HPL

Welcome Ruby,

You should certainly be able purchase what you want regardless of price if it makes you happy; after all "feeling good about yourself and what you do" is a health benefit in and of itself. I work in the health/medical industry, and stress reduction is one of the greatest means of improving many aspects of your health (high blood pressure, etc.) in the first place without taking medications, undergoing therapy, etc.

That being said, I've bought a bike more expensive than what you paid, a used bike over 30 years old that I don't ride. I bought it as more of an investment than an exercise/recreation/competition "tool" (taken for a "slow" vintage ride now and then). I would not question your purchase, only the person who sold it to you given that you explained why and what you were trying to accomplish; regardless of whether you had a million to spend or just a hundred. I'm single so I don't face the domestic politics that you do, and I don't have to justify what I do to anyone (although my friends and girlfriend have raised an eyebrow or two; but hey, they know me by now!).

First thing for any cyclist (veteran, new, and/or long time returning) is to have a bike that fits you comfortably and that operates properly (unless you like to do some wrenching yourself and/or get it professionally serviced); even new bikes aren't always assembled/set up properly (I'm talking from Walmart all the way to "professional" shops); it is not uncommon to get on something that has loose parts, bad or no brakes, etc.

If I was that sales person (I've run my own sales and service business) I would try to determine your needs and wants and explain to you the benefits and disadvantages of a range of products regardless of price (I don't like the selling on commission theory; only urges the salesperson try to make the deal which is more advantageous to themselves in many cases; they have to eat too!, but I'm not trying to make someone's "boat payment" for them either). I relate this to purchasing anything regardless of price; I like craft beer, but the $3 bottle is just as, and quite often is more satisfying than the $10, and I can get 3 of them, Yeah!

Buying a new or used high end bike is no more advantageous than buying a lower range model if you are not going to, or are not able to take advantage of the features/design. Chances are I could put you on two bikes of similar design and function, without reference to price, and you probably would not notice the difference in your riding style/use with either bike. You might at that point just go on personal preference; overall look, color, etc. If you still wanted the more expensive ride that's your prerogative, but at least I've shown and explained all the options; the rest is up to you. I've actually tried to get customers to buy a lesser (not in quality) product based on what they told me only to have them opt for the "bells and whistles" model; at that point I feel fine because I have enabled them to make an educated decision and I've done due diligence on my part in providing them everything to make that decision. I always provide an opt out policy (of course the caveat of return it in "one piece", having PROPERLY FUNCTIONING "demo" models help a lot); and it has always brought me return business because they are very comfortable with my integrity in dealing with them in an open and honest manner. I had a customer who after all my discourse purchased the one product that I told them would break down with little use (a product I sold at a loss just to get rid of because I discovered it's poor quality upon examination; never re-ordered that one!), only to have them return and say "you told me so", but thanking me in kind for letting them know in advance and trying to save them time and money in the long run; another longtime customer in the end! My theory is, "It takes years to build a good reputation; and minutes to destroy it!". As a small businessman you don't have the convenience of having customers throw your "name" about in a bad way; you won't be in business for long!

I have seen on another post by you stating that you made a change and I hope you're as happy with that decision as you originally were with your initial purchase. I hope you continue to improve on your health, and enjoy cycling for what ever your intentions.

Take care.