People asked my how I could spend over $3000 on a mountain bike when I bought my titanium GT Xizang back in 1995. My answer at the time was, "Because I don't have a wife to tell me I can't". That always shut them up.
Over the 15+ years since my very wise investment, this bike has turned out to be one of the best deals I ever made. She's been no trouble - even after a lot of crashes over the years. A cheap bike would have been toast long ago. And not only that, but a quality bike is a real source of pride and comfort. I just like nice things.
Do you have friends who have hobbies or are into recreation? If so, how much money do you suppose they spend on their habits? Golf clubs? Boats? Fishing gear? Bowling? Tennis? Camping or hiking equipment? How about hobbies like antiques, travel, music, casinos, dining out, shows?
I would say my expenditure of ONLY $3200 when amortized over 15 years and counting beats the snot out of any deals my critics might have found.
And don't forget the health benefits of bicycling. How much is a 5-way coronary bypass operation going for these days? Worse, how much for funerals and coffins?
Last edited by xizangstan; 09-30-10 at 08:14 PM.