So I'm in Germany right now and when I return to San Diego next month, my wife wants to buy me a new car. I've been driving a 1991 Honda accord that's had many problems and is kinda crappy. I should be excited about a new car, but I'd honestly rather get a new bike instead.

How can I convince my wife that a new bike is a better idea, even though I need a car for work? Maybe I can convince her to get me a car and a bike. Looks like I got my work cut out for me.

Just tell her you do not enjoy driving as much as riding a bicycle, plus it is a much healthier alternative, and when the Accord ****s the bed or requires the next expensive repair she can buy you a new car. Sounds like you've got a good woman, either way. What are you doing in Germany?

She's the better safe than sorry kind of girl so she wants me to have a new car asap. But you know what, today she actually told me she wants to get a bike to ride with me, it'll be a geared road bike but still. Maybe we can both get bikes. Lol.

And I'm a student right now and studying abroad is a requirement to graduate. But I'm doing an internship abroad instead to cover the requirement.

Awesome on both counts. Where in Germany? You do any hiking or other cool sight seeing? I'd like to go to Germany next summer.

I'm in Stuttgart. I haven't been too adventurous in all honesty because I just miss so much about San Diego. And I came here alone so I'm missing my wife, dog, and friends like crazy. But I did head over to Switzerland and I did visit a castle. Umm honestly just trying to save money and stay around town. Stuttgart is lovely though so you can't go wrong with staying here.

Fixed gear scene is non existent. Tons of people ride bikes here but I've only seen a couple ss/fg bikes.

Step 1 take car
step 2 buy your own new bike
step 3 ????
step 4 profit

You must not be married

It has nothing to do with being married. I'd be bummed if Angie didn't let me buy what I want.

It's not like you're talking about frivolously buying a yacht. It's a bicycle.

I quit my job to do this internship, so when i return I'll be unemployed. And my wife makes the bank and works probably 50 to 60 hours a week. And a grand is a lot for a bicycle when I have student loans and other things to pay off.

However, I think I can convince her. All I have to do it point out all the stupid **** she buys, haha. A bike is at least useful. Plus I've saved a ton of money biking to school the last few years. I'm sure she wouldn't mind, I just have a hard time spending money she earned working so hard.

There is no way this plan could possibly fail.

Word.

Do a face to face talk and tell her what you told us but also include how you'll get that needed exercise.

Or compromise & get a motorcycle instead. Win-win I'll say.
Or you can buy another 91'/ later model accord on the cheap that was well kept and doesnt have problems. They last darn near forever. And buy a new bike.

Leuky you bring up a good point, I'll ask her for a motorcycle (because she thinks they are too dangerous, I don't want one either) and then I'll settle for a bike. Can't go wrong. She'll be relieved at a bike over a motorcycle.

Your logic is flawless.

Novel idea...get home, get a job, and buy yourself a bike.

Thanks Jared. I'm actually not really stupid. I'm mostly joking here. I've just been wanting a new bike for a year and getting a new car instead is practical yes but a bit of a letdown.

And of course i'm going to get a job asap. I could work at my old job when I get back but my wife told me to quit because, well it's Outback Steakhouse.

All in all I'll probably have a new bike by the end of the year. I'm just not patient.

That's because you haven't looked you've been hanging out bummed because you're not at home. There are plenty of SS/FG here you just have to go find them. Stuttgart is an incredibly wealthy city so the suits tend to be all folks see but they can be avoided you just have to try. I live here and have zero intention of going "home" so if you'd like I can introduce you to a few people who ride both road and SS/FG.

Well I've been around a lot but maybe in the wrong places because I mainly see mountain or road bikes and people in suits like you mentioned. I'm just used to San Diego where I see fgss riders on the streets all the time. And yes incredibly wealthy people here.

I'd love to take you up on that offer but I don't have a bike here. Are you from Germany or the states or somewhere else? I'm only out here until august 18th.

I'm American I've lived in Germany since '04 and worked in Stuttgart since '09

Oh cool. Yeah I'm living in Kolpinghaus Stuttgart. It's close to the Österreichischer Platz u bahn stop. This place is lovely but it rains a little much for my taste.

You must speak perfect German now. I'm trying to learn but have had a difficult time meeting people, due to my shyness and lack of confidence in the language

This year has been wet and we didn't have a winter, but yes it rains more here than SD

Have you seen this yet? Elio Motors - Time Is Running Out! it's almost like that European enclosed motorcycle but street legal for the US and 5 star crash rating. I think it would be a fun compromise, and given a choice she might spontaneously change her mind and let you have a new bike instead.

Thanks for the laugh!

Dude, just get a moped and hang with the cool kids.

I would actually love a moped. I only drive about 6k miles a year.

I understand that. Didn't mean to come across as douchy as I did.

First thing I did when I split up with my wife was finish my Dolan build which was sitting idle for months.