Bike Lust is straining my (human) relationship

[Medianox]

"How about: Honey. I've decided to get a new bike.

And leave it at that.



Okay okay.

Write him a clear non-whiney letter stating your points. Tell him you want him to understand, but you are getting a bike.

Seriously. You are an adult. You have a job. You shouldn't need permission." -Muirenn

I think that when I am ready to move on the purchase, I just might take this approach.
Currently, I am shelving the idea, for a few reasons. Number one is that I now have a goal in mind and I am going to squirrel money away for roughly a year or so (until I get close to the amount I need) and then bring it up again.
I can be very patient (something I have learned from living with the DH!) and I really think it is needed here. Number two is that I can use my current bike easily for another year without any real problems ( I just got new tires, cables and a general tune up done) and get even more experience. Never a bad thing. It won't kill me, just make me work a little harder and I'll be better for it in the end. I think a new bike bought under those circumstances will be even more meaningful. PLUS,number three reason- DH will see me get another year deeper into the activity so any lingering doubts about my seriousness will be alleviated (not that he could have had any really, but hey, if I could understand him perfectly, we wouldn't have this thread). If his problem is truly that he believes that I am devaluing his original gift, perhaps more time is needed for him to see that it is not the case at all. In fact, I would never sell my first bike and will always keep it around for winter riding, training, or throwing on the rollers in the off season. That way, I can use my newer one for rides, long distances and other situations where improved technology can make a difference.

lph, crankin, and everyone else, thank you so much for your insightful responses. Just writing this all out has really helped me see where the pitfalls are. I will keep you all updated!!!
Thanks again!