The allure of new gear, even when unnecessary, is a familiar siren song for many cyclists. It’s not always about performance gains; sometimes, it’s simply the joy of acquisition. This phenomenon, often dubbed “Gear Acquisition Syndrome” (GAS), is surprisingly common within the cycling community, and extends beyond simply chasing faster times.
One cyclist, speaking anonymously, admitted to a constant cycle of upgrades despite having a perfectly functional aluminum bike equipped with a Shimano Tiagra groupset and a Garmin computer. It is not about wanting to go faster, I just like buying things,
they confessed, highlighting a core truth about GAS: the desire isn’t always rooted in a need for improved performance.
This sentiment is echoed in online forums and discussions. A thread on Bike Forums from , specifically addresses the issue, questioning whether GAS exists within cycling. The discussion quickly moved beyond bikes themselves, encompassing a constant pursuit of new bib shorts, helmets, gloves, and other accessories. This suggests GAS isn’t limited to major component upgrades; it’s a broader tendency towards continuous consumption within the sport.
The appeal is understandable. The cycling industry thrives on innovation, constantly releasing new products promising marginal gains. As Trevor Raab of Bicycling.com points out, there’s a thrill of the new
that accompanies purchasing and riding new gear. He acknowledges the dopamine rush
associated with the process, and understands why so many riders love to purchase the latest gear and purchase it often.
Raab, a self-confessed enthusiast, admits to feeling tingling joy
when new equipment arrives, eager to test its capabilities.
However, Raab also offers a crucial perspective: bicycles are remarkably durable when properly maintained. Many of the innovations driving the market represent marginal gains
– incremental improvements that, while potentially beneficial, often don’t translate into significant real-world performance differences. He cites examples like carbon fiber, electronic shifting, tubeless tires, wider cassettes, and disc brakes, acknowledging their benefits but framing them as refinements rather than revolutionary changes.
Raab illustrates this point by comparing a Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL3 Di2 to a S-Works Tarmac SL8. While the SL8 is demonstrably faster and more refined, the core experience of cycling remains fundamentally the same. This suggests that the pursuit of the latest and greatest can yield diminishing returns, especially for riders who aren’t competing at the highest levels.
The Reddit community also reflects this nuanced view. A post on r/cycling from , highlights that many upgrades, aside from changes in gear ratios, don’t actually improve a rider’s performance. The poster notes, None of the upgrades I have except for changing gear ratios made me any better on the bike.
Yet, they still find joy in the process, stating, But man, do I love getting on my bike even more now.
This suggests that the psychological benefits of new gear – the feeling of freshness, the sense of personalization – can be just as important as any performance improvement.
The challenge, then, isn’t necessarily to eliminate the desire for new gear entirely, but to approach it with a degree of self-awareness. Recognizing that the pursuit of marginal gains can be a bottomless pit, and that the joy of cycling often lies in the experience itself, rather than the equipment, can be a powerful antidote to GAS. As one Reddit user suggested, a little logical reasoning can go a long way in resisting the urge to constantly upgrade. The deleted post on r/minimalism, while no longer visible, clearly sought advice on curbing this very impulse, indicating a widespread awareness of the issue.
the cycling experience is about more than just the bike. It’s about the freedom, the fitness, the camaraderie, and the connection with the outdoors. While new gear can enhance these experiences, it’s important to remember that they are not prerequisites for enjoyment. A well-maintained, properly fitted bike, regardless of its age or components, is often all that’s needed to unlock the true potential of the ride.
