Comments on: Dolla Dolla bills Yo!

By: Bob

Bob — Fri, 02 May 2008 17:21:31 +0000

As a mountain biker, I agree with Kevin about the harsher environment. All the upgrades I’ve made to my bike were because I broke the part getting replaced and needed something stronger.

By: alisorider

alisorider — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:50:17 +0000

Commuter bikes should be cheap or just “good enough” because you may want to leave (or park) them outside when running errands. Thieves wouldn’t bother.

By: Ghost Rider

Ghost Rider — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:26:31 +0000

Roadies seem pretty willing to buy upgrades for weight-savings and bling factor, or merely for upgrading’s sake (got to impress your riding partners, right?).

Funny thing is, a lot of the roadies I see could stand to lose some weight around their midsections rather than spend X dollars to save 10 grams on their stems or bars.

By: Kevin B

Kevin B — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:35:40 +0000

I do both, mtb alot and commute on a bike about 5 miles each way. I spend WAY more on the mtb just because things wear out faster and break more often due to more miles, a harsher environment, and all those damn rocks (but I do love them). Basically my commute bike spending has been new wheels when I wore through the rims and blew the rear out while airing it up and a new drive train after it finally got to the point of skipping too badly. MTB, lets not go there, I hate to think about it. But Im not the kind of guy who upgrades just to upgrade, when something wears out or breaks Ill consider an upgrade but paying extra just to shave a few grams isn’t my style.

By: Neil

Neil — Fri, 02 May 2008 13:12:44 +0000

i have to agree. although i’m not a commuter but i’d like to be (i have a 60+ mile round trip to work). i know the urge to have better is always there. i have a 2 month old GF HiFi deluxe and i’m already wanting to upgrade the wheels and seat. whats your experience with road bikers? i know at our LBS the roadies tend to spend more just to save a few ounces.

By: Ghost Rider

Ghost Rider — Fri, 02 May 2008 11:23:23 +0000

I don’t think you’re wrong…but I think that most recreational cyclists like to upgrade and be a bit of a “component geek”, regardless of the discipline (tri, road or MTB).

I think you’re right on the money about commuters — they see their bikes as transportation first and recreation second, so they might be a bit more conservative in spending money for upgrades. Although, I must add that a lot of commuters like to upgrade the safety and comfort equipment before they upgrade drivetrain components!