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Most of us in the US will have $600 checks in the next month or two, with strict instructions from the government to spend the money on consumer goods in order to stimulate the economy.
Gee, it seems like a good time to buy a bike! What's the best way to spend $600 or so on a nice bicycle? Give us reasons for your choice. Links and pictures are nice also.
BTW, people with very low incomes and those on disability are only getting $300. Any suggestions for them?
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It'll depend on what frame(s) I find either on eBay, Craigslist, or the local transfer station/yard sales. From that point on, it's whatever I've already got on the parts shelf.
$600 for my share? That better translate into three bikes if I'm going to spend it all on bikes. Nah, I'm a cheap *******. $400 of that will go into savings.
BTW, people with very low incomes and those on disability are only getting $300. Any suggestions for them?
I hadn't heard that lower income == lower gov't cashback. The last I heard was that the 'incentive' would be determined based off of your return information. Silly of me to think that lower returns should equate to a higher stimulus package, I suppose.
Anyhow, for any amount people are getting back, there's plenty of brand new bikes to be had with just a little bit of added cash above the minimum $300 stimulus level... the choices increase as you get toward that $600 level, if you're so inclined to go with a new bike.
You can scour CL for 5 minutes and probably find something just as well suited to the intended purpose for about 1/3 the price, unless you're looking for a fixed gear. People on CL are insane with the prices they want, even on suicide-conversion gaspipe frame beaters.
My clothes washer broke, so I "pre-stimulated" the economy by buying a new one last week. Or so I thought, until I looked at the shipping carton.
MADE IN KOREA
Go Team Kim Chi !!!
The Novara Transfer (http://www.rei.com/product/744802) comes in at $599. Needs panniers and a helmet. Gets rave reviews from a friend who just picked one up. He did note that the "automatic" light sensor isn't, since the lights won't turn on in fog or twilight. A bit of electrical tape fixed that detail. It's probably the cheapest and best equipped car free bike I've seen. No standlight on the lights, so battery backup is a Good Idea.
I haven't seen any new bikes under $300 that strike me as well suited to car free life. If it's under about $350-400, odds are it won't have a rack or fenders. Add on those, a cargo net, and decent lights and you're right back at the $350-450 price point... and the "cheap" bike will probably be heavier than the fully equipped one.
A trailer would be a good use of the bonus tho, especially for someone who already has a working bike. Some stuff just doesn't fit in panniers or on a standard rack. The trailer will take a *lot* of those kinds of things, so it really opens up a new world of moving stuff by bike. Since trailers come in at around $300 new, that is manageable for the small refund group, and leaves the large refund group with $300 to buy conveniences.
The Novara Transfer (http://www.rei.com/product/744802) comes in at $599. Needs panniers and a helmet. Gets rave reviews from a friend who just picked one up. He did note that the "automatic" light sensor isn't, since the lights won't turn on in fog or twilight. A bit of electrical tape fixed that detail. It's probably the cheapest and best equipped car free bike I've seen. No standlight on the lights, so battery backup is a Good Idea.
I haven't seen any new bikes under $300 that strike me as well suited to car free life. If it's under about $350-400, odds are it won't have a rack or fenders. Add on those, a cargo net, and decent lights and you're right back at the $350-450 price point... and the "cheap" bike will probably be heavier than the fully equipped one.
A trailer would be a good use of the bonus tho, especially for someone who already has a working bike. Some stuff just doesn't fit in panniers or on a standard rack. The trailer will take a *lot* of those kinds of things, so it really opens up a new world of moving stuff by bike. Since trailers come in at around $300 new, that is manageable for the small refund group, and leaves the large refund group with $300 to buy conveniences.
That Novaro's a good call! :)
Even with sales tax, it would only be a little over the $600 stimulus check. Actually, the only thing you "need" to get started is the bike. Extras like a rack and panniers can come later.
Most of us in the US will have $600 checks in the next month or two, with strict instructions from the government to spend the money on consumer goods in order to stimulate the economy.
Gee, it seems like a good time to buy a bike! What's the best way to spend $600 or so on a nice bicycle? Give us reasons for your choice. Links and pictures are nice also.
BTW, people with very low incomes and those on disability are only getting $300. Any suggestions for them?
Guilty as charged...:o
I kind of jumped the gun:p We got a quarterly bonus payout this week from the project I am working on:beer:
So off to the local bicycle emporium to purchase a suitable replacement for my aging Raleigh Sports (the ugly one) and to get something that fits a bit better. Basic requirements were IGH, fenders, rack(s) and upright riding position. I was really leaning towards a Breezer but can't find anybody with one in stock within a 12 hour drive of me. Toyed with a couple of other ideas but settled on a Redline R530 (http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/R530.html) By the time I get all the upgrades and necessities;) I will have spent close to $900. But that includes some high dollar things like an LED generator powered light system with standlights, new Brooks B67 (http://www.wallbike.com/B67.html), very nice Basil Panniers (http://velo-orange.com/baka2pa.html) and a Euro style locking system (http://clevercycles.com/store/?product=LBFRAME), and last but not least a new Wald 933 basket (http://waldsports.qbsoft.com/index.cfm/wald933meshbasket.html).
Should have everything on hand by the end of next week!
Aaron:)
http://www.redlinebicycles.com/adultbikes/bikes/images/R530-DkBlue-M.jpg
I have been trying to find out how to opt out of this charade, so far without luck. Apparently I will have to go into an IRS local office, since there are no ways to do it over the web or by phone. Finding the time to get there is the hard part.
The way the economy is going, maybe I'll just buy a little gold. ;)
Gold is running high. Buy an undervalued stock.
It'll depend on what frame(s) I find either on eBay, Craigslist, or the local transfer station/yard sales. From that point on, it's whatever I've already got on the parts shelf.
$600 for my share? That better translate into three bikes if I'm going to spend it all on bikes. Nah, I'm a cheap *******. $400 of that will go into savings.
Sounds like a good plan. I just invested in a rear derailleur and a new chain for my commuter. Also, recently spend $70 on new tires. The rest should go to savings.
I have been trying to find out how to opt out of this charade, so far without luck. Apparently I will have to go into an IRS local office, since there are no ways to do it over the web or by phone. Finding the time to get there is the hard part.
The way the economy is going, maybe I'll just buy a little gold. ;)
If you don't accept it the government will spend it on something else. Give it to a charity that you support or buy goods with it and give them away. At least that way you know 100% of the money went to something you know does good.
New old stock of the often-recommended Jamis Coda Sport can be had for $500 http://bicyclebananas.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=AEJJ-05Jamis_CodaSport
I'm not in the market for a bike, but if I had a $600 budget, I'd seriously consider it, and use the other $100 for accessories. Realistically, though, most people who need that money are probably going to spend it on rent, bills, and groceries.
New old stock of the often-recommended Jamis Coda Sport can be had for $500 http://bicyclebananas.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=AEJJ-05Jamis_CodaSport
I'm not in the market for a bike, but if I had a $600 budget, I'd seriously consider it, and use the other $100 for accessories. Realistically, though, most people who need that money are probably going to spend it on rent, bills, and groceries.
And I am sure gasoline...That check would only cover a month's worth of fuel for my truck.
Saw an interesting joke the other day about the stimulus checks. They pointed out that if you spent them on most consumer goods you would be supporting China, if you spent them on gasoline supporting the Middle East, spent it on produce supporting Mexico/Central America. If you really wanted to support America with your spending to go enjoy a lady of the night and have an Budweiser...only a couple of the things still truly made in a America:D
Aaron:)
Saw an interesting joke the other day about the stimulus checks. They pointed out that if you spent them on most consumer goods you would be supporting China, if you spent them on gasoline supporting the Middle East, spent it on produce supporting Mexico/Central America. If you really wanted to support America with your spending to go enjoy a lady of the night and have an Budweiser...only a couple of the things still truly made in a America:D
Aaron:)
The hookers in DC aren't all made in America either. We got Asians, Europeans, South Americans. They don't all send money home to their families so I guess it would stimulate the local economy.
I have been trying to find out how to opt out of this charade, so far without luck. Apparently I will have to go into an IRS local office, since there are no ways to do it over the web or by phone. Finding the time to get there is the hard part.
Well, I finally got to the IRS office. They said to VOID the check and send it back to the office that sent it to you with a note saying that you want it credited back to your account.
If you don't accept it the government will spend it on something else.
You realize that it's not a gift from the government. It's a rebate on your next year's taxes. The money you get comes out of your own pocket next year. Think of it as money traveling back in time, taken out of your pocket in 2009, put back in in 2008.
It's really a very cynical joke played on us by the Government. It may be a bump now, but it will be a trough next year.
If SS or fixie commuting is what you do, a Windsor The Hour/Messenger or Mercier KiloTT would run $300-350, allowing plenty for necessary extras like fenders, rack, lights, etc. $300 would also buy a decent 80s CL 10 or 12 sp or 90s hybrid with money left over for accessories as well.
I think we'll probably buy either guns or a chimney for a woodstove with our share.
You realize that it's not a gift from the government. It's a rebate on your next year's taxes. The money you get comes out of your own pocket next year. Think of it as money traveling back in time, taken out of your pocket in 2009, put back in in 2008.
It's really a very cynical joke played on us by the Government. It may be a bump now, but it will be a trough next year.
Incorrect. It is indeed a "gift".
From the link below: "It's an economic stimulus payment that more than 130 million households will receive starting in May. It's not taxable, and it won't reduce your 2007 or 2008 refund or increase the amount you owe when you file your 2008 return."
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=179211,00.html
consumerism is a problem not a solution.....and, i really dont need anything right now, mostly just "fuel" for the bike.
Incorrect. It is indeed a "gift".
From the link below: "It's an economic stimulus payment that more than 130 million households will receive starting in May. It's not taxable, and it won't reduce your 2007 or 2008 refund or increase the amount you owe when you file your 2008 return."
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=179211,00.html
Actually, you're correct. If you "voided" it, it would be credited as a $600 prepayment towards your 2008 taxes, and you would get just that much of a larger refund next year. I don't agree with Bushnomics, either, (issue huge amounts of debt bought by China, in order to fund silly crusading adventures in the middle east in order to gain control of more oil)
If you really wanted to hedge your bets, buy silver!!
http://www.silver-investor.com/
Incorrect. It is indeed a "gift".
From the link below: "It's an economic stimulus payment that more than 130 million households will receive starting in May. It's not taxable, and it won't reduce your 2007 or 2008 refund or increase the amount you owe when you file your 2008 return."
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=179211,00.html
Well, I went looking through documents, including the original bill. http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/F?c110:5:./temp/~c110facz3D:e1754: You are right that it comes from 2007, not 2008 as earlier reported on CNN.
Actually, you're correct. If you "voided" it, it would be credited as a $600 prepayment towards your 2008 taxes, and you would get just that much of a larger refund next year.
yup. $600 (or whatever) free money this year, or if you refuse to accept it, $600 (or whatever) next year.
why are people still confused by the basic tenets of the plan?
if you are confused, the faq page off the irs' webpage that i linked to above should explain most.
If I was going to spend my $600 on a bike, I would go for a 2006 Breezer Villager at my LBS that they want $559 for.
If I was going to spend my $600 on a bike, I would go for a 2006 Breezer Villager at my LBS that they want $559 for.
I wanted to look at a Breezer, but the closest store that had ANY in stock was in Memphis, TN....12 hours away. There are 3-4 dealers a lot closer but they don't have them in stock.
Aaron:)
yup. $600 (or whatever) free money this year, or if you refuse to accept it, $600 (or whatever) next year.
why are people still confused by the basic tenets of the plan?
if you are confused, the faq page off the irs' webpage that i linked to above should explain most.
Because the government can't just create money without it causing an equal opposing reaction somewhere else in this global economy. We aren't getting this money because the government some how managed to become very efficient. This will likely cause the dollar to weaken further as we issue more debt and inflation increases.
If you want a great example of the effects of issuing more currency as a solution look at South Africa and Mugabe's economic policies.
My stimulus check and refund are going to pay off bills.
If everything goes right with my current job, the severance check I get in June will end up being a nice bonus. Debating on a utility bike: either converting my current with the xtracycle or getting a Yuba Mundo.
I already have one in the works I put money down week or so ago on a Soma Double Cross being built with the rival group that check should finish off the build, can't wait.:)
Me? I'm gonna invest it in retirement. The more I dump in now, the faster I can spend my days playing around. That will likely include biking. :)
Well, I finally got to the IRS office. They said to VOID the check and send it back to the office that sent it to you with a note saying that you want it credited back to your account.
If you are feeling under taxed, you are welcome to send any amount above that which you owe to the US Treasury. I have no doubt they will cash your check.
Me? I'm gonna invest it in retirement. The more I dump in now, the faster I can spend my days playing around. That will likely include biking. :)
Good move. I will probably put mine in the bank, just in case I lose my job or something.
Good move. I will probably put mine in the bank, just in case I lose my job or something.
I pretty well have that covered:D Ours will go in the bank with a portion to be donated to the less fortunate.
Aaron:)
buying a bike isn't all bad, i guess... i'd put my money there if i had a need.
try keeping your hush money local - money spent on local businesses do more good for your immediate community - local tax revenues go up, money gets invested in local projects, infrastructure, schools, etc... and you are putting money into the pocket of the guy down the road. chain stores are cash vacuums - their MO is to suck money from the local economy and move it elsewhere. web based businesses are the same...
there's a campaign in vt to 'keep it in vt'. (http://www.keepitinvermont.org/)
If you are feeling under taxed, you are welcome to send any amount above that which you owe to the US Treasury. I have no doubt they will cash your check.
Who said I was undertaxed? :eek: Its' a different issue than having taxes pulled out and put back in.
As Sirpoopalot led me to discover, my information from CNN was wrong and the money comes from taxes already paid. Putting it back in my account won't help, and if I give extra taxes to the government, they'll probably just spend them on that insane war or subsidize Ethanol with them. I don't want that. :p
consumerism is a problem not a solution....
But after 9/11, the President told us to go shopping. With the rebate, same message. ;)
But after 9/11, the President told us to go shopping. With the rebate, same message. ;)
Some shopping is sensible *g*. We're looking at a nice water resistant winter coat for me, and rain pants for both of us so we don't have another hypothermia episode to make next winter scary. We're *not* looking to go out and buy things we won't use.
If you don't need any *things* investing the money for the long term makes perfect sense.
Speaking of bicycles....:p
I forgot I picked this one up at our LBS this past weekend. It has been hanging out there for me since Christmas, waiting on me to clear some room in my storage area for it:o and of course there is a whole list of stuff to be added to it:rolleyes:
Aaron:)
http://inlinethumb30.webshots.com/11549/2926447730066886751S500x500Q85.jpg
should i feel bad for spending 600 dollars on wheels and hubs yesterday?
should i feel bad for spending 600 dollars on wheels and hubs yesterday?
Depends...were they IGH and generators? If not...yes!:p
Aaron:)
I wish. My rebate ($1800 in my case) will go towards the taxes that I paid this year. Not exactly break even but every bit helps.
-D
New old stock of the often-recommended Jamis Coda Sport can be had for $500 http://bicyclebananas.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=AEJJ-05Jamis_CodaSport
I'm not in the market for a bike, but if I had a $600 budget, I'd seriously consider it, and use the other $100 for accessories. Realistically, though, most people who need that money are probably going to spend it on rent, bills, and groceries.
It's pretty controversial here on BF, but I'm thinking about getting a "hybrid" also. :eek:
I'm looking at the Specialized Sirrus (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32215) ($590 list)and the Giant FCR3 (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/road/1244/29286/) ($520) as well as the Coda.
Did my american duty and spent my stimulus, picked it up yesterday.:)
Did my american duty and spent my stimulus, picked it up yesterday.:)
Nice looking bike. What kind is it? Did your rebate check cover it, or did you throw in extra $?
Well, this is my first post as I just got my first "real" bike, or "any" bike since I was 16. My wife had been wanting a bike for a while and decided to get one with her $600 a few weeks ago. She went with a Specialized Vita. It's kinda funny, when we went looking for her bike, (we got it at Scheels) they have a city bike trail that just happens to start right behind the store. She decided she liked the looks of the Vita and the salesman told her to take it out on the trail for 30-45 minutes to see if it was the one. I had no intention of getting a bike for me but he insisted that I take a bike and go with her.....so I did (the mens version of the Vita) nice bike.
Anyway, I think I ended up having more fun than she did and had been wanting my own bike ever since. I wasn't wanting to spend my $600 on my bike though, so right away I started advertising my elliptical trainer for sale (I can only ever find time to use it in the winter anyway). Well I haven't had any luck selling it and today I just couldn't wait any longer. I ended up getting a Trek 4300 disk. I rode it home from the lbs (2mi.) and then for a short ride around the neighborhood. My hind-end is pretty sore from that seat but all-in-all I think I made a good choice (I research EVERYTHING I buy and that's how I found this place). Looks like a good forum you have here! How's that for a first post?
Oh, and if anyone is in the market for a health club quality elliptical, let me know. LOL
Well, this is my first post as I just got my first "real" bike, or "any" bike since I was 16. My wife had been wanting a bike for a while and decided to get one with her $600 a few weeks ago. She went with a Specialized Vita. It's kinda funny, when we went looking for her bike, (we got it at Scheels) they have a city bike trail that just happens to start right behind the store. She decided she liked the looks of the Vita and the salesman told her to take it out on the trail for 30-45 minutes to see if it was the one. I had no intention of getting a bike for me but he insisted that I take a bike and go with her.....so I did (the mens version of the Vita) nice bike.
Anyway, I think I ended up having more fun than she did and had been wanting my own bike ever since. I wasn't wanting to spend my $600 on my bike though, so right away I started advertising my elliptical trainer for sale (I can only ever find time to use it in the winter anyway). Well I haven't had any luck selling it and today I just couldn't wait any longer. I ended up getting a Trek 4300 disk. I rode it home from the lbs (2mi.) and then for a short ride around the neighborhood. My hind-end is pretty sore from that seat but all-in-all I think I made a good choice (I research EVERYTHING I buy and that's how I found this place). Looks like a good forum you have here! How's that for a first post?
Oh, and if anyone is in the market for a health club quality elliptical, let me know. LOL
Fantastic first post! :)
I bet you'll love the Trek. If the toosh doesn't feel better after you've ridden a few times, you might want to switch your saddle. The LBS might even cut you a deal on a new one, since you just bought the bike there. Cycling should be pretty much painfree, provided you don't fall off the damn thing!
Part of the check was spent on a new crankset to replace a bent crank arm and bent spindle (was like that when I bought the bike and just got tired of riding with it like that).
The rest was used to pay off the rest of the honeymoon.
Nice looking bike. What kind is it? Did your rebate check cover it, or did you throw in extra $?
Thanks, it's a Soma Double Cross I had built up as my urban dream bike and orginaly the check would have coverd it(frame fork and headset installed $600), I was just going to move the parts from another bike I had, but then decided middway through I decided to give rival group a try so I had to throw about double than what I had originally planned. Good thing about being car free and single with roomates is my cost of living is so low compared to others.
Thanks, it's a Soma Double Cross I had built up as my urban dream bike and orginaly the check would have coverd it(frame fork and headset installed $600), I was just going to move the parts from another bike I had, but then decided middway through I decided to give rival group a try so I had to throw about double than what I had originally planned. Good thing about being car free and single with roomates is my cost of living is so low compared to others.
Yeah, you'll probably have less to spend on bikes when you have a family. But the Soma will serve you well for many years if you take good care of it.
New old stock of the often-recommended Jamis Coda Sport can be had for $500 http://bicyclebananas.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=AEJJ-05Jamis_CodaSport
I'm not in the market for a bike, but if I had a $600 budget, I'd seriously consider it, and use the other $100 for accessories. Realistically, though, most people who need that money are probably going to spend it on rent, bills, and groceries.
My household is in that boat, due to my wife's former job. (Commission only insurance sales w/ statewide (OK) territory) She actually spent more to work than she made. She was going through up to 4 tanks of gas a week! I had to convince her that from a pure financial standpoint, it made more sense for her to stay at home, thus eliminating daycare and fuel usage. But the damage is done, no money for my a bike (or she thinks). I managed to put half down on a '06 Kona Smoke (30% off!), before the credit card accounts became "temporarily suspended". So, about $250 of the $1800 will go towards paying off the bike+essentials, and the balance goes toward debt.
Used my $300 (college student) and paid for most of my used Colnago Super single speed. It will eventually be my city vehicle.
Still don't have my stimulus check (didn't file taxes until late either:rolleyes:)
But I didn't let THAT stop me!
Here is my Official Stimulus Bike:
2008 Redline R530, I am posting a review in the Utility Forum, this is the way it looks right now today, but I have lots of more goodies for it on order.:thumb:
Aaron:)
http://inlinethumb08.webshots.com/39303/2724114990066886751S500x500Q85.jpg
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