$ I need ideas

[OakLeaf]

Will the person who gave you the money know how you spent it? If so, I don't think banking it will make them very happy.

I vote Garmin. But then I'm the one who could get lost on a football field. I'd still be out there someplace if it weren't for my Garmin.

[Dogmama]

I vote Garmin. But then I'm the one who could get lost on a football field. I'd still be out there someplace if it weren't for my Garmin.

We must have been separated at birth!

You said you'd prefer to stick it in the bank, so do that. Then wait for a great sale.

[Catrin]

Put it in a special bike savings account, that way it doesn't get mixed with other funds and you can add to it until you see something that you just...must...have, whether it be a new bike or accessories/repair for your current bike.

[Eden]

I agree with Oak - banking it isn't in the spirit of the gift giver. My parents a couple of years ago gave me some money with the stipulation that it had to be spent and the spending had to be frivolous... it was actually kind of fun.

I'd think about something you have that is functional, but not super. Get yourself some really nice panniers from a place like Swift Industries where you can customize them to the colors and features that you want - or maybe a nice set of hand built custom wheels for your ride.

[Becky]

If I had to spend money on cycling right now, I'd consider a new helmet, some new MTB tires, or some new sports bras- all things that eventually wear out and all contribute to my cycling enjoyment. I might register for one of the gran fondo rides that look like so much fun, but are more than I'd normally spend on an organized ride.

I like the suggestions of a Garmin or another wheelset too.

[Sky King]

I vote for the bike account.

I have a special account for my "adventure bike" this is probably going to be a Surly that I can ride on dirt, gravel and pavement.

One of my friends is rebuilding her Santa Cruz - the bike fits her so well she refuses to buy a new one. Having a bike account has helped as she is going to be at least $1600 into the rebuild.

[Leazerbeam]

What great ideas.
I love the "BIKE account". Sounds so much better than "BANK account".

[Antaresia]

custom embossed leather seat cover:
http://busymanbicycles.blogspot.ca/

This necklace:
http://shop.lesnereides.com/la-petit...se-poudre.html

custom head badge:
http://www.headbadges.com/id74.html

These beer glassses:
http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/...20/414744.html

Threadless has a bike collection:
http://www.threadless.com/curated/bi...%20Subscribers

That's what I got off hand....

[Melalvai]

Spend it on memberships to local, state, and national bicycle advocacy organizations. Depending on what sort of bicycling you do, the national bike adv group could be the League of American Bicyclists, or Rails to Trails, or any of several options.

If you haven't already had Traffic Skills 101, that's a good investment.

Still $$ left over? Save it for next year's memberships.

[Susan Otcenas]

I have to say that my Garmin 800 is one of the best things I've spent my money on. Did I *need* it? Well, no. But it's made my riding so much more pleasurable! I like knowing where I've been, how far I've climbed, etc. I also like programming in a route and then not having to fiddle with a cue sheet, etc. Plus, I can go exploring without fear of getting lost.

So, I guess a new Garmin would get my vote too.

[Reesha]

Rapha Grand Tour Gloves!!!



TiGr lock

[Jaynee Beyond]

I like banking it until you know exactly what you want. I like the Garmen idea, fabulous choices now. Do you have a cycling magazine subscription, which may give you the perfect idea? Happy Birthday. What a wonderful problem to have! Enjoy!

[yetigooch]

Send it to me...just kidding.... I love Rapha cycling clothes so I'm a little biased, but their jackets are awesome (and expensive). They make great rain jackets and the softshell jacket is great. Otherwise, the like the cycling bank account. I have a "bike account" where my monetary gifts go to. have fun with it.