So they leave off the penny - like that makes it look more affordable 🙁
$12,000.00 for a bicycle?
Could you afford a bike that costs anything approaching 5 figures?
With the partial blessings of the SGFI (Senior Group Fitness Instructor) I've decided that it was time for John to have a new road bike. But this Specialized S-Works bicycle falls into the same unobtainium category as the red Ferrari I saw at the club last week.
With the days getting longer and the sun bringing the mid-day temps above freezing, the young-at-heart start dreaming of riding outdoors. I had some time yesterday and visited a few of our local bike shops to see what's the latest and greatest.
And quickly broke into a cold sweat.
You see... I have a bit of a problem. Other cyclists tend to judge you by the bicycle you ride. If you're a relative unknown, showing up for a scheduled ride, most people wouldn't receive a second look at their mount of choice. But (at least in these parts) I'm far from unknown. After teaching Indoor Cycling for 13 + years, leading or participating in an untold number of group/event road rides, doing a small bit of competitive racing and the simple fact that I'VE LIVED IN THIS ICE BOX FOR OVER 50 YEARS has me somewhat recognizable by other cyclists.
Despite our successes here at ICI/PRO, the meager scraps I/we get from teaching, some consulting projects and Amy's hard work, we aren't wealthy people. Please don't get me wrong. With a beautiful wife and two awesome & healthy kids - life is good. But feeling the need to be riding something that reflects my status as a leader has me a bit concerned petrified at how I will be able to afford a worthy ride and remain happily married 🙁
I took a few snapshots of what I found appealing during my short visits.
My buddy Randy (he's a bike freak - and can afford to be) told me when I asked his advice; "If you can't afford Shimano's Di2 electronic shifters, you want the SRAM Red Groupo." Thanks for that Randy, but at $6,300.00 I'll pass.
This blacked out Specialized caught my eye - until seeing the price tag and the resulting gag reflex it created. I've always wanted a tough looking bicycle. Then of course there's the need for the legs to propel it...
Now we're getting closer to something I could potentially convince Amy I just have to ride this year - except the "Randy's on the road may not be very impressed. Is there a place to recycle those dumb reflectors? They're off and in the trash as soon as you get home.
This wasn't going very well. Next stop - check out what's available online.
Stay tuned.
John is a member on the AFS (Association of Fitness Studios) Advisory Council.
Holding certifications from; Schwinn, Heart Zones, Team ICG and Life Time Fitness, John's held regularly scheduled cycling classes between 1998 and 2015 when he moved to Florida.
When the weather permits, you'll find him riding and leading outdoor groups by himself or with his Tandem partner (wife) Amy.
- Eagles pedaling through the air metaphor - April 21, 2024
- ICI Podcast 238 Meet Nerd Fitness Creator Steve Kamb - April 6, 2024
- ICI/PRO Podcast #113 Explosive Power pt 3 – Video PROfile with Tom Scotto from Stage 5 Cycling - March 31, 2024
Now that I have a dream bike, 6kg on the scale that is 13 pounds ! With the bottle cage and pedals !!
I am mostly riding my old cyclo-cross bike that is now my training bike.
My new one is so stiff, so reactif, so light that training with it is not funny also for my training partner.
Last weekend we pass by a couple with bile, the same as your second picture, when we approach them the guy make a crazy surge to show his “skill” after 300 yards we passed him … that is mean that the bike do not make the rider …
I have seen so many people with bike like my new one and just not been able to ride.
If you want to make a good deal I would advice you to buy a Canyon, unfortunatly they do not sell bike in US, a shame as theyr most expensive bike is 6300 euros and is equiped as any bike over 10 …
“It’s not the bike, it’s the engine…” 😉
Who care’s what other people think about what you ride? Don’t be sucked in by bicycle eye candy… Figure out what you need (frame material, components, wheels, etc.), and find a bike with that fits you and works for your budget… There are lots of good choices out there in the $2,000 (+/-) range. You might find some deals on “last years models” this time of year.
Good luck – let us know what you end up with!
Pascal has a point. I’ve been renting some top of the line carbon Scotts and Giants. With the right wheels they come in at 13lbs. Training on my old aluminum bike and then getting on the new is worth every penny and I’m sure a few positions closer to the first place finisher.
All we need now is a good deal on great bikes. John can you help us out.
Personally, I could gain much more in the way of weight savings by cutting weight from the RIDER than from the bike!!
Agreed Jennifer – thankfully things are pretty flat here or this Carbon based life form would be in serious trouble that wouldn’t be solved by a few bits of Carbon Fiber. Yes – Amy would be much happier seeing an “Investment” in the range of $2-3k vs what I found on my shopping trip.
I’m working on it Chuck. You’d think there’s a bicycle company who’d recognize how influential we are as Indoor Cycling Instructors (not to mention how poorly we’re paid) – and want us riding their bikes.
Well, I’m still trying to shoot for the $12,000 legs (and body) the better to work the $1200 bike….
Vivienne
agreed. Train the body right and you can do it without spending money that could buy a nice used car, one year for your child at college, your retirement plan, more than one super vacation…etc…
People, people, people, you are all getting a little to freaked out by the the “weight weenie syndrome” that sucks you into believing that lighter is better and I have to spend more money to get that lighter bike to make me go faster. We are fitness instructors, training properly makes you faster and stronger. Tune up the engine, dont wrap a fancy chasse and body around a low performance motor. I am a 38 year veteran of the bicycle industry and I am going to give you the cold hard facts. Looking for durability at a reasonable price? Shimano Ultegra. Looking for a high performance bicycle that does not compromise ride quality and weight? You can find a number of bicycles with High Modulas Carbon Fiber tubing, built with Ultegra equipment and reasonable wheels (1500 – 1700 grams) in the mid to upper $3000.00 range. Money well spent and a bike that will last you for a long time. I am partial to european bicycles because I rep for Bianchi and I am a real snob for the correct ride which I believe the Italians have down to a science but don’t trust my biased opinion here, go out and ride some bikes and have some fun with it. And when you show up to the weekly ride on your well invested machine and your highly invested and prepared body, ride smart and fast and show them what all your years of indoor cycling has done to make you faster and stronger than they are. Maybe you will actually suck a few of these folks into your spin class in the winter. And look at it this way, you will might just have the money left over to treat them all to a favorite beverage after the ride. A 75 year old many time national champion bicycle racer friend of mine has a saying. “The rider who spins the fastest, is the fastest”. Learn how to ride a bike outside and blow them all away, but most of all, have fun.
Pedlinron ++++++++++++++ 1 “Have fun”, it is how cycling have to be.
I ride with Randonneurs and they know how to ride, they can not go at crazy pace but they always have fun enjoying being outdoor.
When I have indoor riders who ask me where and with who going riding outside it is always a challenge same as on where and how to chose a bike … too many people think faster, lighter, more expensive are better … unfortunatly.
By the way it is the same with runners.