ago.

I'd be leary of a bike that inexpensive but maybe that is why the frames are made of steel.

You've got to be fucking kidding me! The OP's purchase may not have been optimal, but your attitude -- that any bike costing less than thousands of dollars is somehow inferior or dangerous?! -- deserves a facepunch!

You can get a perfectly-serviceable used bike for free, or close to it. I know; I've done it, and it's my primary commuting bike! (I spent money refinishing the frame, but it would have been usable even if I hadn't done that.) You can also get a very nice used bike for a couple hundred without even trying very hard to shop around. Thinking that spending thousands of dollars on a bike represents some kind of "need' rather than a fancypants "want" is utterly absurd.

[mikes]

Where are you located? That seems high for the cross check - in Toronto it goes for about $1300 CAD plus tax

[Erica]

Your car provides only transportation and temporary shelter. It cannot be nearly as valuable to your whole person as a bicycle.

My car contains much more raw materials and much more complex machining and assembly. Even if a bike manufacturer lacks economy of scale, there is no excuse for a bike to cost as much as a car (even when comparing a new bike to a used car!).

I agree, hence why I said a car cannot be as valuable to your whole person as a bicycle. It should surely cost more to make, yes.

The health benefits of cycling do not significantly affect supply and demand, and thus are irrelevant.

I didn't address that but agree with that comparison

You've got to be fucking kidding me! The OP's purchase may not have been optimal, but your attitude -- that any bike costing less than thousands of dollars is somehow inferior or dangerous?! -- deserves a facepunch!

Excuse me, you said it I didn't. You seem to have issues with reading comprehension and vulgarity. Knock it off

You can get a perfectly-serviceable used bike for free, or close to it. I know; I've done it, and it's my primary commuting bike! (I spent money refinishing the frame, but it would have been usable even if I hadn't done that.) You can also get a very nice used bike for a couple hundred without even trying very hard to shop around. Thinking that spending thousands of dollars on a bike represents some kind of "need' rather than a fancypants "want" is utterly absurd.

Your post is absurd. Calm down. Bikes vary in cost depending upon where you live. I live in the Endurance Capitol of the World. Can I still get a cheap, usable bike? Sure but I want it to be more than "useable". I want it to address the list I provided, and in a very comfortable manner. I suggest everyone get a good bike, and as I stated, the price he paid doesn't mean it isn't a good bike and not a steal if he gets the value out of it. Even if it wasn't my preference, or yours.

[big_slacker]

I'd be leary of a bike that inexpensive but maybe that is why the frames are made of steel.

LOLWAT?! We have kids riding $200 used dirt jump bikes doing stuff at the local freeride park that would make you stain your shorts just watching it.

I rode a $500 steel hardtail on Mr. Toad's wild ride (pic of part of the trail below) as well as many 3-6k vertical gain trail rides.

Different $500 steel hardtail (singlespeed) in bootleg canyon in Vegas, you can also see some of the gnar below.

I question anyone's bike knowledge/experience who says a $2400 bike is inexpensive or dangerous. Seriously, I just don't even know what to say.

[onlykelsey]

I really like Surly bikes and think their components are a step up when they come off the shelf, but how the hell did you spend that much on one?  I have a cross check (bought at the end of the season in the least popular color, but new) that cost less than half of that a couple years ago (in Manhattan!).  Did you have them swap out a whole bunch of parts?  It seems like that's the place to save money, is swapping your own components. 

[Erica]

I'd be leary of a bike that inexpensive but maybe that is why the frames are made of steel.

LOLWAT?! We have kids riding $200 used dirt jump bikes doing stuff at the local freeride park that would make you stain your shorts just watching it.

I rode a $500 steel hardtail on Mr. Toad's wild ride (pic of part of the trail below) as well as many 3-6k vertical gain trail rides.

Different $500 steel hardtail (singlespeed) in bootleg canyon in Vegas, you can also see some of the gnar below.

I question anyone's bike knowledge/experience who says a $2400 bike is inexpensive or dangerous. Seriously, I just don't even know what to say.

Let me give you some advice. Actually read posts before replying. No where did I say a $2400 bike is inexpensive nor dangerous. You said that. It is inexpensive for OUR AREA, I cannot speak for anyone else. He need not feel he spent a ton of money for the value because I disagree. Use it and it's worth it.

[GuitarStv]

Where are you located? That seems high for the cross check - in Toronto it goes for about $1300 CAD plus tax

+1

That quoted price seems a bit high, and we usually get hosed for bike stuff.  The cross check is a nice frame though, I'm sure you'll love your new bike.  It should last you for ages and ages.

[Erica]

I really like Surly bikes and think their components are a step up when they come off the shelf, but how the hell did you spend that much on one?  I have a cross check (bought at the end of the season in the least popular color, but new) that cost less than half of that a couple years ago (in Manhattan!).  Did you have them swap out a whole bunch of parts?  It seems like that's the place to save money, is swapping your own components.

Yes there was some of that happening. I'll have to check with my husband, he's in charge of all of that.

We planned on doing more cycling tours when we purchased the road bikes. So it was our recreation also but we took a two year break from riding hard, now we're back. Oddly enough I ride the Mtn Bike twice as much as the rode bike. There is just so many people on the roads now.
I firmly believe the money spent on a good bike you are comfortable riding... is of more value to your person-hood than a vehicle.

[NESailor]

I kind of don't get it either, a $2400 cross check? What components are on that???

A cross check frame is like $550, a complete SRAM force CX1 1x11 group including hydro disc brakes is $960, you can get a decent disc/cross specific wheelset for $500 and that still leaves you under what you paid. That Cross Check you got better be SUPERFLY for the cost or your bike shop is making a huge profit on it.

I don't at all think buying a nice bike is at all a bad choice, but that price for that bike doesn't seem to be a good value unless there is something I'm missing.

The only thing that would make the frame /grouppo mismatch worse than your proposal is going with electronic shifting, haha!  No reason whatsoever to get anything beyond SRAM Apex on a commuter.  I know you were trying to add up to $2400, hence the expensive components. 

How about this...frame up build by bikeshop with handbuilt wheels and a Schmidt dynamo front hub, hand-hammered stainless fenders, some bamboo rack from a shop in Portland, Brooks saddle, extra pedals, lights and voila, you've got a $2400 cross check. 

[bobechs]

Let me give you some advice. Actually read posts before replying. No where did I say a $2400 bike is inexpensive nor dangerous. You said that. It is inexpensive for OUR AREA, I cannot speak for anyone else. He need not feel he spent a ton of money for the value because I disagree. Use it and it's worth it.

Having read your post, every word of it, I can see there is an untapped and enormous opportunity in geographical bike arbitrage.

Can I come stay with you?  I'll bring a big bag of partly-recycled organic facepunches.

Pleeeeze....

[Jack]

You've got to be fucking kidding me! The OP's purchase may not have been optimal, but your attitude -- that any bike costing less than thousands of dollars is somehow inferior or dangerous?! -- deserves a facepunch!

Excuse me, you said it I didn't. You seem to have issues with reading comprehension and vulgarity. Knock it off

Bullshit. If a bike isn't inferior or dangerous, there's no reason to be "leary[sic]" of it!

Let me give you some advice. Actually read posts before replying. No where did I say a $2400 bike is inexpensive nor certainly not dangerous. it is inexpensive for OUR AREA, I cannot speak for anyone else. I suggest you not try to either

Bullshit, again. I don't care how ridiculously overpriced you think your area is; for the prices you're talking about you could literally fly somewhere cheap, buy the bike there, have it shipped home, and still have several thousand dollars left over!

Also, how about you "knock it off" with the accusing people of not reading what you wrote, when we clearly did and comprehended it perfectly well? If you didn't mean what you said, that's your fuck-up!

[2Birds1Stone]

No where did I say a $2400 bike is inexpensive nor dangerous. You said that. It is inexpensive for OUR AREA, I cannot speak for anyone else. He need not feel he spent a ton of money for the value because I disagree. Use it and it's worth it.

No matter how you slice it, the bike he bought MSRP's for 50% of what he claims to have paid.

[life is short]

I got myself a cross check last year, but I'm curious what you put on it to get the price tag up to $2400? I think I only had about $1100 into mine.

[onlykelsey]

One of the reasons I love the cross-check is that they have a frame that actually fits me!  Hey, bike companies: women under 5'6 ride bikes, too!

It truly is a great bike, although I have to tell myself that a steel frame is like resistance training some times.

[NESailor]

general statement.  It's getting ugly in here.  I find that "fancy" areas actually have better deals on bikes from people with too much money constantly upgrading and letting perfectly good premium bikes go for substantially less than comparable new bikes.  I live close to one such area so I have first hand experience ( like race ready team issue Specialized Tarmacs with aero wheels for under 2K cheap).

[Jack]

general statement.  It's getting ugly in here.

I apologize to the rest of you (excluding Outdoorsygal) for that. However, this is not a site where people who say ridiculous things should be treated with kid gloves, and I have very little patience for people who try to win a debate with empty rhetoric instead of substantive arguments.

[big_slacker]

I'd be leary of a bike that inexpensive but maybe that is why the frames are made of steel

Let me give you some advice. Actually read posts before replying. No where did I say a $2400 bike is inexpensive nor dangerous. You said that. It is inexpensive for OUR AREA, I cannot speak for anyone else. He need not feel he spent a ton of money for the value because I disagree. Use it and it's worth it.

I'm going to be nicer and less condescending than you and ask you take a step back and do the same. I double read your post before I replied and quoted it. It's quoted above again. You said you'd be leary of a bike that inexpensive, when most people read that word it means wary, cautious, suspicious of, etc. You can see that's true by how people responded to you, so maybe consider that you weren't clear before blasting people. I'll try to do the same and get clarification before I do as well.

So could you clarify *WHY* you'd be leary of a $2400 bike?

[TooManyGuitars]

Wow.  Haven't been back since I posted this yesterday. Nice discussion...mostly.  :-). Opinions mixed, as I expected, and as with most things.

To those wondering, I am in Western Australia, the land where American products are ridiculously expensive.   The cross check msrp here is $2000 AUD...currently around $1440 USD. I had them upgrade to sti shifters and put on some schwalbe Durano plus slick tires. All up at the shop it came in just over $2300 AUD, so a bit better than anticipated.  There are not heaps of surlys available in oz, and only one shop in west oz, so it was hard to do any comparison shopping.

If there is a comparable bike available in West Oz for significantly less, I don't know what it is.  I looked fairly hard.

Not a big dent in FI plans at all.  Just an extra couple of weeks of work.

The 15km ride home from the shop on it last night was an absolute joy.  So far, worth it - feeling good about the purchase. It's the first new bike I've bought in 12 years, and probably the last one I'll buy for another 10 at least.

EDIT: $1440 USD not $1300

[2Birds1Stone]

  The cross check msrp here is $2000 AUD...currently around $1300 USD. I had them upgrade to sti shifters and put on some schwalbe Durano plus slick tires. All up at the shop it came in just over $2300 AUD, so a bit better than anticipated. 

That is MUCH MUCH MUCH more reasonable lol!

[GuitarStv]

Yeah, that makes more sense on the price front.

STI shifters are a nice upgrade.  They're the method of shifting that I've used that requires the least thought . . . after a couple months your gears just seem to select themselves.  Did you keep the V-brakes, or switch over to regular road brakes?

[Jack]

  The cross check msrp here is $2000 AUD...currently around $1300 USD. I had them upgrade to sti shifters and put on some schwalbe Durano plus slick tires. All up at the shop it came in just over $2300 AUD, so a bit better than anticipated. 

That is MUCH MUCH MUCH more reasonable lol!

No kidding!

I do have one question though: being in Australia, why didn't you choose to get a similar-quality bike direct from Taiwan instead of going through an American middleman?

[TooManyGuitars]

  Did you keep the V-brakes, or switch over to regular road brakes?

That was a surprise when I got to the shop.  I was expecting cantilevers, as was the shop owner. Apparently Surly have just switched to v brakes on the x-check.  I've kept them for now, as it was all built up and ready to go, but I admit it seems a bit weird.  They are plenty responsive for sure!  I will judge in the days ahead.

[TooManyGuitars]

  The cross check msrp here is $2000 AUD...currently around $1300 USD. I had them upgrade to sti shifters and put on some schwalbe Durano plus slick tires. All up at the shop it came in just over $2300 AUD, so a bit better than anticipated. 

That is MUCH MUCH MUCH more reasonable lol!

No kidding!

I do have one question though: being in Australia, why didn't you choose to get a similar-quality bike direct from Taiwan instead of going through an American middleman?

Good question.  Never looked into it, and never heard of anyone here doing that.

[Erica]

I'd be leary of a bike that inexpensive but maybe that is why the frames are made of steel

Let me give you some advice. Actually read posts before replying. No where did I say a $2400 bike is inexpensive nor dangerous. You said that. It is inexpensive for OUR AREA, I cannot speak for anyone else. He need not feel he spent a ton of money for the value because I disagree. Use it and it's worth it.

I'm going to be nicer and less condescending than you and ask you take a step back and do the same. I double read your post before I replied and quoted it. It's quoted above again. You said you'd be leary of a bike that inexpensive, when most people read that word it means wary, cautious, suspicious of, etc. You can see that's true by how people responded to you, so maybe consider that you weren't clear before blasting people. I'll try to do the same and get clarification before I do as well.

So could you clarify *WHY* you'd be leary of a $2400 bike?

Yes I'd be happy to answer you.

For context, here is my post again.

My bike was $5000 about 8 years ago.

My Mtn Bike was about that cost 10 years ago.

I'd be leary of a bike that inexpensive but maybe that is why the frames are made of steel.

But that doesn't mean it isn't a good bike, just that I do not see much expense there since...


1. It keeps you healthy, literally 50% of what you need to do to remain that way (other than eat right)

2. Provides almost FREE recreation considering you are using it enough.

3.  Provides almost free transportation

4. You look good!! (being in shape, thin and fit)

5. You feel good


$2400 can't be considered expensive for all of the above, eh? :) That's a steel of a deal!

Here's my post^^^I ended with a parody. A mention of the STEEL, what i was leary of when first reading the post. Steel regarding his bike frame and STEAL regarding if he utilizes the bike, it's a STEEL of a deal.

It seems buying a $2400 BRAND NEW Bicycle often has a catch somehow. And this seems it, the steel frame. BUT again, it could be a steal of a deal if he utilizes the bike. Why am I leery? this is why.

1. Steel frames are good for LONG Rides. Newbies aren't known for LONG RIDES. The OP appears to be a newbie, not known for long rides.

2. Steel frames aren't as flexible versus carbon fiber. You can get a carbon fiber frame bike for $2400 but you may be buying used. Nothing wrong with that.

3. Steel is heavier than Carbon Fiber so it's more work for the newbie.

The reason I mentioned the expense is the OP thinks he may have spent too much so he's asking for opinions. I wanted him to feel better. No matter what the worst is, he's not made a mistake if he uses it and the list applies to him, then he's benefited 10 fold. $2400 isn't too much for a bike BUT it might be for his Bike. YET if he utilizes it regarding the list in my post, he's benefited repeatedly even if the bike isn't perfect. It has a steel frame vs a carbon fiber...that one example. But his terrain my be conducive to this, not likely the cards fal that way but possible. I am just choosing that one point for brevity.

People respond differently on these boards because we often forget others Terrain is not our own. Mine is very hilly and twisty, so I need a flexible, light bicycle. YET I prefer to ride my Mtn Bike (which is heavier) because it makes me feel better. Being female, I am not as competitive. Nor do I care if it takes longer to get from point a to point b so much. The OP sounds like a male, and seeing my husband and his friends, I can see he may likely fall into that hardcore mindset once he becomes a serous cyclist. You want the OP to feel good about his purchase, even if it isn't perfect, it can be a steel of a deal if it is used enough. Then re-sold.

Also when I said my Mtn Bike was "about that cost" 8 yrs ago, I meant about the cost of the OP's Rode bike. Not my rode bike. It should've been worded better to avoid confusion. Rode Bikes are more expensive than Mtn Bikes so I'd expect to pay more. I ride my [$2400] Mtn Bike  more than my road bike. Both of my bikes are a bit older. My Mtn Bike is a TREK and again, it cost $2400 new. it is heavier than my Rode Bike but that works for me. I ride it on the road too.

[TooManyGuitars]

 The OP appears to be a newbie

Not exactly.  I've been on a bike more days than not for most of my 41 years.  With my current commute and lifestyle I ride about 100km/week, which is on the light side for me.  I've owned as many as 14 bikes at a time (counting the wife and kids rides - currently 10 with the new addition) and I maintain them all myself.  I've had fancy mountain bikes and shitty town beaters and everything in between.  I've taken mtb-based trips all over North America and logged some pretty hefty rides.

It is true that I have never owned a super fancy European road racing bike, nor have I competed on the racing circuit, or sipped espresso on Saturday morning with my Lycra clad group ride mates...but definitely not a newbie when it comes to bikes.

I know you were posting on my behalf, but that struck a nerve there...sorry. :-)

[Erica]

 The OP appears to be a newbie

Not exactly.  I've been on a bike more days than not for most of my 41 years.  With my current commute and lifestyle I ride about 100km/week, which is on the light side for me.  I've owned as many as 14 bikes at a time (counting the wife and kids rides - currently 10 with the new addition) and I maintain them all myself.  I've had fancy mountain bikes and shitty town beaters and everything in between.  I've taken mtb-based trips all over North America and logged some pretty hefty rides.

It is true that I have never owned a super fancy European road racing bike, nor have I competed on the racing circuit, or sipped espresso on Saturday morning with my Lycra clad group ride mates...but definitely not a newbie when it comes to bikes.

I know you were posting on my behalf, but that struck a nerve there...sorry. :-)

No problem. I just got off of a 24 hr shift so shouldn't be posting. Much of it is my fault. You are certainly a serious cyclist, that's fantastic!
I am looking forward to doing some Mountain Biking Trips, haven't experienced that yet. Congratulations on your new bike

[YK-Phil]

 The OP appears to be a newbie

Not exactly.  I've been on a bike more days than not for most of my 41 years.  With my current commute and lifestyle I ride about 100km/week, which is on the light side for me.  I've owned as many as 14 bikes at a time (counting the wife and kids rides - currently 10 with the new addition) and I maintain them all myself.  I've had fancy mountain bikes and shitty town beaters and everything in between.  I've taken mtb-based trips all over North America and logged some pretty hefty rides.

It is true that I have never owned a super fancy European road racing bike, nor have I competed on the racing circuit, or sipped espresso on Saturday morning with my Lycra clad group ride mates...but definitely not a newbie when it comes to bikes.

I know you were posting on my behalf, but that struck a nerve there...sorry. :-)

Most "bikers" with thousand-dollar bikes and top-of-the-line gear who see me on my old $100 bike, wearing my jeans and my hiking boots, probably think I am a newbie too. These guys/gals usually come out in the spring, ride on weekends, and disappear before Labour Day...What they don't know is that like you, I bike practically 365 days a year, sun, rain, fog or -46 C temperature like we have here for months on end, and even at close to 60, I could probably give them a good run for their money if we were on similar bikes with similar gear.

[2Birds1Stone]

I meant about the cost of the OP's Rode bike. Not my rode bike. It should've been worded better to avoid confusion. Rode Bikes are more expensive than Mtn Bikes so I'd expect to pay more. I ride my [$2400] Mtn Bike  more than my road bike. Both of my bikes are a bit older. My Mtn Bike is a TREK and again, it cost $2400 new. it is heavier than my Rode Bike but that works for me. I ride it on the road too.

Road*

[Erica]

 The OP appears to be a newbie

Not exactly.  I've been on a bike more days than not for most of my 41 years.  With my current commute and lifestyle I ride about 100km/week, which is on the light side for me.  I've owned as many as 14 bikes at a time (counting the wife and kids rides - currently 10 with the new addition) and I maintain them all myself.  I've had fancy mountain bikes and shitty town beaters and everything in between.  I've taken mtb-based trips all over North America and logged some pretty hefty rides.

It is true that I have never owned a super fancy European road racing bike, nor have I competed on the racing circuit, or sipped espresso on Saturday morning with my Lycra clad group ride mates...but definitely not a newbie when it comes to bikes.

I know you were posting on my behalf, but that struck a nerve there...sorry. :-)

Most "bikers" with thousand-dollar bikes and top-of-the-line gear who see me on my old $100 bike, wearing my jeans and my hiking boots, probably think I am a newbie too. These guys/gals usually come out in the spring, ride on weekends, and disappear before Labour Day...What they don't know is that like you, I bike practically 365 days a year, sun, rain, fog or -46 C temperature like we have here for months on end, and even at close to 60, I could probably give them a good run for their money if we were on similar bikes with similar gear.

Oh I believe you could give them a good run for their money :)  especially off season when they aren't seen so much.
You remind me of the folks in a group called Fatrac from the Sacramento area (our area). I think you'd jive well with them. http://www.meetup.com/FATRAC/ They are a little more down to earth.

It is regularly about 100+ degrees here so we wait until close to 10 pm to ride in the summertime. And we ride less..but we usually keep up the riding during the wintertime.  And we buy most of our Cycling Jerseys from Goodwill. Cost is usually less than $5.

[YK-Phil]

 The OP appears to be a newbie

Not exactly.  I've been on a bike more days than not for most of my 41 years.  With my current commute and lifestyle I ride about 100km/week, which is on the light side for me.  I've owned as many as 14 bikes at a time (counting the wife and kids rides - currently 10 with the new addition) and I maintain them all myself.  I've had fancy mountain bikes and shitty town beaters and everything in between.  I've taken mtb-based trips all over North America and logged some pretty hefty rides.

It is true that I have never owned a super fancy European road racing bike, nor have I competed on the racing circuit, or sipped espresso on Saturday morning with my Lycra clad group ride mates...but definitely not a newbie when it comes to bikes.

I know you were posting on my behalf, but that struck a nerve there...sorry. :-)

Most "bikers" with thousand-dollar bikes and top-of-the-line gear who see me on my old $100 bike, wearing my jeans and my hiking boots, probably think I am a newbie too. These guys/gals usually come out in the spring, ride on weekends, and disappear before Labour Day...What they don't know is that like you, I bike practically 365 days a year, sun, rain, fog or -46 C temperature like we have here for months on end, and even at close to 60, I could probably give them a good run for their money if we were on similar bikes with similar gear.

Oh I believe you could give them a good run for their money :)  especially off season when they aren't seen so much.
You remind me of the folks in a group called Fatrac from the Sacramento area (our area). I think you'd jive well with them. http://www.meetup.com/FATRAC/ They are a little more down to earth.

It is regularly about 100+ degrees here so we wait until close to 10 pm to ride in the summertime. And we ride less..but we usually keep up the riding during the wintertime.  And we buy most of our Cycling Jerseys from Goodwill. Cost is usually less than $5.

Ouch, 100 degrees, I can't imagine how it feels, probably like most can't imagine how -40s can really hurt...This being said, I'd love a really nice bike, but my wife is the house comptroller so that won't happen anytime soon, as my list includes a sailboat and a few other toys...last year, I almost told her an elaborate lie that my bike had been stolen, and since my bike was my main mode of transportation, I had no choice but to fork a couple grands on a new bike...in the end, I "backpedalled" and found my old bike :D