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N+1 Dilemma

by Carton
Fri, Sep 04, 2015 00:52
7

Hello all, I'm fairly new here and already looking for advice 7 I'm in Latin America but I'm almost definitely moving (most likely to London) next year probably around this time, so I've resisted the urge to buy a new bike for a year now. The roads are not what you'd call smooth (though the scenery is brilliant) and my friends here mostly ride MTBs, so my stable is currently comprised of a decent hardtail and a cheap converted (42mm slicks) flat-bar commuter. But on a window shopping trip to a nearby shop, there it was: a BMC Granfondo GF1 Ultegra. They are so hard to find around these parts that I'd honestly never really looked. I seem to understand that it was a custom order that backed out, but it's definitely brand new. It's a 2015 model discounted to about £2,050 4 It's a bike I've been lusting after for a while but thought was a bit outside my budget. And to top it off, it's just my size 39

It's not like I have the money lying around, but I'm likely buying that bike (or something quite similar) in a year. I'm no proper road cyclist and I've only done around 2,000 miles (though handily over 100,000 vertical feet) mostly (90%+) on "paved" roads last year, but I've wanted to get back into a somewhat proper road bike for a while. However I've held out for a year already and I've found it to be fairly tolerable (if you can excuse the sacrilege).

I know that it's ultimately a personal call but any input is greatly appreciated. So should I just pull the trigger now and get the extra year of use of a great bike, or wait out an extra year for the disc-brake standards chips to fall where they may and in the process lose the not insignificant inconvenience of having to haul a bike across the Atlantic?

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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7 comments

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Carton | 9 years ago
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So just to finish up the story that little exercise made it clear to me that I really wanted a road bike and that a year was enough time to justify the expense.

However, I didn't want to buy an expensive second-choice bike I'd end up second guessing myself about. So I went to a few shops and settled on a plain old Giant Defy 5. £440 with a water bottle and cage and a saddlebag. 25mm rubber and plenty of clearance if the potholes become too much of an issue, but for now it has scratched the itch beautifully (although the headtube is rather sizable and spoils the look a bit). I'll likely be making a sizable upgrade next winter.

Thanks again for all the input.

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ianSWBB | 9 years ago
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if in doubt, buy it!!!! 1

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Carton | 9 years ago
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To keep you guys posted, after mulling it over this weekend I went to the shop today to find out that the bike had been sold 102 So no unearned gelato either. I apologize for the anticlimax.

On the flip side I hit a fairly sizable rain filled pothole, not for the first time, as I veered out of the way of a honking bus yesterday while going about 30kph. Thankfully I didn't see it at any point so I just hit it head-on and thumped past it. On a road bike, even with 28mm tyres, that might've had bigger repercussions than just having to do the last 50km home drenched in stinky water ("fortunately" it rained for half that time so that bit of water mostly washed off). So while I'm still looking for deals on other 2015 models, on these roads the MTB will likely remain my main bike regardless (particularly in really bad weather), at least while I get used to a road bike (and being extra tarmac aware) again.

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Carton | 9 years ago
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@Mungecrundle
1. The bike sleeps with me 1 I currently keep my hardtail inside my flat. Only way to go in the city.
2. No, and that's a good point. But I'll definitely make time to ride.
3. Another good point. But I figure a bike bag will likely be a useful addition regardless, since there's no way I'm shipping a carbon bike in a cardboard box. I am set on doing Ventoux and/or the Alpe d'Huez at some point in the next few years (plus I lead a fairly nomadic life) anyway.

@ianrobo, @Kadinkski
Thanks for the advice. I agree with it and think I'm going for it. I'll set off for the shop tomorrow after my Saturday group ride and take a long enough walk to mull it over one last time. There's a really good gelato shop fairly close to bike shop so I'll let you guys know if I end up going for the ice cream or the bike.

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ianrobo | 9 years ago
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buy it, life is too short to wonder !!

If you have the cash, buy it, then you can always sell it second hand, or ship it over.

My philosophy on cycling is if you can afford it get it, whether upgrades to electronic brakes, discs, saddle whatever, if it suits you and your budget, go for it.

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Kadinkski | 9 years ago
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If it was me I would buy the bike and have a fantastic year cycling, getting fit and exploring your home with a big smile on your face before leaving for Europe.

The GF1 is a great bike and no matter when you buy a bike there will always be another one to lust over.

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Mungecrundle | 9 years ago
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Speaking for myself I cannot remember when common sense last came into the purchase of a bicycle for my own enjoyment.

But if you are looking for someone to give you reasons not to...

1. What are your living arrangements in London? Will you have space and secure storage for such a valuable bike?
2. Is cycling your number 1 priority when you arrive in the UK?
3. Cost of shipping may include a decent hard case.

In my experience, there will be something equally nice, or better to lust after next year. Quite often the lusting is more fulfilling than the consummation.

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