I wanted to do something to get me off the couch and get some cardio exercise going. My brother as well as a business friend both cycle and both seemed to enjoy it a lot. I had ridden sporadically 15 years ago and remembered how much I liked it, so when bonus time came around, I bought a bike and immediately fell in love with it all over again. What a great stress reliever! Also, being a guy, we like fast and shiny things and I couldn't afford a sports car.....a bike fit the bill perfectly...