You can get pretty much the uber setup for about $6500 (Cervelo P3C, and some sweet wheels, and helmet)
As hobbies go that is remarkably cheap.
=)
Not to mention you can go prolly just 1% slower for $2000
Interesting question, but its not all about the bike, 3 sports & 2 transitions decide the final outcome. I regularly beat faster bikers in triathlons because of the time I put in swimming and running. Buy (or don’t buy) what you think you need/can afford that makes you happy and works for you.
I treat the whole high$ thing as an occaisionally new gear “reward” for achieving certain milestones in races or training (don’t own aero wheels, or have a $4000 bike), but I do have a really “hydro” speedo.
I think my number one question would be if you feel the same way about all sports and/or hobbies? Better running shoes, clipless pedals, better bats, better hockey sticks, better shoulder pads, etc. That’s called the evolution of sport.
Since I got an aero-framed tri bike and deep dish front/disc rear, having faster times than others isn’t as satisfying as it used to be. I am more aero on the bike than most of my competitors in local races, and a small part of me feels like I’m cheating. I also think that aero gear helps to make sure this sport is a rich (wo)man’s sport. Does anybody else wish races only allowed round-tubed traditional bikes with box rims so that the faster engine always won, no matter the budget?
I have all the aero stuff and understand. I wonder if my feelings of races not being as fun as they used to be is partly because of this.
I have wondered what would it be like if you paid $700 for a 5 year USAT license which included a VERY VERY base model bike which could not be made more aero.
Does anybody else wish races only allowed round-tubed traditional bikes with box rims so that the faster engine always won, no matter the budget?
Yup. Ban everything (fancy wheels, aero bars, fancy frames). Make the frame out of whatever you want, but tubes must be round, as god intended. (guess what, the same guys / gals would still be winning).
The same guys/gals would still be winning, but we’d all have a few more pounds/dollars/euros in our pocket and a bit more space in our garages!
Over the years I have seen lots of people on older, round tube frames out performing people on much more aero and expensive bikes. In most cases the best engine wins regardless of equipment The new gear and toys are part of what makes the sport exciting IMHO.
People would still find a way to spend $6k on the bike
See Forumla 1 for examples of what happens when you try to legislate costs. So many many lessons there. “Aluminum Berrylium is too costly and dangerous! ban anything stiffer than 5% stiffer than steel is”
f1 teams design new material exactly 5% stiffer than steel, which is even MORE expensive
Declare that tubes must be round, and the bike makers will ask within what tolerances round must be measured, and make them as aero as possible anyway. and use metal matrix to make the round tubes as thin as possible =)
Why do you care? How is some dude putting down huge bank taking away from your race?
Why do you care? How is some dude putting down huge bank taking away from your race?
I’ll tell you why…because I put down huge bank (well, p2k, used aero wheel setup), and when I finish in 3rd place by 20 seconds in front of a guy who rode a round-tubed bike from the 90’s, did I earn my podium spot or buy it? I feel like I bought 3rd place instead of 4th.
Why do you care? How is some dude putting down huge bank taking away from your race?
I’ll tell you why…because I put down huge bank (well, p2k, used aero wheel setup), and when I finish in 3rd place by 20 seconds in front of a guy who rode a round-tubed bike from the 90’s, did I earn my podium spot or buy it? I feel like I bought 3rd place instead of 4th.
Then quit sports. As I said before it’s called evolution and it is a part of every sport.
You’re kidding, right? Under your analysis limits should be placed on training (time and intensity) too? How about married, single and number of children divisions?
And don’t try golf, the technology that helps an average golfer would really piss you off.
Believe me, I’ve played golf for 20 years, and many of the pros and purists are embarrassed by what clubs today have evolved into to let the average player hit the ball deeper into the woods. I tend to favor sports where money doesn’t help to buy increased success. Sports like baseball, running, soccer, football, hockey, etc… Maybe I’m a purist, but I enjoy knowing my budget had nothing to do with beating somebody else. In triathlon, although the amount of time saved is relatively small, there is scientific data which proves if you spend some dough, you can buy some speed.
Why would I quit sports? I’m not saying I’m not having any fun, just not as much as I could if all things were equal. I guess me and the few others are in the minority, but we prefer competitors to toe the line on an equal ground. You speak of the evolution of sports, but how has baseball, soccer, football, running, basketball, etc. evolved to give some players an advantage if they spend more money? I don’t think they do.
Does anybody else wish races only allowed round-tubed traditional bikes with box rims so that the faster engine always won, no matter the budget?
Yup. Ban everything (fancy wheels, aero bars, fancy frames). Make the frame out of whatever you want, but tubes must be round, as god intended. (guess what, the same guys / gals would still be winning).
The bigger engine almost always wins anyhow. An analysis of Hawaii IM finish times shows they have actually gotten slower from 2000-2006 compared to 1990-1996. “Improved” aero equipment has had essentially zero impact on the sport IMHO.
He is not comparing overall improvement in time because of aero stuff. He is saying HIM with his aero equipment he feels like he is cheating.
As to someone who says aero equipment or not the same people would still be winning.
I know in my case that is NOT true. I win my division by a few seconds in some races or get on the podium by a few seconds. I am not naive I know if I didn’t not have the aero equipment or if the guy behind me DID have as nice equipment I would NOT have won.
You’re kidding, right? Under your analysis limits should be placed on training (time and intensity) too? How about married, single and number of children divisions?
And don’t try golf, the technology that helps an average golfer would really piss you off.
Believe me, I’ve played golf for 20 years, and many of the pros and purists are embarrassed by what clubs today have evolved into to let the average player hit the ball deeper into the woods. I tend to favor sports where money doesn’t help to buy increased success. Sports like baseball, running, soccer, football, hockey, etc… Maybe I’m a purist, but I enjoy knowing my budget had nothing to do with beating somebody else. In triathlon, although the amount of time saved is relatively small, there is scientific data which proves if you spend some dough, you can buy some speed.
Haha you included hockey in that?? Pros aren’t shooting 100+mph slap shots with wood sticks. The development of just sticks is insane the first time i shot a CF one piece stick i about shit. Not to mention the evolution of goalie pads being larger and lighter then before. So much so that they had to limit the size of them because they were getting to big.
Running they have built lighter shoes, I’m guessing spikes have improved over the years as well.
And so on. You can’t even say swiming hasn’t with the evolution of speedsuits. These are “cheap” compared to bike toys but they still increase your success and make you go faster.
Grant
Why would I quit sports? I’m not saying I’m not having any fun, just not as much as I could if all things were equal. I guess me and the few others are in the minority, but we prefer competitors to toe the line on an equal ground. You speak of the evolution of sports, but how has baseball, soccer, football, running, basketball, etc. evolved to give some players an advantage if they spend more money? I don’t think they do.
Answers to your questions:
-
Every post in this thread you have sounded like all you do is question yourself and your results…doesn’t sound like a lot of fun to me.
-
Baseball- better bats that are stronger, lighter and have larger sweet spots…and cost more money.
Soccer- better shoes that are lighter, promote touch and swerve, GK gloves that are specific to different conditions, uniforms that cool better.
Football- shoes that are lighter and give better grip of the surface, more protective pads, better practice equipment
Running- lighter shoes, shoes that promote certain styles of running, shoes that return energy, cooler clothing, clothing that is better in the elements.
Do I need to go on or will you just keep your eyes closed as to the evolution of sport when it comes to technology?
Triocd-
I know what you are saying, and agree to a certain extent with you, and with others re: evolution of the sport, competition, etc.
Yes, I have an aero tube bike and aero wheels. Based on how disciplined I feel I am w/ my training, I feel that these aforementioned items were rewards for my dedication and perseverance. Do I sometimes wish I hadn’t spent as much money? On occasion, yes. When I beat my friends whom I have nice competitions with - not a chance!
But seriously - I am the type of person who feels feel that I should work towards a respectable/big goal, and then reward myself. If I was half assin’ my training, and bought something to make me faster because I am not where I should be physically - then there would be a part of me that says “You don’t deserve this”, regardless how I finish in the rankings.
My bike setup may have some relative bling to it (Dual, 404’s), but when I pass or beat someone on a more expensive setup, it makes me feel good. But when someone with a less expensive setup passes me and I cant return the pass - then I need to work harder, and thats my motivation.
You guys actually take time to notice what bikes other people ride during the race. I couldn’t tell you 5 mins after the bike got over what bikes passed me or what kind of bike i passed. The only time i notice what bike people have is in transition.
Grant
nobody is forcing you to buy the aero toys. Take them off if you want satisfaction back
You’re kidding, right? Under your analysis limits should be placed on training (time and intensity) too? How about married, single and number of children divisions?
And don’t try golf, the technology that helps an average golfer would really piss you off.
Believe me, I’ve played golf for 20 years, and many of the pros and purists are embarrassed by what clubs today have evolved into to let the average player hit the ball deeper into the woods. I tend to favor sports where money doesn’t help to buy increased success. Sports like baseball, running, soccer, football, hockey, etc… Maybe I’m a purist, but I enjoy knowing my budget had nothing to do with beating somebody else. In triathlon, although the amount of time saved is relatively small, there is scientific data which proves if you spend some dough, you can buy some speed.
Haha you included hockey in that?? Pros aren’t shooting 100+mph slap shots with wood sticks. The development of just sticks is insane the first time i shot a CF one piece stick i about shit. Not to mention the evolution of goalie pads being larger and lighter then before. So much so that they had to limit the size of them because they were getting to big.
Running they have built lighter shoes, I’m guessing spikes have improved over the years as well.
And so on. You can’t even say swiming hasn’t with the evolution of speedsuits. These are “cheap” compared to bike toys but they still increase your success and make you go faster.
Grant
About the only sport I can think of where equipment is important but doesn’t play a role is in yachting. Yes, Yachting. Except for the big boats, most yachting races are in class boats. Everyone races the exact same thing. In general, the winner is the best sailor.
Other “pure sports”, where equipment doesn’t matter, include boxing, wrestling, judo, chess, etc.