What is it with cycling

[mark st1]

I don't have an issue with Specialized in terms of the quality of the product, just that they look as boring as hell to me, overpriced for the componetry and every other bike on the road is a Specialized - I like to own something that pleases me aesthetically and is a bit more individualised. I also like to support UK companies. I have had 3 of their bikes and no technical issues with any...They just appeal to me not a jot now...

If you read my post, I did not only mention Specialized, but all 3 of the big US brands that are widely available in the UK...

No problem thanks for explaining. For me its Trek or Bianchi thats all i see everywhere at the minute.

 

[vickster]

See quite a few Trek and Cannondale too but I think I see 3-5 times as many Specialized as any other brand

Unsurprisingly, I do see the odd Pearson around Sutton (mainly the SS), never seen another Whyte hybrid though

 

[mark st1]

I had never ever seen a Pearson in real life until i test rode my bike in Richmond Park came out of the gate and nearly got hit by some hoodlum on one scared the be-jesus out of me ! hate to annoy but i got my C2W voucher through the post today and im heading out to view things Specialized tomorrow.

 

[sidevalve]

As to the OP, it's the eternal search for the perfect bike. The one that weighs nothing copes with road track and trail. Has suspension for when you need it and is rigid for when you don't.
I can vouch for the fact that the same applies to m/cycles and steam engines [in a modified form] and I suppose something similar applies to every hobby [friend of mine just laid put £700 on a fishing rod ]!
Still, each to his own and good luck with the search.

 

[Kies]

I had never ever seen a Pearson in real life until i test rode my bike in Richmond Park came out of the gate and nearly got hit by some hoodlum on one scared the be-jesus out of me ! hate to annoy but i got my C2W voucher through the post today and im heading out to view things Specialized tomorrow.

Another bike Mark??????

I had the c2w email today ... Can buy my GIANT at 20% of original price (£999) or lease it for another 3 years and then pay 7% ! Choices Choices

 

[Nigelnaturist]

its the endless need for shiny stuff ;-) but seriously if you start off on a clunker the fitter you get the higher you set your own goals and develop a +1 disease ;-)

I don't have a n+1 disease or need for new shiny stuff, just stuff that works and keeps working, My Viking and I will have covered 6,500 miles by this time tomorrow, not bad for a £300 bike.
http://app.strava.com/athletes/760167
There's some mileage I did before I got a gps enabled phone then a garmin.
Though another bike for dry conditions would be nice

 

[vickster]

Having shiny new cycling stuff is my one financial weakness


...along with exotic holidays, eating out, fast cars, gadgets and watches

 

[Nigelnaturist]

I take amazing pictures on a 5 year old 10 mega pixel camera.

Death Throws of Spring. by nigelnaturist, on Flickr
It's not what you have but what you do with it.

 

[DaveyM]

What is it that makes cycling so addictive and the current bike is never enough. I feel the need to get myself a road bike since doing some training on the roads and hills. Just need to do the hard work now and tell SWMBO my plans

I just don't feel like I have in anyway done this bike justice yet, I do sometimes look at other bikes but they are still out of my league.
I need to improve me first

 

[themosquitoking]

I just don't feel like I have in anyway done this bike justice yet, I do sometimes look at other bikes but they are still out of my league.
I need to improve me first

It is amazing though how much better the right bike makes you.

 

[DaveyM]

It is amazing though how much better the right bike makes you.

I think I might have the "right" bike for me right now....but in a few years who knows

 

[gavroche]

It is not the bike that matters so much, it is the engine ( your legs). Putting a 1 litre engine in a Ferrari will not make it fast. There are plenty of decent bikes you can have for £600. They will all give you good service if you look after them. Don't fall into the trap of " the more expensive the better".

 

[stu9000]

See quite a few Trek and Cannondale too but I think I see 3-5 times as many Specialized as any other brand

Unsurprisingly, I do see the odd Pearson around Sutton (mainly the SS), never seen another Whyte hybrid though

Hey Vickster, Sutton in Surrey? That's just going the corner. Fancy telling a newbie a good route?
S

 

[stu9000]

Regarding the OP...
It seems like everything is designed to be as addictive but short lived these days. The times I've ached for a new motorbike or smart phone only for it to become just another thing a few months later.

Actually, I'm lying. I loved my bikes as missiles and works of art. But I had to resist the urge to blow the overdraft and stay within my limits.

Trying to keep the balance right with cycling too. Not buying too much kit in any one go. But its hard!

 

[themosquitoking]

Hey Vickster, Sutton in Surrey? That's just going the corner. Fancy telling a newbie a good route?
S

Just head either north into town or south out into the hills.