OK, this is somewhat tongue-in-cheek, but I’d like to buy a new bike next spring for about $2,200 to $2,700, and I need justification, if not for myself, then for my “other”.

There’s a complicating factor: I already own two bikes, and I don’t think the N + 1 justification will “work”.

I need relative reasons why $2,500 for a bike is money well-spent.

Some ideas to start with:

1. I read in a magazine that the total average cost for owning a dog for 14 years is $12,500. Using that as a guide, and assuming that I won’t be owning a dog, and assuming that that I’ll keep the bike for 14 years, I could justify spending $12,500 on a new bike. Therefore, $2,500 is really not very much to spend on a bike.

2. $2,500 would buy a very cheap tennis bracelet. I think a lot more utility and enjoyment can be had from a bike.

Any other ideas?

I don't think those comparisons work...

would you actually get a dog if you don't get a bike? would you definitely buy a tennis bracelet? is it a this or that situation?

Instead, think about why you need a new bike. Do you? or do you just want one? What gap will buying a new bike fill that the other bikes you own don't?

Rationale this.

Pcad Commands You.

Rationale???

You (and your partner) must just come to accept that owning several road bikes is totally irrational.
Addictions aren't rationale.

You'll go faster. So you can ride the same distance in less time. Time is money. Figure your salary, figure you'll save 10 minutes a day over the next ten years, see what that totals up to.

I bought 3 bikes within 5 months, for a total of 4 bikes now. Do it coz it puts a smile on your face! Its called the "Happiness Factor"!

Cut out the lattes and the extra side of fries for a year or two and it's a wash.

I know your post is tongue in cheek but I never really understand these justifying to the other half threads. You understand your finances as well as your other half right? so if you think spending on a bike is ok then what's the problem?

By the way BngeBoy makes a good point!

Another thing, you said you have two bikes already. What are they? If you have no road bikes, then it sounds reasonable. However if you have two full carbon road bikes then you probably don't need to get another one.

This is BF...explain this unknown word you call "rationale"!!!

Your other two bikes will last longer if you have a third to ride?

IMHO, there are four things you can never waste money on:

(1) Books
(2) Tools
(3) Bikes
(4) Whatever makes your SO happy, so you can buy more of (1)-(3)

you can tell your sig oth, that...

you can always develop a 2 pack a day smoking habit instead and good smokes, lucky strikes, are about $7 a pack these days. ($5100/year)

$50 bar tab 2 nights a week. ($5200/year)

an oz of coke is about a grand and youd probably blow through an oz a week...that and have boonen as a best friend, but then youd be buying 2 ozs ($52000/year)

having 10 really good "adult website" subscriptions is $15 a day. ($5475/year)

a $2700 bike is a really really cheap option.

edit: btw, this is all speculation

Incorrect...paying for adult websites is for suckers!

Firstly, +1 on telling us what your other bikes are.

Other than that, it sounds like you really *want* to. If a $2700 treat is out of line, then coming up with a justification is pointless. If $2700 luxury items are in line with your family budget (you drive a Lexus instead of a Toyota), just buy her something nicer a couple months before you bring it up.

A toy is not a rational decision.

Your first decent quality bike (say, a 105 level road bike) can be construed as a fitness tool. By the time your stable hits 3 though, you're deep into hobby territory.

There are Rational Reasons and then there are Just Reasons. Buying N+1 bikes comes under that latter. Just put it down to being a hobby. It's kinda like: new clothes, new shoes, another party, new bike, another desert, nice food, expensive restaurants.

**** yeah!

also: do it *****, we dare you.

You sir, are a puppet of capitalism!

+1

The only person I need to convince is myself so I developed a formula to justify my expensive bike choices. I credit myself .25 cents in sweat equity for every mile I ride. When I have built up enough credit to pay for my bike I can look at a new bike.

Your "other"?

Are you married? If you're not married yet, she has nothing to say about it.


The only rationale you have at this point is whether or not you WANT it.

I never realized it, but by Home Brewing and skipping even the Drip option at Sbux, instead brewing at home - you can really start to add up some nice components and accessories. May not buy the entire bike, but it sure helps add up the goodies.

Vrrrrroooom.

Hell, it's worth it just for the hand wringing which bike should I or shouldn't buy threads. You can get months out of those alone.

Tell her you need a back up for the back up, in case both your bikes break. It makes sense too me. Also tell her $2500 is not much for a bike. I just spent $2100 on a frame. :|

Throw one of your bikes off a cliff and tell your wife it got stolen. Then you'll have to buy a new bike.

I would buy it now, because of some good deals out there.