I was super into bikes >10 years ago, fell out of it, but since got back into it now that I have more time (as well as a toddler who really loves bikes). Coming to quickly learn that everything has changed and all my gear is pretty “outdated” (rim brakes, skinny tires, 10 speed, 2x, etc…)
I mostly do road riding, weekend warrior type. I’m in reasonably good shape and can keep up on rides – I’m in pretty good shape but I do love gear.
So tell me, would getting a new bike improve the biking experience?
Main bike – 2007 Litespeed Firenze with mostly SRAM Force 10.
by BroB-GYN
18 Comments
nah. your bike will work. i still use mid 00 bikes
The biggest improvement has been hydraulic disc brakes. But on a road bike you can still easily lock up your tire with rim brakes which means braking force (in typical dry weather) isn’t the limiting factor. Biggest upgrade you can do for yourself now is throw on some new 25 or 28 tires and get back to enjoying riding. The electronic shifting tubeless integrated cockpit bike can wait for a while, you have a perfectly nice ride at the moment.
I always wanted to try those Wahoo pedals!
As long as it’s well maintained, there’s really no big reason to buy a whole new bike just for the newness. Plus you get style points for riding a “retro” model
The main thing I’ve noticed is comfort. I just seem to be more comfy on modern geometry. So as long as you’re comfortable on your current bike, any upgrades in performance will be marginal for 95% of casual riders.
Other than fatter tires and wider gear range, no, you’re missing much.
I’m still riding Dura-Ace 10 speed with rim brakes and 25mm tires, and it doesn’t slow me down one bit.
What new tech? It’s a bicycle. It cannot be improved upon. Enjoy.
No, this is a good bike. If you’re feeling slow, a new pair of wheels is always well worth the money.
Getting a new bike is always fun. But new stuff being potentially better doesn’t make your “old” bike any worse. Skinny tires and rim brakes are just as good today as they were 10 years ago.
If it’s in good shape and you enjoy it, save your money :).
I don’t ride road cycles but doesn’t the seat need to be tilted more to the front ?
If you want a new bike, then get a new bike. But if you’re just trying to ride a bike on the weekend and have fun, then the bike you have right now is totally fine.
The biggest advances in cycle tech are those that eliminated cables. Cable drag and maintenance sucks, that they have to be adjusted, lubricated, replaced etc. Hydraulic disc brakes and wireless shifting are solid advances.
Otherwise bikes are no better or different than they were 20+ years ago. It sucks that you need to get a new frame if you want to use disc brakes, that you can’t somehow retrofit disc brake mounting bosses onto an existing frame. You can add wireless shifting to any bike.
You’re not … but my nether regions are chafing and going numb just looking at that saddle position
I ride a 10 y/o specialized, and I rented a bicycle for a downhill track this weekend. Tech has totally improved in the tires, brakes, and suspension departments. Braking is huge and can be the difference between a few meters. In traffic that can be a HUGE difference. Improved tires also offer improved stopping. Id upgrade, for the safety aspect alone if anything.
The best new bike tech of the 21st century is tubeless tires if you ride in the high desert.
And they aren’t your grandpa’s tires. Tire tech is very mature.
Nah, just the alignment.
Saddle nose down is measured to be beneficial.
Keeps diaphragm open, more relaxed hamstrings and a better reach while aero.
it’s a nice bike. it will still do well.