First, to bring all my readers up to speed: Bike & Build provides a bike from Giant to each its participants. They can opt out for a $450 fundraising credit.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using your own?
Using your own:
- don't need to raise $450 more, thus saving effort + time if you're having trouble fundraising
- familiarity with your own equipment
- you already are comfortable with the geometry and fit
- you've already been through the breaking period. Some riders had issues the first couple weeks
- you get to take your baby across the country
- it's easy to find your bike among all the others
However, there are some benefits to getting the new bike:
- upgrade to your previous bike = faster, more comfortable, better components, bling factor
- you'll be able to get it at a good price compare to normal pricing
- you get to keep it
- you can sell your bike when you are finished
- most people have similar bikes, so it makes part swapping easy if something breaks
- no sentimental attachment if something catastrophic occurs
I used my own, and I'm glad I did. It's possible to come away from B&B with minimal damage/wear/tear. I overhauled my headset, replaced the cabling afterwards, and replaced the handlebar tape, but everyone probably should, so it's a moot point. There are hoses often at the hosts, so if you take some time, you can clean it regularly. I probably would have been just as happy with the (upgraded) Giant if I did 500 miles on it before the trip. I wasn't willing to switch bikes in the middle of racing season.
No comments:
Post a Comment