FPSDavid

My bike's price has gone down within my LBS's 30-day price guarantee and they said they'll only give me $200 store credit instead of returning the $200 to my credit card.
They're having a sale this weekend, so I figure I might as well buy now.

I don't think I really NEED anything, what would $200 (I'll spend $100 more if it's worth it) be best spent on?

My bike is a 2012 Cannondale CAAD10 3, completely stock except for Praxis Works chainrings, my pedals (Look Keo Classic), GP4000S tires, water bottle cages, and saddle bag.

Maybe the pedals to Ultegra 6700 pedals to match the rest of my components?

I have a Giro helmet (Indicator) that cost $40, is it worth upgrading this to something like the Atmos?

Already have a Garmin 500 on the way.

I have some Cannondale cycling shorts, I think they're the Classic model. Should I get better shorts, or maybe even bibs?

I have one Gore Bike Wear jersey, maybe another jersey? Maybe some stuff (leg/arm warmers? a cycling jacket?) for when it gets colder later in the year? New gloves?

A trainer so I don't have to deal with the cold/wet weather?

New stem/handlebars?

New saddle?

Nutritonal stuff? (more gels, more electrolyte powder, etc?)

How to best spend my $200 store credit that I don't really have any use of?

AndyK 

I would upgrade the $40 helmet, get something lighter, better, faster!

RollCNY

Rain jacket, base layer, arm warmers. The stuff that lets you ride in shoulder seasons depending on locale.

shelbyfv

Buy some Park tools. They are rarely discounted online so you won't lose much buying from LBS.

FPSDavid

What is the point of base layer stuff? I've always just worn my jersey with nothing under it.

pihb

get really nice shorts. the more comfortable you are when riding, the more enojoyable your rides will be. Pluse you can build up a clothing inventory so you don't have to double wear shorts...ew

tagaproject6

Bibs.

ColinL

I'm guessing you can ride year round in Sacramento with nothing more than arm warmers, but if you need tights they could be on sale, if they have any in stock.

I would definitely get more shorts, and one pair of bibs if you don't have any. I don't change a saddle until my arse tells me to, so I either ride the stock saddle or bring over one I was using previously and know that I like.

FPSDavid

I'm super skinny and tall (5'11" 130lbs), thats the only reason I have Cannondale shorts, they were the only ones I tried on that weren't loose at my thighs

Will I have the same problem with bibs?

RollCNY

Some one may chime in with the right reasons, but my observation from riding two years wiyhout it and one year with:

On cool mornings, keeps you from freezing before you are fully warmed up and then you don't overheat when you are warm.

Not as stifflingly hot as a rain jacket.

Breathes very well and eliminates some of the clammy feeling you can occasionally get between skin and jersey.

Biggest deal for me; eliminated windburn / chaffing on my nipples. I don't wear bibs, and the extra layer eliminated a painful annoyance.

hendrick81

Clothing!!! You need to have more than one pair of shorts and one jersey, unless you wash them all the time or don't mind being ripe!!!

Sir Real

Definitely get some bibs/jerseys, maybe some spare tubes or some basic tools you don't already have. If the helmet fits properly, the saddle is omfortable and the current pedals work well, then there is no need to replace them yet.

AMFJ

Does it have an expiration date? If not, I'd use it later on when something pops up you need.

If it does--will the shop apply it to a full fitting to the bike? (assuming you haven't done that)

ColinL

I wear base layers when it's cold. There is no way in hell I would ever wear them in the heat of summer.

As it is, I can feel the heat from the extra material on bibs that come up high, like Sugoi, and overlap with my jersey.

JustinNY

Best advice in the thread. When you're spending real money, park tools are hard to justify, when you're spending a credit, I cant think of anything better to buy. Everything else will eventually go on sale so you can pick it up then if you really need it.

Good tools, you buy once and have for a lifetime.

caloso

Bibs, knee warmers and arm warmers.

ColinL

Yes. I would suggest you stop by a Supplement Giant or similar store and get some protein powder.

Not joking at all-- besides adding muscle, it definitely helps with recovery.

JTGraphics

But a $200 gift certificate then find someone who can use it and exchange the cash for it, like someone buying a bike ask them to use it while you wait around so they know its good.
Or contact the CC company and see if they can do something about that may will!

TassR700

You haven't mentioned what shoes you have, but that is an item that is great to be able to try on before you buy and $200 should get you a decent pair of shoes. Or throw in your extra hundred and get a really nice pair.

banerjek

Better helmet as you'll really appreciate improved ventilation. Spend extra dough on tools.

Elduderino2412

i would spend a 100 on a saddle, b/c i didn't like the one that came w/ my CAAD10

svtmike

Spend some of it on a saw guide, saw, and carbon cutting blade.

save10

i was in a similar situation. i bought a Park Tool stand

similar to this one, but i dont think it was the same model. i dont think mine was quite this expensive
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/pr...848.108.0.html

I probably never would have bought it except for the store credit, but i use it constantly

Jfitalia

what?

KoolAidnPizza

carbon.