So, I have been enjoying my first tri bike, Kuota K-Factor, but what will be an indicator for when I should think about getting a higher performance bike?
- When you’re too good for the bike; that is, the bike is slowing you down because the “motor” is limited by the bike.
- When you find something you think is cool, that you can afford.
I’d optimize your current bike first with aero wheels, aero helmet, aero base bar, etc. You’d likely get more performance for your money this way than with a more expensive frame.
Oh boy - you are definitely asking on the wrong forum with that question!
Really, you get a new bike when:
a) you crash or the frame breaks
b) you somehow just don’t fit anymore on your current bike
- recent spinal cord fusion/back surgery, horrible traumatic accident, etc.
but most likely:
c) you come into some money that is burning a hole and is not going to get invested anyway so …
d) bike envy - just looks cool - you are sure to be faster on the new steed
and…
e) the new carbon-weed is far superior to the old crappy one… And looks way cooler.
and…
e) the new carbon-weed is far superior to the old crappy one… And looks way cooler.
Yeah, I’ve been thinking about trying some of that carbon weed. What the hell - everything else I own seems to be from the infernal stuff, might as well smoke it 
I was thinking he’s barking up the wrong tree, what with all the industry types hanging around trying to (surprise!) sell bikes.
Nonetheless, it’s a question I’ve been asking lately as well. With running shoes experts say you should switch them out every 5-600 miles. Is there no such rule of thumb with a bike?
I know plenty of people riding 10- and 15-year-old frames with newer components and better wheels but my frame, components and body are five years older than when I bought it, I don’t feel I’ve gotten any faster despite training better each year and I think it’s time for a change (starting sound like the team president in a press release after firing the GM).
LOL:) - That is how much my english spelling is working. - is it “weave” ?!
If you are at least moderaetly serious about Tri’s and/or TT’s and don’t have a Cervelo P3C, then its time to get one. Tim
How long have you had your bike? the K-Factor just came out 2-3 years ago so it should still be new. Assuming your K-Factor has a 105 and/or Ultegra component group and you’ve never crashed, the bike you have is fine for your needs.
Based on your question, me thinks you WANT another bike. I say go for it if you have the money!
If you’ve not gotten any faster, how do you know you are training better? It might be time for a change, but I’d look for things besides the bike to change.
When your wife is on vacation.
F ) You were originally sold the wrong sized bike and now realize you can not fit properly and or safely to it.
When you have the money for one and want one.
A faster bike will make you faster no matter your skill level. In fact the slower you are the more time you will save with a better bike.
My own philosophy on this is I’ll get a better bike when doing so has a reasonable chance of putting me on the podium
JerseyQuaker,
Here’s a thought. How about when your riding progresses to a point where it begins to exceed what the bike was engineered for?
Otherwise, just get a new bike whenever you feel like it. When you’ve got the extra cash, when some new bike becomes the bike of the month or the year, or when some pro comes out of the pack with an awesome performance on some “undiscovered” bike.
I think some also ran BOP cyclist some years ago responded when he was asked how to get better, “ride the bike, ride the bike, ride the bike.” Unscramble the letters and discover who that was. dyde cexrmk
Please note that he did not say “buy the bike, buy the bike, buy the bike.”
When she’s screaming your name.
When you close your eyes and all you see is her.
When you open your eyes and she’s all you can think about.
When you can afford a new mistress.
I once had a girlfriend who told me “it’s always the right time for diamonds”. We didn’t last too long.
BUT - it’s (almost) always the right time for a new/another bike.
When she’s screaming your name.
When you close your eyes and all you see is her.
When you open your eyes and she’s all you can think about.
When you can afford a new mistress.
I once had a girlfriend who told me “it’s always the right time for diamonds”. We didn’t last too long.
BUT - it’s (almost) always the right time for a new/another bike.
This made me laugh. My wife is Australia for a marathon, so I figured I’d get a bike out of the deal since I am bored. Albeit, a mountain bike. I got a Cannondale F4 today, however, it is raining cats and dogs still here so no playtime today.
I’m with you- my wife went to visit family out of the country last April, and the family room looked like the backroom of a bike shop for the entire time. It was great, and she barely noticed the latest addition (nor the new wheelset)…
My wife is a corporate bean counter and rides herself, so believe me she will notice. This is my first MTN rig so this should be a whole new learning experience.