New bike?

[Maine-iac]

Could be.

[Adventure Girl]

Originally posted by bounceswoosh
Maybe they're asking because they're curious about the sport and want to know what a nice bike would set them back

I'll accept that, but I still think it is rude to ask anyone how much they paid for anything. A few times, people have asked how much my bikes cost. I have nicely given them the vague answer of "It was expensive, but worth it" and people have asked, "So how much??" I think that's the ultimate rude! (This has happened a couple of times).

I think the person who asks ONCE is rude, but perhaps they are just curious about the sport. If I want to share how many of my hard-earned dollars I plunked down is my choice. Although I have wanted to, I have never said, "You know, I don't want to tell you." But the person who asks again after my polite vague answer is crossing the line.

[MomOnBike]

Nobody has every asked me how much Walter cost, but I'm anticipating the question with William (the recumbent). After all, most folk don't have much context for 'bents.

For those who truely are interested and are thinking about getting one, I hope I will be able to be both truthful and encouraging - which is hard to do with a 4 digit bike. And then there are all the lovely add-ons I want...

For rude people who just want to cause trouble - I think the thing to do is say something like "Oh, it cost about as much as XX tanks of gas." Or xx months of cable, or a (really) nice new TV, or an angioplasty - depending on the questioner.

Come to think of it, I'm not sure I want my husband to know how much I'm planning on putting into William.

[fasteryet]

I was on a turtle ride on Sunday with my husband and a good friend, and were talking about bikes. She wants to upgrade from her old Trek. I said how I loved both of mine ('03 CDale R800 Fem. and '02 CDale hybrid), but maybe in another year or two will get one custom made for me. Husband laughed, said spending thousands on a bike was silly, until I asked him how much per year he spends on curling. He figures that between the club dues, the traveling( hotel and meals) for away weekend tournaments, plus all the beer, that it's easily several thousand a year. Case closed

[bentforlife]

Since I have a recumbent I do get a lot of " How much did that cost you?'" questions. I usually say somthing like "Enough to keep my husband nervous." Then I try to find out if they are interested or just rude.

MomOnBike-- What kind of recumbent did you get? I have a 2002 RANS Stratus XL (yes I have long legs). I've gotten a bag, changed out the riser and handlebars, and a few other goodies for it. Every time I get something for my bike and my husband groans, I just say "And how much did the so-and-so cost for your sailboat?" He usually out spends me on that! Musical instruments are another story!! I just mumble something about biyearly maintenance and go on.

Donna

[KkAllez]

Ben just bought a Specialized Roubaix Pro, carbon frame....sweet! It cost slightly less than what one year at nursing school is costing me. My Specialized Allez Sport was around $700...I think. It has been a year since I bought it and by the time I bought helmet, jersey, shorts, shoes, bike cages, water bottles, and Eggbeaters who know what the bike actually cost!

In any case, I tell people who are interested in biking and want to know how much to spend this, "Don't get a Walmart bike or you will quit in a week! Go ahead and fork over somewhere between $500 and $1000 and get something nice." It is all the difference in the world. My personal theory is that the more comfortable, speedier, and easier to ride (ie, smoother shifting, lighter weight) the more apt you will to be stick with the sport.

Now waaaaay back in my horse riding days and I was asked the cost of of horse upkeep here was my answer, "Every morning when you wake up flush a hundred dollar bill down the toilet. And when you can do that without flinching plus six months you are ready for a horse!"

Back to the bike question, I am truly embarrassed to tell anyone the cost of the Roubaix. YIKES! Also.....I WANT ONE TOO!!!!!! That will be my present to myself when I pass the NCLEX for RN's.

[fasteryet]

"Now waaaaay back in my horse riding days and I was asked the cost of of horse upkeep here was my answer, "Every morning when you wake up flush a hundred dollar bill down the toilet. And when you can do that without flinching plus six months you are ready for a horse!"

I used to train racehorses, and we used say when people asked how much it would cost/would they make any money, "Just imagine throwing all your money out the window. If you get really lucky, a little bit might blow back in."

[MomOnBike]

bentforlife -

I got a barely used Sun EX Sport AX. It was love at first pedal. Four months of layaway later it is MINE!

I probably could have been talked into a Stratus, but there weren't any in town for a test ride. We were planning on driving out to the RANS factory in Hays, KS, just to check out the lineup there, but then I found William. The rest is history.

And oh, am I planning on adding to it. It is coming with a smoke faring, a seat bag and some other goodies, but of course, I need a long list of other essentials. (Yes, dear, I really do need this new doohickey. Um, it'll help keep me safe! That's the reason! Safety! Really!)

And I hear you about musical instruments. I did an inventory of quality instruments we own once and almost fell over. To be fair, though, most of them have paid for themselves by now.

(And don't even get me started on the cost of horses. Been there, done that, wore out the t-shirt.)

[Maine-iac]

I hear ya on the horse thing. Don't have to feed a bike. And instruments??? Just sold mine for tuition....the pain has not set in yet.

[KkAllez]

Yeah, and my bike didn't get a hay belly from lack of riding last year! Wished I could have said the same for myself.

[CorsairMac]

Just bought my first Trek - Navigator 2400 and LOVE it!.......I applied to store credit coz doggone it - THIS time I was gonna buy a good bike that fit me and "called my name"! I've had it about 6 wks and now wish I had another one! Why?.....coz I would also love to have a hybrid - ride to work AND go fast! but my Navigator and I have miles to go before we sleep. How much would I pay?.....How much would I pay for something that I'm going to put my body on and abuse the heck outta it while loving every minute? I would pay whatever it took! (and that would still leave me enough to at least pay for utilities!) Pay what you can afford - but don't skimp - not on this! Its too important an investment.