...as mulleady would say.

I was discussing my upcoming (Spring) trip with my coworkers and mentioned how I was slightly disappointed that I wouldn't have my home-built folder finished because I just don't have the time to invest in that project. They know I'm a Brompton and Bike Friday fan so they asked me why I didn't just buy either one. I replied that it was because the bottom line is that I'm a cheapskate, a tightwad, a Scrooge when it comes to money. Besides, I enjoy the inexpensive bikes that I do have.

They then asked me which one I'd suggest to my doppelganger if he were in the market for a folder. Well I love the Brompton for it's looks, overall design and of course it's fold. However I like the Bike Friday NWT for it's practicality, that it's frame is designed to use off the shelf parts/components, is made here in the USA, uses 20" wheels and that although not a quick fold, it can still be folded small enough to fit into a case that meets the "checked-in" luggage requirements without having to dole out dosh on oversized luggage fees (cheapskate gene kicking in again). So I confirmed that I'd get a Bike Friday NWT.

Then they broke it down to me this way. I rarely use my car (a rarity here in the USA) which is an old '83 diesel Benz so it's been paid off a loooong time ago. This means that I don't have a car payment and since it's rarely used and I only buy fuel 4 times a year, the money I save because of my cycling means that I would easily pay for the BF NWT in just a few months. Then they went and broke it down to me some more... I haven't paid this kind of money for a bike in about 25 years yet I'm an avid cyclist, surely I'm entitled to splurge a little. My upcoming trip is more than just a tour of one of my favorite places, it's also to celebrate an important time in my life and that alone should warrant treating myself to a bike that will be a reminder of this special occasion, one that I'll still be able to enjoy for years to come.


Although the 'saving money because I cycle' part still seems a little questionable to me, I'll have to admit that my coworkers were very convincing... enough so that I went and did it. I got the ball rolling to have a Bike Friday New World Tourist built for me.

I admit, even though I'm finding it hard to part with the money, I haven't been this excited in a long time. Who needs crack when they have friends/coworkers?