As a cycling enthusiast, I often find myself pondering the allure of the latest bike technology versus the steadfast reliability of my seasoned steeds. Like many riders, the siren call of new carbon frames, electronic shifting, and disc brakes is hard to ignore. Yet, there’s a certain charm and proven performance in my current collection, particularly my dependable 10 Speed Racing Bikes, that keeps me grounded.
My stable includes bikes with a history. There’s the Omega Alchemy, an eighteen-year-old titanium frame that has been my go-to summer ride. Alongside it, the twenty-four-year-old Kinesis TK2, a winter workhorse. And while the Boardman ATT 9.8 with SRAM Red 11 is a more recent addition, even it is around seven years old. All of these originally featured rim brakes and, notably, started with 10-speed groupsets before upgrades.
The journey of upgrading these bikes has been insightful. Take the Omega, for example. It began its life with a Shimano 105 3×10 groupset. Over time, it evolved, receiving a modern Shimano Ultegra R8000 2×11 upgrade, along with new forks and carbon wheels. A surprising benefit of this upgrade was the increased tire clearance. Previously restricted to 23mm tires due to the front derailleur clamp, the sleeker R8000 clamp allowed for the more comfortable 25mm GP5000s. This small change made a noticeable improvement in ride quality, proving that sometimes, even minor tweaks can bring significant gains to a 10 speed racing bike frame.
Similarly, the Kinesis TK2, initially equipped with a Shimano 105 6500 3×10 setup, now sports a Shimano 105 R7000 2×11 groupset. While the shifting is undeniably crisper with the newer components, the practical advantage of the wider 11-34 cassette over the original 11-30 is debatable. The climbing gear remains essentially equivalent, leaving me to question if the upgrade from the original 10 speed configuration truly represents a functional leap in performance for everyday riding.
The thought of a brand new bike, perhaps carbon or titanium, equipped with disc brakes, 12-speed electronic shifting, and all the modern bells and whistles, frequently crosses my mind. However, the pragmatic side of me quickly calculates the cost of such a change. The trade-in value of my current bikes would be minimal, and the expense of acquiring new wheelsets to match a new frame adds to the financial burden. For now, my money remains wisely in my pocket.
I often ride with friends who are still actively working and upgrade their bikes regularly, enjoying the latest trends in wider tires and disc brakes. They appreciate the fresh appeal of shiny new equipment. Yet, when we are on the road, I find myself keeping pace, even with those who are younger and purportedly faster. My slightly older, upgraded 10 speed racing bikes are more than capable of holding their own. In fact, when we decided to ride our “oldest” bikes one day, most of my companions’ “old” bikes were still newer than my trusty steeds.
I admit to occasionally browsing online marketplaces, like Facebook and eBay, for second-hand bikes, half-heartedly considering a change. But I remain unconvinced of the necessity. If money were truly no object, perhaps the allure of the newest technology would be irresistible. If ego dictated my choices, maybe a constant cycle of upgrades would be the norm. Or, if a frame were to fail, a replacement would be unavoidable. But for now, my current bikes, with their 10 speed racing bike heritage subtly enhanced by modern upgrades, continue to perform admirably.
Ultimately, the decision boils down to a balance between desire and practicality. The appeal of 28mm tires, electronic shifting, and disc brakes is undeniable. However, the financial implications and the realization that my current, subtly upgraded 10 speed racing bikes still deliver satisfying performance keep me content. For now, the charm and capability of my seasoned bikes win out, proving that sometimes, the best rides are on the bikes you already own.
