Originally Posted by
harleyfrog
I plan on bicycle commuting roughly 28 miles round trip now and, in about 5 to 8 years, 38 miles when our new campus opens up.
...She can't understand why I would spend that much money (not to mention more for lights) when a bike half that price would do as well. My argument is that given the distance I plan to ride (not to mention the possibility of longer rides in the future), that this is the best deal.
So, my question is this: Should I stick to my guns and try and convince my wife that the Sojourn is the best choice for my needs, or is this battle not one worth fighting and settle the Globe City 7?
(Keep in mind that a lot depends on the sale of the motorcycle, too. So, if I don't have the money to get the Sojourn, well, then that settles that.)
It takes me, a newbie cyclist about an hour to ride around 14 miles on my road bike and I'd probably take about 2.5-3 hours to ride 38 miles. If you're at about my speed then figure you'll be spending that long on your bike on just one day. Do you want to use a bike you're not happy with?
Your wife believes that a bike half that price would do as well but she's not going to be riding it, you are, so you'll have to decide for yourself if it actually does do "as well". If it doesn't, do you want to spend
at least two hours a day on the thing?
If I were you I'd try to argue that a nicer bike will make you faster (drop bars and road bike geometry), happier and even it does cost $1100, it will never require $4/gallon fuel and that maintenance and repair cost a fraction of what it costs to do so on a car.
Speaking of automobiles, I think you're still going to need one to get back and forth to work. As someone else said, there will be days when you're too tired, sick, etc. and those will be driving days. Sell the extra car and the motorcycle if you aren't even using them and spend the money on a bike you will use.