whiplashsmile

What's a tax "refund"? My wife is self employed and we always end up paying about $4-6K. I'll pretend I'm buying someone else a really nice bike when I write the check.

Doohickie

I won't offer any advice, but my LBS showed me a Marin Muirwoods in my size this afternoon and boy oh boy was it tempting. I so don't need another hybrid/comfort/commuter bike, but wow, nice bike for the money.

One of the shop owners just started riding one and he says he loves it.

But since you already have one of those, I guess I'm just babbling.

metalchef87

I am most likely going to get this frame. I am going on Monday to inspect it through and through and make sure it seems ok. I have researched it and can only find one or two others like it in my preliminary searches. It is carbon main tubes with aluminum stays and headset Then I want to build it up with a 105 groupset, would prefer Ultegra or Dura Ace but 105 is more in my price range. Also at first maybe a cheap set of wheels, but eventually a nice set of wheels; I'll need a stem, seat post, saddle, headset, fork, and handlebars.

When I looked on ebay the cheapest 105 groupset was around 600 I think...for a 2009 set. Other pics attached. What do you guys think? Too much money to build or would it be a nice bike in the end?

urbanknight

Keep in mind that fame is about 15 years old. Also, a frame and a groupset doesn't make a complete bike. You still need wheels, tires, tubes, fork, stem, handlebar, bar tape, saddle, seatpost, and pedals. Did I miss anything? Either way, that's a good few hundred right there. At $1000+ you could find a brand new bike with comparable parts.

metalchef87

Well...I can deal with the 15 years old part...but I don't know about spending well over 1000 when I could buy new for around the same quality/price.

urbanknight

Good call, but I should clarify that the age becomes an issue with that frame because carbon was a fairly new technology. That frame isn't light by any standard, the bond of the tubes to the lugs isn't that great, and it's not very stiff (or compliant )

metalchef87

I am getting so frustrated!!! I just want to find a nice bike for a good price...lightweight, fast, great for long rides. I found a Giant oc3 on CL for 500, the guy only rode it twice, purchased it new. But alas they are pretty entry level...

Anyone on here want to sell me a bike?

urbanknight

Be patient. I think the biggest mistake anyone makes when they get all excited and want a bike NOW is they look for a deal NOW. Do a little more research, know what component level you want, know how much you're willing to spend, and keep your eyes peeled until you see the right deal.

metalchef87

Found the bike I am getting. It is a 98 Trek 5200, in pretty much pristine condition. The guy bought it brand new in 98 for 2000 dollars, rode it for 2 seasons a total of 2800 miles; then his dad bought him a 3000 dollar bike and he stopped riding this one...It has ultegra throughout, it is a full carbon fiber frame, in my size, new spd pedals, he is holding it for me until I get my check.

I am going to test ride it on Monday and he is giving me more detailed pics tomorrow. He wants 700 for it, I am selling my Schwinn tomorrow for 100 and giving him that as a deposit on Monday. I am pretty excited...I couldn't wait to share...

I am sure some of you will warn against the age, but I am ok with an 11 year old bike...

urbanknight

Actually, that sounds like a decent deal if he's being honest with the mileage. OCLV was Trek's newer technology from the 90's. I had a 94 model and it was ok. A little soft in the bottom bracket and fork (which says a lot since I was 120 lb then), but I believe that was improved by the late 90's. As long as it fits and you enjoy riding it, it's a good find.

metalchef87

Yeah I am going to inspect the drive train and ride the hell out of it on Monday...seemed like a good deal to me though. The anxiety is killing me...though the guy who was supposed to buy my Schwinn backed out...so now I have to come up with 100 dollars on the fly...

metalchef87

I test rode the bike today...OMG it rode so freaking nicely. Smooth as can be and so light and nimble. I honestly have never ridden a bike this nice. It had maybe one scuff on it, other than that everything seemed to be in perfect condition. I put 100 dollars down on it and later this week when my tax refund comes in I am going to get it. He is adding in a pair of spd shoes...brand new he never wore them, a seat bag, and two tubes.

I CAN NOT WAIT TO GET THE BIKE!!!!!!!!

RudeSiggy

that's where my tax refund went last year... didn't really want to spend it that way, but that's where it went.

jzsoup

My first road bike was Sora because I wasn't sure I would take to it. After the first summer I parted it out and sold it on ebay. Then I went to full Ultegra. It feels so much smoother. Not to be a bike snob....but if you think you'll take to road biking, spend a little extra now. But that's just my experience.

metalchef87

Well this bike shifted more smoothly than any I have ever ridden...it was simply beautiful...I wish my refund would get here!!!

The Big Wheel

if you're getting money back from your taxes you're doing something wrong.

that $700 you're getting back could have been used to pay an extra monthly payment on your mortgage or invested in some stocks/cds, etc.

Dubbayoo

I changed my exemptions mid year so I ended up owing $43. I'll send it on the last day.

metalchef87

Umm well I don't own a house and the stock market is failing...so no. I actually am getting 10 grand back. I have two kids and make less than 20,000 dollars a year...so yeah the government helps me out...

rooftest

You need to check your math. Unless your take-home is $833 a month after withholding.

metalchef87

I already filed...so no need to check my math

rooftest

There's a reason it's called a "refund." If you didn't pay it in, you aren't getting it back.

If you're on welfare, that's something else - not a refund.

halfspeed

People on welfare pay taxes too. Just not income taxes.

metalchef87

F!@# You. I did pay in you jerk. I work just like every one else, as a matter of a fact I work 80 hours a week, so kiss my @$$. Just because I only get paid 8 dollars an hour doesn't mean I am on welfare. I can't believe the way some people just assume things...

metalchef87

Since the above post will be deleted...I do pay income taxes, and I am not on welfare. I make below a certain amount so I get something called EIC...or earned income credit 3000 dollars, plus 1500 for each child-another 3000, plus the 4000 I put in, so kiss my butt.

Doohickie

Yep... there are several credits that can eclipse the taxes paid into the system. We benefited from those way back when. And while we're making too much, and our kids are too old, to get those credits now, I can't begrudge anyone for getting the refund they are allowed under the tax codes. rooftest would get them too if he could.