10 expensive things you may not need

Those of us who ride bikes always like to have the best and the most expensive. However, in many cases, we don't even consider if it's really what we need for the use we make of the bike. Here are some examples of cycling gear that we could do without.

Cycling is becoming more and more expensive, but there are things you might not need

Top-of-the-line groupset

Having a bike equipped with SRAM Red, Shimano Dura-Ace, or Campagnolo Super Record is undeniably eye-catching and lighter than other groupsets, but does it really pay off to pay the extra cost for a bike with these groupsets?

In the era of mechanical groupsets, top-of-the-line groupsets provided us with precision and smooth operation that their lower-range counterparts did not have. However, the advent of electronics, which has spread to almost entry-level bikes with groups like Shimano 105 Di2 or SRAM Rival AXS, has managed to equalize the performance of the groupsets so that the only difference between a high-end electronic groupset and a top-of-the-line one translates only into weight.

Power meter

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The use of power measurement as a training tool has become more popular in recent times due to the affordability of these devices. However, they continue to be expensive components that are fully utilized if we follow a structured training plan.

But, as it used to happen with heart rate monitors, most cyclists only use them to see some numbers that they don't know how to interpret or pay attention to, making them a perfectly dispensable device for the average cyclist.

Shoes with carbon soles

When buying shoes, if they don't have a carbon sole that provides maximum stiffness to make the most of every watt of power, it seems like we're wasting money. And it's true, these shoes improve the force transfer between the foot and the pedal when seeking maximum performance and trying to go as fast as possible.

What is not usually mentioned about these shoes is that often there is a price to pay for such stiffness in the form of pressure points that can end up causing foot pain and, in more extreme cases, a burning sensation that can make pedaling impossible. For an average cyclist, not so used to spending long hours on the bike, who will have the shoes on all day... nylon sole shoes often work much better, offering a reasonable level of stiffness but are much more forgiving, with wider lasts that make it more difficult to experience foot problems, and of course, at a much more affordable price than top-of-the-line models.

3D printed saddle

One of the most expensive components to be incorporated into bikes in recent years has been 3D printed saddles, which are praised for their comfort and adaptability to the cyclist's anatomy.

However, once again, we often forget about the basics, and many times the discomfort we experience when pedaling is attributed to the saddle without stopping to think that we are probably not properly positioned on the bike, and the saddle is either too high or too low or with a setback that does not correspond to our anatomy. For half the price of a 3D printed saddle, we can go to a biomechanical study where they will surely find the cause of the discomfort we are experiencing, which sometimes is due to an incorrect choice of saddle but more often is due to its improper placement.

High-profile carbon wheels

We have often talked about the benefits of aerodynamics even for recreational cyclists when it comes to saving effort. However, before working on the bike's position or wearing tight clothing, many choose expensive components like wheels seeking improvements that are minimal compared to the aforementioned. In fact, many who ride high-profile wheels do so not for aerodynamics but simply for the aesthetics of the bike with this type of wheels.

All this without considering that high-profile wheels make it more difficult to control the bike when the wind appears, negotiating curves becomes more complicated due to the increased inertia, and the wheels weigh more. Often, mid-range wheels with a more modest profile, even with aluminum rims, are more suitable for the needs of most cyclists where durability and product resistance are more important, and maintenance is less of a concern.

Here you can check out the advantages and disadvantages of high-profile wheels.

Competition bike

We all like to ride the big bikes we see our idols using in the main races of the calendar. However, these bikes have disproportionate prices that, in many cases, do not match the cyclist's abilities or needs.

A competition bike often prioritizes stiffness over comfort, so they are bikes that, after hours, if we don't have a trained physique, end up pounding the body. In addition, they place the cyclist in demanding positions seeking maximum biomechanical efficiency as well as optimal aerodynamics. A bike position that, in many cases, is unsustainable for the average cyclist who lacks the necessary flexibility or does not work the muscles responsible for maintaining the position. Finally, the geometries of these bikes often seek maximum maneuverability, making them difficult to ride, especially when descending mountains.

High-end cycling computer

In recent years, cycling computer brands have been launching products that are true onboard computers with large screens and extended battery life thanks to features like solar charging. But let's be realistic, how many of those who buy these expensive devices actually use all their functions? Many don't even use the navigation functions at any time. Not to mention the training functions that allow us to schedule intervals and workouts that most people don't even know exist.

If you are a cyclist who likes to discover new routes, get lost on the roads, and do long-distance rides, a device with these features can be tremendously useful. Also, for those who do structured training without having to memorize how many intervals, at what watts, and with how much recovery they have to do that day. But, most cyclists do not ride for more than 4 or 5 hours, and all they want from a cycling computer is to tell them the distance, speed, time, and some additional values like heart rate or road gradient. Devices that even the most basic models from different brands offer today.

Top-of-the-line cycling gear

We have to admit that the ranges of cycling gear from different brands are often a small chaos where it is difficult to find the most appropriate garments for the use we are going to make of them. On the other hand, the stereotype that the most expensive must be the best is also maintained here.

However, top-of-the-line cycling garments are often tailored to fit the most athletic cyclist, a cyclist who is usually in top shape and where the tightest patterns are sought to improve aspects such as aerodynamics or breathability. A concept of clothing that often does not suit the average cyclist, who often has a few extra pounds. In most cases, brands have in their mid-range garments with more suitable patterns for the average person, which we won't have to struggle to get into and with more than enough quality for cycling.

Electronic suspensions

In mountain biking, electronic suspensions have been the great advance of the last year. The SRAM flight Attendant system has truly revolutionized this sport by changing the way of competing and even the behavior of the same bike model.

Until now, we had to be aware of locking or unlocking the suspensions to face a climb, flat, or descent, all of that changes with the new electronic and intelligent systems that are capable of doing it as quickly and as many times as necessary to gain speed and safety.

As you can imagine, electronic suspensions are more expensive compared to manual ones and represent an additional cost of about 1000-1500€ in high-end complete mountain bikes.

But once again, we have to assess whether we need them or will be able to make the most of their potential on our bike. When you ask yourself this question, remember that the current XCO World Champion, Alan Hatherly, won the title this year without mounting any electronics on his Cannondale Scalpel, neither in suspensions nor in transmission.

Oversized pulleys for 2680€

For a few years now, one of the modifications that has become fashionable is replacing the pulley cage of our derailleur with oversized pulleys that promise to save precious watts.

Once again, for that athletic cyclist who takes care of themselves to the maximum, trains meticulously, and pays attention to every detail to perform at their best, it will be a marginal gain to add. For the average cyclist, the improvement comes from the aesthetics they give to the bike, but it should be noted that they also require more maintenance.

Some models have a prohibitive price for only gaining a few watts. The prize goes to this exclusive Ceramic Speed model that was released this year for 2,680€.