Quote Originally Posted by zoom-zoom View Post
It is tricky, for certain. DH bought a Mukluk last Fall. I never really paid much attention to the components on it, until I started looking at 29ers (since DS has pretty much taken over my too-small mountain bike). DH made noises to the effect that I should be happy with lower-end components when we choose my bike, even though his bikes all have higher-end ones (and he has 4 bikes to my 2). While I don't think tit-for-tat is always a healthy way to go, I also think there needs to be some level of fairness when it comes to a couple who shares a hobby. One person shouldn't always be expected to settle for entry-level equipment (with the excuse that they are noobs...in my case I may be a noob, but I've clearly shown that I'm not looking at anything cycling-related with anything other than intent to continue and improve as fast as I reasonably can, which is easier on better equipment, especially in terms of keeping up with stronger/faster riders) when the other gets to go hog-wild.
Oh, I absolutely agree with that, but I think that issue is a bit different from the "you got what you wanted, so I should get what I want" type of argument/concession.

In the end, I'd rather support my spouse, and be supported in return, because we love and trust one another and want each other to be fulfilled within the confines of our budget and other goals and interests. I don't want to support their desire for (fill in the blank) just so that I can turn around six months later and lobby for what I want. IMO, there are often more constructive ways to come to these decisions.