Many of my colleagues are self-described “foodies,” emphasizing their appreciation for, and almost the necessity of, fine foods and wines. Likewise, many people I’ve talked with about bikes always want the best, whether it is their classic “holy grail” of something ultra-rare or the latest-and-greatest ultra-light carbon wünderbike. I’ve never quite understood either.
To me, both are about status and unnecessary consumption. That’s not to say I don’t appreciate quality (I eat fresh fruits and vegetables rather than canned, my road bike is equipped with Ultegra and not Sora, etc.), but I never feel I need or want the best. Yeah, it might look pretty or taste good, but at what cost? In food, I want something tasty and nutritious, but having something “gourmet” just makes me roll my eyes. In bikes, I want something that rides nicely and is reliable. Taste and ride quality are both quite subjective, I realize, but at some point enough is enough.
Case in point: I have two bikes from BikesDirect, a Motobecane road bike I bought as a frame and a Windsor 29er. I’m quite content with both. In the fixed gear realm, I ride an old Panasonic road conversion. It suits me well. In vintage, I’m rebuilding a 1985 Club Fuji. It’ll be right around 20lbs with tubular and Suntour Cyclone, but it’s nowhere near top of the line or exotic.
I like my toys (and my food), but I guess this is just area where I try to distance myself from wanton consumerism and keeping up with the Joneses.
(Sorry for the philosophy post. I'm just getting sick of hearing discussions of "good taste" and constant desires to upgrade people's bikes...)
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