On Saturday I was getting my winter bike ready for the season. My old studded tires had lasted me 6 winters, but the rubber was starting to crack, the rear sidewall was starting to bulge and I was getting a lot of flats. I bought a new set of studs and was in the process of swapping them when the rear rim tape pretty much fell apart like an old crusty rubber band.

I didn't have any rim tape on hand so I ran down to my local LBS. While I was there I made the mistake of looking around. They have a NOS 2016 Felt fat bike on sale for a pretty good price. I caressed it for about 15 minutes. It was cold and raining and I wasn't dressed for riding in the weather, otherwise I would have taken it for a spin. I left very tempted to return and purchase the bike. I remember a few snowy commutes last year where I was struggling hard riding through the unplowed snow and a guy on a fat bike would easily pass by.

I mentioned it to my wife and figured that she'd tell me I don't need another bike and that would be the end of it. To my surprise, she said that I ride often enough to justify it and once my son gets his driver's license in the next few months he'll be driving my truck to school so I won't have the option NOT to ride to work. So now my dilemma is even more difficult. I want the new bike, but I already have six bikes and really don't need a seventh.

Two places I should never go: the humane society and the bike shop. At both places I'm tempted to bring home things I don't need.