Price / performance questions

[Scott C]

I'm not new to bikes, but am no expert. I ride about 30 miles a weekend (15 miles each day) with my
girlfriend - and we both enjoy this. We have very old bikes, Specialized mountain-type bikes (1980's
era). We are thinking of getting new bikes - not sure why, as these seem good - here's my question..
if we do, will I really notice any difference between a $250 bike and a $400 bike?

I recall riding my room mates bike in college - he was into this big time, and he had a bike worth
about $1500... and all I can recall is it felt like it peddled itself. It was almost effortless. It
was a street bike, small skinny tires, Campo stuff all over. I don't want to spend this much.

comments?

Thanks

sc

 

[Ken]

"Scott C" <[email protected]> wrote in news:_NQJa.3771$Fy6.2383@sccrnsc03:
> I'm not new to bikes, but am no expert. I ride about 30 miles a weekend (15 miles each day) with
> my girlfriend - and we both enjoy this. We have very old bikes, Specialized mountain-type bikes
> (1980's era). We are thinking of getting new bikes - not sure why, as these seem good - here's my
> question.. if we do, will I really notice any difference between a $250 bike and a $400 bike?

If you buy a road bike instead of a mountain bike, you will notice a big difference when riding on
paved roads.

 

[Jasper Janssen]

On Tue, 24 Jun 2003 05:20:33 +0000 (UTC), Ken <[email protected]> wrote:

>If you buy a road bike instead of a mountain bike, you will notice a big difference when riding on
>paved roads.

You'll also notice a big difference when going offroad, in a less positive way.

Jasper

 

[David Kunz]

Scott C wrote:
> I'm not new to bikes, but am no expert. I ride about 30 miles a weekend (15 miles each day) with
> my girlfriend - and we both enjoy this. We have very old bikes, Specialized mountain-type bikes
> (1980's era). We are thinking of getting new bikes - not sure why, as these seem good - here's my
> question.. if we do, will I really notice any difference between a $250 bike and a $400 bike?
>
> I recall riding my room mates bike in college - he was into this big time, and he had a bike worth
> about $1500... and all I can recall is it felt like it peddled itself. It was almost effortless.
> It was a street bike, small skinny tires, Campo stuff all over. I don't want to spend this much.
>
> comments?

You may or may not. Some $$ goes to lower weight, some $$ goes to better components. You probably
won't notice lower weight in the type of riding that you do, but you probably will notice better
components.

When I buy a new bike, I always ride more expensive bikes also as a comparison. You can do the same
thing when you go to replace your bikes. Ride lots of bikes at different bike shops. If any of the
new bikes feel enough better, buy it -- otherwise, stick with what you have
. While you're at it, talk to the sales people about the kind of
riding that you do and what you want. Compare their answers and avoid shops that are more interested
in selling the latest gadgets or what's on the floor rather than getting you the best bike for you.

David

 

[Ronald]

Tires can also make a lot of difference. If you use offroad tires and switch to some slicks (1.25
inch or so at 4.5 - 5.0 bar) it will make a lot of difference. For 15 miles a day leisure riding i
would stick to MTB's with slicks, it will give a much more relaxed ride.

"Scott C" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:_NQJa.3771$Fy6.2383@sccrnsc03...
> I'm not new to bikes, but am no expert. I ride about 30 miles a weekend
(15
> miles each day) with my girlfriend - and we both enjoy this. We have very old bikes, Specialized
> mountain-type bikes (1980's era). We are thinking
of
> getting new bikes - not sure why, as these seem good - here's my
question..
> if we do, will I really notice any difference between a $250 bike and a
$400
> bike?
>
> I recall riding my room mates bike in college - he was into this big time, and he had a bike worth
> about $1500... and all I can recall is it felt
like
> it peddled itself. It was almost effortless. It was a street bike, small skinny tires, Campo stuff
> all over. I don't want to spend this much.
>
> comments?
>
> Thanks
>
> sc

 

[Jeff Starr]

Hi, more questions than answers. First of all, what kind of riding are you doing/going to do? Are
you planning on buying a different style of bike? Road bike? Or another "mountain-type"? If you are
going to stay with the same type of bike, then consider putting some money into the old bikes.
Upgrading the derailluers, shifters, etc. Putting some high quality/performance tires on suitable
for the riding surface, will make a very real difference. I did this with an older road bike and I
am totally pleased with the results. Jeff

"Scott C" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<_NQJa.3771$Fy6.2383@sccrnsc03>...
> I'm not new to bikes, but am no expert. I ride about 30 miles a weekend (15 miles each day) with
> my girlfriend - and we both enjoy this. We have very old bikes, Specialized mountain-type bikes
> (1980's era). We are thinking of getting new bikes - not sure why, as these seem good - here's my
> question.. if we do, will I really notice any difference between a $250 bike and a $400 bike?
>
> I recall riding my room mates bike in college - he was into this big time, and he had a bike worth
> about $1500... and all I can recall is it felt like it peddled itself. It was almost effortless.
> It was a street bike, small skinny tires, Campo stuff all over. I don't want to spend this much.
>
> comments?
>
> Thanks
>
> sc

 

[Chris Zacho "Th]

You'll notice more of a difference in the types of bikes than the price. Since all you do is simple
leisure rides on road, A mountain bike is too heavy and sluggish for your need.

You may wish to try a ride more suited to your needs. A light duty tourer or "sport" bike may be
better. It's a road bike that's designed for the recreational rider, not the racer. The geometry is
more "relaxed" making it more stable and comfortable.

These usually run in the price range you mentioned for a decent model. Just stay away from the
department stores. A god bike shop will not only set you up with what you need, it will fit you to
it as well. And of course, they no how to assemble and maintain the bike properly.

May you have the wind at your back. And a really low gear for the hills! Chris

Chris'Z Corner "The Website for the Common Bicyclist": http://www.geocities.com/czcorner

 

[James Messick]

"Scott C" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:_NQJa.3771$Fy6.2383@sccrnsc03...
> I'm not new to bikes, but am no expert. I ride about 30 miles a weekend
(15
> miles each day) with my girlfriend - and we both enjoy this. We have very old bikes, Specialized
> mountain-type bikes (1980's era). We are thinking
of
> getting new bikes - not sure why, as these seem good - here's my
question..
> if we do, will I really notice any difference between a $250 bike and a
$400
> bike?
>
> I recall riding my room mates bike in college - he was into this big time, and he had a bike worth
> about $1500... and all I can recall is it felt
like
> it peddled itself. It was almost effortless. It was a street bike, small skinny tires, Campo stuff
> all over. I don't want to spend this much.
>
> comments?

Yes, look up "law of diminishing returns." More expensive is better, but the more spend the smaller
the improvement.