greesycaf

you have to buy a new bike because you need a specialized tarmac!! Of all the bikes I've owned this is the best one for the money!! Plus buying a new bike, no matter what you get, will get you out riding more!! Nothing is better for motivation than a new bike!

kgabike

I like it. That would put me at about $2400 since I bought my current road bike.

Here's a question, though. Do accessories and upkeep on the current bike count against that total? Because new tires, tubes, repairs, clothing, etc. can add up to a pretty penny. Do you also allocate those from your sweat equity budget?

makr

Looks like I asked a retorical question, then didn't check back for awhile.

BTW the two bikes that I have are an old Specialized hybrid and a new (from this spring) Trek 7.5 fx. I put a lot more miles on this year than in the past and have decided I don't like the straight bars on the fx, so it's really close to a slam dunk: I do want/need a road bike, and it may as well be a good one.

Let's see, I'll cut out lattes and adult sites and, at the suggestion of Quel, throw the hybrid off a cliff. My wife will also appreciate the fact that one of the members spent $2k on only a frame. OCLV: thanks for the Spec Tarmac idea; as an old guy, I think I'm more inclined toward the Roubaix or Felt Z-type.

makr

Oh, by the way, another reason for owning a really good bike: it can be used as a weight-loss motivator. If I had a good diet/weight-loss day the day before, I get to drive the nice bike today. If not, I have to ride the beater.

veloboy971

I call that good rationale.

AtlBentRider

Of course not. That crap adds up.

kimconyc

WTF does the OP wanting to get another bike have to do with the fault of capitalism? Please learn about it before just tapping about it on the keyboard.

In Pcad's world, where he controls all the means of production, the OP would be forced to get another bike by way of authoritative command (see post #3).

In any case, is it ever wrong to have more bikes?

Answer, NO!

Just get it...

kimconyc

Don't forget to make pre-game threads like "Should I get the Crumpton or new Pinarello Dogma?" and post-game threads, which include pics.

Don't flip the step for the first post-game thread.

Carry on...

joe_5700

Well there you go. From what I read above....you do not even have a bike yet! Don't let that comment be seen on the hybrid forum. I used to have a hybrid. Once I had a decent road bike, there was absolutely no need for a hybrid so I sold it and have never looked back.

makr

Ha Ha. I think the hybrid will have to be GIVEN away. I did get a lot of good exercise miles and years on the neighborhood trails though. It perhaps has more exercise value, because it weighs about 50 lbs and has about 36c tires.

makr

I just put some money down to hold a nice road bike. I'll post a photo when I pick it up.

khatfull

Hey makr, I'm in Woodbury, who'd you drop your money with? Whatcha get? Wanna ride?

snowman40

I was going to take $2000 and buy a TV (she KNEW I wanted a TV) and came home with my new bike....

I rationlized it like this -

a TV won't help me lose weight, just add to it....especially if I buy it....

a bike will force me to lose weight....especially if it is expensive enough as I'll be forced to ride/sell it eventually.....though she understands the n+1 theory so long as n+1=2 or 3, but no more than 3....

makr

Hi khatfull. I'm North of St. Paul, which is a bit of a hike from Woodbury. I'll post a photo when I pick up the bike. You'll recognize me when you see me: I'll be the slow, old guy on the nice CF-framed road bike with full Ultegra. I'd be glad to ride with you, but I think I've buttoned the cycling up until April. If there's another couple inches of snow soon, my outdoor activity until March will be XC skiing.

Salmosebago

It's cheaper than Viagra and it gives you the same results

MUZE

With two bikes she'll always know where you are and what you're doing.

Lamp-Shade

Think of how satisfied you'll be when you can be one of those craigslist guys who is like
"I HAVE LIKE FIVE THOUSAND BIKES AND SOME OF THEM MUST GO BUT MAKE OFFERS FOR THE OTHER ONES I ACTUALLY LIKE WIFE IS MAD AT ME."
Seriously. Wouldn't that be cool?

umd

If you can't rationalize it with "because I want it" then don't bother.

RacerOne

Buttoned up till April? You won't be able to resist at least one ride once it's in your hands.

oilman_15106

Good one. Since the bike in question is already bought, the honey how much did you spend on shoes/clothes/hair stuff/manicures etc. will not work but put it in the back for later use.

makr

I ended up with a 2009 Roubaix Expert with 2010 Ultegra wheels on "clearance" at Erik's Bikes. Just picked it up today and leaned it against the entertainment center. I especially like the reflectors, cool yellow-and-red warning stickers, and the neat pedals.

Not that I really
needed a rationale or excuse to buy a good road bike, but it's kind of fun to think that way, I guess. About a month ago, I was on a new-car showroom floor and noticed some new Chevy Camaros and looked at a price tag: $38,000! Eureka! I realized that my nice bike probably cost way less than one year's depreciation on a new car. No brainer.

My wife was very good about my decision: "You really don't spend much on yourself, you know.", so that turned out well.

I'm really looking forward to spring; and am planning to do a lot of riding. Until then, I'll just sit in a chair and look at it.

Other bikes on end-of-year clearance that I really liked while test-riding: Giant Defy Advanced 1 (loved it and good deal, but too small for me), Trek Madone 5.2. (too much money and I like the Roubaix better).

crhilton

Enjoy your bike dude. I wish I could get my wife to say "You really don't spend much on yourself, you know." Unfortunately, she's the master of self denial. I have to resort to using the car and house. It's not very gentlemanly, but you've got to do what you've got to do!

crhilton

Those guys get there by buying bikes off craigslist. Seriously, I've met some of them, and they're not riding the bikes. They seem to think it's a good way to make money... Personally I think they could do better reselling automobiles.

bismillah

If purchasing a new piece of equipment gets you to ride more, then its worth it.

rollin

Very nice. My wife is my main sponsor too.

Last year all I spent on my cycling was for chains and tyres. My wife bought me 404s for my birthday. They look nice on the bike she bought me the previous year.