So how do you justify another bike in the stable?
08-23-18, 05:53 AM
#26
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I don't have this problem. When it comes to spending money, I answer only to myself.
08-23-18, 06:57 AM
#27
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08-23-18, 07:00 AM
#28
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She's also seem most of the maintenance I've done on all my bikes, so she's started asking me if I don't need a new bike that's not so old? So far I've held her off, but you know, my resistance is slowly being eroded. Someday I'll buy another bike -- just because she asked me to! 
I was tempted, but i honestly couldn't justify it to myself.
08-23-18, 07:05 AM
#29
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I like @downtube24 's Appalachian trail/Sports ar dodge.
08-23-18, 07:50 AM
#30
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A marriage IS a union between 2 people. A complete union? Hardly. A lot of marriages have a rule against putting limits on the other partner. The ol' respect my autonomy & I'll never do you wrong sort of thing.
As far as my input to the OP: Whose money is it? Are ALL of the obligations to house, spouse, & bills met? After that, I say the other has no grounds to stand on, but it would still be in your best interest to make her feel appreciated.
That you want it & it causes no hardship ought to be enough reason for a loving spouse to afford you the lattitude to go get it so long as all the other obligations have been met.
Aaron, with 10 bikes & married almost 18 years.
As far as my input to the OP: Whose money is it? Are ALL of the obligations to house, spouse, & bills met? After that, I say the other has no grounds to stand on, but it would still be in your best interest to make her feel appreciated.
That you want it & it causes no hardship ought to be enough reason for a loving spouse to afford you the lattitude to go get it so long as all the other obligations have been met.
Aaron, with 10 bikes & married almost 18 years.
This is bull crap.
Marriage is supposed to be a complete union. Two become one. If you are not discussing things with your wife and are doing things behind her back then don't expect to be married long.
Talk it over. If you can't agree then it doesn't happen.
Ask yourself how you would feel if you didn't approve of a $3000 purchase and she did it anyway.
I'm sure others will disagree with me.
-Tim-
Marriage is supposed to be a complete union. Two become one. If you are not discussing things with your wife and are doing things behind her back then don't expect to be married long.
Talk it over. If you can't agree then it doesn't happen.
Ask yourself how you would feel if you didn't approve of a $3000 purchase and she did it anyway.
I'm sure others will disagree with me.
-Tim-
08-23-18, 08:25 AM
#31
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At almost 64 years old and married to the same woman since I was 20, I have always discussed my intentions first . This opens the discussion phase when logic and desire merge to form a viable solution. I have way more bikes than I need and I still look at local sales and stuff. My wife gets it, she realizes that for me, a workaholic, my bikes are a diversion.I ride them all in rotation and enjoy fixing them up and tinkering with them. She realizes how important it is to have a hobby and for the most part , goes along with it. That being said, I do have a shop to aid with storage, which I think is the biggest problem! Joe
08-23-18, 01:39 PM
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"use"
meaning, don't use it? sell it
sell all them bikes
then, if you need/want a bike, buy one & ride it
if you buy a bike & don't ride it, that's a waste
oh & regarding the spouse, she is not consulted
meaning, don't use it? sell it
sell all them bikes
then, if you need/want a bike, buy one & ride it
if you buy a bike & don't ride it, that's a waste
oh & regarding the spouse, she is not consulted
08-24-18, 09:51 AM
#34
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Before I got married, my one time manager gave me some good advice. She said, whenever you want something expensive ... ask yourself can you buy 2. I said why? She said you want X, your wife to be will be entitled to Y of equal or higher value....at least that's what's always worked for me she said.
Since she had bought a vineyard, I asked what her husband got. She said a tractor and lots of other toys.... and that's why I'm still working ;>
Since she had bought a vineyard, I asked what her husband got. She said a tractor and lots of other toys.... and that's why I'm still working ;>
08-24-18, 10:16 AM
#35
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So I currently have two road bikes, a very capable (and most expesive of the fleet) mountain bike, a low end cruiser and a budget tandem. However, I recently got the itch for a higher end carbon fiber mountain bike. My wife doesn't share the same passion for more than one steed in the stable while I seem very convinced that I need (O.K., want) another bike.
In the past I have broached the N+1 aquistion using multiple approaches:
The justification method: Cycling is becoming more and more the go-to physical fitness activity I will rely on as I age, therefore, this is a purchase for life (perhaps literally) or until technology advances to force another itch (and that would be a medical issue to be dealt with at a later time).
The selfless approach: Having another bike will allow me to share the fun of mountaing biking with family/friends that come to visit us (we have a second home in the mountains where I mostly ride spring through fall).
The redundancy approach: Because we have a second home it is more convienient to have one bike in each location rather than having to constantly move them back in forth with each trip (this is my current excuse and use for two road bikes).
My favorite: "It is better to ask forgiveness than it is permission."
The assertive approach: I still work very hard and long hours, I can afford it, and I have the room for it, therefore, if I want it I will get it no matter what others might think!
So how do you approach a new acquisition with a lesser approving spouse?
Please understand, I know this is a very 1st world problem. I would like to think I am also generous with those in need. In fact I use my bike every February to raise money to build homes for those less fortunate in Mexcio-Hey, I just remembered that one: Charity work, another justification.
'bob
In the past I have broached the N+1 aquistion using multiple approaches:
The justification method: Cycling is becoming more and more the go-to physical fitness activity I will rely on as I age, therefore, this is a purchase for life (perhaps literally) or until technology advances to force another itch (and that would be a medical issue to be dealt with at a later time).
The selfless approach: Having another bike will allow me to share the fun of mountaing biking with family/friends that come to visit us (we have a second home in the mountains where I mostly ride spring through fall).
The redundancy approach: Because we have a second home it is more convienient to have one bike in each location rather than having to constantly move them back in forth with each trip (this is my current excuse and use for two road bikes).
My favorite: "It is better to ask forgiveness than it is permission."
The assertive approach: I still work very hard and long hours, I can afford it, and I have the room for it, therefore, if I want it I will get it no matter what others might think!
So how do you approach a new acquisition with a lesser approving spouse?
Please understand, I know this is a very 1st world problem. I would like to think I am also generous with those in need. In fact I use my bike every February to raise money to build homes for those less fortunate in Mexcio-Hey, I just remembered that one: Charity work, another justification.
'bob
08-24-18, 01:36 PM
#36
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This is bull crap.
Marriage is supposed to be a complete union. Two become one. If you are not discussing things with your wife and are doing things behind her back then don't expect to be married long.
Talk it over. If you can't agree then it doesn't happen.
Ask yourself how you would feel if you didn't approve of a $3000 purchase and she did it anyway.
I'm sure others will disagree with me.
-Tim-
Marriage is supposed to be a complete union. Two become one. If you are not discussing things with your wife and are doing things behind her back then don't expect to be married long.
Talk it over. If you can't agree then it doesn't happen.
Ask yourself how you would feel if you didn't approve of a $3000 purchase and she did it anyway.
I'm sure others will disagree with me.
-Tim-
I do not recall any consultation.
Our primary hobby is sailing. 1 sail is 3,000 dollars. 16 big boats since I started sailing. All came with 2 sails and most, I added sails.
I bought 4 bikes in the past 12 months. Now the union R-E-S-P-I-C-T we think applies more to adding pets. They are expensive and a chore.
I ride a lot. She doesn't. My total cash medical expense 2017 was under 20 dollars.
08-24-18, 01:44 PM
#37
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every marriage is different. don't try to stuff your idea / agreements onto someone else. don't assume anyone is trying to do anything behind someone else's back. there are as many relationship agreements / styles as there are people. yours works for you, mine works for me
08-24-18, 02:00 PM
#38
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If it's not something that's significantly superior to the bikes you have, and you already have bikes that serve for the riding you do, how DO you justify buying another one? Do you first justify it to yourself, or do you just want it?
What I did might work. My bike arrived a piece at a time over a couple of weeks, so it would be like boiling a frog slowly. Then you have all the pieces, "Hey, I can build a bike with this!" I think that I showed off my configuration database first though, along with the selected "virtual bike", schedule and cost, so it's not like it was a secret. But it could have been on the QT if you stretched it out over a month or two, until it was built.
What I did might work. My bike arrived a piece at a time over a couple of weeks, so it would be like boiling a frog slowly. Then you have all the pieces, "Hey, I can build a bike with this!" I think that I showed off my configuration database first though, along with the selected "virtual bike", schedule and cost, so it's not like it was a secret. But it could have been on the QT if you stretched it out over a month or two, until it was built.
Last edited by wphamilton; 08-24-18 at 02:06 PM.
08-24-18, 02:26 PM
#39
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i build it for somebody else and send it along.
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08-29-18, 12:20 PM
#40
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Buy a bike if it will please you to do so. But first, tell your wife that she needs a new bike. Convince her and help her buy it. then, a few weeks later tell her that you have so enjoyed her riding her new bike that you might like one as well. Go on from there.
If your wife does not bicycle, tell her the health and safety advantages you will get from a new bike that you cannot currently get from the bikes you now own.
If all this fails, get rid of your least favorite bike and replace it with the new one.
Good Luck.
If your wife does not bicycle, tell her the health and safety advantages you will get from a new bike that you cannot currently get from the bikes you now own.
If all this fails, get rid of your least favorite bike and replace it with the new one.
Good Luck.
08-29-18, 08:19 PM
#41
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My last bike (CF Ridley Fenix) also cost me a two week trip to Seattle to visit the families, and especially the grandkids.
My wife considered it a fair trade.
My wife considered it a fair trade.
08-30-18, 10:59 AM
#42
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I am sort of struggling with this as we speak. I am at the point where every vehicle I own is perfect for me. My car (Fiesta ST), my motorcycle (Ducati Monster S4), my cross bike (Colnago World Cup CX, my primary bike (Guru Sidero...steel) and my back up road bike (Masi Gran Criterium S...AL w/CF fork and rear). So why the hell am I jonesin' for a Colnago V1R or a DeRosa Pininfrina or a Pinarello Dogma. What is keeping me from doing this is money and the fear that I would stop riding my Guru. And, that would break my heart.
08-30-18, 12:58 PM
#43
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08-31-18, 08:26 PM
#44
just keep riding
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I don't have to justify it to anyone else. Wife knows I'll be buying and selling bikes for at least as long as I can ride them and maintain them. She knows I wont do anything we cant afford. For a long time I added bikes by defining niche roles that each bike would fill. No two bikes were for the same type of ride. At some point I started gradually working toward a smaller number of bikes, still with different defined roles for each and with more and more overlap. If I see a new bike that does the same thing as one of my current bikes but I think will work better or fit me better, I'll buy it and sell the existing one.
So I guess the justification is 1-Do I want it? 2-Which bike will it replace and do I want it bad enough to part with that bike? 3-Can I afford it?
So I guess the justification is 1-Do I want it? 2-Which bike will it replace and do I want it bad enough to part with that bike? 3-Can I afford it?
08-31-18, 09:04 PM
#45
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…... as a materialistic human being, these justifications (some that were mentioned) will pop into my head in an effort to convince my conscious in want over need. It's the angel and devil on each shoulder scenario. …. I only posted this with the intent of it being a light hearted conversation to see if others struggle in the same way,...….. to convince us into buying more stuff.
The size of your herd may be approaching a "collection". There is nothing wrong with having more bikes than your ware-out. Or even more than you'll ride (much). I keep a bike that hangs on the wall of my man cave. I've upgraded the wall-art-bike a few times. I rarely ride the wall art... I take it down ride it and wash it from time-to-time. I like having a bike in my own little space... and I feel no guilt. I myself... have limited space... and after a long conversation with my wife decided not to expand into a collection (with a new outside building for them). I decided four (4) would fit my needs.... and yet no number of bikes would ever fit my desires. So I often find a bike I want... and buy it. Then sell-off another bike. Often the bike will be in need of a little work. So after it's enjoyed (and eventually tired of) it will be sold with some small amount of profit (or loss).
08-31-18, 11:45 PM
#46
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I am constantly buying bikes to restore or refurbish - I thoroughly enjoy working on bikes as a hobby. But I have set a limit to the number of bikes I can justifiably own, and that number is four: a modern CX-style bike, a 1985 vintage race bike, a1963 3-speed, and until recently, a 29er mountain bike. Wife owns a cruiser. Even with those constraints, I have a total of six bikes right now, but three of those will disappear (one is for sale, one is designated for a grandson, and one is an experiment). In the end, I will always have three bikes that are my main rides, but I might have any number of bikes that will pass through the workshop. My wife is OK with this, since it keeps me off the streets. I guess I’d suggest keeping the stable small, but constantly work on upping the quality of what you have. Get the carbon mountain bike, but sell the other one - just keep pressing forward.
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09-01-18, 08:21 AM
#47
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Tell your wife you need a "modern bike. There is a whole thread about it.
09-01-18, 08:39 AM
#48
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I don't have the problem of justifying another bike to my gf. She's 65, I'm 72 and we have totally separate financial lives. Just as I was about to turn 60 I saw a bike at the LBS that I thought she should by. I knew she wouldn't even bother to look at it unless I could get her into the shop. There also happened to be a beautiful Masi there that I loved. This Masi was all Dura Ace. So, I told her I wanted her to see a bike that really "spoke to me." My plan was to get her to the shop and then show her the Fuji Team Sport I thought she should buy. Did all that and she just sort of said "they're nice." And, then we went home. She to hers and me to mine. An hour later the owner of the LBS called me to say I had to come down to the shop. When I asked him why he said, "Just come down." When I got 
there he gave me the Masi saying, "Your GF bought this for you for your birthday." I said, "Damn. Now I have to buy her that Fuji." Walked out with two bikes. A month later she moved in with me and we've been together ever since. Now she and I have to go out for a ride.
there he gave me the Masi saying, "Your GF bought this for you for your birthday." I said, "Damn. Now I have to buy her that Fuji." Walked out with two bikes. A month later she moved in with me and we've been together ever since. Now she and I have to go out for a ride.
09-02-18, 04:26 PM
#49
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I just make sure that my wife gets her passions taken care of too. That's why she has a little convertible in the garage while mine sits outside and why I agreed to let her fly off to Santa Fe NM for an art opening this weekend.
09-02-18, 05:59 PM
#50
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