The Want & The Need

Anyone who has read this blog over the years knows that I, like so many cyclists, love to get new gear for my bike. Not to mention getting new bikes and or frames. Funny thing is, that after so many years I find myself not REALLY wanting anything. OK, that's a lie. I WANT stuff, but most of the stuff I want, is just that; a want, not a NEED, not a must have and if I take a cold shower (or look at my bank account) it kind of goes away.

Sure there are lots of bikes I would LOVE to have, ride and or try out- in no particular order: Trek Top Fuel (yes a 26er) Fisher, er I mean Trek Superfly 100, Salsa Mukluk, Salsa Vaya, Cannondale Scalpel 29er, Specialized CruX Comp Disc Apex, Foundry Auger, and a few more here and there, but I have to say I am pretty lucky and content with the stable in my basement right now. Again, do I WANT another bike? Sure, that's part of being a bike nerd, and I wouldn't turn any of those bikes down if the opportunity presented itself, but hell, I don't ride all the bikes I have now! I mean my road bike hasn't left the trainer in over a year and I have no plans for it to do so anytime soon. I suppose if push came to shove and REALLY thought that I couldn't get through the winter with just my mountain bike and maybe some studded tires I would probably try to sell the road bike for a Mukluk. But that seems excessive for me right now. Last year the biggest limiter for my winter riding was ice, the slush and the cold. I think recognizing that better cold weather gear is probably what is needed more than a bike is where's it's at.

I also use to be sort of a parts whore- this is lighter, that rolls faster, that looks better, but now I find that I really only buy parts if they need replaced (not counting those TRP brakes I have on order at Terry's, IMHO the cantis HAD to be replaced). Hell I haven't even bought new tires for my mountain bike in over a year (Much to my friend D-POW's chagrin). My Maxxis Ignitors still have knobs, still hold air and have always played well with my Stan's wheels. Why fool around?

I also went through phases with nutrition: this gel will me faster, this one is better, this drink is GUARANTEED to prevent the bonk. This year: short rides got Powered Gatorade and plain water, longer races and rides got fueled CarboRocket 333. I hardly used any gels and when I did used what was in my race bag, or what was cheap at the store. Sure I've tried some great products like Kep's Pollen Balls and had some nice results when using Infinit Mud as pre ride and race fuel, but for the most part it was just Gatorade, water and 333. But I am also happy and content with my race and ride fuel. No need for weekly shipments of the next best thing, just to puke it up during the race.

Like I said I am VERY lucky to have some fine bike in my stable (my Spearfish is one of my favorite bikes in a long time), but 30 grams here, 40 grams there or shiny parts aren't going to make me any better right now. Riding, watching my weight and improved fitness will help me on the race course come spring though.

Then again a new bike is a nice motivator...

Later.