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What is hilarious in road cycling is all the middle aged men who really do believe that kit = faster. If you have any basic bike of a reasonable standard, it is

What is hilarious in road cycling is all the middle aged men who really do believe that kit = faster. If you have any basic bike of a reasonable standard, it is ALL about hours, weight and power. Nothing else. On a one hr climb up a 10% mountain, nothing is gonna save your fat ass.

xmcqdpt2 3y ago
Yeah, having a 3k$ carbon bike or a 1k$ aluminum model doesn't make a difference that's true. However, having good cycling clothes is way more comfortable, as is a lightweight helmet. A more upright bicycle absolutely robs you of energy due to wind resistance, even at low-ish speeds on flats (30 km/h). I could exercise on my 40 lbs, 3 speed upright 1940s english roadster in jeans and a sweater for cred, but that doesn't sound fun at all. People who don't cycle (unlike me and you I guess) can't price cycle kit by eye so they'll see me in lycra and think that I'm some dentist when in fact my gear is all very reasonably priced, comfortable and appropriate to my level. Also, it always bother me that people talk about 10,000$ bikes or whatever which is very far from reality, meanwhile they buy 45,000$ cars when 20,000$ cars exist and no one bats an eye.
- RHSman2 3y ago
  That is definitely the best approach in my opinion. Getting the things that help you enjoy the sport/hobby more. Drumming, nice comfy stool (throne) Skiing, custom fitted boots Guitar, take it to a guitar tech so it plays easier Gardening, good waterproof jacket and hat
jamincan 3y ago
I don't think they have any illusions about it. They are enthusiasts and enthusiasts like to spend money on their hobbies. If they can afford it, I don't see the harm.
- RHSman2 3y ago
  True. Live and let live.
doubled112 3y ago
My kids race BMX, and I used to ride trails quite a bit. My advice to them was that there are no slow bikes, just slow riders. Sure, there are benefits to picking gear that works for you, but that's probably about 10% of it. The rest is your mind and body.

xmcqdpt2 3y ago

Yeah, having a 3k$ carbon bike or a 1k$ aluminum model doesn't make a difference that's true. However, having good cycling clothes is way more comfortable, as is a lightweight helmet. A more upright bicycle absolutely robs you of energy due to wind resistance, even at low-ish speeds on flats (30 km/h). I could exercise on my 40 lbs, 3 speed upright 1940s english roadster in jeans and a sweater for cred, but that doesn't sound fun at all. People who don't cycle (unlike me and you I guess) can't price cycle kit by eye so they'll see me in lycra and think that I'm some dentist when in fact my gear is all very reasonably priced, comfortable and appropriate to my level. Also, it always bother me that people talk about 10,000$ bikes or whatever which is very far from reality, meanwhile they buy 45,000$ cars when 20,000$ cars exist and no one bats an eye.

RHSman2 3y ago
That is definitely the best approach in my opinion. Getting the things that help you enjoy the sport/hobby more. Drumming, nice comfy stool (throne) Skiing, custom fitted boots Guitar, take it to a guitar tech so it plays easier Gardening, good waterproof jacket and hat

jamincan 3y ago

I don't think they have any illusions about it. They are enthusiasts and enthusiasts like to spend money on their hobbies. If they can afford it, I don't see the harm.

RHSman2 3y ago
True. Live and let live.

doubled112 3y ago

My kids race BMX, and I used to ride trails quite a bit. My advice to them was that there are no slow bikes, just slow riders. Sure, there are benefits to picking gear that works for you, but that's probably about 10% of it. The rest is your mind and body.