PinkBabyMonster

I recently got a 2010, barely used CAAD9 frame with fork for $150. While I was debating whether or not to build it up, I starting seeing parts I wanted; Sram Force shifters with ~45 miles on them for $300 with Force derailleur for $80, a test ridden Force crankset with GXP BB for $140, and now Aksium wheels for $150. The remaining items shouldn't be too much, but my girlfriend was astounded that I had already put in several hundred. I'm a student, so there isn't a lot of money laying around for 'luxury' items, but I feel like a mostly Force CAAD9 for just over $1,000 is a pretty good bargain as far as cycling goes.

Basically, I really want to finish the bike as it would be far better than what I am riding now, but I know the female counterpart will look upon me with scorn for 'throwing away' money. How do you guys deal with it? Any advice?

Sixty Fiver

My female counterpart encourages my addiction...

Big_e

My co-workers encourage my bicycling but can't believe that I'm already thinking of buying another bike. To answer your question, just continue with your bike project. Our friends and counterparts already think we're crazy, we may as well remove all doubt.
Ernest

abstractform20

you could should swap out the gf for a lighter one. maybe even a triathlete.

wkg

Yup

kbro1986

just do what you want....life is too short

garciawork

No. They all think I'm crazy, but I don't have other hobbies, and don't drink or eat out much if at all. So I DO have more money than others who make the same as me.

MikeyBoyAz

^ This.

Machka 

Rowan and I are both into cycling. The only difficulty is when one of us gets something (say a new titanium bicycle, for example) ... then the other wants something similar. And yes, we both have titanium bicycles now.

twodownzero

I'm having deja vu reading this thread right now. Fortunately she just bought a brand new carbon bike so she has basically nothing to say.

RobertL

Just remember this when she buys a tiny little nothing purse or shoes for $300 ~ $500 and say... Gee, that's great!

jeepseahawk

Most friends think I am crazy spending 1500 on a bike, especially when I try to explain to them that's an entry level price. Befuddles me because I was being a tight-azz at a 1500 budget, befuddles them because they are thinking Walmart or Costco prices. Funny, one co-worker is amazed I would spend that much on a bike but I am just as amazed when 2 months ago he was excited about winning an ebay bid for a softball bat, $300.

AdelaaR

Threaten her by saying you want to become a triathlete and tell her the prices of TT bikes, wetsuits and whatnot ... then after a week tell her that you gave up the idea of becoming a triathlete just to have more time to spend with her ... after that ... she'll think $1500 is normal and she'll be happy already that you are "only" a cyclist

pallen

well, depending on your budget, she may be right, or she may not. Spending money you don't really have on a bike, regardless of how good the deal is never good. If you're running up credit cards while you're in school to pay for it, thats not a good thing either. If you have the money and its just a matter of you spending it on a bike instead of a car, then that's another matter.

I dont know how serious you are about this girl, but if the thought of marriage or a more permanent relationship is in your future, she may be wondering how that might work financially. No one wants to get tied up with someone who might bankrupt them with reckless spending.

jdon

Just explain that an alternate lifestyle of hookers and blow would be much more expensive.

Maybe not. If you share houshold income and plan finances together as a couple, she has a say. It is your job to educate her as to why you are spending the money. Then make sure she can do the same on her pastime or pasion.

triumph.1

My current wife and I keep finances separate. She doesn't know the extent of my spending and doesn't really care which is good for both of us. Note I said current wife. I never understood the notion of a wife, husband or sigificant other having or trying to have that much control over over another person and I just don't live that way, never have and never will.

monkeydentity

yes. my roommates laugh a judgmental laugh, and my gf calls me out on it. good though...i'd have a felt f4 and no food or rent money if they weren't around.

Will G

My Supersix was the wife's idea.

KoNP

in school so i assume you mean college

if it was your wife or something yea I could see making this thread, but your young and unattached. Tell her to mind her own business or go looking for a less judgmental coed

bengreen79

My wife knows I buy stuff but she often doesn't know what it costs. She probably wouldn't like to know that I've spent $50 on a jersey but convinced her to buy $25 jeans instead of $40 jeans.

bikerjp

This. And my credit card company encourages my habits too.

dr_max

Dump her

Commodus

My girlfriend gets to have a say in the finances. I mean if it's a real relationship, there is some responsibility required.

Of course, there is a difference between "I can't believe you spend that much on a stupid bike" and "I can't believe you spent money on your bike that we need for rent." The former may indicate a certain...incompatibility.

trevor_ash

Don't worry what others think about you. If they are accusing you of spending money poorly, I'm sure you can point out where they are wasteful. Starbucks, drinking bars, movies, etc. adds up to a couple thousand dollars a year very quickly!

tadawdy

I don't always splurge, but when I do, it's on bike stuff.