Ok, so here’s the scoop: I’ve going into my third year of racing tri’s at a relatively young age of 26. So far, so good…you could say I’ve been bitten by the Tri bug. But I must admit I am starting to contemplate if I should dive even deeper into it, and here’s why: in my (and other ST posters’ opinions) the cost of this sport is out of control. Can any young-ins afford half of the bike equipment?
I’ll admit, I currently ride a Litespeed Saber, so I shouldn’t complain. However, in my defense, I earned that after being run over by a car…My problem is I get the feeling that all we talk about is what new products we need to have and will make us better etc etc etc. It’s all big business now. You would think an expensive Ti bike would come with a sweet pair of wheels, right? Nope, just the bottom end one’s that apparently hinder my results on the bike; therefore I need “xyz” wheels that cost just as much as the darn bike itself! Am I probably going to buy said wheels? Yes. Although I agree my bike will look a lot sexier with them too!
So this is a disorganized rant, I know. Feel free to tell me I’m crazy; just a bit frustrated that’s all. In another five years I’ll have (hopefully) the cash to buy these items without feeling like I’m on my way to filing for bankruptcy.
I open this up to anyone else who needs to vent a bit. There’s snow on the ground outside; maybe I just need some warm training weather.
No doubt that triathlon is a white collar sport. The expenses fall along the likes of golf or tennis. (Expensive equipment, monthly dues for club membership, escalating fees for events, travel costs, etc.)
But, it is a sport that promotes a healthy lifestyle and its hard to calculate a dollar value on that.
Stick with it. You will be glad you did.
BTW, you have a titanium bike. It sounds like you already have better equipment than most.
You’re onto something here. Truth is, marketing needs to make consumers believe that there’s a problem with what they have in order to motivate them to buy new products each year. See Zipp’s dimples. See integrated bottom brackets. See sub-1,000 gram carbon frames. Sure, these are improvements. But what was so wrong with the old technology? What real value do they add? What’s it worth?
The advances are interesting from an academic perspective, but for 99% of bicycle buyers the true value of the improvements are nearly meaningless except as an item of status bolstering and ego stroking. An extra hour per week on the bicycle will do more good than any 1,000 gram frame or dimpled wheel set. But who wants to ride even more on outdated equipment? What if someone else sees?
I think a lot of people are more concerned with what they have than they are what they do with it.
Triathlon is simple, swim, bike run. Don’t try to keep up the “Jones’”. Joesph Campbell once told a story about the hungry ghosts. They had pin point months and ravenous bellies that could never be filled.
Despite all the “advances” in bike technology isn’t it interesting to note that the bike times aren’t any faster over the past decade. Take Kona for example, where they are actually slower.
Need we say any more. The truth is, it’s just a big fashion show.
who says you need the expensive stuff to be fast? I ride an $800 Giant tcr & post top-10 bike splits. My running shoes cost $64 & I’m always in the top 10%. Swim goggles cost $9 for crap sake. $875 plus $50 race fee and boom - you’re fast. Now, your bike costs more than all my tri gear AND MY CAR combined.
A lot of good points being made (minus Spastic of course)…hah.
I’ve been able to resist the temptation of giving in to the pressure advertising thus far; I guess I realized how skewed my judgement has become as I sat contemplating the purchase of various wheel sets/discs/dura-ace/ and a brand new road bike to keep my Saber company.
I’m getting refocused fellas, thanks for the time and kick in the butt.
The best way to look at is dollars spent vs. time shaved. Sure, the wheels are sexy but are there other ways to shave time that would be better and more fun? Like a training camp vacation. For the price of a set of race wheels you could easily go somewhere and train for a week or more.
I ride a '98 Cannondale R800 with 105 and 32 spoke wheels. I do some passing and get passed. Focus on improving the engine first and buy last years “latest and greatest” technolgy at a discounted price.
PLUS, there is nothing so demoralizing for your competition (riding his $7000 bike) as having you pass him riding an old junky bike with unshaved legs. He will pull over in shame. Maybe even quit. And you’ll be glad you didn’t.
I don’t hear you dude. Try other sports: SCUBA, helicopter skiing, high altitude mountaineering, adventure racing.
I did a race with a $50,000.00 entry fee. I don’t hear complaints about the cost of this sport. Every racing sport is expensive to a degree, but triathlon is one of the last bargains.
Also, you don’t have to spend big bucks. For under $1000 a guy could everything he needed to race if he bought smart. Try climbing one (or all) of the Seven Summits. $10,000 is like a $20 bill.
I’m 41 and I’ve been doing this sport since 1998. I quit the smoking and heavy drinking so I could do triathlons. I think when I’m 50 I’ll quit triathlons and start the smoking and heavy drinking again.
“Try other sports: SCUBA, helicopter skiing, high altitude mountaineering, adventure racing.” But honestly, who actually does those things??? We’re talking about “normal” sports… JUST KIDDING Tom, I see your point also. Somewhat relevant question though: How many people participate in those activities versus triathlon? I really have no idea.
Just about anything you get into can be expensive.
A friend has $10,000 in remote controled model airplanes.
Another has a plasma screen TV and about 1000 DVDs.
Have you priced the membership to a golf country club??
I know another guy who just spent $4000 on rims for his car.
Pick a hobby you enjoy - For 90% of triathletes - this is a hobby - something we do for enjoyment - we get the great benefit of fitness along with our hobby. I like my shoes and bike parts and swim gear just like my friend likes collecting DVD’s. I get excited over my new pair of running shoes, He gets excited when the Lord of the Rings special edition DVD comes out. Love you hobby for the love of your hobby.
"…high-maintenance girlfriend. Now that is big bucks.
Dinner a couple times a week: $120.
Various gifts, cards, books, blah, blah… $100 a week.
Eventually a $10,000++ engagement ring.
Double the cost of every trip.
Minimum $1/4 Million house.
More miscellaneous crap, about $40 a week."
Hey Tom, Thanks for the perspective. Seriously. There’s a girl who’s captured my attention recently and all the things you mention are helping me focus on why it’s best for me to remain happily single (to an extent, I’m still looking for a sugarmama) but other than that, like I said; “happily single”
I can’t say I get the same “satisfaction” from riding a bike as with a GF. However, I am happily single right now, so I ought to give the bike a chance!
Here’s where you went wrong. With girls - just like a bike - fit is everything. Going on 7 years of marriage:
Dinner a couple times a week: $120
Various gifts, cards, books, blah, blah… - Er, nope. An I love you and a How was your day? is better.
Eventually a $10,000++ engagement ring. - Heyl no. My wife bought her own ring two years into our marriage. Cost her $35 for a plain white gold band. I still don’t have a ring (can’t stand jewelry).
Double the cost of every trip. - Get a wife with a career and double your household income.
Minimum $1/4 Million house. - Depends on where you live.
More miscellaneous crap, about $40 a week. - Probably a low figure, but true.
