Does a good bike make a big difference?

Question

I currently ride a 1980's Fuji road bike... I bought it for a rather inexpensive amount just to see how I would like cycling.

I ride 30-40 mile trips before I start to feel tired, and maintain around 18 mph. ... I really love biking.

My question is, would getting a better, newer bike be a good idea for me?

will it be a HUGE improvement?...

I know going from steel to aluminum will be nice... but how do you think the immediate effects will be?

Answer 1

a good bike makes a big differnce. i have 2 of them. one of them i bought at target on sale. i went on vaction and wanted one fast and its a heavy and i get tired with it after 20 mins.

my other one its really expensive and very light bike i can go so much longer and not get tired quick and going faster.

so yes there is a big difference.

Answer 2

does it matter

'

Answer 3

Thats a pretty old bike; you'd be amazed at how much different bikes are today.   Go test ride a few and see for yourself.   A newer bike would be much more efficient which is the name of the game in road cycling.....

Answer 4

Immediate effects:

-Lighter (considering yours was made 20 years ago).

-Like any bike, it would have a different feel to it, how you sit, the handlebars, and your feet on the pedals

Answer 5

You will notice a huge difference with any bike shop quality bike.  My best advice would be to go to a shop and take one out for a test ride.

Answer 6

I don't believe a nicer bike would effect you that much.  If the Fuji make you happy just keep it in great shape and have fun.  I personal like a lighter bike.

Answer 7

Not really. It all depends on the Fuji you won. Some 1980s Fujis were fine bikes. Some were junk. You want a bike that is reasonably light, but not flimsy, and one that is dependable, doesn't make noise and isn't dangerous. If it's still together, it's probably fine.

Answer 8

yeah if you ride your bike a lot and really like doing it then you should get a better one, treat yourself to a nice gift :) i dont know if that helps but yeah

Answer 9

I would say it depends on why you are riding.  If you are doing it for exercise, riding a bike that is going to make you work a little harder to cover the same distance isn't a bad thing.  Having said that, a new bike can make a difference if you invest enough to get better components.  Newer, in and of itself, doesn't necessarily mean better.  A lighter bike will be faster.  Thinner tires will be faster.  Higher end components will be lighter and more responsive.

Answer 10

If you could ride a 10Lb bike, rather than a 30Lb bike, there is a difference in energy needed to move the bike.  

Racing tires as opposed to mountain bike tires will also make a difference in the amount of rubber on the road and therefore the amount of friction you need to overcome.

Personally, I have had MANY 12, 18 and 21 speed bikes that were schwinn or huffy.....not a professional bike.....I destroyed all of them.  I currently own a mountain bike with full suspension which is now close to 10 years old.......It needs shocks, but the bike is in relatively good shape for a $300 bike.

The quality and type of bike will make a difference for different reasons.....If you intend on riding in foul weather or may get caught in foul weather or if the roads are not all in good shape or there is gravel in the roadway, it may be wise to get a full suspension mountain bike with road tires as a mountain bike is meant for those types of conditions.  Otherwise, you may destroy a road bike in a short amount of time.

Answer 11

heck yes a bike makes a difference, immediately you will notice the weight difference, but also the components are more important then you think. shifters, brakes, derailleurs, tires, these are all very important....upgrade, you will be happy you did.

Answer 12

what you could always do is take you bike in to a local bike shop and get them to tell you the total differences like weight and get there opinion

Answer 13

On the road , if you are comfortable in your riding position then for me,that's about it.

I would think the most important thing is having appropriate tyres for your usage(ie.less grip more speed.)

and keeping those tyres well pumped up and your bike well maintained.

I have an ovesized aluminium frame bike which I love but I know a guy who is far more knowledgeable than me who drools over steel bikes.

If it aint'broke.....

Answer 14

If it has good gears low and high its comfy it should be fine ..The chains should be kept oiled for those distances

Answer 15

30-40 miles. take a rest then carry on, you need a proffesion lightweight bike if you are going to get serious about cycling.. how are you will your erm how to put it.. income, do you have a budget for a new bike and if so how much.. also whilst your thinking check out some proffesional bike websites.

hope it helps

Danny