The Upgrade Bug

[popcorn_skollie]

I recently bought a 50mm stem. To replace a 50mm stem I already have. Why? Well it’s for a freeride bike build and this one is beefier and more suitable for its intended purpose. It weighs a little more but it’s stronger.

 

Makes sense doesn’t it? I mean if I were to tell you that.

If I told you the price you would agree that it was a good deal and if you saw it you would agree that it was perfect for the intended build. That translates into money well spent right?

 

But If I’m being honest with myself the old one was fine. It really was. Sure the new one is bigger and assumedly stronger. But was the old one so skinny that I thought it would snap? No. I wanted it because it looked dope. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with wanting something purely for aesthetic reasons, or even just because. But how many of us have spent money on an ‘upgrade’ while simultaneously justifying it with seemingly plausible reasons while knowing deep down that we were just scratching an itch.

A symptomatic response to being bitten by the upgrade bug.

['Dale]

No need to apologize

 

Upgrades make me happy

Happiness is everything

 

 

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

I recently bought a 50mm stem. To replace a 50mm stem I already have. Why? Well it’s for a freeride bike build and this one is beefier and more suitable for its intended purpose. It weighs a little more but it’s stronger.

 

Makes sense doesn’t it? I mean if I were to tell you that.

If I told you the price you would agree that it was a good deal and if you saw it you would agree that it was perfect for the intended build. That translates into money well spent right?

 

But If I’m being honest with myself the old one was fine. It really was. Sure the new one is bigger and assumedly stronger. But was the old one so skinny that I thought it would snap? No. I wanted it because it looked dope. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with wanting something purely for aesthetic reasons, or even just because. But how many of us have spent money on an ‘upgrade’ while simultaneously justifying it with seemingly plausible reasons while knowing deep down that we were just scratching an itch.

A symptomatic response to being bitten by the upgrade bug.

Hey, you should be saving for a bike!!!

 

 

But agreed wholeheartedly. I often think of how much I would spend on my bike, or other things for that matter, without thinking twice about the cost and / or necessity of the purchase, whereas with other things I struggle to justify spending 25% of that figure. 

 

My examples - wider rims, "better" brakes, new pedals, cranks, 1x11 etc etc. 

 

I know all the stuff I've upgraded from has been absolutely fine, but the justifications for the new stuff that I've bought have been silly, at times. 4k to upgrade my drivetrain? Well, it'll be 1x and I "struggle" with my existing setup and and and - BULLSHAITE. But I did it anyway, 'cos well I sold my existing stuff for 75% of the cost of the upgrade and and and.

 

Recently I've caught myself when I've aaalmost bought something which I just try too hard to justify. But then sometimes I just click and swipe and then sit there thinking WTF did I buy THAT for?! 

 

It affects all of us. Just in different areas. We're always looking to get something better than we've got. 

[Brickleberry]

It's the best and worst part of this sport.

[pe3nguin]

"Don't buy upgrades, ride up grades" - Some loser

[Gen]

Never keep book of upgrades.. never.. as said above.. it makes you happy and what is life without happiness ????

[(Deon)]

I recently bought a 50mm stem. To replace a 50mm stem I already have. Why? Well it’s for a freeride bike build and this one is beefier and more suitable for its intended purpose. It weighs a little more but it’s stronger.

 

Makes sense doesn’t it? I mean if I were to tell you that.

If I told you the price you would agree that it was a good deal and if you saw it you would agree that it was perfect for the intended build. That translates into money well spent right?

 

But If I’m being honest with myself the old one was fine. It really was. Sure the new one is bigger and assumedly stronger. But was the old one so skinny that I thought it would snap? No. I wanted it because it looked dope. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with wanting something purely for aesthetic reasons, or even just because. But how many of us have spent money on an ‘upgrade’ while simultaneously justifying it with seemingly plausible reasons while knowing deep down that we were just scratching an itch.

A symptomatic response to being bitten by the upgrade bug.

Never be honest with oneself. The agony that follows negates the joy of your originally planned 100% guilt free purchase.

[popcorn_skollie]

I sold my existing stuff for 75% of the cost of the upgrade

 

This

The old stem is as good as sold and I haven't even put it up for sale yet.

It makes scratching the itch so much easier.

Ag its just an extra yada yada etc. 

 

Last week I headed to the shops and the wife asked me to buy some herbal tea.

Rose flavour or something. What are you nuts? It costs R75 for like 12 teabags?

That's crazy. I ended up buying the tea. Because I realised that I might be my own brand of crazy

[Bomberman]

And when you have upgraded everything on your bike you will find something to pimp. I think its a man thing.

 

Its the same with me.... I want a 150mm fork really bad, currently running a 130mm. Do I really need extra 20mm,....NO BUT IT LOOKS COOL. 

[Sarge]

Hi,

I was told once upon a time that if you get the urge to buy another upgrade, just relax and wait a few days and the feeling goes away....... BUT what the hell, that's no fun at all is it?

Regards

Sarge

[AlanD]

This should be on the "Who else is sick at the moment" thread as it's a bug that's being going around for a long time.

 

I have upgraded many things that didn't really need upgrading as the original parts were perfectly fine but the new parts looked so much more the business.

 

Stupid specials are also culprits, the price be so good you just pull out card and pay but when item arrives you realize you didn't really need it.

 

I want to upgrade fork...

[popcorn_skollie]

And when you have upgraded everything on your bike you will find something to pimp. I think its a man thing.

 

Its the same with me.... I want a 150mm fork really bad, currently running a 130mm. Do I really need extra 20mm,....NO BUT IT LOOKS COOL. 

 

Say it like it is! 

 

The build I'm busy with is my old DH bike. I snagged a single crown fork because it was just too sexy to pass up on. Sold the dual crown for half of what I paid for its replacement. Why? Because I'm a sucker for the dying breed of single crown long travel bikes. Don't see much of them these days. Its all snowballing from there, hence the stem. 

 

Whats worse is I really wanna spray the frame (and hoops too) I mean whats the point in restoring an old bike if I don't? Myles is right. I should be saving this money towards the new bike (which is another itch all together) Don't call Bogus. Don't Call Bogus. Don't call Bogus. That's my new money saving mantra. But I'm telling you. I'm gonna cave soon.

I just know it. 

[AlanD]

Say it like it is!

 

The build I'm busy with is my old DH bike. I snagged a single crown fork because it was just too sexy to pass up on. Sold the dual crown for half of what I paid for its replacement. Why? Because I'm a sucker for the dying breed of single crown long travel bikes. Don't see much of them these days. Its all snowballing from there, hence the stem.

 

Whats worse is I really wanna spray the frame (and hoops too) I mean whats the point in restoring an old bike if I don't? Myles is right. I should be saving this money towards the new bike (which is another itch all together) Don't call Bogus. Don't Call Bogus. Don't call Bogus. That's my new money saving mantra. But I'm telling you. I'm gonna cave soon.

I just know it.

I have wanted to have my bike resprayed for aged as it's looking like...um...old. Firstly, I don't have the cash but of course there is the banks money but need to pay them for a while before I have any spare cash.

 

Talking about that itch for a new bike, man alive, it's like being bitten by a swarm of genetically mutated mosquitoes.

 

So much want...Trance..Reign...Pascoe..Evil...

[rouxtjie]

Say it like it is! 

 

The build I'm busy with is my old DH bike. I snagged a single crown fork because it was just too sexy to pass up on. Sold the dual crown for half of what I paid for its replacement. Why? Because I'm a sucker for the dying breed of single crown long travel bikes. Don't see much of them these days. Its all snowballing from there, hence the stem. 

 

Whats worse is I really wanna spray the frame (and hoops too) I mean whats the point in restoring an old bike if I don't? Myles is right. I should be saving this money towards the new bike (which is another itch all together) Don't call Bogus. Don't Call Bogus. Don't call Bogus. That's my new money saving mantra. But I'm telling you. I'm gonna cave soon.

I just know it. 

Sooooo...

 

when you calling bogus? 

[TheJ]

I'm pretty good in this regard. Rarely buy myself anything. I got a bike, it is looked after, it works. Nothing I put on it will make it noticeably lighter.

 

I usually put off buying something many times, that is IF I end up buying something. And usually its 2nd hand as well to save money. I can afford to buy new if I want, but choose not to.

 

I tell myself that whatever money I am/was about to spend could be better applied buying my daughters something they need/want. I'd much rather use money for the betterment of my family than on bike or other toys.

[rouxtjie]

.......

...am/was about to spend could be better applied buying my daughters something they need/want. I'd much rather use money for the betterment of my family than on bike or other toys.

but what if that something makes you a happier father that rides more, that in turn, makes you a healthier farther....

 

See what i am doing with my spindocter tricks