I've had several bikes over the years. One stands out: My Favorite. A GT Xizang titanium-framed mountain bike I bought new back in 1995. I love this bike more each day! So here's my two cents' worth: Go ahead and hock the house, the car and the dog. Buy yourself the very best you can find. As the years pass, you won't be sorry. In fact, if you don't let her get stolen, you will only be more proud and pleased as the years go by.

You can always remove and upgrade the components. You'll do that anyway as improved models come out in the future.

That's just my own experience speaking.