After yet another thread busting on people with expensive gear I just feel compelled to present the other side of the story. First the facts, before someone gets all up tight…
Yes, I own a $6K “zipped out Kuota” (as it was put in a previous thread). I have twice ridden it to 1:07 40k bike splits this year. 1:07 is not the blistering pace of many really fast guys, but I was very happy with it, especially considering that most of my training has been dedicated to slower and longer IM prep. My first IM is Nov. 5 so I have no data to provide.
I look very athletic, but most of that is from years spent competing at a high level in other sports (mostly volleyball). I have cycled for a number of years just for the pure enjoyment of it, but I never competed (well two very insignificant races). When I toe the line at IM FL it will be almost 2 years to the day since the first day I showed up to the pool and started to train for triathlons. So although I have steadily improved over the last two years I am still slow compared to many (best olympic in 2:30:25, I am a sorry runner). I guess I look much faster than I really am.
I love bikes. I would own 50+ if I had the money, and ride a different one every day. I only buy pieces and parts and build my bikes up myself. I’ve helped lots of guys update their bikes as well. I do it for free because I just enjoy it, it is relaxing (and the guys were my friends too). I didn’t just up and buy my Kuota because I had $6000 laying around, I saved for it for a long time (I actually had to save much more than $6000, I needed another $4000 to bribe the wife with a few new pieces for livingroom). It was a lesson in perserverence.
So finally back to the expensive bike = poser debate. It may surprise some of you to know that there are people in triathlon that have expensive gear for their own enjoyment and could really care less what other people think about them. At each race I set goals for myself, and they are the only numbers that matter to me. If I reach those goals I am probably as excited and happy as the winner. If I happen to be sharing my joy with my family or friends, and you overhear it and think I am an ass for being happy with 100th place, well I am sorry. I also feel bad for you that you haven’t yet learned in life the value of personal achievement.
This also means I ride my expensive bike for me, for my enjoyment. I actually get quite uncomfortable when someone says “nice bike”. Afterall, I didn’t design it, or fabricate any of the parts. Perhaps I can take credit for picking an attractive combination and putting it together, but for the most part all I did was pay for it. So how am I to respond??? Passerby: “Nice Bike”, Me: “Thanks, I’m a rich asshole” Perhaps I should just collect up all of the compliments and pass them on to the folks at Kuota, Zipp, VisionTech, etc… afterall THEY earned them, not me. Don’t get me wrong, if someone has questions about my bike, or wants my opinion on one of the parts I am more than happy to share my experiences with them. I just get uncomfortable being complimented for something that required nothing more than for me to pay for it. I do NOT consider a purchase to be an achievement (earning money can be an achievement, saving money can be an achievement, but anyone can spend it once they have it).
Oh yeah… this does NOT make me want to quit triathlon.
The ones of comment the most are probably driving real expensive cars, now talk about a waste of money. Or they eat out 5 nights a week, or
Bottom line, enjoy life. I have a bike in this same price range. Pretty dumb but what am I going to do, leave money to the kids, NO WAY! I earned it, I am going to spend it for fun stuff. Most wait until they just do ocean cruises. NOT ME, I want real toys.
Simply to point out a different perspective, and perhaps to explain that the guy you think acted like an ass when you said “nice bike”, might have just been wishing that you would mind your own business because your comment put them in an uncomfortable situation.
So basically I was trying to point out that we rarely know the whole story and should just all try a little bit harder to get along.
I am sure I have posted this before in some other thread, but if you really want to see it…
BTW, I am sure I could have saved a bit by buying a complete bike from somewhere, but part of the joy of a new bike is getting a box full of parts and lovingly assembling each piece.
You sound like a humble guy who appreciates a quality bike. Nothin wrong with that. You’ve earned it in the literal sense so who cares? Life’s too short to worry what people think about one’s bike.
1:07 is nothing to sneeze at, I think it’s a very good time.
I know the bike is my strongest discipline, but I really suck as a runner. I would probably be much better off biking a 1:10, but then running 10 minutes faster. Like I said, I have only been at this for 2 years so I am still trying figure all of this stuff out.
I am also concerned that I probably should have waited another year before trying an IM, but it is too late to worry that now. I know I will enjoy it through the end of the bike, but man that marathon has me scared to death already (and the sharks have me worried too, but that is a different issue altogether).
That is a Fizik Arione Tri and it totally bitchin’.
I love the Arione Tri so much I recently picked up the standard Arione for my road bike (just an old 1997 Trek 5200, purchased back before the “Lance Tax” came into effect) and I find it a great saddle as well. Of course saddles are a very individual thing, so don’t take this as a recommendation. What I recommend is finding a bike shop that has sample saddles you can try out for a few rides each, and then pick the one that your bottom likes best.
good luck at your first IM… from what little i know, you’ve made a great choice in selecting the kuota kalibur. 1:07 40k is darn good for only your second yr at racing…
on another note, i used to live in kennessaw. actually, i’ll be heading back up there just before thanksgiving to visit some friends for a couple days, would you be interested in riding? i figure to ask, we are about the same bike level, my 40ks have been from approx. 1hr to 1:05 this yr
I am sure I have posted this before in some other thread, but if you really want to see it…
BTW, I am sure I could have saved a bit by buying a complete bike from somewhere, but part of the joy of a new bike is getting a box full of parts and lovingly assembling each piece.
Nice bike.
Why do you feel uncomfortable when someone says that?
I think it is all about a healthy lifestyle. I like being 53 and using no meds.To be able to ride a 100 miles or swim across the lake when I want to is great. If having a piece of equipment makes us train more. Get a new bike, shoes ,sox HRM,laptop, headband, hat ,radio .Just enjoy the fact we can get out and ride run swim box b ball even eck golf if you walk .
You know for an AG to be riding 22-23 mph (which is about what your 40K was) is pretty darn good if it was on flats. Even better if some hills were in your way. Just go out and enjoy the bike and be proud that you put it together yourself. Good luck at IMFL.
The bike is my strongest discipline too and I also did IMFL in my second year. Just go easy on the bike and be fueled for the run. Because you can ride 22.5 in an oly, you will probably be able to ride 5:36 with ease at the IM. Run easy for as long as you can. You’ll be fine.
Don’t worry about the sharks they won’t bother anyone.
