Bikes
For the first time in more than a month, I did my 40 mile ride today. This is the farthest I've ridden the fixed gear with the taller gearing. I wasn't racing, but my time was acceptable. I had more in me and felt fresh at the end, so I will push harder next time. That being said, I still dropped a few people and don't recall anyone passing me. :)
I got to Bike Barn at the end of the official ride and listened to a couple of guys chatting about their bikes. One was riding a very high end bike (MSRP: ~$6000) and was giving some good advice to the other guy about what to look for in a bike and components. This is all well and good, but I had throw in my own observation and mention that the slowest thing about my bike was me, and that I saw no point in upgrading my bike until I was in better shape.
That garnered a peek at my fixed gear from the guy looking to buy, but I don't think he got it.
I'm not going to tell someone how to spend their money (because I know I waste a lot of mine), but I just don't get buying an expensive bike if you're not regularly racing or doing serious tours. Most of the money that makes up the cost of these high end bikes is in componentry that weighs less and exotic frame material and geometry. I can lose a few grams just by eating better, and without a coach to tell me how to maximize my genetic potential to improve my form, I don't see the point in buying the latest frame style.
It's all marketing, though, just like it doesn't take a $200 pair of shoes to run well or own on the basketball court.
I will probably buy a high end bike at some point, but it will be custom built and painted, and it will be after one of the following two conditions:
1) I've done a century in under 6 hours, including breaks.
2) I'm riding a distance that requires a touring bike to carry camping supplies and food, say a 500+ mile self supported trip.
In the meantime, I will continue to ride my fixed gear when I can, and I will be smug when I keep up with or pass someone on a more expensive bike that has gears. :)
