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The Pandemic Cured my Upgrade-itis

3497 Views 60 Replies 25 Participants Last post by stripes, Dec 9, 2021

MudderNutter

Discussion Starter · Dec 7, 2021

Ever since this whole pandemic really set in I noticed that I have stopped looking to upgrade my bikes and equipment entirely. I think it was a combination of nothing being available, and finding attempting to source unnecessary parts frustrating. I was just sitting here this morning thinking about how I haven't even browsed new equipment in about a year. Obviously I still have had to put some new consumables on my bikes, but that's about it.

Honestly, a lot of it was realizing how little upgrading my rigs has changed my riding. The mindset to just "run what I brung, and work on being a better rider" has definitely moved to the front of my mind. Not saying that I thought upgrades would make me technically more skilled in the past, but I definitely put way too much mental energy into finding the "perfect" product.

Anyone else in a similar boat?

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d365

· #2 · Dec 7, 2021

I just bought a new carbon handlebar (that's been out of stock forever). Wanted higher rise. Should be here today! A new torque wrench set, brake bleed kit, and a new frame strap.

Really, the pandemic made me thankful... that I had just bought a new bike in 2019. I'm also glad that I saved up for a build that I'm happy with.... still would like better wheels though..........

So the answer is no, I guess....

Reactions: 2

Sparticus

· #3 · Dec 7, 2021

I buy new stuff, different stuff, occasionally just to try it.
Like say, an oval chainring. Currently I'm on round but I'd like to try oval.
Or if it's a genuinely different component -- a real "upgrade," not just swapping to the same thing in a flashy color.
Example: when I switched from a cassette with a 46t big cog to a 51t cog because I wanted wider range.
I call that a genuine upgrade.
But unless something's worn out, I don't typically just "upgrade" (aka replace) to make my bike prettier or move up a component grade level.
A recent change that cost me $hundreds: switching 4 bikes to platform pedals from clips.
And not just the bikes -- new shoes, too.
Expensive. Upgrade.
=sParty

Reactions: 5

stripes

· #4 · Dec 7, 2021

Not really, but it made me rethink the whole thing about needing a new bike approach every couple years. And it's made me convinced that carbon is not a long-term solution for me. Metal all the way.

Instead of doing that, I'm looking to keep bikes I like for 5-7 years, but I've found that if I stick with the same bike, I feel a lot more that my skills improve. It's not the case every time I buy a new bike--it's usually the opposite, so I want to have my bikes for the next 5-7 years and hopefully I'll stick with that.

The industry is making it easier for me to not upgrade constantly, since the options for 27.5 are not as prevalent as they were before.

Reactions: 4

dysfunction

· #5 · Dec 7, 2021

I built two bikes in the last year and a half, so.. ummm.. ok, they replaced bikes that were really past their prime

It was in the plan anyway, just really weird timing.

Reactions: 5

kpdemello

· #6 · Dec 7, 2021

Eh, not really. I upgraded my drive train this year from 1x11 to Eagle GX and that was a pretty big upgrade in terms of performance. It was a little harder to source the parts than in previous years. That just meant I was ordering each piece separately from about 4 different online vendors, and it took a couple of weeks to collect everything.

Now I am looking at new frames, as my current one is close to 5 years old. I don't need it, because my current bike is great. I totally agree with your point about "run what ya brung" but, well, I like shiny new things. Call me shallow, but it makes me happy.

Reactions: 5

Sidewalk

· #7 · Dec 7, 2021

I am trying to keep all my bikes as long as possible so I upgrade parts on them as old things wear, or I find them available in a price I am willing to pay. Just ordered some carbon bars for my trail bike to replace the aluminum because I liked the price, also some new pedals. Built new wheels for it last year but I was trashing aluminum wheels every couple of months so tried some beefy carbon.

But I don't have an interest in new bikes and parts for the sake of new. I have 30,000 miles on my roadie, which is a 2015 model (I think, bought in 2018). I recently needed chainrings so I upgraded to some nice ovals, but I don't want to get ride of the bike any time soon.

Reactions: 4

Crankout

· #8 · Dec 7, 2021

I was surprised to walk into a LBS this past summer and they were stocked with new gear. After a few visits and test rides I left with a new bike. Pricey? Yes, but I'm not getting any younger.

As for this LBS, they can afford to stock their showrooms with high end bikes.

Reactions: 3

Sparticus

· #9 · Dec 7, 2021

Sidewalk said:
I have 30,000 miles on my roadie, which is a 2015 model (I think, bought in 2018).

Whoa — 30,000 mi in 3 years — you da man!
Seriously, way to go.

=sParty

Reactions: 2

BadgerOne

· #10 · Dec 7, 2021

It helped me circle back to 'stuff that works great and does not break the bank' on a few ground-up builds. Due to trickle-down there is so much great stuff out there that is priced fairly and works and lasts 95% as well as the bike-tax brands. Sometimes you look for them with hard-fought research, sometimes you just stumble across them. I like nice stuff, but when you're older and can't buy talent things start to look a little differently.

Reactions: 5

baker

· #11 · Dec 7, 2021

Along with the pandemic, came a layoff for me. So, I rode a crap ton and had less disposable income. I still did some upgrades, but I'd say they were more functional and less frilly. I went through consumables like crazy, tho. Brake pads, tires, chains.

I've never been the kind of rider to need the latest and greatest, but I like to try lots of different stuff, hence my collection of different bikes (n+1). Owning as many bikes as I do is actually a PITA at times...(cry me a river)

Reactions: 3

1813254617.th

· #12 · Dec 7, 2021 (Edited)

Had a not that high end bike stolen during the pandemic and it's impossible getting a replacement. I have 2 road bikes from 1975 that just don't cut it for daily use and backpacking. My friend's hardtail and full suspension needed near complete rebuilds and it took me over a full year to get most of the parts for far too much money. I used to be able to find good quality, die-drawn stainless steel shifter cables for under 2 CAD. now they cost 10CAD! 10!! Needing to pay 70CAD to redo all the cables on a bike is just absurd, but the cheaper ones apparently had a lead time of over 300days.

I still need to find suspension seal kits and fox eyelet hardware, ARGH! I can't even find replacement parts, let alone upgrades. Bike theft is at an all time high, keep your bikes safe.

Nat

· #13 · Dec 7, 2021

I don't think it's affected mine at all. Still upgrading at the same rate as before.

Reactions: 1

baker

· #14 · Dec 7, 2021

1813254617.th said:
Had a not that high end bike stolen during the pandemic and it's impossible getting a replacement.

Similarly, my wife's race bike (short travel xc full suspension) was stolen during the pandemic. Finding a replacement was a total PITA! I actually ended up ordering a bike from Planet X in the UK for a decent price, but I still had to be patient with delivery/build times...

Reactions: 1

1813254617.th

· #15 · Dec 7, 2021 (Edited)

baker said:
Similarly, my wife's race bike (short travel xc full suspension) was stolen during the pandemic. Finding a replacement was a total PITA! I actually ended up ordering a bike from Planet X in the UK for a decent price, but I still had to be patient with delivery/build times...

I live in mooseland, where everything (especially cycling-related) is more inconvenient, overpriced, and stupid compared to anywhere Europe. My LBS, who (probably rightly) claims to be the only shop in all of Ontario to be a certified Fox service place, asks for 140CAD in labour + 70CAD in seals to fully rebuild a Fox Float R. 140CAD in labour I can understand, but in what world does the Fox Float R need 70 dollars worth of seals?

Once this is over, I'll see if I can get a Marin Pine Mountain and replace its RS Recon with a Manitou Markhow with an ABS+ damper. I'll also upgrade its tires, chainring, pedals... Oh, and I need a sturdy pannier rack for my purposes (not being able to drive in NA is a curse). I might also rip the whole thing apart and apply a liberal application of rust prevention...

Some things never change.

749800

· #16 · Dec 7, 2021

I almost panic-purchased a Di2 Grizzl that became available last night from Canyon. Only 2 left in my size (small, since their sizing is psychotic). Act now or regret it forever. I got to the enter payment details page and decided on regret.

Do I really need a second, purple, plastic version of my bike? I tried to convince myself it was for my wife. She will (rightly) think it was disingenuous and self-serving.

$5K + tax and shipping is a good deal by today's idiot-logic.

Bicycle Wheel Tire Bicycles--Equipment and supplies Bicycle wheel rim

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baker

· #17 · Dec 7, 2021

1813254617.th said:
I live in mooseland, where everything (especially cycling-related) is more inconvenient, overpriced, and stupid compared to anywhere Europe.

I lived in Ontario (Guelph to be specific) from 96-98. Unless the cycling scene and support has drastically changed, I feel your pain....

1813254617.th

· #18 · Dec 7, 2021

baker said:
I lived in Ontario (Guelph to be specific) from 96-98. Unless the cycling scene and support has drastically changed, I feel your pain....

It probably has drastically changed , and not for the better.

Bike things are becoming far more expensive and elitist. Car dependent suburbia is still an ever worsening issue, meaning cyclists are pretty much ignored. Bike parts are getting more disposable, meaning bike mechanics are losing skill. The streets have gotten worse, somehow. All of those problems are then treated with a healthy dose of your typical Canadian lackadaisicalness. Just look at the quality of bikes being sold in Sport Chek just 5 years ago and compare it to now.

Reactions: 1

Sidewalk

· #19 · Dec 7, 2021

Sparticus said:
Whoa — 30,000 mi in 3 years — you da man!
Seriously, way to go.
=sParty

It's my daily driver. I commute ~30 miles a day, plus training sessions, plus fun riding. Doesn't include time spent on my gravel (far less), my trail bike (less then I like, but I gotta work), and my XC bike (racing and special rides only). I am around 12-14k a year right now (1000 hours).

(I won't list my hours running and rock climbing.)

Reactions: 5

Sparticus

· #20 · Dec 7, 2021

Sidewalk said:
It's my daily driver. I commute ~30 miles a day, plus training sessions, plus fun riding. Doesn't include time spent on my gravel (far less), my trail bike (less then I like, but I gotta work), and my XC bike (racing and special rides only). I am around 12-14k a year right now (1000 hours).

(I won't list my hours running and rock climbing.)

Impressive! Keep it going, my friend.
Long before retiring, I had a 24 mile round trip commute.
Those 12 miles in the morning or evening were the best part of my day.
I was lucky to work at a business that had a full gym & shower/locker room.
As well as secure bicycle parking.
All good... but retirement is better.

=sParty

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