New to cycling

[blueoval]

Im in love with this bike. But how do I justify the 6.5k price tag???

[NTF6]

Take it from someone who bought a hard tail (Scott Aspect 740) and then 6 months later upgraded to a full suspension ( Trek Remedy 8) I should have done more research because the hard tail fails dismally compared to the Trek. I ride a lot of all mountain and the full suspension eats that stuff up easily and at 52 the full suspension is so much kinder to my body. If I was going to commute and do just the odd flat boring dirt tracks then the hard tail will suffice but my Trek has no problem with the paths and roads in between the bush tracks. I did a 40k MTB on my hard tail one day that was gruelling and then suffered for 6 weeks with a sore tail bone. I now do harder longer rides on my full suspension with ease and actually back it up with another ride the next day, something I couldn't have done on my hard tail. I'm also a big fan of 1x drive trains for out in the bush for simplicity and ease of use, something most 1k bikes don't come with.

[NTF6]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Im in love with this bike. But how do I justify the 6.5k price tag???

image

If spending 6.5k on a bike doesn't put you in the poor house then I say go for it. We don't live just to pay bills and die.

[DBourne]

Easily Shav.

You don't have many vices, you work hard and take care of the house / family first, so why not? Not like you're gonna drop another $6K on a bike next week, then the next..

Plus, sell the focus and recoupe some of the cost..

Plus I like to work off the formula that once you're down to $1 per K, it's written off..

That's Bourne-economics for ya!

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by DBourne

Easily Shav.

You don't have many vices, you work hard and take care of the house / family first, so why not? Not like you're gonna drop another $6K on a bike next week, then the next..

Plus, sell the focus and recoupe some of the cost..

Plus I like to work off the formula that once you're down to $1 per K, it's written off..

That's Bourne-economics for ya!

Love your work mate. Hard to beat that line of thinking

[DBourne]

I have to convince you, since I spent many dollars on the Propel haha.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by DBourne

I have to convince you, since I spent many dollars on the Propel haha.

The propel was my next choice believe it or not. Since you got your's it just made me want another bike and I also have the N+1 equation in my head at the moment too. haha

Makes me want to set up the Focus for hills and have the Venge Pro for flat runs.

[Batmobile]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Im in love with this bike. But how do I justify the 6.5k price tag???

image

Do what i do. Break it down into rides per week per year and you will soon see its only works out to a coffee per day . Haha
Its true what they say the older we get the more expensive our toys get

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by Batmobile

Do what i do. Break it down into rides per week per year and you will soon see its only works out to a coffee per day . Haha
Its true what they say the older we get the more expensive our toys get

Tell me about it. haha. Problem is I have too many wants on the list.

[Batmobile]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Tell me about it. haha. Problem is I have too many wants on the list.

Isn't that the truth !

[mik]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Im in love with this bike. But how do I justify the 6.5k price tag???

image

Here for a good time ..... not a long time ?

[mik]

Originally Posted by GTpilot

I got one of these, but I have not used it since I seen this.

http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb...paign=15_12_17

i have been looking around all over the place again , including on ebay etc, at what i think are decent quality lights for those night rides , and had another look at lights at ivanhoe cycles today ,
i have gone to the other extreme this time from ebay cheap rubbish, to "oh my god im breaking into a cold sweat" as i handed the dosh over a cool $ 329.00 ,
i have these spur of the moment times when i think to myself i do not want to come back and have to buy another if this mongrel is not good enough .
They actually had a fair range of lights, but at the time i bought the bike i dont remember seeing any better lights than the one i bought at the time.
Today they also had a 2000 lumen light set , but 1300 is plenty for this little black duck .

Anyway today i was perusing the higher end lights and the one that took my fancy came in like a small case branded "Moon x power 1300" , it looked like a quality item and comes with a smart charger , not just a run of the mill charger, it also has a remote button on about an 8 inch wire should you need to bring the controls a little closer , but i dont think you would need it, the light mounted in the usual place on the handle bars would be easy access as the illuminated control button is on the top of the light.
the battery also has a 5 led charge indicator to monitor charging progress,

it does appear the battery has a usb socket so you can also charge via a computer, though i could not see it mentioned in the instruction booklet, also comes with a long cable (about a metre) should you need to mount the battery further away.
i put about 10 % charge in the battery and took it out in the street for a burl, i think you could get away with the low setting most of the time , but 2 looked very nice to me , 3 is very bright , the light is a flood light so for street use it will need some serious downward angle.
, i may see if i can make a shield for it to cut some of the light above off above handle bar/headlight level, see how it goes anyway .
i found a bit of very average quality video of said light ..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74yn3m_LJFw

when i get it set up properly next night ride i`ll throw a piccy or two of some night shots.

[GTpilot]

Originally Posted by mik

Bugger ! thanks for the warning mate , oh well i will look for another .

Just a warning dude!
Given there would have been millions of these sold worldwide there is always the chance that this can happen to a small amount. I've left mine charging for long periods and never had any issues. I charge it out in the shed too, so if it does catch fire it's no big loss, I'll still have a house to sleep in at night.

I plan to make a different pack up with cels from Jaycar and use a different charger. Might not get the runtime but still get to use what is an awesome light but safer.

[GTpilot]

Originally Posted by blueoval

Im in love with this bike. But how do I justify the 6.5k price tag???

Because you love it so much you will ride it more.
More riding equals better fitness and quality of life.
DO NOT SELL THE FOCUS.
It becomes a "B bike". So you take it out in the rain etc and not be scared to get it wet. Thus you will ride more = see result of point one.
Some other thoughts to consider.
You only live once
It's only money
Sell the wife
Sell the house
Got any kids?
Forgiveness is and easier ask than permission.
Look honey we now have two bikes so you can come too!! ;)
Etc.

[roKWiz]

Hope you guys don't mind.
Thought I would add this pic here for mik, from the truck threads.
Yes the Raven does ride better, though I haven't been down the forest trails yet with the K100.

[Batmobile]

Originally Posted by GTpilot

Because you love it so much you will ride it more.
More riding equals better fitness and quality of life.
DO NOT SELL THE FOCUS.
It becomes a "B bike". So you take it out in the rain etc and not be scared to get it wet. Thus you will ride more = see result of point one.
Some other thoughts to consider.
You only live once
It's only money
Sell the wife
Sell the house
Got any kids?
Forgiveness is and easier ask than permission.
Look honey we now have two bikes so you can come too!! ;)
Etc.

Here I was thinking I was the only one who thought like that . Pleased to hear I am not alone . Bonus to find like minded individuals who enjoy what comes from riding and driving

[Batmobile]

Originally Posted by GTpilot

Because you love it so much you will ride it more.
More riding equals better fitness and quality of life.
DO NOT SELL THE FOCUS.
It becomes a "B bike". So you take it out in the rain etc and not be scared to get it wet. Thus you will ride more = see result of point one.
Some other thoughts to consider.
You only live once
It's only money
Sell the wife
Sell the house
Got any kids?
Forgiveness is and easier ask than permission.
Look honey we now have two bikes so you can come too!! ;)
Etc.

Although of late , I too having been dreaming of updating the good girl . I too have always had a training , wet rides , ride to work , commuter bike and all along the good girl sits waiting in the bedroom wondering when will it be her turn .
I guess a bit like the poor souls/girls in "farmer wants a wife"
The years roll on , and the k's build up on the other bikes , they get washed , parts replaced , and all along on the good girl just sits there and I keep promising to take her out
When I do take her out , it's like the world is in slow motion , the group speed is much too slow , the difference is noticeable .
When do take the good girl out and it's sits amongst the others when we finally stop for breakfast and coffee , I wonder why I don't ride her more often ?
Agree , life is too short and I finding as I get on, I think about it more , and I am starting to re assess what is important

[mik]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

Hope you guys don't mind.
Thought I would add this pic here for mik, from the truck threads.
Yes the Raven does ride better, though I haven't been down the forest trails yet with the K100.

image

Very nice mate, no bike rack needed , I concur also, the Raven might ride better. , brings back memories that pic does, mine was same color, even had same checker plate in the same place.

[Syndrome]

I want this bike http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/...2/22273/84183/

Interesting to note a lot of the 2016 Giant road bikes have blue colour schemes.

[roKWiz]

Nice road bike, even though I'm not a roadie fan of late, I would scavenge around to find the cash for that $6 500 one.

Did a nice ride around Coffs this morn, my favourite Scribbly gum on the trail.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by GTpilot

Because you love it so much you will ride it more.
More riding equals better fitness and quality of life.
DO NOT SELL THE FOCUS.
It becomes a "B bike". So you take it out in the rain etc and not be scared to get it wet. Thus you will ride more = see result of point one.
Some other thoughts to consider.
You only live once
It's only money
Sell the wife
Sell the house
Got any kids?
Forgiveness is and easier ask than permission.
Look honey we now have two bikes so you can come too!! ;)
Etc.

you sir are a friken genius

No kids so thats easy.
Mortgage is very low
Currently car has taken higher precedence but that may have to change.
Do have a tax bill coming in a few months that will rape me
The bike shop does do layby
Wife wants the same in cash for her to what I spend on the bike so it's effectively double the price.
Wife doesnt ride as often as I do and I only go out once a week at best.
Im superficial
Want to Keep the focus as the back up bike. Plus n+1
Did I mention N+1?

[prydey]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

Hope you guys don't mind.
Thought I would add this pic here for mik, from the truck threads.
Yes the Raven does ride better, though I haven't been down the forest trails yet with the K100.

image

Kenworths will shake the teeth out your head on a smooth road so hate to take it on a trail.

[DBourne]

I'm actually picking up a Defy on the weekend, Syndrome the one under the one you posted.

I just can't afford the Ultegra + hydro disc brakes unfortunately..

[Adamz Ghia]

Does anyone have any experience with, or know anything about, KTM mountain bikes, either hard tail or dual suspension?

[geckoGT]

The build is finished for now on my Merckx, I am still going to replace the bars and stem but that will occur later when I have some cash to spend.

So as I said before the biggest change is moving from a 2002-2003 Shimano Dura Ace groupset that has seen way too many km's to a brand new Campagnolo Record 11 mechanical groupset. For the new groupset I opted to go to a semi compact crankset with a 52/36 combo instead of the standard 53/39 I was running before. That should be a better set up for me considering I do a lot of climbing in my area and even getting home requires me finishing on a 13% climb.

I had a few changes on plans on the wheels as I was initially planning on a set of Campag Shamals, then decided to convert my 2003 Campag Eurus wheels to 11 speed as an interim solution. I am still going to convert the Eurus as a backup set of wheels as they still have a bit of life left in them. I found a set of Mavic Ksyrium SLS in the shop the other day at a good price so I ended up impulse buying them and they came home with me. So now the Ksyriums are on and the bike is back on the road.

In the end the whole change of groupset and wheels has slashed nearly 800g off the total weight of the bike with over 300g being in the wheels alone. Now the bike is positively dripping in carbon with it featuring heavily on the cranks, derailleurs, shifters, forks, seat post and of course the frame. Now I just need some carbon bars as you cannot have too much carbon. The build went well with no major issues although the Campag chain joining pin is a pain the backside.

First ride was today, just a flattish 40km to see how how it goes. The biggest thing was it was delightlful having a bike that is no longer full of rattles and noises, just the whir of the gears and the hum of the tyres. The Ksyriums roll very well with good stiffness and seem very responsive although some of this may be the tyres that came with them. I would have to throw on the 25mm Conti GP400s that I was running before to confirm how much of it is wheel and how much is tyre. The shift on the group set is excellent, so crisp and direct but I have to admit I was expecting nothing less. I have had a few gear change issues with selecting the wrong gear due to being used to Shimano and now on Campag but I will get used to them. I prefer the Campag set up on mechanicals as the brake lever is not used to change gear.

So the ride felt great but I will have to get the bike out more often as I have not been out much recently. My old worn out bike was annoying me so much I had lost motivation to ride, no excuses now.

I will post up some pics when I have taken some.

[GTpilot]

Nice work Gecko. Great choice on the Mavics, they are a nice wheel set.

[Whitey-AMG]

I have a set of mavic ksyrium SL's on my ride. 2008/9 odd vintage. They have turned out to be a great wheel set and thanks to GTpilot they are now running an 11 speed ultegra cassette. Reliable , not overly heavy and quite responsive and still very sexy looking !

I guess the SLS are an upgraded version of the SL ?

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by Bluey-GT

I have a set of mavic ksyrium SL's on my ride. 2008/9 odd vintage. They have turned out to be a great wheel set and thanks to GTpilot they are now running an 11 speed ultegra cassette. Reliable , not overly heavy and quite responsive and still very sexy looking !

I guess the SLS are an upgraded version of the SL ?

I think the major changes are a carbon shell on the front hub and a bit more metal taken off the rims to decrease weight.

I have to admit they were not really on my radar but the price was good so I gave them a second thought. I ended up picking them up from my favourite bike shop for the same cost of a set of Shamals through Chain Reaction, local buy appeals to me on wheels in case I have warranty issues. The added bonus is they come complete with tyres, a set of Mavic Yksion Pro tyres in 23mm. I have noted it must be a small 23mm as they are visibly narrower than the 23mm Conti GP 4000s I have on the wife's bike. I was worried they might be a bit harsh on the poor quality roads around my place but they did not seem to bad, I can always swap them out for my 25mm Conti GP 4000s if I need to.

I had a pair of the first Mavic Ksyriums released which was back in about 2001. They were a good wheel but they did flex a lot and difficult to keep true when they were a few years old with a lot of km's on them. Seems they did not handle fatigue well. I have not heard of other people having that issue with the later models so it appears they have fixed that problem.

[mik]

some awesome gear for bikes now, i googled mavic wheels ..... nice gear
, i went for a short ride tonight, i was almost going to quit at a couple of k`s distance and head for home as it started heavy spitting for a while so i did a big lap of the area and it did not seem to get any harder , so i decided id risk it and do a quick fifteen k`s , glad i did now , it constantly drizzled , but did not get any worse( i hate trying to judge weather ) , and not a big fan of riding in the rain .
i took a pic of the new 1300 lumen bike light, wow , maaaagnificent bit of gear i have to say, night riding is not a chore you can see heaps.
i mounted the extension/remote button on the gooseneck , , it worked fantastic , i`ll see if i can upload a pic , a few of clicks of the button and the light is down on lowest setting , 4 levels of brightness and + flashing modes, i think you would getaway around the streets with level 2 , 3 or 4 might be doing a dis service to oncoming pedestrians and motorists. expensive , but worth the dough for serious night riding i think.

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by Bluey-GT

I have a set of mavic ksyrium SL's on my ride. 2008/9 odd vintage. They have turned out to be a great wheel set and thanks to GTpilot they are now running an 11 speed ultegra cassette. Reliable , not overly heavy and quite responsive and still very sexy looking !

I guess the SLS are an upgraded version of the SL ?

Ksyrium SLS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMmjE41mq5Y

Ksyrium SL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLQr6E7lGrQ

Appears the major changes was the weight reducing milling on the sides of the rim and more slender spokes.