Cycling UK Forum

rareposter wrote: ↑15 Aug 2023, 1:57pm

Pinhead wrote: ↑15 Aug 2023, 9:11am I didn't ask about upgrades I said Customisation

Why do some people always have to turn a simple question/post into an argument, boredom, I suppose.

Not bored at all, was just trying to clarify what was already a very broad topic

Absolutely- what 'is customisation' and 'what isn't customisation' has filled the letter pages of magazines like Awol, Iron Horse and countless car and other motorcycle magazines for years.
What your idea of customisation 'is' might not be someone else's idea of customisation. Motorcycles might not be anyone's thing but if you take a look at www.hazanmotorworks.com the guy has created some real works of art... with the latest project being a twin engined motorcycle with a super charger... now his idea of customisation is going to be far different from someone who isn't technically able, doesn't have the time or the tools, and struggles with even basic motor maintenance..
That's not to deride the skills of the later in any way, its merely an acceptance that people of different abilities will also have different ideas about customisation..
Those who can weld, use a lathe, and can machine new parts will have a higher expectation about customisation compared with those who struggle to use basic hand tools.

Unless Pinhead comes up with a very precise definiation of both terms there is bound to be conflict of thought. Customise means make something suit you. It may or may not be an upgrade whatever that stupid term means.
Of course the OP may have something different in mind as either they are American or have dodgy spelling.
Anyway, it's all harmless fun although it does look as if the OP didn't realise how big the worm can can be.

I think of myself as personalising rather customising when I make changes to bikes.

customize v.tr. (also -ise) make to order or modify according to individual requirements.

That's what the Concise Oxford Dictionary says and I think they have it right. Anyone with a narrower definition is IMHO, just plain wrong. Let's agree nevertheless, that some customisations are greater than others.

When I change the saddle because I require one that doesn't hurt, or re-tape the handlebars in red because I want them to match my panniers, I've customised my bike alright, but not very much. That's basic customisation.

When I use a 9-speed MTB mech ('upgraded' with 10-speed pulleys) in order to shift a 10-speed MTB-sized cassette with road STI levers and get the very low gears I nowadays require on a road bike, that's another, more technically sophisticated level of customisation, requiring arcane knowledge.

When I drill and tap extra holes in my crank so I can fit a smaller inside chainring, that's a more technically difficult customisation, requiring special knowledge, skill and tools.

When I made a drawing and got a local laser-cutting works to make me a chainguard disc (to replace the outer ring on a triple crank I was reducing to a sub-compact double) half the weight and better-looking than anything off the shelf: that's a further level - as it involves the manufacture of special parts.

But when I exchanged technical drawings to and fro for 6 months with a Chinese factory, in order to get a titanium frame and fork made like no other they had ever made before, then built it into a uniquely small and light touring bicycle for my wife, that isn't customisation at all. It's the creation of a whole new thing!

But when I exchanged technical drawings to and fro for 6 months with a Chinese factory, in order to get a titanium frame and fork made like no other they had ever made before, then built it into a uniquely small and light touring bicycle for my wife, that isn't customisation at all. It's the creation of a whole new thing!

No that's love

The debate continues.. page 95 of September's Back Street Heroes magazine

I think the question is, does anyone here not customise their bike?! I think every bike I've ever owned has always been a work in progress, one that is never finished.

Daipink wrote: ↑3 Aug 2024, 10:06pm I think the question is, does anyone here not customise their bike?! I think every bike I've ever owned has always been a work in progress, one that is never finished.

I think Daipink hit the bullseye. I don't have a single bike that I haven't 'improved' in some way over time. Bar tape, chainset, stems, saddles, pedals, mudguards, bling anodized derailleur break away bolts, wheelsets, tyres, racks, brakes, custom light mounts, rear brake cable lube ports, 2x conversion.... plus various accessories added, and that's not an exhaustive list.
A confession from a compulsive tinkerer

Daipink wrote: ↑3 Aug 2024, 10:06pm I think the question is, does anyone here not customise their bike?! I think every bike I've ever owned has always been a work in progress, one that is never finished.

I had temporary wheels on my good bike for 6 years,
before I built a set of wheels for it.



"Nothing is so permanent as a temporary solution"
Dipl-Eng Grognard.

Cyclothesist wrote: ↑3 Aug 2024, 10:26pm

Daipink wrote: ↑3 Aug 2024, 10:06pm I think the question is, does anyone here not customise their bike?! I think every bike I've ever owned has always been a work in progress, one that is never finished.

I think Daipink hit the bullseye. I don't have a single bike that I haven't 'improved' in some way....

the bicycle lends itself admirably to those who seek to improve matters; few other machines use so many parts with standardised interfaces.

Brucey wrote: ↑5 Aug 2024, 11:21am the bicycle lends itself admirably to those who seek to improve matters; few other machines use so many parts with standardised interfaces.

Conversely, are there any other mass market consumer goods:

a) with so much potential for someone to make a choice which is unsuitable

b) of which a seemingly large percentage of purchases are indeed unsuitable, or substantially less than suitable

c) for which there is a huge aftersales market of parts and components which may - or may not - turn an unsuitable bike into something which better meets the owner's needs?

slowster wrote: ↑5 Aug 2024, 11:43am

Brucey wrote: ↑5 Aug 2024, 11:21am the bicycle lends itself admirably to those who seek to improve matters; few other machines use so many parts with standardised interfaces.

Conversely, are there any other mass market consumer goods:

a) with so much potential for someone to make a choice which is unsuitable

b) of which a seemingly large percentage of purchases are indeed unsuitable, or substantially less than suitable

c) for which there is a huge aftersales market of parts and components which may - or may not - turn an unsuitable bike into something which better meets the owner's needs?

The fashion shoe industry perhaps?
That includes some of the boutique cycling shoes out there!

I've been putting bikes together for almost 60 years, and nearly always build my own bikes up myself - the last ready-to-ride bike I bought was in 1989, when I crashed my race bike and needed a replacement in a hurry, so I walked into a bike shop and bought a mid-range racing bike. But even there, I made a couple of changes to it before riding it...

My latest build was this: I bought the frameset from the factory in Taiwan and fitted it out with parts I mostly already had.

NickJP wrote: ↑6 Aug 2024, 10:38pm I've been putting bikes together for almost 60 years, and nearly always build my own bikes up myself - the last ready-to-ride bike I bought was in 1989, when I crashed my race bike and needed a replacement in a hurry, so I walked into a bike shop and bought a mid-range racing bike. But even there, I made a couple of changes to it before riding it...

My latest build was this:
PXL_20240705_013509422.jpg

I bought the frameset from the factory in Taiwan and fitted it out with parts I mostly already had.

Fascinating bike NickJP. Non folding frame that's similar to a lot of folders, 20 inch disk braked wheels, drop bars and a Carradice style seat pack. I'm intrigued - what is the intended use-case please?