Rationalizing a purchase
05-26-05 | 04:13 PM
#26
Metaphorically speaking
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 807
Likes: 0
From: Auckland, NZ
Bikes: Cannondale R600 ultegra spec
Originally Posted by fauxtoes
If I must buy the bike to help spread freedom and fight the terrorists, then I MUST BUY THE BIKE!
Other than that - go get the bike & share all your joy with us here. What's holding you back.
05-26-05 | 05:05 PM
#30
Banned.
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 0
faux, I think 800$ is a pretty reasonable amount--and if you want to spend less, take the other poster's advice and look at the 600$ trek.
People spend LOTs of money on worse things. Something that will improve your health, quality of life, and possibly cut your gas expenditures---sounds like a pretty good investment.
good luck
People spend LOTs of money on worse things. Something that will improve your health, quality of life, and possibly cut your gas expenditures---sounds like a pretty good investment.
good luck
05-26-05 | 05:07 PM
#31
Campy or bust :p
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,139
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville, TN
Bikes: Surly Karate Monkey commuter build
By far, an $800 bike purchase pays for itself in short order. Not to mention you'll be more than glad you DID make said purchase. Just beware of how addictive it can be and be prepared to spend much more than your initial investment. Not that it's a bad thing, though. 
05-26-05 | 05:46 PM
#32
Newbie
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
You are enjoying the bike you have now, and it doesn't fit you. But you still want to ride more. That's a good sign....
Get yourself a good bike. Ride a few different models. You'll find one in your budget that feels right. Don't do what I did -- I bought a cheap bike because I didn't want to spend the cash, and then didn't ride it much because it was not what I knew I wanted.
Now I have a road bike I love again...and I'm riding a lot more.
Get yourself a good bike. Ride a few different models. You'll find one in your budget that feels right. Don't do what I did -- I bought a cheap bike because I didn't want to spend the cash, and then didn't ride it much because it was not what I knew I wanted.
Now I have a road bike I love again...and I'm riding a lot more.
05-26-05 | 06:34 PM
#33
Duathlete
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Charlottesville, VA
Bikes: 2004 Specialized Allez Elite
Originally Posted by fauxtoes
I've been biking for a couple months now, and I'm hooked- However, I'm currenty stuck atop a 35 lb. target schwinn, that's too small for me, and doesn't have nearly enough of a gear range for me (I only use the highest 2 gears, and even then, it's too slow for me- I feel like I'm stuck in third gear on the freeway).
I'm trying to rationalize dropping ~$800 on a real road bike, but of course, I have my hesitations. I'm really enjoying cycling, but since I haven't even been riding a real bike, I can't say I can really appreciate the experience of true road riding. I don't have any interest in offroad riding, so the type of bike isn't an issue, but I guess whether I'll stick with it or not concerns me.
I currently ride my bike to work, and I want to continue that, plus go on some longer rides in the evenings and weekends. I've been test-riding some bikes, and man do they feel sweeeeet. I live in New Orleans, so locking new expensive bike outside of work scares me a bit.
Nonetheless, I've pretty much made up my mind to dive in, but come on folks, tell me what I want to hear! Tell me why I shouldn't think twice about it!
I'm trying to rationalize dropping ~$800 on a real road bike, but of course, I have my hesitations. I'm really enjoying cycling, but since I haven't even been riding a real bike, I can't say I can really appreciate the experience of true road riding. I don't have any interest in offroad riding, so the type of bike isn't an issue, but I guess whether I'll stick with it or not concerns me.
I currently ride my bike to work, and I want to continue that, plus go on some longer rides in the evenings and weekends. I've been test-riding some bikes, and man do they feel sweeeeet. I live in New Orleans, so locking new expensive bike outside of work scares me a bit.
Nonetheless, I've pretty much made up my mind to dive in, but come on folks, tell me what I want to hear! Tell me why I shouldn't think twice about it!
05-26-05 | 06:39 PM
#34
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,093
Likes: 0
From: Alameda, CA
Bikes: Cannondale CAAD7
Originally Posted by Flynn
You have entered dangerous waters. The folks on this forum are already working their voodoo on you!! You say you want an $800 bike? By the time this forum is over, you will have purchased a custom built $6000 riding machine. Isn't it awesome!! If you truly love cycling, you will ALWAYS be able to rationalize a purchase, even the most outlandish. (I also like the idea that not buying the bike means you are aginst freedom) Welcome to the club.
lol so true. i started out wanting a trek 1000 for around $650 or so I think but then I ended up gettin a cdale r700 for $1200
anyways, just go for it, u kno we all support u
05-26-05 | 07:32 PM
#36
Nonsense
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,918
Likes: 542
From: Vagabond
Bikes: Affirmative
Originally Posted by ajst2duk
Spreading freedom is a cute US euphemism for bombing a country into submission. Don't get me wrong, I ride a Cannondale & like Americans, just have a bee in my bonnet about Bush's fatally flawed foreign policies.
Other than that - go get the bike & share all your joy with us here. What's holding you back.
Other than that - go get the bike & share all your joy with us here. What's holding you back.
05-26-05 | 07:37 PM
#37
Banned.
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by ajst2duk
Spreading freedom is a cute US euphemism for bombing a country into submission. Don't get me wrong, I ride a Cannondale & like Americans, just have a bee in my bonnet about Bush's fatally flawed foreign policies.
Other than that - go get the bike & share all your joy with us here. What's holding you back.
Other than that - go get the bike & share all your joy with us here. What's holding you back.
05-26-05 | 09:21 PM
#38
Metaphorically speaking
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 807
Likes: 0
From: Auckland, NZ
Bikes: Cannondale R600 ultegra spec
Originally Posted by Ziggurat
ajdt2duk, why do you support Bin Laden and hate America..?
I don't hate anyone, I like Americans, I don't like Bin Laden. I ride a Cannondale & drive a Ford. Guns n Roses & Nirvana were my favourite bands. I eat McDonalds and have an American Express card.
I was having a crack - apologies, we love everyone down here. Lets get back to convincing faux to buy that bike.
05-26-05 | 09:22 PM
#39
Nonsense
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,918
Likes: 542
From: Vagabond
Bikes: Affirmative
Originally Posted by ajst2duk
You no read my post properly
I don't hate anyone, I like Americans, I don't like Bin Laden. I ride a Cannondale & drive a ford.
I was having a crack - apologies, we love everyone down here. Lets get back to convincing faux to buy that bike.
I don't hate anyone, I like Americans, I don't like Bin Laden. I ride a Cannondale & drive a ford.
I was having a crack - apologies, we love everyone down here. Lets get back to convincing faux to buy that bike.
...but stop supporting the terrorists.
05-26-05 | 09:24 PM
#40
Drug Company Pawn
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by PenguinDeD
If you don't buy the road bike you hate freedom.
Why do you hate freedom?
Why do you hate freedom?
If you don't buy the bike... the terrorists win.
edit: oops, that line was already used... but still, you don't want the terrorists to win, do you?
BUY THE BIKE!! RIDE THE BIKE!! LOVE THE BIKE!! JOIN US!
05-26-05 | 09:26 PM
#42
Nonsense
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,918
Likes: 542
From: Vagabond
Bikes: Affirmative
Originally Posted by ajst2duk
at least I used to eat McDonalds until I saw "supersize me" - I do still want to get up those hills.
05-26-05 | 09:33 PM
#44
Junior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Well, I started out looking at $600 bikes and ended up talking myself into a $1900 bike, I'm not the guy to look to for advice on restraint....
Look, if you can meet your basic need (food, rent, bills) and the bike makes you happy - buy it. Life's short, uncertain and it's not often you can trade mere $$ for something that makes you happy. Go for it!
Look, if you can meet your basic need (food, rent, bills) and the bike makes you happy - buy it. Life's short, uncertain and it's not often you can trade mere $$ for something that makes you happy. Go for it!
05-26-05 | 09:44 PM
#46
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,646
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
Bikes: Lemond Arrivee, Felt F1 Road, Tomac Revolver(full), GT race (hardtail)
You are asking addicts if you sould join. Man I pitty you. Buy the bike you will love it. It will save you in so many ways: mental & physical health, $$$ less gas, parking, insurance (call and adjust your milage), out of pocket health care.
While you are rationalize a $600 bike I willl rationalize a $1000 wheelset.
fight for freedom
While you are rationalize a $600 bike I willl rationalize a $1000 wheelset.
fight for freedom
05-26-05 | 10:44 PM
#47
Lanterne Rouge
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 0
Bikes: Time VX Edge
You shouldn't find a justification for buying it...
You either do it or you don't... simple as that...
Don't make it a two-sided debate in your head. Why would you do that?
If your financial siutation gives you a green light, you either go into the store and buy it and ride it... OR you don't... that's that..
A bike is a bike. If you love it, then you'll love it... You can't justify loving something... that's ridculous... you either love it or you don't... simple as that...
You either do it or you don't... simple as that...
Don't make it a two-sided debate in your head. Why would you do that?
If your financial siutation gives you a green light, you either go into the store and buy it and ride it... OR you don't... that's that..
A bike is a bike. If you love it, then you'll love it... You can't justify loving something... that's ridculous... you either love it or you don't... simple as that...
05-26-05 | 11:35 PM
#49
Campy or bust :p
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,139
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville, TN
Bikes: Surly Karate Monkey commuter build
It's one of the few addictions you'll find that won't leave you worse off than when you started. Might leave your wallet a bit lighter, but other than that, you're better off.
05-26-05 | 11:51 PM
#50
If I had that much money to buy a bike, and was still unsure of my commitment to cycling, I'd buy a nicely equipped used one for a fraction of that dollar amount and try that out for a while. In the meantime, you will discover what you need in a new bike, have time to research upgrades, and of course find out if cycling is for you. If you find that you would rather do something else, then you didn't lose so much money! Good luck on your decision!