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Non geeky post warning! A guide (rant) how to survive as a cyclist.

After 15 years of being an active cyclist, here is my opinionated guide on how to survive this long.

As with any hobby that includes tech, biking is unreasonably full of marketing hype, which appeals to fundamental instincts. You can quickly get sucked into the depths of the seemingly innovative pool of shiny tech and gear.

In my opinion, this can seriously hinder the fundamental enjoyment of riding a bike and cause anxiety. A tech-savvy rider will spend his evenings hunting for deals instead of planning that awesome next trip at a local sight. I argue that the latter will satisfy their needs more sustainably.

You don't need an expensive bike and kit.

I rode my 2005 road bike I bought second hand from 2008 all the way to this year (2020) and my conservative estimate how long it lasted is 1800 hours, so about 45 000 kilometers. I have only two pairs of bibs and jerseys, one cycling jacket, and shoes I bought in 2009. In the winter, I drive my inexpensive travel bike with cheap ski clothing. If a decent piece of kit motivates you to go ride while it is raining, go for it, but bear in mind that you need only a few things sold on a bike dealer. Cycling apparel such as cycling socks should be deemed illegal as part of the Paris climate agreement.

Bike computers, power meters, heart rate meters, etc., distract you from the best cycling pleasure, sightseeing. Besides, nobody needs an extra distraction from an electronic gadget. If you get lost on your ride, enjoy it. Logging your exercise hours and seeing your progress is addicting at first until it becomes a burden when you start comparing yourself to others and even worse: previous you. Your hobby will become a performance which will wear you out. The chances are that the same thing happens to the young competitive cyclists, a small minority of them will continue their hobby fueled by their success, most quit.

Buy your bikes second hand.

You can get some incredible deals. As said, bikes last for a long time. Last season's bike is 95% as good as the current season's bike and will cost you half. Bear in mind; your new bike must be beautiful, which makes it not easy to find. I mean surely, most of the aero bikes must be the ugliest things I have ever seen.

Don't read cycling magazines, avoid such releases as Bikerumor and GCN Tech.

Treat cycling magazine articles and commercial Youtube channels almost as you would treat fake news content. Be critical of the added value of the newly invented gear. For example, ceramic bearings are pointless, choice of frame material plays a miniature role in ride comfort compared to seatpost and tires. Some useful things have been invented, such as electronic shifting and disk brakes, and indeed I would certainly not like to ride my first MTB from 2004 compared to what you have today, but you can just ignore the "aero" BS and all the stuff that really does not matter.
If you need inspiration, read books about bike traveling and watch some independent bike touring Youtube clips.

Don't rationalize. Buy gear if you feel the urge for it.

Accept that you just want new toys, and it is not based on reason. If part of your hobby is to buy gear, so be it, but don't try to rationalize it. Making up artificial reasons why you need this and that feature will only cause more anxiety and increase your buyers' remorse.
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