Mrs U got a very nice pair of Patagonia (!) shell pants for €400 for xmas.
Given her last pair lasted 12 years =~ 720 days that’s pretty good value.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
abc wrote:
Funny for boarders commenting on a thread specifically about skis!
It's an inclusive thread
I refer to 'ski' as any ski and snowboard trip, I should just just say 'snowsports'
@boarder2020, I can see why people who live in resort or work in the snow would look for the most durable kit and that may come at a cost more than holiday skiers/boarders would spend, but €1600 for a jacket and trousers is definitely in the eye watering category, even in Val D'isere!
under a new name wrote:
....Given her last pair lasted 12 years =~ 720 days that’s pretty good value.
That'd be 100+ holidays for me - I can only dream about how good I'd be at skiing by that point LOL
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
I can get down the mountain on a pair of 2x4s and have fun.
But I can also tell the difference of a few centimeter (length) or even a few millimeter (width)! Different curvature too. Some makes me want to ski till the last chair on certain days while others left me taking long lunches.
Same with jackets and pants. On a sunny windless day, probably no difference. But I’ve been out ENJOYING silky smooth snow on many rainy days, which those who don’t have fully waterproof clothing couldn’t understand at all.
That said, quality and price aren’t always correlated. Also, what’s more important is fit, both in geometrical sense but style too. For fair weather skier, not much point in 100% waterproof gear.
Last edited by Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see? on Fri 7-02-25 19:32; edited 1 time in total
Ski Kit; how does it affect your skiing experience?
I'm pretty useless without it.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Specialman wrote:
abc wrote:
Funny for boarders commenting on a thread specifically about skis!
It's an inclusive thread
I refer to 'ski' as any ski and snowboard trip, I should just just say 'snowsports'
Sorry, I got a different impression (which turns out to be incorrect)
Because you’ve snowboard prior, so I assume you already had experience on how gears affect the enjoyment. So I was assuming you were asking ski specific side of it. Clearly I got it wrong.
@boarder2020, I can see why people who live in resort or work in the snow would look for the most durable kit and that may come at a cost more than holiday skiers/boarders would spend
I have done multiple seasons and probably put my kit through more than most - this year I'm pretty much exclusively back country touring until a few weeks in chamonix later in the year. I've never once felt the need to buy the most expensive kit. As said above there are plenty of affordable options that will be more than adequate for 99.9% of people. Also as said by @abc, price doesn't necessarily correlate with quality - some of the decathlon clothing has near identical stats to named brands charging much more.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
@Specialman, yeah, we're unusual. In a nice way
After all it is free
After all it is free
Specialman wrote:
under a new name wrote:
....Given her last pair lasted 12 years =~ 720 days that’s pretty good value.
That'd be 100+ holidays for me - I can only dream about how good I'd be at skiing by that point LOL
For better or worse, when you put in that many days of use, the initial price became kind of irrelevant. The cost per day use drops so low it really doesn’t matter what you originally pay.
When I bought my 2nd bicycle, it was quite a high price by the standard of casual punters. But at that point, I already knew I was an addict/cycle-holic. I was also able to calculate how much my first bike end up costing per day, which was ridiculously low (pennies per day). So, paying 3 times as much for my 2nd bike made perfectly good sense!
Sure, I could have bought “similar” ones for say 20% less. But why bother “settle” for less than what I LIKE! (Including the color I want).
There’s also another calculation too. Given the total cost of each holidays, the cost of the gear may or may not matter once thrown into the bag.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
@Specialman, considering that you already know the benefits of having your own board/boots etc - I think you can make a good guess of how much of a difference it'll make to your skiing.
I've come back to skiing after a long period off, but having put my time in over a couple of seasons, I know that I like having my own kit. I ended up buying a very lightly used pair of boots from Facebook Marketplace, sticking them in the oven and moulding them at home myself. I bought a pair of skis (I know ballpark what length and width ski I like, so just found anything in that general area) off ebay in the off season for next to nothing, ended up selling them early the next season at a profit which covered the cost of my boots. The rest of my gear comes from Vinted/Depop and I buy it at a price that I'd be happy to try it and then re-sell.
I think you can be dead shrewd with gear, and always think there's a benefit to owning your own that for me outweighs the obvious cons (logistics, initial cost) - I like to use mine indoors in the UK and when I get to resort, it's very natural to just bang my boots and skis on and get going. If there's any of my kit I'm not particularly keen on when I'm away, it goes on ebay and a replacement is sourced for my next trip.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
abc wrote:
.....Given the total cost of each holidays, the cost of the gear may or may not matter once thrown into the bag.
Great point.
I baulk at paying £700pp for an entire ski holiday whereas some people may spend that just on lunches through the week. While I'm weighing up what the difference between a red and gold rental pack is worth monetarily and performance-wise, those will more cash may just go for the best without questioning it, because it's such an insignificant amount of money when the factor against a £5000pp chalet. It's horses for courses I suppose, no two people will have the same idea of what a ski holiday is 'worth'.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
I'm lucky in that rental ski boots seem to fit OK, but I have to ask for their stiff "enthusiast" boots. The last four weeks I've done I've hired quite high-end skis (Stockli), partially because I think I ski better and partially because it just feels good skiing in new Stocklis. January this year I felt/imagined/thought that the edges held so much better on the steep slopes of Verbier than skis I've had previously so I felt myself skiing with much more confidence.
As a counterpoint last year I skied the local mountain here (Mt Buller) on Decathlon skis and boots I'd bought cheaply in Melbourne and promptly fell over on the fist turn - there was just no connection between what my brain told my legs, what my feet transmitted to the boots then what the skis did. So yes, equipment makes a real difference.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
@rdk, that’s a very nicely illustrated point.
Stöcklis are an exceptionally well made ski. Also likely to have very firm torsional rigidity - a dimension rarely discussed, sadly. Which means nice to ski on and excellent edge hold.
Compare and contrast with whatever you had from Deca (and not being rude, Decathlon kit in general is very good) …
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
We've been given a fair amount of gear to test over the years as well as buying our own, and we are gear freaks!
My OH was a 100% fashionista, being a fashion director on some major glossies and newspaper, and she still likes to look good but is also very aware of functionality, though she's not a big fan of being up on the hill is minging weather and will rather wait for the bluebird day.
However, she does a fair amount of ski-touring and that's where you have to be very selective with the gear you have.
FWIW I rate the Scott gear I've had over the seasons and it lasts well.
Paramo is superb comfortable functional gear but lacks style.
Jottnar great down jackets.
Outdoor Research - some great ski-touring goretex pants with a lovely elasticated crutch, great for kick-turns.
Elevenate some good gear but does not last well.
BlackYak bought some just because of their great YouTube video (see below)
Patagonia still great, and would love to wear it top to tail on the exterior, now just have to make do with a fleece that I don't dare ski in and only wear it out in the evenings
Used to wear a lot of RAB in the mid 90's and Frenchies would often ask about it, but now it's quite mainstream.
As has been mentioned Simond from Decathlon, some nice gear, love my spring gloves.
Some Swedes I know wear a lot of Stellar and that looks so good on them.
And then start of this season I was given a jacket from Revolution Race and was very impressed with it, so impressed that I've now bought two pairs of trousers, and I really rate their gear and it's very good value!
As for skis 'gear, at this weeks French Professionals ski test, where we were testing 2025 - 2026 gear* couple of friends were raving about some Stöcklis they skied and the rrp was €1,799
And people that ski DPS, another expensive ski compared to others rave about those, that said Black Crow's price point seems to have come down against other brands, or like Scott some of the brands pricing has gone up.
But at the end of the day winter-sports gear is almost a FMCG and if you don't mind being so "terribly last year darling" you can buy last season's gear heavily discounted on various close-out sale sites such as sportspursuit & privatesportsshop.
*tested two brands & types of Boa boots each day, skiing in them all day and was most impressed with the system, and they were the single Boa's the double Boa's would offer even more flexibility in adjustment
The cost per day use drops so low it really doesn’t matter what you originally pay.
It kind of makes sense, but there's a few problems with this justification;
- it still assumes more expensive = better, which is not the always the case. And even when the top of the range item is better, is it significantly better enough to make any real practical difference?
- It assumes you are going to get "x days" use. I've seen someone write off a ski that was less than 2 weeks old! Injuries happen, circumstances change, it's perhaps not guaranteed. The most expensive stuff also tends to be the ultralight stuff, which is often not as durable
- Technology and innovation happens. Do I want to be using a piece of gear in 2-3 years that's outdated because I'm financially invested in getting my money's worth?
- Unless you have unlimited budget there is massive opportunity cost. Sure I could spend £1600 on a jacket and trousers. I could also use that money for countless other things including actually skiing!
Don't get me wrong there are times where buying the top of the range item absolute makes sense. However for most recreational skiers (and I include myself doing 60-70 days per year with lots of backcountry touring squarely in that category) the top of the range stuff is mostly unnecessary.
I snagged my down jacket today on a branch. When said down jacket was around £60 it definitely hurts a lot less
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
@Weathercam, interesting review, thanks. I'm in or nearly in the market for new shell pants, my sturdy Marmots being about to fail after 12 (? 13?) seasons (~= 600 days, if being conservative).
The Aries 3L Pros look very nice indeed and a mere €269. I think I'll be taking a punt on them this weekend.
The Aries jacket looks rather excellent as well. Loving the collar.
But I got a new replacement (Thanks Stellar, excellent customer service) jacket for this season so a few years before I can try their jackets out.
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
rdk wrote:
I'm lucky in that rental ski boots seem to fit OK, but I have to ask for their stiff "enthusiast" boots.... As a counterpoint last year I skied the local mountain here (Mt Buller) on Decathlon skis and boots I'd bought cheaply in Melbourne and promptly fell over on the fist turn - there was just no connection between what my brain told my legs, what my feet transmitted to the boots then what the skis did.....
I wonder how many of us holiday skiers who do rent and only do one or two weeks per year on snow are being hindered by kit that is more of 'get them out the door quickly' from a shop perspective, especially kids who are notorious for not giving you an in-depth answer to anything? Fair play to the shop we rented from in Italy at Christmas, they actually took a bit of time to check there was sufficient toe room and no heel lift, but even then, after two days I went back because I had wheel lift on my right foot and ended up getting a boot one size DOWN - from 30.3 to 29.5 - , which was a bug to get on in the morning, but transformed my skiing. The liner compressed just right in the replacement boot and suddenly I felt like I had a sock on, felt great. I suppose that kind of thing only comes as people get more used to ski boots, would a total beginner have picked that up?
george_1 wrote:
@Specialman, considering that you already know the benefits of having your own board/boots etc - I think you can make a good guess of how much of a difference it'll make to your skiing.
I'm still finding my feet with ski kit, (pardon the pun) but yep, at least to the extent of understanding how camber, rocker and sidecut there are similarities between what I'm experiencing on skis and what I've learned from snowboarding.
--------
On two trips I have swapped the length of the ski (177cm down to 170cm in one case) and that did help me understand things better, just like when I used to go from a 162cm board to a 157cm, manoeuvrability being the key take away. Unfortunately, not had a chance to hit like-for-like fresh groomers on skis so far so I do think the terrain you're faced with does kind of cloud the outcomes somewhat; I find it hard to cast my mind back and remember if a set of particular skis was better on, say, chopped up blue runs last time when I'm now mainly faced with icy reds.
Definitely tempted to try and do a mini 'ski test' next trip and maybe go for a top end package where you can swap between ski types freely, just to see if I'm at a stage where I can truly see a difference between kit. I know some rental shops would prefer to have you out the door quickly with least amount of faff... might be case of asking for advice on about the best ski rental place for our Easter trip.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
boarder2020 wrote:
Quote:
The cost per day use drops so low it really doesn’t matter what you originally pay.
it still assumes more expensive = better
No, it doesn’t. You’re the only one who’s making that assumption!
Some people believe in going as cheaply as possible (until it isn’t possible). That’s ONE valid way, but not the only way to choose gears.
The “best” gear is one that fits/works for the purchaser. End of story.
- If that “best fit” gear happens to be average price. Most people will gladly pay it and forget about it.
- If that “best fit” gear happens to be dirt cheap. You’re welcome to gloat about it and announce it to the world.
- If that “best fit” gear happens to be rather expensive, the purchaser have to figure out if they can 1) afford it at all; 2) is there a less ideal piece of gear that work 90% as well and cost 50% less.
Quote:
Unless you have unlimited budget there is massive opportunity cost. Sure I could spend £1600 on a jacket and trousers. I could also use that money for countless other things including actually skiing!
Another wrong assumption!
Many people are time-limited due to lack of annual leaves. So there’s zero “opportunity cost” due to money spent on more expensive gears.
Further, you’re ignoring the cost of lodging and lift pass. There maybe massive saving there that would free up funds for the purchase of more expensive gear that suits the buyers need better.
Last edited by Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person on Sat 8-02-25 17:59; edited 3 times in total
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Specialman wrote:
I wonder how many of us holiday skiers who do rent and only do one or two weeks per year on snow are being hindered by kit that is more of 'get them out the door quickly' from a shop perspective, especially kids who are notorious for not giving you an in-depth answer to anything? Fair play to the shop we rented from in Italy at Christmas, they actually took a bit of time to check there was sufficient toe room and no heel lift, but even then, after two days I went back because I had wheel lift on my right foot and ended up getting a boot one size DOWN - from 30.3 to 29.5 - , which was a bug to get on in the morning, but transformed my skiing. The liner compressed just right in the replacement boot and suddenly I felt like I had a sock on, felt great.
You already know the answer. YOU can tell the difference. And as such, it will impact your skiing experience.
But I detect a reluctance in spending the money up front to get personalized gear. Hence your endless question on whether that difference (which you can already feel) justify the cost.
For some people, it’s easy to justify. For others, it’s not worth it for a 1-week-per-year activity. Or their financial reality is such it’s simply not realistic. For the last category, compromise is necessary. Only you can make that decision base on your own situation.
Quote:
I suppose that kind of thing only comes as people get more used to ski boots, would a total beginner have picked that up?
No, a total beginner wouldn’t be able to pick that up.
But you are not a total beginner. You picked that up. You can’t “un-pick” it.
.....Hence your endless question on whether that difference (which you can already feel) justify the cost.....
Wow! That's proper buzzkill language...
Sorry for that.
I’m sure many enjoy the tangential discussion on specific piece of gear (“the buzz”). I highly doubt it’ll help you finding justification for not spending the money for better and more suitable gear for youself
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Specialman wrote:
On two trips I have swapped the length of the ski (177cm down to 170cm in one case) and that did help me understand things better, just like when I used to go from a 162cm board to a 157cm, manoeuvrability being the key take away. Unfortunately, not had a chance to hit like-for-like fresh groomers on skis so far so I do think the terrain you're faced with does kind of cloud the outcomes somewhat; I find it hard to cast my mind back and remember if a set of particular skis was better on, say, chopped up blue runs last time when I'm now mainly faced with icy reds.
Definitely tempted to try and do a mini 'ski test' next trip and maybe go for a top end package where you can swap between ski types freely, just to see if I'm at a stage where I can truly see a difference between kit. I know some rental shops would prefer to have you out the door quickly with least amount of faff... might be case of asking for advice on about the best ski rental place for our Easter trip.
One of the best things I did was test a load of skis, had a great couple of days testing at an EoSB many moons ago - came away with a discounted pair of skis, very different to the stuff I'd used before but a pair I absolutely loved. They're long gone now, but my preference for skis is based around that ski.
One of the positives of renting skis is that you can chop and change - especially if you find a good shop with decent kit. Boots on the otherhand, I've never had a pair of rental boots that I liked as much as even my cheap, self fitted, second hand boots. At best, rental boots do the job. At worst, they can ruin your skiing.
After all it is free
After all it is free
The last time I went with two other mates the one that hired boots had a nightmare first two days multiple times back to the rental in pain
If it's within budget I'd get them
We have a shop here in Cornwall that has reduced pairs that are new but not this season models
Maybe you can find something like this ??
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
Almost certainly if you have the "comfort fit" in a ski boot it is too big for you. Which means most rentals that feel OK in the shop will probably be sloping around by the end of the week.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Specialman wrote:
Kenzie wrote:
.....If you can, go to a resort open before Christmas week, on night of arrival buy off a reputable boot fitter ....
Love that idea but I suspect for a lot of holiday skiers and boarders, probably not on the cards for multiple reasons. I'd certainly not be able to factor in buying a pair of boots..... can full well imagine resort pricing of boots, even ex rentals, would be eye watering
Buying off a reputable boot fitter means you can go back to them through the week and have the fittings of the boots adjusted if they are causing pain/discomfort. You can't do that with a pair of boots bought at home. The difference a well fitted pair of boots makes to your skiing, and your enjoyment of skiing is worth the cost. And is likely to be the same cost as buying at home.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Quote:
Many people are time-limited due to lack of annual leaves. So there’s zero “opportunity cost” due to money spent on more expensive gears.
Not all of us live in a place that has such pathetic annual leave I suspect the number of Europeans who would like an extra holiday but can't afford it is higher than those that have the money but no time. I may be wrong.
But even for the "weekend warriors" who don't have the time, they may well have other hobbies and interests. Cost of living crisis means many don't have a lot of disposable income to spread amongst all these things. Plus everything tends to be even more expensive for those with limited days.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
I own boots and will always own my own boots as the comfort factor is important to me.
Have never owned a pair of skis. Few reasons for this. I don’t want to be carrying them about as well as all the stuff for my kids when we go away and secondly I don’t think I ski enough to get my head around the value proposition of owning my own. As in - I don’t ski enough to get the use out of them. I think if I was able to ski more I probably would have my own. But for a couple of weeks a year max it has never seemed worth it to me.
Conversely. My kids have had their own for use in indoor slopes/ski club - but these have always been sought second hand or gifted.
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
@swskier, those do look remarkably good
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
Quote:
That'd be 100+ holidays for me - I can only dream about how good I'd be at skiing by that point LOL
@Specialman, hmmm, I think you end up with diminishing returns. When I first came across SHs, I reckoned I'd skied about 1,300 days? that was 21 years ago and about 50-60 days a year ...
And I spent January in misery (note: heart and ACL surgery in between) because I very stupidly fecked up my boots
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
boarder2020 wrote:
But even for the "weekend warriors" who don't have the time, they may well have other hobbies and interests. Cost of living crisis means many don't have a lot of disposable income to spread amongst all these things. Plus everything tends to be even more expensive for those with limited days.
You just made yet another assumption, out of thin air, that those additional hobbies are equally expensive as skiing!
Those additional hobby could be running, swimming, or playing pickleball!!!
ALL my “other hobbies” put together are still cheaper than “skiing” alone. Because all those “other hobbies” can be enjoyed equally well near home with far less expense. No hotels, no flights, no hired car etc…
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
@Weathercam please may I ask for your view on ski goggles. I will never have a proper opportunity to test different models pre buying. [I realise there are old threads on this subject, but they tend to go round in circles].
Which brand and lens would you recommend for low light piste skiing?
Smith ChromaPop vs Oakley Prizm often seems the debate.
Cheers.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Quote:
Those additional hobby could be running, swimming, or playing pickleball!!!
Running isn't particularly cheap. You are looking at £100+ for a good pair of trainers, £200+ for top racing carbons. Trail pair, road training pair, and a race pair and you are looking at over £400. Entrance to a reasonably big trail race another £200. It can up quickly if you are particularly engaged. Yes I realise you *can* do it a lot cheaper, but skiing can also be done pretty cheap if you just tour and don't stay in resorts but nobody is really suggesting making that switch.
There's also plenty of other stuff people like to spend money on that isn't sport or travel! Musical instruments, nice meals, days out etc. Have kids and your outgoings are even more astronomical I don't believe most people have £1600 (around 4% of average yearly salary in UK) to spend on a jacket and trousers without having to make some sacrifices elsewhere.
Maybe in USA nobody has any free time to spend money on fun stuff because they live at work?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
@boarder2020, I think you're forgetting about cycling, golf , plus I have mates who have other toys like motor-bikes, Caterhams / Lotus 7's etc and God forbid yachts!!
Mind you the guy who has a vintage Aston DB6 and a rather swish Beneteau has feck all style when it comes to ski wear and I've been nagging him for a couple of years to take a guide out and he's so miserly when it comes to skiing yet will quite happily drop K's on the most ridiculous of stuff.
@Snow&skifan, and sorry, all the various goggles we are sent @KenX, tests as I have to wear prescription Snowvision goggles and or my sunnies.
Running isn't particularly cheap. You are looking at £100+ for a good pair of trainers, £200+ for top racing carbons. Trail pair, road training pair, and a race pair and you are looking at over £400. Entrance to a reasonably big trail race another £200. It can up quickly if you are particularly engaged.Yes I realise you *can* do it a lot cheaper
You’re veering into deliberate disingenuous here.
You’re painting running as a competitive sport, yet comparing it to recreational once-a-year skiing. Why aren’t entry fee of ski racing included into the cost of skiing, in addition to travel and lift pass? Next thing, are you going to include travel to Maui Ironman as the cost of running to support your point that skiing is no more expensive than running?
Quote:
but skiing can also be done pretty cheap if you just tour and don't stay in resorts but nobody is really suggesting making that switch.
But that’s not “downhill skiing”. That’s ski touring, or cross country skiing etc. That’s not the kind of skiing people are talking about here. Much the same way as the kind of “running” you’re talking about isn’t the “running” most people are engaged in.
Quote:
Maybe in USA nobody has any free time to spend money on fun stuff because they live at work? Laughing
I’m proud to say I derive more enjoyment from my work than anything else! (hint: I’m a software engineer, now dabbling into AI).
So when I’m “off work”, I do everything to make them as enjoyable as possible. Otherwise, I may not bother.
(I’ve seen frequent complain about the younger generation not willing to put up with hard work but focus too much on “chasing their passion”. Well, as one such lucky peep, I can’t tell you how much satisfaction it is to be paid to do what you love so much you’d otherwise be willing to pay to do it! I’m the in-office equivalent of a ski-bum!
Sorry for the drift)
Last edited by You need to Login to know who's really who. on Sun 9-02-25 17:01; edited 2 times in total
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
abc wrote:
When I bought my 2nd bicycle, it was quite a high price by the standard of casual punters. But at that point, I already knew I was an addict/cycle-holic. I was also able to calculate how much my first bike end up costing per day, which was ridiculously low (pennies per day). So, paying 3 times as much for my 2nd bike made perfectly good sense!
Sure, I could have bought “similar” ones for say 20% less. But why bother “settle” for less than what I LIKE! (Including the color I want).
@boarder2020, I think you're forgetting about cycling
I resemble that remark!
Perhaps because I cycle, I’m used to paying substantial money for gear to engage in an activity that has almost zero incremental expense. If the bike that fits me better cost twice as much as the one that only fits “ok”, I don’t think too much about it!
Once I dropped the big coin (thousands) on a bike, there’s very little I need to spend to use it. Tires, brake pads, that’s about it. No lift pass, no parking at the airport, never mind flights and hotels. On the occasion when I do travel to bike in places I don’t live near, I tend to overnight in a tent (free or nominal cost) and have grill steak/fish/vegetable by the camp fire. None of that $50 dinner at some overpriced resort/tourist restaurant.
I don’t hesitate to pay for ski related gear either. Even though I do have to pay extra each time I use it. The cost of going skiing each and every time is so much higher in comparison of the cost of gears spread over the years.
On that note, I’ll address another point of @boarder2020 from earlier:
Quote:
Technology and innovation happens. Do I want to be using a piece of gear in 2-3 years that's outdated because I'm financially invested in getting my money's worth?
Do you NOT want to pay for the newest innovation that fits your need, even though you know its price will likely drop as the new features “trickle down” into less expensive models?
20 years ago, before the term “gravel bike” was even invented, I had one. Custom fitted (based on a cyclecross frame) with the then best technology available. I got to enjoy casually veering off the paved road into dirt tracks, smooth trails in the forest, up and down terrain typical road bikes don’t have the gears for, and then back on the paved roads without missing a beat! My cycling buddies always ooh’ed and aah’ed at my pictures and asked where I biked. But when I showed them where and how to get there, they realized they sadly don’t have the equipment to do the same.
The bike I got was expensive even by the standard of my own “fleet”, because it had to be customized with non-mainstream parts. (Back then, even mixed surface tires cost 3x of average road tires!) But I’m glad I didn’t wait for those features to become available at lower prices (10 years later). 10 years on, I was no longer as strong/fit as I was then due to the natural advance of age. What I got to do on that extra-expensive bike, I wouldn’t be able to do them now. (That said, I’m replacing that one as there’re better ones around, for not much money. Again, not waiting for price drop as there’s no telling how much longer I can still do those things)
Last edited by You'll need to Register first of course. on Sun 9-02-25 16:25; edited 7 times in total
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
BobinCH wrote:
abc wrote:
When I bought my 2nd bicycle, it was quite a high price by the standard of casual punters. But at that point, I already knew I was an addict/cycle-holic. I was also able to calculate how much my first bike end up costing per day, which was ridiculously low (pennies per day). So, paying 3 times as much for my 2nd bike made perfectly good sense!
Sure, I could have bought “similar” ones for say 20% less. But why bother “settle” for less than what I LIKE! (Including the color I want).
A Specialized I presume
After all it is free
After all it is free
Good thing none of you are 'into' fishing (the most popular recreational sport in the UK). . . carp fishing specifically is def on par if not more than my annual ski spend (2-3 trips pa) . . . baulking at spending a few hundred £ on a pair of decent pants is beyond me - my bait bill is more than that alone lol . . and that doesn't include running a large chest freezer in the garage and getting moaned at by she that must be obeyed when the kids pizzas are turfed out in favour of stashing another 50kg of rancid smelling boilies . . .
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
Belch wrote:
Good thing none of you are 'into' fishing (the most popular recreational sport in the UK). . . carp fishing specifically is def on par if not more than my annual ski spend (2-3 trips pa) . . . baulking at spending a few hundred £ on a pair of decent pants is beyond me - my bait bill is more than that alone lol . . and that doesn't include running a large chest freezer in the garage and getting moaned at by she that must be obeyed when the kids pizzas are turfed out in favour of stashing another 50kg of rancid smelling boilies . . .
You need to try your hand at Worm Grunting.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
@Old Fartbag, lol - not averse to a bit of 'Worm Fiddling' but only for recreational purposes I might add . . . .
FAQ
Poster: A snowHead
I was also able to calculate how much my first bike end up costing per day, which was ridiculously low (pennies per day). So, paying 3 times as much for my 2nd bike made perfectly good sense!
about the best ski rental place for our Easter trip.
