Fifty Plus (50+) - Never ever go looking.........

Over the years I have found this motto that works really well for me "Never go looking at something if you don't plan to buy it or don't need it". Don't even look at the ads in the paper for goodness sake. Practicing that has saved me a lot of money over the years!!!!

Okay....I've been looking to shave just a little weight off my bike. My bike is really nice and not all that heavy but there are bikes out there that are a couple pounds lighter. Just by chance I ran across a fellow in the area that was wanting to part with his "lightweight" bike. It turns out it is exactly my size and exactly what I was thinking I might like.

Well.........Even knowing my motto (and repeating it out loud) I really messed up today. I went and took a peek. Not only did I take a peek I put my pedals on it and off I went on a short......no, much longer than short test ride. Oh my goodness........I could not believe the difference. I certainly hope it was not the excitement and adrenalin from being on a different, little nicer bike but this thing was noticeably different.

I could not believe the difference in the acceleration and how much less effort was required on some hills. I actually ran my heartrate way up higher because I was zooming up the hills so much faster and was enjoying it so much. Can you imagine how much difference that will make on the 100 mile rides with 8000-12,000 feet of climbing!!!

The dilemma.......3 college tuitions...a totaled car to replace......job possibly going away in 18 mos.....just bought a Time Trial bike in December. Why did I go look!!!!

Well, I didn't bring "Miss Trophy Bike" home with me but I've got to figure it's just a matter of time. The bike is in absolutely perfect shape for an incredible price-not to mention slimmer and younger looking. Not exactly sure how it's going to happen but maybe I can purchase the bike via student loans!!!

By the way Raket I did not do this undercover. I took the Madone over to meet this possible new addition to family. In fact, I saw the Madone staring and lusting at the shiny new Dura Ace crankset on Miss Lightweight and wondering how it was going to look on her when Miss Lightweight gets a makeover with a new compact crank........ The Madone had eyes on the rear derailleur as well.

I may need everyone's help on this one. Assuming Miss Lightweight winds up in the garage, how in the world am I going to get permission from my wife to let her stay there.

I may be on the verge of needing to find a local chapter of Bike Buyers Anonymous............

Any chance you'll share the make/model/set-up of der wunderbike? Vicarious bike buying for the rest of us.

[QUOTE=jppeI may need everyone's help on this one. Assuming Miss Lightweight winds up in the garage, how in the world am I going to get permission from my wife to let her stay there.

I may be on the verge of needing to find a local chapter of Bike Buyers Anonymous............[/QUOTE]


Permission to store the lightweight shouldn't be a problem since, in all likelihood, at some point your wife is going to leave you. Repeat after me:

1. We admitted that we were powerless over bicycles and that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
....

What a predicament! :)

(actually, what a nice predicament)

You've gotta share a little more information here. To wit:

What's the current setup on the Madone? (I think maybe you said in some prior thread it was a 5.2 with Ultegra?)

What, exactly, is Miss Trophy Bike?

If you get her (and we all know you will), will you ride her as she is, or strip some of her components and put 'em on the Madone? You could have a lot of fun mixing and matching components (or maybe even buying more).

You know, they probably have 12-step programs for people like us. The problem with this forum is that we're a bunch of junkies, all egging one another on!

Being frugal all my life, I have only owned 2 bikes (PX10 & LeJeune)which I purchased wholesale over 30 years ago, until last month when I bought a Swift folder. I am really excited about getting my new toy (frame was actually used).

"My name is jppe, and I am a bikeaholic."

I could not believe the difference in the acceleration and how much less effort was required on some hills. I actually ran my heartrate way up higher because I was zooming up the hills so much faster and was enjoying it so much. Can you imagine how much difference that will make on the 100 mile rides with 8000-12,000 feet of climbing!!!



you mean to say that lance won the tdf on a significantly inferior bike???

Suggestions:
1. Remind your wife that you don't smoke.
2. Remind your wife that you don't hang out in bars.
3. Remind your wife that you don't cheat.
4. Beg.
5. Plead.
6. Cry.

Oh, and don't forget to send pictures!

The suspense is killing me! What does Miss Trophy look like?

Over the years I have found this motto that works really well for me "Never go looking at something if you don't plan to buy it or don't need it". Don't even look at the ads in the paper for goodness sake. Practicing that has saved me a lot of money over the years!!!!............


I've operated in just the opposite way. I look at all the eye candy I can find... the more expensive the better. After a bit I get so saturated with it all, that I'm glad to go back to the simplicity of what I currently have. BTW, I too would be interested in seeing what has tempted your inner demons.

...Assuming Miss Lightweight winds up in the garage, how in the world am I going to get permission from my wife to let her stay there...

Explain to your better half that buying a USED bike is a no-lose proposition. You can always sell the used bike for what you paid for it. That takes the financial strain out of the purchase somewhat. Who knows, you might even turn a profit!! Tell the boss that this is an "investment," not a "purchase." She probably won't buy it, but she'll see that you want the bike badly enough to get creative. If she loves you, she'll say "OK."

"My name is jppe, and I am a bikeaholic."

:lol:

jppe,

I know this will fall on deaf ears, but what the heck. Why not adopt a rule -- if you buy one, you have to sell one? Nothing comes in without something going out?

And, if that doesn't work, I'd be happy to manage your bank account for you, so you're not tempted. I'd need power of attorney, access codes, etc. Just let me know.

Can buy you loooooooo ooooo looooo ooooo looooo ooooo ooooooo ve.

The last time we did that we drove home in a new 2004 Honda Accord EX with leather &c. $ 25K+ and within a week we noticed a high pitched gear whine at freeway speeds. Back to Honda for a new trans, after 1100 miles. The new trans whines too, but Honda refuses to make good, now calling it normal. Live and learn; quick decisions cost 25K and get you a mediocre car, backed up by a mediocre company. What galls me more than anything else is that everyone at the dealer and Honda Corporate knew all about this problem. In fact, Hondas consumer complaint dept said "tough luck". Oh well....

jppe,

I know this will fall on deaf ears, but what the heck. Why not adopt a rule -- if you buy one, you have to sell one? Nothing comes in without something going out?

And, if that doesn't work, I'd be happy to manage your bank account for you, so you're not tempted. I'd need power of attorney, access codes, etc. Just let me know.

Doesn't work like that. The old bike has to be kept, just as a spare while you run the new one in, Then you get the poor weather days when you cannot chance taking the new one out, Then you need a spare just in case a mate comes round and you tempt him into a ride "Just to see what its like", And then there is the fact that- We are greedy- we have to have "Extra" bikes around. Of course they are all set up for different uses, and one will be for the flat rides- one for the hills- and then there is the spare for the mate, and what do you do if you want to go down the town for a bar of chocolate- you can't use the new one as it might get stolen- and then there is the real reason- We are sentimental. I ask you- the age of some of our bikes(In bike years) it would be like throwing granny out just because she is old and Useless. Something that should be done- but she has a winning smile and you don't have the heart to do it.

jppe, Why not adopt a rule -- if you buy one, you have to sell one? Nothing comes in without something going out?

If you need to ask, you'll never understand.

Terrific feedback and responses folks!! You've given me enough courage and encouragement to continue on with the negotiations so we shall see if what turns out.

What's so interesting is how much I can relate to all the posts. For example, Stapfam and Retro, you are so right. The old bike needs to stay in the stable for training, rainy days and to help Miss Lightweight seem even lighter when it's time to ride her. If everything works out, I'll move the Dura Ace double over to the Madone (replace the triple) and make it even a more sweeter ride for the "club rides"and non-climbing events.

The make and model will probably be a big disappointment to you as it's nothing too special-otherwise I'd really be in trouble money wise. It's all carbon and full Dura Ace and a standard paint job. It's just that it is so light and quick and I didn't realize that the Dura Ace components could make a difference.......

And Gary-thanks so much for the offer of your services but my wife will not even let ME have that info. But maybe I do need to let a bike go. I could sell her Schwinn Varsity and she'd probably never miss it!!

Hopefully some pictures soon!!

The make and model will probably be a big disappointment to you as it's nothing too special-
Hopefully some pictures soon!!

jppe........no such thing as a big disappointment in a bike--that's why they're hard to sell off. How many women do I see in grocery stores who look at their homely husbands with looks of utter devotion [unless of course that husband has just blown the budget on yet another damned bike!]

Strange how shared excitement over a new bike acquisition grows here....ripples in a pond. Pictures-- Yes.

Now that I'm old the "I can't buy it when I'm dead" stream of logic seems to hold some credance with Mrs. Pinerider. She was only mad for a coupla days last time I dragged another bike home.
Your wife will get over it, don't worry about it!

- i know *exactly* what the OP's going through...

(right now there are two bikes in nearby bike shops silently beckoning and begging me to bring them home: an orange Orbea Onyx and an all-chrome Bianchi Pista)

- but remember (as suze sez):

People first.
Money second.
Things third.

:-)