Feeling guilty about a new bike
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
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.
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.
__________________
[insert clever quote here]
[insert clever quote here]
#2
Have bike, will travel
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,392
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
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.
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.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 04-09-19 at 02:40 PM.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
Yes, it is worthwhile.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 706
Bikes: Specialized Diverge E5 Comp, Specialized AWOL Comp, Scott Solace 10
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 137 Post(s)
Liked 27 Times
in
20 Posts
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.
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.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: USA
Posts: 2,192
Bikes: Ti, Mn Cr Ni Mo Nb, Al, C
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 942 Post(s)
Liked 526 Times
in
349 Posts
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.
#6
Banned
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..
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..
#7
Jedi Master
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.
#8
Senior Member
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.
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.
#9
Jedi Master
I'm with @TiHabanero. Custom everything for my retirement gift when I get there.
#10
Occam's Rotor
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 7,248
Mentioned: 61 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2366 Post(s)
Liked 2,331 Times
in
1,164 Posts
My only regret about going custom is that I waited until age 50.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
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 I don't need.
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.
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 I don't need.
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.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: MidSouth
Posts: 352
Bikes: Mr.White Mr.Green Mr.Orange
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 60 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
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.
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.
#14
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,765
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1384 Post(s)
Liked 1,294 Times
in
819 Posts
As long as it will not endanger your future financial security, and assuming it is what you really want, then go for it.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#15
Palmer
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 8,580
Bikes: Mike Melton custom, 1982 Stumpjumper, Alex Moulton AM, 2010 Dawes Briercliffe, 2017 Dahon Curl i8, 2021 Motobecane Turino 1x12
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1646 Post(s)
Liked 1,785 Times
in
1,041 Posts
"Feeling guilty about a new bike"
I'm sorry. I don't understand what this means.
I'm sorry. I don't understand what this means.
#16
Senior Member
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.
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.
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
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.
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.
__________________
[insert clever quote here]
[insert clever quote here]
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
Posts: 8,456
Bikes: CAAD 12, MASI Gran Criterium S, Colnago World Cup CX & Guru steel
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1722 Post(s)
Liked 1,272 Times
in
734 Posts
This is not a purchase. It's a celebration. So...celebrate. Congratulations.
#19
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,811
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 50 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6100 Post(s)
Liked 4,732 Times
in
3,262 Posts
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.
Keep your old one too. Ride them both equally over time and let us know the results of your study.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 1,682
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 980 Post(s)
Liked 776 Times
in
402 Posts
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.
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.
#21
Mother Nature's Son
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Sussex County, Delaware
Posts: 3,111
Bikes: 2014 Orbea Avant MD30, 2004 Airborne Zeppelin TI, 2003 Lemond Poprad, 2001 Lemond Tourmalet, 2014? Soma Smoothie
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 838 Post(s)
Liked 1,414 Times
in
801 Posts
In the end the approval has to come from you
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bristol, R. I.
Posts: 4,340
Bikes: Specialized Secteur, old Peugeot
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 663 Post(s)
Liked 496 Times
in
299 Posts
Just mention to your lovely lady that you had first considered a red Corvette but the bike was way less expensive.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,847
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2578 Post(s)
Liked 1,901 Times
in
1,193 Posts
#24
Cavemaster
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Lone Tree, Colorado
Posts: 9
Bikes: 2019 Specialized Roubaix Comp-Ultegra Di2
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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!
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: NWNJ
Posts: 3,704
Bikes: Road bike is a Carbon Bianchi C2C & Grandis (1980's), Gary Fisher Mt Bike, Trek Tandem & Mongoose SS MTB circa 1992.
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 722 Post(s)
Liked 353 Times
in
226 Posts
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.
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.