Feeling guilty about a new bike
 

I've been riding a 2014 Trek Domane 4.3. It's a good bike, no real complaints. 105 drive train.
Prior to this, I had a Giant OCR2 for ten years.

Both bikes were the 'reasonable' choice, not super expensive, just....well....decent machines.

I'm retiring in June..yay! And I'm thinking...."Just once in my life, I'd like to do something outside the box. Forgo the 'reasonable'. Reward myself for 40 years in the work force."

I've had my eye on a Trek Domane SLR7 Disc, a significant upgrade to my current model. Electronics, disc brakes, lighter weight. Yes, it's stupid money compared to what I've done all these years. And yes, I can afford the financial hit. It won't change anything about our retirement spreadsheets. My wife said "Just don't tell me what it cost." Fair enough.

But this nags at me. Is it really worthwhile to do this for an improved frame, probably a pound of savings, some brake advantages and fancy shifting? I do ride several thousand miles a year so it's not like it will just sit in the garage. Yeah, I know it won't really make me faster.

Crap. I hate when "Mr. Reasonable" stomps on my left shoulder.

In a word: YES!

After 10 years of restored vintage bikes and sensibly priced carbon bikes, I added a Pro level lightweight & stiff Ridley Helium SLX with SRAM Red eTap and carbon wheels. I did keep costs down by sticking with rim brakes, which saved hundreds compared to disc brakes, which I didn't want.

I have to say the increased pace and ready-to-accelerate responsiveness of a pro level bike is remarkable. Even considering my modest power-to-weight ratio, the ability to climb and maintain pace is significant.

If a first class bikes encourages extra time on the bike and improved health, it's a very good investment.

Yes, it is worthwhile.

Oh just go for it and forget the guilt!

You're not hurting your finances, you've cleared it with your wife and frankly, I'm betting that you absolutely love the new bike. I'm a couple of years behind you in terms of retirement, and you can bet I'm treating myself to something special when that rolls around.

Doesn't sound like there are any issues other than your own guilt. If you didn't get the bike then what? Does it solve anything? You only have this one life, enjoy it while you can.

Tastes Differ

Maybe a handmade artisan steel bike frame & fork and fresh Groupset, or just strip one of your existing bikes ..
and sell the extra frame..

Combining N+1 & N -1, so as to keep same type of bike count total the same..

You only have one bike? Might as well make it the best one you can afford. Still cheaper than having a whole collection of bikes like some people.

Why go half-way with an off the shelf bike? Get a custom frame made to fit your body and riding style. It will be a perfect fit and a one of a kind with little extra cost, if any at all since carbon is priced out there anyway.

When I retire three will be a shiny new Campy groupset on my custom frame along with top end wheels. Off the shelf simply is not good enough as a reward for slogging it out since age 11.

I'm with @TiHabanero. Custom everything for my retirement gift when I get there.

My only regret about going custom is that I waited until age 50.

Forum policy mandates no guilt for cycling purchases. Violators will be banned.

Well put.

I retired a little over 15 months ago, and kept putting off any retirement present for myself. Finally, I took advantage of the TrekFest sale and ordered a Viper Red FX3. It should be in Friday at the local bike shop.

Some men go through a mid life crisis and end up spending thousands on a new sports car or trade in their wife for new arm candy. I feel I am getting off cheap with this retirement present to myself.

As long as it will not endanger your future financial security, and assuming it is what you really want, then go for it.

"Feeling guilty about a new bike"

I'm sorry. I don't understand what this means.

:ride:

Take one for a test ride, see if you can do 10-20 miles.
If you fall in love, send pics of it in your garage.
If at the end of the ride you say 'meh', keep shopping.

Remember, red is faster.

Funny, that's the color I'm looking at.

Thanks for the responses. I will be test riding the bike this week. Right out of the shop I have a couple of climbs and descents so will be interesting to see how it feels compared to my current ride.

This is not a purchase. It's a celebration. So...celebrate. Congratulations.

So what exactly is the issue that has you so conflicted? If need be, consider it your duty to test out whether the new bike will improve your performance significantly.

Keep your old one too. Ride them both equally over time and let us know the results of your study.

In the end the approval has to come from you

Just mention to your lovely lady that you had first considered a red Corvette but the bike was way less expensive.

Could be the fear of reciprocity. Or am I projecting?

My $4,500 custom bike may end up costing me a Jaguar for my wife.

My brother unexpectedly passed away last October, at only 61. I'm 60. I did wait for Spring, but I knew I wasn't going to wait another riding season. Life IS precious, and how much you have time you have to get that bike is never guaranteed. And of course, you DO deserve it - so let us know how it works out for you!

Nice bike but treat your self to a fine and fancy one off steel semi custom with all the goodies. If you love it and can afford it just do it....post photos