Being somewhat of a closet snob, I love the vague language of being in the know.
“Did you see–”
“Oh yeah.”
“Unbelieveable, right?”
“But awesome.”
“Exactly.”
And, of course, I love it even more when this top secret, exclusive language is used in the context of bikes and blogs. I’m not talking about my own…No, no, leave it to someone far more meticulous and clever.
I’m talking about Velodramatic. His cycling photography is a-maz-ing, but what unfailingly becomes the topic of discussion amongst readers [i.e., those clearly in the know about good style, taste, and photography] is the discovery of his “tab.” A list of every bike-related purchase investment he’s made, complete with a grand tally, it displays what I normally would throw into the mental “ignore as much as possible” file cabinet. Obsessions can get out of control quite easily, and when paired with numbers and dollar signs, it’s enough to make you consider trying to regain your sanity.
Of course, it doesn’t work that way. Despite the shorter days [why is it getting dark at 7.30pm now?!] and the dwindling bank account, I made [what I believed would be] my final bike-related purchase for the next few months. And that was going to be it. I mean, other than a tube here and there and the odd bottle of lube, nothing substantial was going to be purchased. That was the promise.
But when I got my first ever pair of bike shorts a few days ago, it also opened a Pandora’s box of “things I really need now that I have shorts.” Because it feels like I’m finally making some leap; getting serious – for real this time – and committing to more hours and millions of miles on both of my bikes. No more of this “well, my saddle hurts” excuse. Pull on those black Lycra contraptions of diaper-esque proportions and get out and fucking ride.
And ride I did. This past weekend was bubbling over with bike rides – on the rollers and off. But that also had me discovering that those bike shorts weren’t my final investment. Even with the shorts, the saddle on my Dolan still feels like a meat tenderizer, the cooler weather is oh-so-perfect for longer rides but also indicates a need for a new jersey, and eventually, arm warmers, leg warmers, gloves, and embrocation. And if I ever get to pushing hours on the rollers, another set of clipless pedals.
It adds up. Dizzyingly, in fact. And as the numbers creep skyrocket, I’m almost tempted to look around for a less expensive hobby [although, it’s really debatable if those really exist]. But it seems I’m in it for the long haul – for life, even – so it’s really not worth sweating all those minor details. At least that’s what I’ve been telling myself lately, anyway.
Besides, deep, deep, deep down inside, maybe I subconsciously knew purchasing those shorts would mean entry into the snobbier sub-world of cycling where t-shirts absolutely cannot be paired with cycling shorts if you want to be taken seriously. Where black shoes are only for domestiques, and kits should perfectly match your team-issue bike. Which, admittedly, means many more purchases await me under a heavy cloud of potential debt.
Yeah, thank God for debit cards.
Tags: expensive · investment · lycra · snobby · velodramatic8 Comments
8 responses so far ↓
Aren’t bike shorts amazing? There’s a reason so many people are willing to look so goofy!
As for the tab on your bike hobby, I like to think of it in relative terms. Owning and maintaining a car is hugely more expensive than bicycling. Consider the cost of the car, registration, insurance, maintenance, and fuel and you’re way beyond the cost of biking.
Sooooo….you ride a race-bicycle and until recently didn’t wear any bike-shorts? Some strange poeple in this world 😉
Than I would suggest trying some Assos bib-shorts but, keep in mind…they WILL be a nightmare to your bank-account. So it is maybe better not to buy them because once you ride Assos you will not find shorts which are sweater!
The guy you refer to in your blog, which I also now and then follow/read….is crazy about Rapha. And to be honest they look very stylish but I heard some critical notes about the quality though. But I am about to buy me some orange stowaway-jacket because they look soooooo yummy!
(Writing this with my PearlIzumi jogging-shorts on.)
I used to buy a metrocard every month (now $89?) but now only spring for the occasional $40 card that lasts me months. I figure the past few years of commuting by bike has saved me about $3000 – $3500. I probably have about $2000 invested in the Cannondale I use for commuting. Although I have a lot more invested in two other bikes, my original purchase has so far been a decent investment. 8538 miles and counting since March of 2006…
I’m smiling as I read your post today. Just when I thought I was done spending for the season, I broke a wheel ON MY SPARE BIKE on Saturday. Now both road bikes are in the shop, and I’m on my fixie for a bit. (I love my fixie but it’s tough staying in the group with a 42×16 when they crank it up to 28 mph.) Everybody will tell you this, but the best places to spend your money are the three points you make contact with your bike: shoes and pedals, shorts and saddle, and gloves and bars. Now, how can find $200 to swing a pair of Rapha bibs?
It sounds like you’re getting sucked into the fancyass part of cycling.
It doesn’t _need_ to be expensive. Resist it.
There will always be some newer (and marginally better if better at all) stem, cable, wheel, pair of sox, or some other flashy trinket some sucker buys.
Resist. Laugh at them.
i stopped keeping track when I hit 10,000 over a year ago
aaron — yes, the shorts are changing my world. ohhh right, gas and insurance. good thing i don’t know how to drive…
oldboy — ahhaha. bib shorts are on my list of things i’m planning on buying eventually.
chris — impressive!
notan — thanks for the advice…now i just need some gloves. aren’t those white rapha ones delicious looking?
vinny — touche. but they’re so nice-looking…but you’re totally right. good thing i’m broke, right?
dan — i would expect nothing less than 10k+ miles from you.
My 1st pair of shorts had real leather chamois and changed the distance of my rides dramatically. Then something interesting happens. With the long distance your body becomes leaner and lighter and your ass becomes harder and tighter. Soon i was ridding with wafer thin tights or tri shorts without concern.
Until you can afford the nice Rapha complete ensemble explore the casual look of a white cableknit sweater(you must have one, your in Boston) along with your black licra shorts. The rapha scarf accent will round it out nicely.
When your ready for a jersey, try twin six or swobo to keep the cost down and the style points in check. If you don’t have a cable knit sweater, think swobo merino long sleeve jersey, I mean you are in Boston and it is Septemeber after all.
The Boston winters are going to cost you some technical gear dollars regardless of Vinnies opine.
A little bit at a time is how we all did it at your age. Just keep riding.
Ride on