Bike Lust, internal struggle or brought on by society?

[chengher87]

Can we designate Bike Lust into the same category as sex addiction for a faux list of diseases and disorders?

Here is the backstory. I used to bike quite a bit in my childhood and high school days. Once I got to college, I stopped. Mostly because my college was in the middle of a busy and precariously bike-laned city. Drivers would constantly have little disregard for cyclists and cyclists would constantly have little disregard for rules of the road and stop-lights. All throughout this period, I never once looked at a bike, nor did I have the desire to ride one. My first road bike was a crappy Benny's (anyone remember Bennys!!!?) 2x7 speed. Just bought a new road bike within the last year (Specialized Allez Elite 04') and love riding it. But I find myself scouring craigslist, ebay, here and other forums for an n+1. Granted my bike lust hasn't reached it's apex (because I'm just perusing, not buying.....yet), but I can feel the urge to buy...rising....rising....

So, my question is, is bike lust an internal struggle or is it caused by YOU people and your constant showing how beautiful your bikes are and making me feel inadequate about my compact bike (that works just fine, thank you very much!!).

BTW, your bikes are really stunning!

[Steve in SLO]

So, my question is, is bike lust an internal struggle or is it caused by YOU people and your constant showing how beautiful your bikes are

In short, yes and yes.

[AngryScientist]

it's the same as anything else you become very interested in. cars, watches, coffee machines, golf, shooting, etc, etc.

logically we know what we have is adequate, but it's passion that drives the bus towards the greener grass.

be thankful you're looking at a new bike, not a new speedboat or that last hit of coke.

[firerescuefin]

Hi everyone.....my name is Geoff...and I am addicted to bike riding, bike porn, and pretty much anything to do with bicycles.:help:

[mktng]

I get a talking to once every few days from my gf. Telling me that I have a serious problem. I just say. Yes..yes I do.

[christian]

Brought on by the guys here.

The more I post on forums, the more bikes I want. The more I ride, the fewer bikes I want.

[chengher87]

Hi everyone.....my name is Geoff...and I am addicted to bike riding, bike porn, and pretty much anything to do with bicycles.:help:

I was recently sent this attachment in an email by several friends.

[firerescuefin]

I was recently sent this attachment in an email by several friends.

Love it!....as long as the "other woman" is my bike...my wife tolerates/ somewhat encourages it:)

[charliedid]

Brought on by the guys here.

The more I post on forums, the more bikes I want. The more I ride, the fewer bikes I want.

This ^

[buldogge]

Are you from Mass.? The Benny's is still open, downtown, in my hometown (Middleborough).

My lust is caused by the endless possibilities...there are so many great frames and not enough time/money!

-Mark in St. Louis

Can we designate Bike Lust into the same category as sex addiction for a faux list of diseases and disorders?

Here is the backstory. I used to bike quite a bit in my childhood and high school days. Once I got to college, I stopped. Mostly because my college was in the middle of a busy and precariously bike-laned city. Drivers would constantly have little disregard for cyclists and cyclists would constantly have little disregard for rules of the road and stop-lights. All throughout this period, I never once looked at a bike, nor did I have the desire to ride one. My first road bike was a crappy Benny's (anyone remember Bennys!!!?) 2x7 speed. Just bought a new road bike within the last year (Specialized Allez Elite 04') and love riding it. But I find myself scouring craigslist, ebay, here and other forums for an n+1. Granted my bike lust hasn't reached it's apex (because I'm just perusing, not buying.....yet), but I can feel the urge to buy...rising....rising....

So, my question is, is bike lust an internal struggle or is it caused by YOU people and your constant showing how beautiful your bikes are and making me feel inadequate about my compact bike (that works just fine, thank you very much!!).

BTW, your bikes are really stunning!

[chengher87]

Are you from Mass.? The Benny's is still open, downtown, in my hometown (Middleborough).

My lust is caused by the endless possibilities...there are so many great frames and not enough time/money!

-Mark in St. Louis

I'm originally from Rhode Island and there are still few Benny's open, but I haven't been in a LONG time. My old high school Theology teacher used to work there and fixed my bike from time to time.

Tell me about it! My dream frame is the Ocean blue and orange euskaltel Orbea aluminum frame from the early 2000s. I've yet to find one in time to buy (that's my size). There was one on ebay a few days ago and I missed it and an even better deal showed up on a bicycle trading site for 500 bucks affixed with an Ultegra groupset and I also missed it!! There is one that is currently available out in Boulder, but the guy wants 1k for it and I can't justify paying that much for it. So onward I will scour the internet, until my task is done!

[texbike]

It is a sickness and yes, I could personally use an intervention.

Over the years I've done the same thing with old Alfas, Volvos, BMWs, and guitars. The bikes are definitely cheaper and take up less space (except for the guitars) but I really need to stop jacking around with new bike projects and dedicate the energy to something more productive.

Texbike

[jr59]

Brought on by the guys here.

The more I post on forums, the more bikes I want. The more I ride, the fewer bikes I want.

I think this sounds about right for me.

I hurt my shoulder BADLY last July. I had 3 very nice bikes at the time. I was riding a LOT! Every day!

Now 9 months latter, just get to start ridding again, but now I have 9 bikes.

I really need to go N-1!

[thwart]

Originally Posted by christian
The more I post on forums, the more bikes I want. The more I ride, the fewer bikes I want.
This ^

This, squared.

And what does that say about this place...? :rolleyes:

[pinkshogun]

I live within 3 miles of 2 Benny's store locations. i can get a frisbee, 27" bike tires, fishing tackel, and flourescent spray paint in one pass!

[DonH]

N+1 bikes can be a dangerous thing, but there are worse things to lust after.
Bennys is a great store btw. There is one in Old Saybrook,CT that I have been to.

[alessandro]

I think I've identified part of the issue here:

My old high school Theology teacher used to work there and fixed my bike from time to time.

Did he by any chance look like this?
1697859431

Definitely an internal struggle. Your bike lust is simply an external manifestation of your existential dilemma. You found your way here--you must have been looking for something. Were you really satisfied with your 2x7 Benny's?

This exploration should be seen as benign. (Of course, like any other overindulgence bordering on monomania, it may lead to problems for others in your life, such as inability to take interest in work, family, non-bike friends, other topics, as well as depleted 401(k) and hoarding issues, overstuffed garage, etc.)

I would call it a new period of education in your life, parallel to mine (Why, if Campy is considered superior to other componentry, is not the leader in the marketplace? Why did Hetchins make bikes with not just amazing curly lugs, but also kinky chainstays?). It can even be healthy, if you spend part of the time actually riding. But it's not us. Nuh-uh. No.

[gregj]

So, my question is, is bike lust an internal struggle or is it caused by YOU people and your constant showing how beautiful your bikes are and making me feel inadequate about my compact bike (that works just fine, thank you very much!!).

IMO, the latter. The internet has made it really easy to share information, but that means you know a lot about what's out there that you don't have. Back in the day (did I just write that?) you had to scour obscure and specialty magazines and drive miles to go check out that one shop that had the pro stuff (whatever it was---music, instruments, bikes, etc.). Now it's all at your fingertips, and seeing it gives you want it.

I struggle with it all the time.

[InspectorGadget]

Whether we're talking about skis, bikes, cars or motorcycles, I suffer from chronic new-shiny-itis and have for as long as I can remember.

The Greeks said if you never want anything, you'll never be unhappy. Those ancient dead bastards are right too. The times in my life I've been most unhappy have been when I want a new _______________ and couldn't have it.

There is no 12-step program for people like us.

[ryker]

The poor and disenfranchised do not have a monopoly on suffering. It's a human condition. For those suffering from acute materialism, I recommend an overland trip across India.

[weaponsgrade]

Many yrs ago when I was dating my then girlfriend now wife I setup one of my bikes for her and we went for a ride in the park. We ran into a guy I worked with. He knew I was into bikes and I started telling him about the bikes we were on before introducing the girlfriend. My wife has never forgotten it.

[I Want Sachs?]

Many yrs ago when I was dating my then girlfriend now wife I setup one of my bikes for her and we went for a ride in the park. We ran into a guy I worked with. He knew I was into bikes and I started telling him about the bikes we were on before introducing the girlfriend. My wife has never forgotten it.

In your defense, the bike was between your legs, and not your girlfriend! Or at least I assume when you were talking to your friend. :)

[SpokeValley]

Hi everyone.....my name is Geoff...and I am addicted to bike riding, bike porn, and pretty much anything to do with bicycles.:help:

Hi, Geoff.

I'm Dave and I haven't bought a new bike in at least three weeks.

[Salsa_Lover]

Brought on by the guys here.

The more I post on forums, the more bikes I want. The more I ride, the fewer bikes I want.

Exactly :)

[christian]

For those suffering from acute materialism, I recommend an overland trip across India.I did this, on a red, one-speed Hero Jet.

There were a few times on that trip when I suffered from pretty darn acute bike lust. Like the, "I'd give my left nut for a Sturmey AW and an arm for a Regina 5-speed freewheel" kind of bike lust.

[esldude]

I think this sounds about right for me.

I really need to go N-1!

Sorry, even N-1 doesn't work. Bikes are multiplying kind of thing (you just went from 3 to 9).

(n-1)*(n-1) becomes N^2 -2n+1.

So if you even though you started with 3 bikes those will become 9-6+1= 4 when it is done. Then 16-8+1=7. So it gets worse slower than N+1, but there is really no escape.

Now if you had started with only 2 bikes there was a chance going to N-1, but once you hit three you are pretty much done for.

[jr59]

Sorry, even N-1 doesn't work. Bikes are multiplying kind of thing (you just went from 3 to 9).

(n-1)*(n-1) becomes N^2 -2n+1.

So if you even though you started with 3 bikes those will become 9-6+1= 4 when it is done. Then 16-8+1=7. So it gets worse slower than N+1, but there is really no escape.

Now if you had started with only 2 bikes there was a chance going to N-1, but once you hit three you are pretty much done for.

Hey wait one stinking min.

Nobody told be there would be math involved! :p

[AgilisMerlin]

Buy/use/break/Buy

[chengher87]

I started this thread because there were two old school Orbea aluminum Euskaltel frames I really wanted (the ocean blue/orange and the sun/orange variety), but now I've seen the Bianchi via nirone 7 and I am in love again! A few more internet searches and now I want that Dream Rabobank Colnago. But why can't I find a used Bianchi or Colnago for the short bike rider. I gotta try calling Pozzovivo, he rode Colnago for years, he's got to have a few spares! n+1 you never fail.

[rounder]

.

[tiretrax]

Wow - that's a blast from the past. Didn't Benny's start in Worcester? My Murray with ram handlebars and a stick shift and my brother's Raleigh chopper were purchased there.

First, it's lust. Then, it becomes an obsession. At least it's not one about which you have to be ashamed and can discuss at a party.

[fuzzalow]

First, it's lust. Then, it becomes an obsession. At least it's not one about which you have to be ashamed and can discuss at a party.

Any kind of lust can be up for discussion, it all depends on how clever you can be framing and discoursing the topic. Make it sound quasi-intellectual instead of salacious and you are good to go. It'll probably sound like something out of a Woody Allen movie.

To the OP: once your bike experience has had daliances all around the marketing merry go round and you've gotten it out of your system, that's when you get a good custom steel bike and call it done.

[Salsa_Lover]

For many years I had only one racing bike, my one and only. I rode that bike almost every day, for the sport and also commuting to work, then I got a cheap one for the city and commuting, so you could leave it locked outside and don't have to take it in and out the flat everytime.

Then I got one for my gf, so if she one day eventually decided to ride.

Then I needed to swap the old components on my one and only, it was beginning of spring, and the bike shop told me they were booked out until 3 weeks so I had to wait.

I decided not to wait and learn to do it myself. which I did, and what to do with those components ? I sold them on the bay quickly.

Coincidentally I moved to a bigger but temporary flat with a private bike room with 3 hangers and big cellars. I have learned to build bikes, and a looooong Winter season was starting, and lots of technical information, and sources of frames and parts, everywhere on the interwebs, so what to do ?

Yes , I started to build bikes, for me and for sale.

It started as a hobby that I love to do certainly, sold from 7-10 racing bikes per year and collected many that I would call "mine" ( the others were for sale ;) )

Ended with 5 Colnagos, 1 TT bike, 1 CX, 1 Commuter, that I would call "mine" and many others "for sale"

it was too much.

At some point after 5 years the temporary flat had to be returned and I got another, nicer, more modern, but smaller. No bike room, No big cellars, No dirty área at the bike room to build or repair bikes.....

so I gradually started the n-1 process, that is not so easy to do off course.

I've sold already frames and parts I told myselft I would never sell.

I have settled on my "one and only", ( plus off course #2, rain bike, TT bike, CX bike and commuter :) every one is different you know)

I am still in process of selling some frames and parts.

recovering bike-aholic

On the other hand I am riding more and building and lusting less.

[gearguywb]

OK, I admit it...I have a non-problem. I love bikes. Buying, building, riding, selling. Always wanting to try something new. There is a Firefly cross bike on fleabay that would fit perfectly...but hard to justify when I have a Moots RSL cross in the garage.

That said, it may not stop me anyway :)

The wife is very understanding, and frankly, compared to other possibilities, not really a big deal.

[christian]

I have settled on my "one and only", ( plus off course #2, rain bike, TT bike, CX bike and commuter :) every one is different you know)I am here too.

One #1 bike (a Colnago much like yours, but still Bora-less! :( )
One racer/backup bike
One cx bike

I'm probably going to swap #2 for a Ti fender bike/all-rounder, but I'm not adding any more to the stable. I wouldn't really want any more than this - the maintenance/fiddling and so on seems to add up quicker than the enjoyment of extra bikes.

Well, I could use a rigid mtb for fooling around in the winter and towing the Trail-a-bike... But that's it. Really!

[chengher87]

Here's another question. Do you buy a bike because you lust for it, or is it because the deal is just SO good?

Saw a Specialized Allez 2003 for $99 and nearly drove to buy it!

[pdmtong]

To the OP: once your bike experience has had daliances all around the marketing merry go round and you've gotten it out of your system, that's when you get a good custom steel bike and call it done.

the marketing merry go round....yup. I am just back from sea otter. trek rolled up a huge walk in truck with project one bikes on display. the spartacus bike. etc. you see them you want one.

the maintenance/fiddling and so on seems to add up quicker than the enjoyment of extra bikes.

exactly. and, at some point, lets say you ride 150 days a year. divide by x bikes...that may not leave many days per year to "justify" the inventory cost, maint, or storage versus alternatives

[KidWok]

Spent a little (but enough) time in the bike industry to not buy into the marketing hype much anymore. My bike lust hit a limit in the last couple of years. Whereas I would have always gotten the new Dura Ace at some point, I've pretty much decided to stop at 10 spd and expand into old Campagnolo as well. Just picked up two complete bikes, a Merckx Professional and Masi Team 3v (10 spd campy record), for less than I would have spent on a new DA 9000 group.

The lust is internal for sure...I love building up beautiful bikes. Over the years, especially with my two boys coming along in the last 5 years, I've spent less time on the bike and more time building them. Was going through counseling a few years ago for a dysfunctional marriage (that has since ended) and was telling the therapist how I would build a bike anytime things were really rough in the relationship. He said that was a pretty constructive way to deal with things.

Bikes are such awesome machines and playing around with old ones really isn't that expensive of a hobby. I don't bother feeling bad about the habit/hobby anymore.

Tai

[chengher87]

Spent a little (but enough) time in the bike industry to not buy into the marketing hype much anymore. My bike lust hit a limit in the last couple of years. Whereas I would have always gotten the new Dura Ace at some point, I've pretty much decided to stop at 10 spd and expand into old Campagnolo as well. Just picked up two complete bikes, a Merckx Professional and Masi Team 3v (10 spd campy record), for less than I would have spent on a new DA 9000 group.

The lust is internal for sure...I love building up beautiful bikes. Over the years, especially with my two boys coming along in the last 5 years, I've spent less time on the bike and more time building them. Was going through counseling a few years ago for a dysfunctional marriage (that has since ended) and was telling the therapist how I would build a bike anytime things were really rough in the relationship. He said that was a pretty constructive way to deal with things.

Bikes are such awesome machines and playing around with old ones really isn't that expensive of a hobby. I don't bother feeling bad about the habit/hobby anymore.

Tai

I've made it a hard and fast rule that I won't go over the current Ultegra groupset. I may do a few triathalons and century rides, but I won't be "racing" to win, so saving weight isn't my top priority and I find it hard to justify buying electronic shifting or even the mechanical DA. For shifters, the 4600 Tiagra ones are good enough. For the derailleurs, the 5600-5700 has worked well for me. I've been told Ultegra is the best bang for your buck and if I get a good deal, I'll take it.

I don't have an urge to buy a brand new off the rack bike. Like you, I love buying an old frame and trying to restore it. I just bought an old Schwinn steel frame (for 10 bucks!!!!) that I am going to strip to the metal and use it to practice painting. If the paintjob is great, I'll use it as my commuter. If not, it goes on the trainer. So it's a win-win.

I love some of the old aluminum frames (Bianchi especially) and since people seem to be shedding them like non-doping riders in the 90s, I'm always more than happy to purchase them, heavily discounted of course!

[pdmtong]

since I am back from sea otter, all that n+1 stuff is starting to bubble and gurgle again...but mainly on the mtb side.

do I want my TT decal to say 650b or 27.5? this is a hard question...

even moots had a 27.5 on display....

[bluesea]

Right now for the first time, I have two road bikes. After all of these years its a bit confusing, but I like it.

[vav]

I think a lot of people here on this forum have been there; are still there or are going there. I am on the N-1 phase. Maybe a year ago at times I had 9-10 bikes on my basement. I recently sold 8 pairs of the same pedals!! Anyways, since I started downsizing I find myself tinkering less and riding more. Just sold the SRAM red and the fancy I9 wheels on this bike because I realized that I don't need/want it anymore. I am fine with 6700, Centaur and 6500

http://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1697859432&stc=1&d=1366335869

I am down to two road bikes, one CX/gravel/touring and a SS commuter. And the bike that may have started it all was a Serotta Fierte IT. It fits me perfectly and slowly has been killing my bike lust.

[jh_on_the_cape]

brought on by the guys here.

The more i post on forums, the more bikes i want. The more i ride, the fewer bikes i want.

+1

[sevencyclist]

since I am back from sea otter, all that n+1 stuff is starting to bubble and gurgle again...but mainly on the mtb side.

do I want my TT decal to say 650b or 27.5? this is a hard question...

even moots had a 27.5 on display....

Are you skipping over the evolutionary step of 29er and heading right to 650B?

[oldpotatoe]

For many years I had only one racing bike, my one and only. I rode that bike almost every day, for the sport and also commuting to work, then I got a cheap one for the city and commuting, so you could leave it locked outside and don't have to take it in and out the flat everytime.

Then I got one for my gf, so if she one day eventually decided to ride.

Then I needed to swap the old components on my one and only, it was beginning of spring, and the bike shop told me they were booked out until 3 weeks so I had to wait.

I decided not to wait and learn to do it myself. which I did, and what to do with those components ? I sold them on the bay quickly.

Coincidentally I moved to a bigger but temporary flat with a private bike room with 3 hangers and big cellars. I have learned to build bikes, and a looooong Winter season was starting, and lots of technical information, and sources of frames and parts, everywhere on the interwebs, so what to do ?

Yes , I started to build bikes, for me and for sale.

It started as a hobby that I love to do certainly, sold from 7-10 racing bikes per year and collected many that I would call "mine" ( the others were for sale ;) )

Ended with 5 Colnagos, 1 TT bike, 1 CX, 1 Commuter, that I would call "mine" and many others "for sale"

it was too much.

At some point after 5 years the temporary flat had to be returned and I got another, nicer, more modern, but smaller. No bike room, No big cellars, No dirty área at the bike room to build or repair bikes.....

so I gradually started the n-1 process, that is not so easy to do off course.

I've sold already frames and parts I told myselft I would never sell.

I have settled on my "one and only", ( plus off course #2, rain bike, TT bike, CX bike and commuter :) every one is different you know)

I am still in process of selling some frames and parts.

recovering bike-aholic

On the other hand I am riding more and building and lusting less.


I think this is key. When I don't ride much, like in the last 3 years after my biz partner 'episode', I buy bike stuff..as if it will motivate me. Now I see I am 20 pounds further down the toilet, looking to make a BIG life/work change..and so look forward to riding again..doesn't really matter on what for me. My Merckx MXLeader will do even if it needs a respray.

I don't see buying anything new, bike frame wise. In fact want to sell my Merckx Professional, Faema, needs a respray also..58cm..any takers?

I'll have 3 Merckx's, don't need 4.

[shovelhd]

I'll have 3 Merckx's, don't need 4.

Blasphemy.

[Mr Cabletwitch]

Luckily for me as far as road bikes go I need to go custom to get anything to fit better than my current bike (54S Fierte) so I have no bike lust except for a custom touring bike to replace my cross check but that isn't going to happen anytime soon.

[avalonracing]

When I was racing a couple of times a week I was fine with one road bike and one MTB. I had them for years and years. Now I have seven... no... eight bikes, riding a lot less, not racing at all, and I've bought two bikes in the last two weeks. I think I've lost my mind again.

That said, I think ever since I read that the formula for the correct number of bikes is (n+1) I have just been at it. It's like coming across a new to you religion or philosophy and thinking "Hey, this makes sense, this is what I've always known to be true all along". (n+1) There it is.

[chengher87]

Hmm...It's weird, I comb and comb and there are a few bikes that I've been very (and I mean very) close purchasing. The closer I get to purchasing them, the less I want them. Maybe it's just the lust that I'm after, not the bike. Although after upgrading to 10 speeds, I'm not entirely happy and for my next bike, I may stay at nine speeds or downgrade if I can.

1. 10 speed chains seem to wear out a lot faster (Or at least the Shimano ones)
2. The external bottom bracket cups aren't sealed that well at all
3. I don't use a compact, so the extra gearing really doesn't get used at all
4. The new 10 speed cranks are so ugly (Shimano)

I know some of the 9 speed stuff is getting harder to find or are more expensive (seriously Shimano, 50 bucks for your sealed catridge bottom brackets?!?!?! and for shifters, it's either Campy or Microshift who still have 9 speed or parts to repair a 9 speed).

[alessandro]

In fact want to sell my Merckx Professional, Faema, needs a respray also..58cm..any takers?

I'll have 3 Merckx's, don't need 4.

I'll bite. What are you thinking? What does the TT measure? Rear spacing is more than likely 126, signore? Faema is always good.

http://www.gastronic.ch/wb/media/Faema/E61/E61%20Ruckseite.jpg

[Louis]

OK, I just had to bump this thread in order to post this.

Apparently cyclist-see, cyclist-do, just like the monkeys.

Link to NYT Story on monkey study (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/26/science/science-study-shows-monkeys-pick-up-social-cues.html?smid=pl-share)

Vervet monkeys relinquished their dislike of a colored corn when they changed location and saw other monkeys eating it.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2013/04/26/science/26monkeys-1/26monkeys-1-popup.jpg

[alessandro]

Apparently cyclist-see, cyclist-do, just like the monkeys.

No, I still do not want a Trek, even after reading that article. You can't make me. :bike:

[Louis]

No, I still do not want a Trek, even after reading that article. You can't make me. :bike:

But, it's what Lance used to ride!

[OldCrank]

I believe Benny's started in Warwick or Providence RI (anybody know?) and, like Ocean State Job Lot, has expanded outward into neighboring states.
Benny's is a real classic department store; tires fer paw, dishes fer maw, toys fer the young'uns. Many bikes w/ 20" tires.

<<< Didn't Benny's start in Worcester? >>> You might be thinking of Spags; another great store.

Now back to your regularly scheduled Shimanofest.

[cmg]

while i try resist the urge something always comes up. i'm reminded of this everytime i see the Jamis xenith and Masi speciale both 49cm that are sitting in my living room. got both within the last 3 months and if i came across a steel Cervelo like the one on the last page i'd buy it to. the safe guard is you can always sell them.

[206campyrick]

I've been in the bicycle industry for over 35 years, and I still have bike lust. To me the bike is a beautiful piece of art that allows you to express yourself, both through the performance of the bike and it's aesthetics. Material doesn't matter to me, I have several carbon bikes, a Ti one, and some steel. Actually just picked up a rough Colnago Super that I'm having restored to as good as, or better than original. Is it worth it? To many, no. To me, why not?