Originally Posted by Siu Blue
Guilt.
I'm in the market for my first mtn bike. Put a strict limit of $850, figuring I could get a decent hardtail.
Somehow, someway, next thing you know, I'm sitting on a Gary Fisher Cake DLX4, asking him to put platforms on it until I get used to the bike and buy the proper shoes. This bike is listed at $1650 (yes, there are FOUR digits there) but he said I could have it for $1325. This bike was hanging from the ceiling, and I was the only person that ever rode it. It is a 2005, carbon fiber seat stays, Deore all around, Hayes Hydraulic with 6 and 8" rotors, Manitou Black fronts and Swinger 3 way rear. Trust me - all of the previous lingo I didn't understand until I walked into the LBS.
How can I justify going $500 over my budget? Please talk me out of it. He's going to call me today after he gets it fully adjusted and the pedals installed. It's not that I can't afford it - well I can't, really - I'll find a way - it's just that...well, don't you think that's a little TOO MUCH BIKE for a starter bike? By the way, I didn't pay for it yet. Please stop me. (Gosh, it's such a good deal, though)
It all depends on how much money you have. Nobody here can tell you what is sensible. If you are pulling in 6 figures and have little debt, then you probably can justify a better bike. If you are like most and are middle class with a mortgage, car debt, and kids to put through college, then you have to ask?
Why do i need this expensive of bike? I for one, usually take the cheap approach. I ride entry level bikes mainly because i don't feel like wasting money that should be spent elsewhere. If i were single then maybe i would have the greatest bike ever made.
Unless you are a serious racer, there is no reason you HAVE to have a bike like that. I ride more than most and not one of my bikes cost $1000.