preferred-google-button
log in
register

Totally confused – Sunday club runs / Summer Bike / Winter Bike / Training bike / Racing!! Maybe even!!

  • Creator
    Topic
  • June 29, 2012 at 4:06 pm #16198
    bfslxo

    Folks,

    Excuse my naivety/ignorance! But can I ask some advice or knowledge?

    I have got back into the road cycling over the last year odd and have done multiple sportives etc, previously spent last 10+ years mtb’ing.

    Well certain events crossed my path earlier in the year! – i.e. being knocked down whilst cycling home from work –
    My bike got wrecked – I got away very lightly – so I bought a SS for work duties and my never to own dream road bike with the change – De Rosa R838 Athena 2012.

    With getting the good bike I took the plunge and joined a local club as well and am holding my own in the B group club runs and am leading out reasonably regularly too, with the intent to step up to going out with the A group at least once a month in the coming weeks.

    However I now realise most of the folks on either of the runs ride – well how do I put it – ordinary ‘ish’ bikes, not cheap but not super expensive either.
    I’m now also thinking I don’t want to ride the De Rosa during the winter months either and even considering the odd wee club race next year too?

    So here’s where my naivety shows up – have I kinda shot myself in the foot by buying the De Rosa, is it a bit overkill for club runs?
    Should I really be considering another bike for said club / training / winter runs & keep the good bike for races & perhaps summer / dry days only?

    Thanks for taking time to read & I’d really appreciate any thoughts / reflections & club riders knowledge.

    Ps – I’m coming 46 so I’m not figuring a career in the club racing circuit just a bit of experience

    Laurence

  • Creator
    Topic
Viewing 16 replies (of 16 total)
1 2
  • Author
    Replies
  • June 29, 2012 at 4:19 pm #688811
    0
    step-hent

    You havent shot yourself in
    You havent shot yourself in the foot – if you enjoy riding it and owning it, and you can keep up and play your part in the club runs, then why does it matter what everyone else is riding?

    As for whether you should get another bike, the old rule of thumb is that the number of bikes you should own is n+1, with n being the number you currently own, but that you muyst always maintain that n < D, D being the number of bikes that would result in a relationship breakdown... Seriously though, it's nice to have a winter bike with clearance for mudguards, if you can. It means you can keep the good bike for dryish days and races, it will stay in better condition and you wont have to put clip on guards on it to avoid annoying your club mates. It also means you can avoid riding the dream bike in the winter when there's a higher chance of crashing it! But if you don't have room, funds or an inclination to own another, you'll be just fine on the De Rosa year round. Despite the protestations of many, carbon bikes don't dissolved in mud or explode on any minor impact. It's tougher than you think, so if you don't want to supplement it with another, just carry on enjoying it!

  • Author
    Replies
Viewing 16 replies (of 16 total)
1 2
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.