What To Tell My Husband?

[F8th637]

Alright, I bought a utility bike only 3 months ago and I'm most definitely hooked. My local Craigslist has a used road bike, the Fuji Ace 2003 (touted as a great starting road bike according to my research online) for $250 in my size lightly-ridden. I don't think I'll ever race but I would like to start doing 30+ mile rides once my endurance gets me there. From what I've found on TE it sounds like that for long-distance riding a road bike is the way to go.

I definitely don't want to spend a heck of a lot on a road bike and the one listed seems perfect for what I want to do. In my stable I have the utility bike and a hardtail mountain bike (that he'll probably end up riding) that I inherited in college. I know lots of cyclists have many bikes in their stables but I can already tell he'll ask me a million questions as to why I need to buy this road bike when I just bought the utility bike brand-new. I didn't want a road bike when I went shopping and I most definitely don't want a new one now. I just want one for those longer distances. I know I can put slicks on the utility bike but I don't want to pass on such a great deal and bike on Craiglist. I set up a time tomorrow to meet the guy to try the bike out for fit. I know I'm not obligated to buy afterwards.

I need help with rationalization, ladies!! You can tell me not to buy the road bike too. I'd be open to that as well. I just have 'the fever' right now.

[Python]

I need help with rationalization, ladies!! You can tell me not to buy the road bike too. I'd be open to that as well. I just have 'the fever' right now.

The rationale:

You are planning on going longer distances so need a faster, lighter bike.

It is an absolute bargain and you just couldn't pass it up.

It'll pay itself back in no time at all.

If your utility bike got a puncture/broken chain/broken cable etc. you have the new bike to use and vice-versa.

Or the ultimate rationale:

"I fell in love with it so I'm buying it. End of story!!!"

I know what the "fever's" like. I went to buy a pair of cycling shorts and ended up putting a deposit on a new bike. I still haven't got the new shorts

[Scarlet]

you deserve it

and enjoy

Scarlet x

[mimitabby]

It's a great price for your first road bike! costs the same as 3 massages.
costs the same as going out to a fancy dinner a couple times.

GO FOR IT

[Nokomis]

How about...

"Look what followed me home!"

or

*smooch* "Thank you for being so supportive of my fitness goals! Let's go for a long ride!"

[7rider]

I took a peek at that CL listing and followed the link to the details.
It looks like a fine entry level bike. It's got a fairly relaxed geometry so it's comfortable enough for long rides...yet won't beat you up. And...it can take a rack and fenders, so as rationale: it can serve as a back-up utility bike if needed.
It can grow with you as a rider. (that's always one I use for purchases!)

[mimitabby]

Hey Regina, would you peek at that Mercian bike on Ebay and tell me why i shouldn't be lusting over it while my very own custom bike is being built as we speak?

[Geonz]

Devil's advocate piping up: DOn't go see it already thinking you have it and then buy it if it isn't an honestly good fit. Then you *will* be kicking yourself. Better to wait for less of a bargain that's a better match for those longer rides!

[7rider]

Devil's advocate piping up: DOn't go see it already thinking you have it and then buy it if it isn't an honestly good fit. Then you *will* be kicking yourself. Better to wait for less of a bargain that's a better match for those longer rides!

Yeah... well -- implied.
I've ridden (and taken others to ride) CL bikes and walked away from them.
And, of course, there is always the negotiation.
$250? It fits? You like? Offer $200.

P.S. Mimi - I checked out that bike earlier. To relate a parable....A friend of mine once was remarking on an attractive woman we saw. I commented on his wandering eye. He replied, "I'm married. Not dead!"

[smilingcat]

Devil's advocate piping up: DOn't go see it already thinking you have it and then buy it if it isn't an honestly good fit. Then you *will* be kicking yourself. Better to wait for less of a bargain that's a better match for those longer rides!

So agree with this one. Its no bargain if it doesn't fit you. After missing out on a great bargain on QR Seduza, I'm sort of hooked on getting another bike. The shop that carried Seduza also had the Caliente, but it was too long on the top tube so even though it was at a great price and I preferred Caliente, I was going to settle for Seduza cause it fit me better. Somebody else bought that small bike. How can any guy (male) fit on a such small bike??

Anyway my current fav LBS has gurubike Chrono/alu. test rode it grr... again the top tube is just too darn long. Most LBS just don't carry this kind of bike in my size 48cm to 50cm frame.

Anyway, make sure it fits before you buy no matter how good the deal is. I'm really tempted to pay full price for the guru carbino instead of the chrono/Alu bike. All their bikes are custom fit. And I'll be eating plain ol' P&J sandwiches for next 6 month or so... Still sitting on the fence on this one... Maybe I think wayyy tooo much... (yes the bike is full UCI legal)

Shawn

[F8th637]

Oh, I'm definitely not buying it if it's not a good fit. I said in my post that I had scheduled a time to meet him for fit not exchange of money. This is by no means a done deal. I know better than to throw down $200-$250 for a bike that doesn't fit well. If I'm not going to ride it, why buy it?

[F8th637]

How about...

"Look what followed me home!"

or

*smooch* "Thank you for being so supportive of my fitness goals! Let's go for a long ride!"

LOL! I have seriously contemplated the first one in addition to, "Can we keep it?!"

[F8th637]

I took a peek at that CL listing and followed the link to the details.
It looks like a fine entry level bike. It's got a fairly relaxed geometry so it's comfortable enough for long rides...yet won't beat you up. And...it can take a rack and fenders, so as rationale: it can serve as a back-up utility bike if needed.
It can grow with you as a rider. (that's always one I use for purchases!)

Thanks for checking it out, Regina! Everything you said is exactly why I want to at least try the bike out.

[indysteel]

Buy it if it fits.

I thought I was going crazy (and broke) last year when I bought my Bianchi road bike less than 2 months after buying my Trek FX. It was indulgent and crazy and expensive, but it was also the best money I've ever spent. The Bianchi and I already have thousands of miles on the road together and hopefully many more.

[li10up]

Do you have your own disposable income or is it all shared? If you have your own then I say don't say anything - just get it if you want it. If all monies are shared then yes, I think you need to discuss it with DH first. That's one nice thing about how my DH and I handle money. After the bills are paid and money is put into savings, his is his and mine is mine - whatever we choose to do with our disposable income isn't questioned by the other. Works out great for us.