Bike Envy

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2009-08-27 9:51 AM


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Subject: Bike Envy
Being a little new to the sport this year, I feel as if I rushed into my bike purchase in June.  I bought a Felt F75 road bike two months ago.  I have logged just over 800 miles since I bought it.  Now that I have gotten into Triathlons and biking so much I am wondering if I should have stepped it up and purchased a higher model such as the Felt AR4, all carbon with higher end components.  I have been riding with a bunch of guys with really sweet Cervelos, Felts, Treks, etc.  

Couple quick questions you experts can answer:  Will I notice a drastic difference from my Felt F75 to a more expensive all carbon with Shimano Dura-Ace or Ultegra components.  Should I just buck up and get a new bike already????

Thanks in advance for the feedback.
J 

2009-08-27 9:55 AM
in reply to: #2373797

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over a barrier
Subject: RE: Bike Envy
You'll probably always have Bike Envy to some degree you matter what you ride....you'll see the latest and greatest new frame and be in love.

Yes, get a new bike (Its easy to spend other people's money)....

You won't see much/any difference in switching to dura-ace excpet a lighter wallet. The shifting will be smoother and they're lighter.

Ride what you got until the bike is your limitier, unless you got cash burning a hole in your pocket.
2009-08-27 10:24 AM
in reply to: #2373797

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Subject: RE: Bike Envy
It's not about the bike! It is about the motor! My philosophy is ride it till it breaks, and then upgrade. It'll help you save the money you will need for the new shiny bike that you drool over in the LBS when its time.
2009-08-27 10:24 AM
in reply to: #2373797

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Subject: RE: Bike Envy
Give it at least a year would be my advice. If you have put 800 miles on it since June then you are obviously enjoying it. Keep riding it to improve the engine...think of it as a training tool, like swimming in a drag suit

There will be little if any difference between Ultegra and DA for the average Rider. It looks like the F75 comes with pretty much a full 105 set which should be fine, good durability, smooth shifting etc. Carbon is considered lighter (ok it is lighter) but it depends on the person if it is more or less to your riding style than aluminum. If you are looking for a new bike though dont restrict yourself only to Felt (unless there is a really good reason why, like a family member can get you a Huge discount etc...) and look at other bikes. Also if you are looking at mostly doing Tri consider a tri bike vs. a Road bike.
2009-08-27 10:35 AM
in reply to: #2373797

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Bike Envy
I doubt you'll notice much difference going from your current set up to Dura Ace. Personally, I don't consider DA worth the money. It's only a fraction lighter than the Ultegra gruppo and it's WAY more expensive.

You probably won't notice all that much difference going from your current frame to carbon. It'll feel a little different, but not necessarily better.

Unless you've got the cash to spend and just want to do it, I don't see much justification in getting a new road bike. If you're committed to triathlons, though, you'd almost certainly get some advantage out of a tri bike. A good tri specific position will give you some gains over your road position.
2009-08-27 10:57 AM
in reply to: #2373816

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Veteran
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Subject: RE: Bike Envy

You'll probably always have Bike Envy to some degree you matter what you ride....you'll see the latest and greatest new frame and be in love.



so true...bike envy is a cruel and expensive mistress....

2009-08-27 11:00 AM
in reply to: #2373797


5

Subject: RE: Bike Envy
I know, I know.....but it is tough not to look!!!
2009-08-27 11:08 AM
in reply to: #2373890

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Expert
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Colorado Springs, Colorado
Subject: RE: Bike Envy

smalls82 - 2009-08-27 9:24 AM It's not about the bike! It is about the motor! My philosophy is ride it till it breaks, and then upgrade. It'll help you save the money you will need for the new shiny bike that you drool over in the LBS when its time.


Yes, that's it entirely!

Many years ago I would get a huge kick out of riding my cheapo 10 speed from Target and annilating people on their expensive road bikes.

I've never had bike envy - I have motor envy. I got a thrill out of watching some guy on a mountain bike go blowing by a whole bunch of triathletes on expensive bikes during a race on an uphill section a couple months ago. Of course the guy wasn't in the race and turned off onto another road in about a mile after blowing by all of us, but I was wishing I had his motor.

You'll be fine with the bike you have. Get a new one when you max out what you have.

2009-08-27 11:37 AM
in reply to: #2373797

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Regular
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SW VA
Subject: RE: Bike Envy
Looking back I had the good fortune of buying a first, inexpensive bike that did not fit (way too big).  So it was easy to say "I NEED" a new bike, and convince my wife that it was true

In my case a bike that fit actually did make me faster and I could ride longer... so maybe your bike is a bit OFF in size eh

As for the envy... well I am still honeymooning with the new road bike, but I have found I have a wandering eye for those sleek, sexy, aerodynamic, fast looking... oh sorry... what I mean is now I think I'd like a tri bike
2009-08-27 12:24 PM
in reply to: #2374138

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Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: Bike Envy
Bike envy never goes away.

I bought an entry level tri bike, and a year later bought a Cervelo P2C.  I thought that would be my last tri bike purchase.  It was as good as I would ever need - which, in fact, is true.  I don't NEED a better bike.

However, about a month or two after the purchase, I begged to ask the question, "why didn't I buy the P3"?

I don't think it ends.

BTW, I already have 3 bikes, and JUST bought the 2010 Felt F75 to add the stable.  It's a nice bike, IMO.


ETA:  There IS the option of selling your old bike and getting some of your money back.  I did that with my first tri bike.


Edited by Aikidoman 2009-08-27 12:25 PM
2009-08-27 12:38 PM
in reply to: #2374034

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Bike Envy

Donskiman - 2009-08-27 11:08 AM

I've never had bike envy - I have motor envy.

Can I add butt lust to the motor envy?  (No, not yours, but there are some... )

You coulda got the AR4 and still suffer from bike envy.  You can buy the 2009 Cervelo and lust for the 2010 Felt...it never ends...

One way to counter the newer/better/lighter envy is to really consider what you're willing to lose in a mishap or just to day-in and day-out use.  If you'd be sick at the prospect of paying a second $3500 for the spiffy carbon bike after crashing your first one, maybe you shouldn't get it.  If you'd only take that gorgeous bike with the DA drivetrain out when there's no chance of rain (or dust), maybe you shouldn't get it.  Me?  My Javelin does me great.  It wasn't too expensive and I'm not worried about ruining something if the weather isn't perfect.  I'll ride it on wet roads to spare my Klein (which would be much harder to replace). 

2009-08-27 2:40 PM
in reply to: #2374345

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Master
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Beijing
Subject: RE: Bike Envy
McFuzz - 2009-08-26 1:38 PM

Donskiman - 2009-08-27 11:08 AM

I've never had bike envy - I have motor envy.

Can I add butt lust to the motor envy?  (No, not yours, but there are some... )



Dude, did you just say "butt lust" out loud?
2009-08-27 2:43 PM
in reply to: #2373890

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Subject: RE: Bike Envy

smalls82 - 2009-08-27 11:24 AM It's not about the bike! It is about the motor! My philosophy is ride it till it breaks, and then upgrade. It'll help you save the money you will need for the new shiny bike that you drool over in the LBS when its time.

 

I agree 800 miles isn't that much.  I have around 2800 on mine.

2009-08-27 3:48 PM
in reply to: #2373797

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Master
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Subject: RE: Bike Envy

I almost pulled the trigger on an F75 in February, when I ended up going upstream to the F4 at the last second.  I love the F4, but I have envy for the B2s and P3s out there now and have contemplated selling my bike for a TT bike, but no it's not the smart move just yet.

The F75 is a solid bike.  It'd be one thing if you were on a really old and heavy beater bike, but you can hammer that F75 and pass all of those nice bikes....and that's when it feels so good!  No reason you can't go fast on an F75.

But, if you have the money, hell ya get a new bike!  My wife would kill me if I bought a new bike right now and I couldn't blame her for it...

2009-08-27 3:51 PM
in reply to: #2373797

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Subject: RE: Bike Envy
I would stick to your bike.
If you do get a new bike; consider other groups then Shimano too.
I was really focused on Shimano but was really surprised when my LBS let me test SRAM...
I'm now riding with SRAM red, IMO it's faster and directer than Shimano DA.

If you stick to Shimano; DA ain't thàt much better then Ultegra.
You could stick the saved money in other upgrades. New shoes, pedals what so ever.
Good luck!
Shaun

2009-08-27 3:55 PM
in reply to: #2373797

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Master
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Rogersville, Alabama
Subject: RE: Bike Envy
If I had to do it over.  Get a powermeter before a uber the frame and fancy wheels. 

2009-08-27 4:28 PM
in reply to: #2373797

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Subject: RE: Bike Envy
I have major bike envy so I can totally relate.  I bought a sensible road bike and set it up in a good aero position using a fast forward seat post and aerobars.  I wish I had bought more bike originally, but I can't make myself upgrade when my bike performs well in races and I have nothing to point to that says a sexier bike will make me faster.  If you want to spend money, maybe invest in race wheels.
2009-08-27 6:17 PM
in reply to: #2373797

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Champion
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Knoxville area
Subject: RE: Bike Envy
Sigh... the Day after I bought my CR1, I went to pick it up and sitting where it was only the day before... a brand new Addict.

Same thing happened when I bought my S32, I went back to the shop for it's first tune-up and they had a brand new B2. It never ends. Now the guy at my LBS is trying to get me to buy an Airfoil he's had for a couple of months... Oh if only I averaged a high enough MPH to justify it.

If you can afford a new bike that you will ride more... you will notice a difference, because the engine will grow with the bike.  I would not be ashamed of an F75 though, it's a nice bike.
2009-08-28 1:13 AM
in reply to: #2373797

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Subject: RE: Bike Envy
I say stick with the F75, it's a great bike for the money, and rides just as nice as bikes costing $500 more. If you feel the need to upgrade, get yourself a nice wheelset, something like the AM Aero 420's would compliment the bike. Here's a great review on your bike:

http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/reviews/feltF75-2009.shtml

If you were looking at a new bike, get yourself a Tri bike, and save the F75 for group rides, and hilly races.
2009-08-28 8:32 AM
in reply to: #2373797

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Tyler,
Subject: RE: Bike Envy
stopped looking at other bikes for this reason envy, after I bought my Orbea Ordu and I'm happy with it, I can make that thing fly.
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