$ I need ideas

[Leazerbeam]

I am a minimalist (sp?). I recently had a monumental birthday in which I received monetary gifts. I was told to "do something nice for myself".

I have a custom made steel bike, bibs that I like, jerseys that are functional and perfectly good, shoes that work, helmet that is safe and comfortable, bags that work for my commuting and touring purposes. So..... if you had to spend $400 on a "luxury" item for cycling, what would it be?

What is the one thing that you don't need, but that would bring joy to your cycling lifestyle? A true functional luxury item?

Thanks for your ideas. I really would prefer to just stick it in the bank.

[Koronin]

The stick in the bank would be my preferred option as well.

[Penny4]

Bank! Don't spend it just to spend it. Maybe you will want another bike someday. That would be a good chunk of change towards it!
Happy Belated Birthday!

Or, if you like touring, are there any big trips you are planning?

[jyyanks]

Assuming you don't want to bank the money, what about one of those Garmin Cycling GPS's?

[goldfinch]

A nice little bike trip.

[murielalex]

I vote for the bank. One day, you'll see something you want that you don't even know about yet, and there the money will be waiting for you. Of course, the Garmin would be nice. I like my Garmin 500, though admit I will never use all its features.

Happy birthday!

[Owlie]

Bank!

[Anelia]

Assuming you don't want to bank the money, what about one of those Garmin Cycling GPS's?

My idea, too. Also Powermeter if you are into racing.

[Tri Girl]

we must all be conservative here- because I vote for the bank, too. There will be something that comes along in the near/far future that you will just LOVE and want- and then you'll have the money for it.
Better yet, don't put it with your other money that is in your regular checking account. Maybe open a special savings account just for that money so it doesn't get spent along with your regular income.

[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.