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It seems we bike riders seem to have the best excuses ever to justify more bikes and more new gear. We buy last years bikes because they are on sale to only covet the current model because it is painted maybe "white?""--sorry couldn't resist--------or the chain stays are a new type of carbon, or the top tube is eliptical carbon. Then some get into the "weight weenie" syndrome. Fortunately, I have enough weight on my middle, I can't justify spending money on lighter components.

But then, the excuses (saddles excepted on this one w/all deference to George and beelz and my own butt, perinium prostate, soft tissue and what ever else is lurking in the nether regions) that we use to buy new gear sometimes reaches on the ridiculous.

Mine**********

1. If I spend enought money on this bike to make me uncomfortable, I will ride it every day.
2. My current bike shorts are too tight. I'll buy these new ones and never have to go back to the larges
3. When the Bike Friday comes in, I'll have enough time to take that with me every time I travel and won't have to rent so many cars
4. Etc. Etc........

Then, what have we bought that actually was justified.

For me:
1. Garmin. The info is mind boggling. I can really judge what my fitness level is.
2. Good biking shorts.
3. Perpetuum for long riding trips and Endurolytes
4. Gel gloves
5. Specialized Alias saddle (my nether region loves it)

So the question is,

What are the silly reasons you have justified all the new bike and eqpt. purchases, and what really worked out**********??

John E

I don't covet this year's model from anyone; I would rather keep riding my classics.

Retro Grouch 

My worst nightmere is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "How sensible dad was." I feel an obligation to leave them a more colorful legacy than that.

George

I'm done looking at bikes, now I'm looking at HRM. I ran out of excuses. I was thinking about the saddle you have, but finally, I think this cow hide may work.

oilman_15106

This reminds me of a conversation a consultant who bikes and works for me had with my son on how they would divy up my bikes when I was done! Both are cyclists and none of my bikes would fit them but.......

Jet Travis

I'm equiping my recently-ebay-purchased Italian bicycle with Campagnolo parts for the most sensible of reasons: to celebrate Tulio Campagnolo's birthday which also happens to be my own. I'm hoping to have everything good to go for a maiden voyage on August 26.

stonecrd

Let's see:

"I need a new bike because heck I just bought an entry level model to see if I would ride and now I am riding 100+ miles a week on this heavy non OCP bike"

"Well the new bike comes with Ultegra, I can't put black 105 pedals on Ultegra, I have to get the new 6620 pedals"

"This Ritchey handle bar has really small drops, I think I need a better bar with longer drops and I really need a flat top"

"Man, that old topeak wedge is looking pretty beat up, I can't ride around looking like that, I need a new wedge"

"Damn pump just won't seat on these presta valves, I hear the Specialized Comp pump is pretty good"

On and On and On it goes, where it stops, nobody knows

HopedaleHills

I can spend $2000 on a new bike now or $200,000 on hospital bills after the heart attack.

Tom Bombadil

Honey, I don't know what to say. I told it to STAY, but it followed me home anyway.

stapfam

Don't need a new bike. Just got one. If I spend anymore money on bikes or bike related gear Then I think I will be walking with a severe limp and in a hunched over position with my knees crossed.

Bud Bent

Looking back, it's just incredible how much I've spent on cycling stuff lately. But, I'm riding so much I seem to spend less on everything else, so it all works out in the end.

tlc20010

+1 I keep walking by the lbs that has the Cervelo in the window hoping it will follow me, but so far the lock they have on it keeps it from leaving the store.

BSLeVan

I'm an art lover. Cycles are art, and I collect 'em. I also collect guitars, and pocket knives, but those are completely OT.

webist

For me, I usually assess whether or not it is a weekend or a week day. If it's one or the other, I can buy bike stuff.

J.P.

I've found that I always need N + 1 bikes; where, N is the number of bikes that I already have.

zymans

Honey, this is not a new bike; My LBS did a great job refurbishing one of the old ones!
Honey, you don't understand; This one is different!

Coyote!

Here at Hacienda Coyote, I do all the cooking, cleaning, mowing, painting, gardening, and maintenance. Hell, it never even gets to the 'excuse' stage. . .bikes, biking, and outdoor stuff are implicit. Ms. Coyote is essentially booked full time caring for her mom, but all that house stuff is actually quite satisfying especially given my mother-in-law's needs. . .well, except for the cleaning, that's a drag.

Mind you, one of Ms. Coyote's best digs is to tell visitors, "Ask him how many bikes he's got. . .and that includes beaters and the disarticulated Atala in a box in the attic.".

ladyicon

Free Shipping!!!

The Weak Link

Dad gum retrogrouch.

What's the problem with old-fashioned deceit?

1. Buy something new, preferably from LBS. If you order it on-line, make sure you can intercept the package.

2. Hide product from wife.

3. Wear/install/whatever.

4. "Honey, did you buy something new for your bike?" "Heavens no, I've had this for about eighteen months. I just haven't been using it lately, so it just looks new".

Old Hammer Boy

It's easy--get her hooked and order 2 of everything.

Jet Travis

That could be the ticket. My recently Ebay-purchased Bianchi frame turns out to be too small for me, but my non-cycling wife loves the artistry of the Italian-made celeste Reparto Corse frame so much, she's thinking of having it built up for her. Maybe she'll be a roadie after all.

head_wind

I have this terrible condition, titanium deficiency anemia.
There is only one treatment.

BluesDawg

I've put in all the hours and pain of racing MTB's this year. It would be a waste not to take advantage of the team discount on a new bike.

pdq 5oh

I don't want to die rich.

conurejade

-- It'll make me faster..... really....


-- It's cool and I just want it!