Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Freewheeling => Topic started by: ed_o_brain on 13 May, 2009, 10:37:53 pm

Title: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: ed_o_brain on 13 May, 2009, 10:37:53 pm: Inspired by ChrisO's thread (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=18775.0) I thought I would start this poll.

I got pretty close to it with my Airborne Valkyrie Audax - the only thing I ever wanted to change was the wheels.

But I don't honestly think my dream bike exists. I think having the dream bike means having the right bike at the right time.

And worryingly, I still haven't exhausted the reasons for N+1.
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: border-rider on 13 May, 2009, 10:41:19 pm: Yes

My Matt Chester is completed project. Nothing to change.
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Wowbagger on 13 May, 2009, 10:47:04 pm: There are times when I quite fancy something in titanium. Then again, I don't need it, its just a lust.

Actually, there is one dream bike which I will work on obtaining: one which means that Dez stops using mine. ;)
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: inc on 13 May, 2009, 10:55:12 pm: A dream bike is a bit like pornography when it becomes reality it is no longer fantasy. Titanium, Carbon so what, once ridden it becomes the norm. Riding at a good pace, rhythmic breathing. keeping the gear rolling up a rise, that for me far outweighs any consumer driven lust for the latest techno wizardry.
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: SpaceBadger on 13 May, 2009, 11:01:47 pm: Quote from: inc on 13 May, 2009, 10:55:12 pm
A dream bike is a bit like pornography when it becomes reality it is no longer fantasy.

But wouldn't it be great finding this out for yourself? ;D
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: inc on 13 May, 2009, 11:03:03 pm: Quote from: SpaceBadger on 13 May, 2009, 11:01:47 pm
Quote from: inc on 13 May, 2009, 10:55:12 pm
A dream bike is a bit like pornography when it becomes reality it is no longer fantasy.

But wouldn't it be great finding this out for yourself? ;D

I have :demon:
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: TimC on 14 May, 2009, 05:14:52 am: I have a dream (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=17.msg270514#msg270514) bike. It gleams in a titanium-carbonny kind of way. Trouble is, gleaming is all it can do as the mech hanger broke on its first ride and neither the dealer, the importer or the manufacturer's European representative can source a replacement. I'm getting close to handing the thing back along with a solicitor's letter demanding a refund or replacement.
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Andrij on 14 May, 2009, 08:28:30 am: I have two dream bikes: one is practical (ti) and the other pure bling (carbon). The latter is highly unlikely to become a reality, but I enjoy the dream.
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: mike on 14 May, 2009, 08:35:08 am: already got it (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=17.msg181076#msg181076), still deeply in love.
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: ChrisO on 14 May, 2009, 08:42:13 am: A couple of years ago I would have said I had the dream bike. I love my Roberts and for the sort of riding I was doing it was perfect.

But a long stretch in Abu Dhabi has seen me doing lots more fast, flat rides and even getting into some racing.

Put me back in London and riding into work every day and I would be lusting after a dream commuter bike too.

So I guess the dream depends on which bed you're sleeping in that night. As does the reality.

I think of the one mentioned in the OP as the dream bike because until quite recently the idea that I could afford to spend that much money on a bike was no more than a very vague dream. I still feel slightly guilty and almost obscene about it - the p*rn analogy is quite appropriate.
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: rdaviesb on 14 May, 2009, 08:45:15 am: Not there yet. I haven't ridden enough of the materials yet but I have a feeling that a titanium framed Rohloff hubbed tandem with SandS couplers might get close.
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Sergeant Pluck on 14 May, 2009, 08:47:59 am: Quote from: TimC on 14 May, 2009, 05:14:52 am
I have a dream (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=17.msg270514#msg270514) bike. It gleams in a titanium-carbonny kind of way. Trouble is, gleaming is all it can do as the mech hanger broke on its first ride and neither the dealer, the importer or the manufacturer's European representative can source a replacement. I'm getting close to handing the thing back along with a solicitor's letter demanding a refund or replacement.

Incredible. Sorry to read that. Surely you are entitled to a replacement frame?

ChrisO - go for it. :)
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: TimC on 14 May, 2009, 09:18:55 am: Quote from: Sergeant Pluck on 14 May, 2009, 08:47:59 am
Quote from: TimC on 14 May, 2009, 05:14:52 am
I have a dream (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=17.msg270514#msg270514) bike. It gleams in a titanium-carbonny kind of way. Trouble is, gleaming is all it can do as the mech hanger broke on its first ride and neither the dealer, the importer or the manufacturer's European representative can source a replacement. I'm getting close to handing the thing back along with a solicitor's letter demanding a refund or replacement.

Incredible. Sorry to read that. Surely you are entitled to a replacement frame?

ChrisO - go for it. :)

If they could find a frame, all they'd need to do is nick the hanger off it, give it to me and I'd be happy!
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: vorsprung on 14 May, 2009, 09:29:52 am: For PBP I did in fact get the dream bike
I could have spent more on it but it was essentially the dream bike, custom Ti frame and campag
It was deep in the purse but I've never regretted it

If I was into sportives and I wanted a real race "show off" bike then of course that would have been even more costly. I have a vague desire now for some campag Neutrons or Fulcrum wheels or IRD aeroheads but I am pretty much happy at the moment with my lot.
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: clarion on 14 May, 2009, 09:30:35 am: Two answers to this, really. My Orbit is pretty much there, but needs a bit of luv.

The Santana Arriva Niobium with S&S couplings will be purchased one day. Of course, this is my true dream bike, cause it means Butterfly will be right there with me :-*
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Steve GT on 14 May, 2009, 09:32:50 am: Yep, already have it. My Colnago (http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1394/1265031888_4656a4ccbd.jpg), a joy to ride.
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: bikenerd on 14 May, 2009, 09:35:55 am: My Planet X Superlight Team may not actually look like most people's dream bike but it's the fastest and lightest bike I could build for the amount of money I could justify spending on it! Especially as it'd cost another £300 or so to build it now, after the pound tanked / everything bike related went up in price. :)
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Regulator on 14 May, 2009, 09:39:23 am: I'm after one of these...

(http://vannicholas.com//Gallery/PI_BK1_M.jpg)

Pennies are being saved.
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: ScumOfTheRoad on 14 May, 2009, 10:08:45 am: Regulator, what model is that?
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Regulator on 14 May, 2009, 10:21:36 am: The Pioneer (http://vannicholas.com/WbmBikeHome.aspx?EncIdName=44FfO6rlShYc6H2N46j8pF4Ax6r%2b3Grq%2btr2F7ucslISOZ35nPJjMFa6LLpD8M1MA37Dh5DY24KpRKeRhb8Mo2npHEMduqJxkT2zIe4adN6FC1OHV7G7%2fQ%3d%3d)
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: clarion on 14 May, 2009, 10:22:44 am: I used to lust after an Overbury's Pioneer. Less so over a Raleigh Pioneer ;D
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Greenbank on 14 May, 2009, 10:25:58 am: Not really lusting, but I'm a few (expensive) bits away from perfection:

1) PowerTap wheel and computer. (£1200)
2) Upgrade steel fixed frame to Ti (probably custom from Condor = £1600+)
3) Upgrade steel Audax frame to Ti (probably Enigma Etape or VN Yukon = £700)
4) Blingy wheels for the Wilier. Hyperon, Bora, etc. (£2000+)
5) Upgrade components on the Wilier (Record would be lovely). Geared Audax bike is probably best left with Centaur. (£endless)

I have an odd thing about not having more than one bike/frame of any make. Dunno why.
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Si on 14 May, 2009, 10:44:27 am: I've acquired my dream bike several times. But then the grass is always greener in the next LBS, and something better always comes out just after I've bought the ultimate.

My conclusion is that there is no perfect bike, as to be perfect for me it would have to be capable of too many roles. And if it were capable of, or rather: outstanding at, all of these roles then it would need to be a really expensive bike and thus I'd never use it or fear of damaging it or having it nicked.
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: clarion on 14 May, 2009, 10:46:55 am: I think the thing is that it's a Dream Fleet to have in your shed. One Dream Bike will never be enough...
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: LEE on 14 May, 2009, 10:54:17 am: I spent a year or so lusting after a Thorn Audax 853. I since had my British Eagle Touristique rennovated (don't worry, I won't insert another photo of it) and my lusting has subsided.

Of course I wouldn't object to having a Thorn Audax 853 in the shed but I think the Touristique is a transmission upgrade away from being my dream bike (24 speed SORA to something a bit blingier in 27 or 30 speed)
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: onb on 14 May, 2009, 10:56:22 am: I have what is for me my dream I could upgrade the wheels and groupset but I think it would be a case of diminishiing returns as the bike and my abilities are probably worlds apart ,not with standing that I love it to bits .
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Moloko on 14 May, 2009, 10:58:39 am: I'd need a much better climate before getting my dream bike.
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Jurek on 14 May, 2009, 11:01:49 am: I'm an extremely happy bunny with this

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2454/3530108159_6d8cc28cc8_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: clarion on 14 May, 2009, 11:05:00 am: Nah - that's rubbish. Where's the bananas? ;)
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Moloko on 14 May, 2009, 11:08:21 am: Are you holding the camera crooked, or is that subsidence?
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Chris N on 14 May, 2009, 11:17:30 am: I'd like two Ti bikes: one of these (http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/articles/p-b-p/0x171e1908-1.jpg) with proper handlebars and one of these (http://www.jonesbikes.com/images/r10_5.jpg) with fewer gears.
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Greenbank on 14 May, 2009, 11:29:19 am: Quote from: clarion on 14 May, 2009, 10:46:55 am
I think the thing is that it's a Dream Fleet to have in your shed. One Dream Bike will never be enough...

Yup. On top of the changes I'd make above I'd also look for 2 more bikes:

a) TT bike (one of the Planet-X or Ribble ones will do, nothing crazy)
b) If I upgraded the geared Audax bike to a Ti frame I'd use the existing Steel frame to build a turbo trainer bike.

However, that's one bike too many (for current storage) and also a turbo is out of the question as I live in a 1st floor flat.

If anything, I lust after a garage more than another bike.
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: vorsprung on 14 May, 2009, 11:33:10 am: Quote from: Bodger on 14 May, 2009, 10:44:27 am
I've acquired my dream bike several times. But then the grass is always greener in the next LBS, and something better always comes out just after I've bought the ultimate.

Another sort of "dream bike" is finding a unloved but fairly sound machine at the tip. I'd like to get a 80s Merckx or similar this way. Wouldn't that be fab?
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: clarion on 14 May, 2009, 11:35:57 am: Ask NSTN. Her purple Eclipse came that way. :)
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Jurek on 14 May, 2009, 12:02:54 pm: Quote from: Sgt Bikeo on 14 May, 2009, 11:08:21 am
Are you holding the camera crooked, or is that subsidence?

Is that (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=18815.msg337543#msg337543) better? ;)
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 May, 2009, 12:06:08 pm: (http://www.legslarry.beerdrinkers.co.uk/tfr/images/IMG_0840.jpg)

iw00t!
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: ed_o_brain on 14 May, 2009, 12:06:49 pm: Dream fleet?

I think I'm only a geared road bike and a Brox overhaul away from that:

-Fast fixie
-Touring/winter fixie
-MTB-come-commuter (slick tyres/rack/mudguards)
-Hardtail MTB
-Folder

I envisaged that a geared roadbike would be exclusively for leisure rides and club runs - so a play thing really - I would probably end up only using it five or six times a year. When the matrimonial home sells, I was considering buying a nice stiff fast geared carbon fibre road bike but I realise that the cash I would/could have set aside to buy that with may now have to be spent on an infernally combusted four wheeled object.

So.. are entry level Carbon Fibre road bikes worth buying? (Around the £1000-12000 mark?).

Or will the dream have to wait?
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Si on 14 May, 2009, 12:11:38 pm: Quote from: vorsprung on 14 May, 2009, 11:33:10 am
Quote from: Bodger on 14 May, 2009, 10:44:27 am
I've acquired my dream bike several times. But then the grass is always greener in the next LBS, and something better always comes out just after I've bought the ultimate.

Another sort of "dream bike" is finding a unloved but fairly sound machine at the tip. I'd like to get a 80s Merckx or similar this way. Wouldn't that be fab?

Yes, this is why a number of my fleet have been Skip-Bikes: no matter how much you spend on your super bike it's always going to be last year's model in no time at all. My current all-rounder is the '91 Galaxy that i rescued from a skip trip - it might be a tad heavier than a modern tourer and have a few fewer gears, but TBO when it's all loaded up and rolling along it's hard to tell the difference.
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: citoyen on 14 May, 2009, 12:14:27 pm: I love my Felt Z35 (http://www.feltracing.com/09-catalog-unitedkingdom/road/sportive-road/09-z35-int.aspx). The only thing I'd change on it is maybe fit some lighter wheels and a more comfortable saddle.

But it's not ideal for every situation, so I'd need a couple of other bikes for other needs. I love my Brompton (standard M3) but in an ideal world I'd swap it for a singlespeed Ti model with S bars, Brooks saddle and Schmidt dynohub. And a Ti audax bike would be lovely.

Jurek, can I have your bike?

d.
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Moloko on 14 May, 2009, 12:15:05 pm: Quote from: jurek on 14 May, 2009, 12:02:54 pm
Quote from: Sgt Bikeo on 14 May, 2009, 11:08:21 am
Are you holding the camera crooked, or is that subsidence?

Is that (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=18815.msg337543#msg337543) better? ;)

;D

Touché.

BTW: Yes, that's a nice bike.
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: peliroja on 14 May, 2009, 10:10:26 pm: My Enigma should be my dream bike, I suppose. Let's see if I finally learn to like it.

I'd also like a utility fixed with rack, a folder, and a bling mountain bike. But I'll make do at the moment with soon-to-be-built Surly LHT. :)
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Jakob on 14 May, 2009, 10:31:44 pm: Already got it.
Designed it myself, built the wheels, put it together and it rides like a dream apart from an annoying creaking noise from the saddle.
Occasionally, I see other bikes and think 'that's nice', but then I look at my own and say 'but that's nicer still'.
Having said that, I may get a geared bike for some of the mountain runs here...
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Hilldodger on 15 May, 2009, 02:30:45 pm: Mesicek a synove - Vysoké kolo - High Bicycle - Hochräder (http://www.mesicek.cz/main.php?lang=uk)

It's my birthday soon ;)
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Zoidburg on 15 May, 2009, 02:36:14 pm: Out of intrest I looked on the Mercian site to see what a replacement for the Lynx fixed gear would cost me

The closest to it was this

<<MERCIAN>> (http://www.merciancycles.co.uk/frame_vigorelli.asp)

I do need some new bits for it though and possibly a respray at some time in the next year or so.
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: mike on 15 May, 2009, 02:36:53 pm: Quote from: Hilldodger on 15 May, 2009, 02:30:45 pm
Mesicek a synove - Vysoké kolo - High Bicycle - Hochräder (http://www.mesicek.cz/main.php?lang=uk)

It's my birthday soon ;)

works of art!
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: alexb on 16 May, 2009, 08:47:52 pm: I built mine with that nice Mr Yates
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g111/2daves/P1010003.jpg)
It's being painted this week.
This is it compared to my current bike - there were quite lot of geometry tweaks.
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g111/2daves/2-bikesmerged.jpg)
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Flying_Monkey on 17 May, 2009, 10:35:01 pm: I would love a Vanilla, but there is now a 5 year wait which is just ridiculous. I have my dream XC MTB (Titus Motolite) at least. I would love: a fixie (preferably a project - I'll be starting next year) and an ice-bike (also one for when I move to Canadia...)
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Deano on 18 May, 2009, 12:08:37 am: I tend to think the riding's the important thing, rather than the bike itself. So my dream bike is whichever one I happen to be riding :D
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Basil on 18 May, 2009, 01:06:41 am: My dream bike.
Would obviously be the lightest and most indestructible machine ever.
But besides that, it would have "Intelligent Geometry”. It would sense my riding style at any given moment and automatically adjust/morph the geometry to any style between Relaxed and Tight & Aggressive.
It would always have exactly the gear inches I need for the job in hand.
The colour scheme would be random, but again, sensing my mood, it would always suit my humour of the moment. Oh what joy to come down in the morning to discover today’s paint job and to realise that that was exactly how I felt today..
It would be theft proof. Anyone touching it with evil intent would receive a jolt that would throw them five feet away, but it would understand the true bike lover who just wanted to caress its beautiful lines. On sensing a true honest thinking admirer it would purr for them.
The self cleaning and re-lube system activated by my turning off my bedside light would increase the longevity of its kit, and of course upgrades would be automatically downloaded overnight as they became available.
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: ed_o_brain on 18 May, 2009, 11:21:44 am: POTD Basil!
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Graeme on 18 February, 2024, 08:56:26 pm: Quote from: Deano on 18 May, 2009, 12:08:37 am
I tend to think the riding's the important thing, rather than the bike itself. So my dream bike is whichever one I happen to be riding :D

So true.
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Graeme on 18 February, 2024, 08:57:12 pm: Thinking about the test of time. Are these still your dream bikes?
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: IanDG on 18 February, 2024, 09:12:10 pm: Happy with what I've got. I choose one out of the cellar, go for a ride and never think "wish I was on a different bike"
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Deano on 18 February, 2024, 10:52:11 pm: I never voted, so my comment stands :)
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: sam on 18 February, 2024, 11:57:32 pm: Have it.

x2, as I bought a duplicate in case there's a crack in the dream.

Sabbath Aspire (not my idea of the perfect name), which was cheap enough (£750 f&f) to make this happen. 'Cheap' of course being relative, but combined, they cost the same as my last attempt at a dream.

The Sabbath wasn't initially the apex of my desire – that would be a custom job by a very top end titanium builder, probably Stateside. But over the course of the past year it has sufficiently grown into my hopes for it that 'dream bike' fits nicely, thank you.

- Rides no-handed like it's part of my body.
- Looks great, if you like that sort of thing. Understated maker's marque helps.
- Makes me happy. We're allowed to like things, as well as experiences.

(https://iili.io/JEr3TMJ.jpg)

- Being happy on my bike helps to forget about it, meaning, if I was annoyed with it in some way (as I am, even after all these years, at the colour of my Langster), that would surface from time to time as I ride it. When I'm on my Langster, as I was earlier today because it's my wet weather bike, I briefly wish I could be on my Sabbath instead; though I honestly don't spend my ride thinking about it, just a fleeting few moments at the beginning.

I met this couple today, on a tandem that belongs to a friend as they belong to a religious community where everything is owned in common. ("The only thing that's mine is a toothbrush.") I'd say they were on their dream bike because they were on it together.

(https://iili.io/JEr2Ak7.jpg)
click for enlargement
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: drossall on 19 February, 2024, 02:38:42 pm: I do find that my dream bikes don't stop being dream bikes just because I've become their owner. So yes, the dream Mercian that I put together 20 years ago, and the dream Dawes that I bought as a frame in 1990, albeit it's had a respray since, remain just as much dream bikes now. I agree, too, that the bike I'm riding at any one moment is my favourite right then.

The pity is, there's no room for more bikes. It would be fun to experience carbon, but not if I have to give up a dream bike to have one. Maybe I'll just borrow one for a ride some day, or hire one on some holiday or something. The Dogma does look quite nice ::-)
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: cycleman on 19 February, 2024, 06:23:24 pm: My azub tricon gr is definitely my dream trike and if I ever get it back the ice adventure fs is a very close second :)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/iaLPps6bAtVMzJGH6

And in third place on the grounds of weight and wheels in the wrong end

https://photos.app.goo.gl/EtQJJ9qm68HYQybw7

All those bicycle things don't stand up when you stop :o ;)
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: zigzag on 21 February, 2024, 06:20:13 pm: i don't see the bike as thing/object to lust after. as much as i like riding bikes, i kinda dislike how they look (irrelevant of make or price). all bikes (including the nicest) are wobbly, easily damaged, asymmetric, difficult to keep clean etc.

perhaps an unpopular opinion on a cycling forum, but there you go O:-)
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: sam on 21 February, 2024, 06:36:14 pm: Quote from: zigzag on 21 February, 2024, 06:20:13 pm
as much as i like riding bikes, i kinda dislike how they look (irrelevant of make or price). all bikes (including the nicest) are wobbly, easily damaged, asymmetric, difficult to keep clean etc.

perhaps an unpopular opinion on a cycling forum, but there you go

On that note, I personally find derailleurs

(click to show/hide)
hideous. Also brake/shifters, and the apparatus supporting disc brakes, though the rotors themselves are pleasing to the eye.
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Afasoas on 22 February, 2024, 10:01:46 pm: Is the dream bike one which doesn't feel compromised in some way when you ride it?
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: drossall on 22 February, 2024, 10:09:52 pm: All bikes are compromises, between strength and lightness, luggage capacity and speed, foldability/storability and ride quality, wheel size and compactness, gear range vs simplicity, abilities to cope with different surfaces, and a hundred other factors. The skill of the designer lies in making the right compromises.

An obvious example is 16" vs 20" folders. Different compromises.
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Afasoas on 23 February, 2024, 10:44:00 am: Quote from: drossall on 22 February, 2024, 10:09:52 pm
All bikes are compromises, between strength and lightness, luggage capacity and speed, foldability/storability and ride quality, wheel size and compactness, gear range vs simplicity, abilities to cope with different surfaces, and a hundred other factors. The skill of the designer lies in making the right compromises.

An obvious example is 16" vs 20" folders. Different compromises.

Of course they are, hence feel compromised.
If the bike doesn't feel compromised, then it's a good match?

Just musing of course.
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: ElyDave on 25 February, 2024, 07:29:20 pm: Every bike i have very bought was my dream bike, at the time.

They still are, I've just had more sleeps since. There is still another dream bike lurking in there, waiting for the right paycheque
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: toontra on 25 February, 2024, 09:40:30 pm: My Cervelo has just about achieved "dream bike" status, having just upgraded the gears to SRAM Red Etap and added a deep-profile carbon wheelset. I'm inspired afresh :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: Morat on 07 March, 2024, 03:34:24 pm: I was lusting after a Fairlight Strael for a while, then went out on my 2016 Kona Roadhouse which isn't anything like as sought after as a Fairlight but it's still an 853 road bike with lovely paint and it was such a great ride that I've decided that I don't need another steel bike for now.
I'm now pondering building up something like this - but it's totally dependant on finding a decent frame in my size. I've always loved the old handmade Cannondales...

(http://lard.me.uk/images/F3000Gravel.jpg)

(http://lard.me.uk/images/F3000Gravel2.jpg)
Title: Re: Lusting after a dream bike or already have it?
Post by: fd3 on 24 March, 2024, 12:47:50 am: Having spent much time thinking about alternative bikes, I find that there's no point for most of my riding to replace my fixed gear Pompino (£75 for the frame and fork ~20 years ago). I absolutely love my catrike, but it is rarely the right bike for the job - reckon an upgrade on my bike would be £££s for very little gain and a different bike would be £££s to get something I would not use a much.