Okay, a lot of you, like me, are probably about to get that tax return money (unless you were responsible and did your taxes early and already got your return). Debating on what to buy with it. It's definitely NOT going into the savings account. I should be getting a check back for about $1800. Probably won't be using all of it to buy a bike though. I do also have another $1000 I was saving for a new bike purchase, but I am not sure I could justify buying a $2.8k+ setup given that I am not a dedicated track cyclist.

Anyhow, any ideas for a purchase? Just casting my net wide at this point to soak up my options.

I've been considering getting something for the track, because I have taken an interest in that lately. I was thinking a Pista Concept. I'd be open to a cf bike also but I can't find one I like.

I probably don't need another fixed gear for the road since I have 3 of those already but a dedicated track bike I'd definitely be interested in.

I also need a new laptop but when I start to think about bikes, I start to think that a new computer can wait?

Thanks in advance for suggestions!

EDIT: Also, can anyone recommend steel track framesets that are extremely, extremely light (like, titanium light)?

Kilo TT all the way

Already have one.

Responsible is actually having to pay at the end of the year from the interest earned during the year.

No refund. Paying about $200 total state/federal. And this number includes the $600 the rest of you received last year.

Mkay but what should I buy with my tax return?

kinfolk custom. i like them.

https://feltracing.com/09-catalog/tra...es/09-tk2.aspx
https://feltracing.com/09-catalog/tra...es/09-tk3.aspx


Take your pic.

OR:
https://www.benscycle.net/index.php?m...&cPath=612_613

get this AND the shoes:

cinelli mash vigorelli

I regret not snatching up the stock Pista Concept I found on CL last year for $800. Just didn't have the cash at the time though. :/

Too bad all the cf bikes on BD don't have track ends. I'd be willing to test a frame like that from BD. I'd rather not go the Planet X route, but there are so few affordable cf track frames available. I mean, yeah, I know this isn't the sport for someone living on the cheap.

get the laptop. you have enough money get get a sick enough laptop to last you for years. its not easy to get that kind of money together again, unless you have a sweet job and are still living with your parents. rent is a *****, car payments are a *****, groceries are a *****.

you have three fixed gears? take one to the track, it might not be the sickest bike out there, but youll get what youre looking for out of the experience without needing to buy ANOTHER bike.

laptop ftw.

PS im fully aware that you didnt want to hear that, but you asked.

EDIT: im assuming you would buy an apple laptop. no windows based machine will last you for years.

EDIT 2: in case you were curious, im using mine to pay down debt. least fun way to spend money, ever.

My two conversions are illegal at the velodrome because they don't have track ends. My daily driver would be 100% legal but I'd like to keep it JUST for commuting. Fortunately I do not live with my parents and do not own a car, so I can save money okay, despite the fact that I eat enough food for 2 people (ew).

And yes, I would buy a Macbook Pro. I have a PC at home already, and I have an iMac at work, and between the two, I would prefer an Apple laptop. You know me so well!

solution:

step 1: use track legal one for the track.

step 2: use some of the money to set up a new commuter (or use one of the other two bikes)

step 3: purchase ****** laptop.

step 4: enjoy your life thoroughly.

4 bikes just seems a little too much, at least in your case, with three fixed gears, assuming theyre all converted road and track frames.

when its all said and done, its your money, but i think you can make do with what you got, maybe buying a few more minor parts and switching some things around. this is, however, an opinion conjured up with absolutely no real knowledge about you or your bikes whatsoever.

Dude, get the laptop. It's going to be great, I promise. I'm typing this on a MacBook pro from 2 years ago, and it shows no signs of quitting anytime soon. The new ones make my pants tight.

If you've already got a grand saved up, you're well on your way to a nice custom steel frame. That would seem to be the logical step.

Admittedly owning 4 bikes is a lot, but each has their purpose! One I use for polo. The other I lend out to friends so they can ride with me. My main bike I ride for personal use and commuting. And my 4th bike is the ******* tandem which I rarely ride.

The thing about my commuter is that it has an Aerospoke and I am pretty sure people would laugh me out of the velodrome if I showed up rockin it, despite its merits for street riding. I suppose I could just change wheels though.

Hmmm ... Macbook Pro IS tempting ...

return. i wish.

corny.

BOOOO, dont get a macbook, get a thinkpad t series, install linux, enjoy your superior machine.

(flamesuit on for all of you mac geeks)

Again about the steel frames, do any of you know of a super super lightweight steel track frame? I heard that most of them these days are as light as titanium frames, and since I weigh in at about 135# I think I could use one. I just don't really know what's available in that sort of niche.

P.S. Thanks for all the great ideas ... definitely brought to my attention a lot of different frames I hadn't considered.

i am using a dell that was bought refurbished in 2002. nothing wrong with it just could use some more memory since that is filling up. buy a sick bike and get rid of the "friend" bike and place the commuter there for them.

im still using my 12" powerbook g4 from god knows how many years ago. it was from before the intel switch and its still awesome.

no response for the linux guy. it goes unsaid.

I'd run Linux but I want to be able to install my workplace's IDE on my comp, which is strictly Mac/Windows.

<3

I'd hope a 2 year old laptop would show no signs of quitting

I like the idea of this devolving into an operating system war

I'm here representing #! (crunchbang linux) but will gladly join team ubuntu, if just so I don't have to fight alone.