Tom Stormcrowe

I need to replace the rear wheel on my Schwinn Passage, and need to get the cost past the wife. What I want to do is update completely from 27" to 700c wheels, and use Velocity Dyads or Deep V's and go with a hand built wheel, which I can get done for about $250 for the pair. This is for a not particularly valuable bike, though and my plans are basically for utility riding on it. I'll also be throwing an a 26.0 stem and clamp, updating from the schwinn 25.4 clamp so I can either put wider drop bars or a set of North Roads on it.


Give me some valid reasons why I should be able to sink a bit over $300 dollars into a 22 year old Road/Touring bike that I absolutely love. She just doesn't get it. Actually, I don't even care if the reasons are valid, I just need some good excuses to keep from having to sleep in the doghouse when I do it.

dbakl

Hmm, I think I'd invest 300 dollars in something else...

Tom Stormcrowe

I think you missed my point.....I have a modern road bike as well already. I want to keep the Passage rideable and in use for another 22 years.

bigbossman 

Here's a reason - wheels are portable, so when you get rid of the Schwinn you can move the wheelset over to the next bike. It's almost like you saving money.....

King of Kadence

Easy, you need it. If she doesn't understand, your relationship is doomed.

Charles Wahl

Have you checked that you can drop your brake pads enough to work on 700C rims? Exact amount depends on centerline radius of braking surface, but it's going to be 4 mm drop minimum.

Tom Stormcrowe

Not yet, but will before I pull the trigger.

purevl

Two reasons:

If you like the bike and it suits your needs it can't not be worth it to take what bigbossman said a step further, any part you buy can be moved to another frame at any time.

Secondly, I bet it's worth more than you think. Any 80's touring bike will fetch a fortune on ebay right now, if it's got canti studs it's not selling for less than a few hundred. Here's an example of a bare frame to illustrate what I mean:
doesn't even have a fork!

If your wife doesn't think the investment is worth it have her do a closed auction search for touring bikes on eBay.

2manybikes

Having a spare bike keeps you from needing the van if your main bike breaks down. Saves gas.

Having a beater or bad weather bike allows you to make the better bike last longer, and you spend less buying expensive parts for the "good" bike.

Riding a less expensive bike for local errands reduces the chance of your good bike from getting stolen, or vandalized while parked. Thus saving money.

A loaner for visitors. (For cyclists that she knows, that might visit)

$300 divided by the next 22 years is only about 26 cents a week.

Many of the nuts on BikeForums have 2manybikes, you need to keep up. An administrator, moderator, etc, all have to set a good example.

You don't want a sports car, boat, or other more expensive hobby, you'll settle for an old inexpensive bike with better wheels. It's probably cheaper than getting a dog over the long run.

Some wheelsets are over $3000.oo But you'll settle for less. My old ksyriums were about $700 in 2003.

It will keep you from drinking.

It will keep you from getting a girlfriend.

It will keep you from gambling.

It will keep you from __________ .

txvintage

Because you really really really want a new wheel.

This must be said while jumping up and down and in a whining voice to have the desired effect.

Edit: Nice to see you over here Tom, you should drop in more often.

bigbossman 

Because it's cheaper than booze and hookers.

Road Fan

That's a good one. I like the booze and hookers one, too.

27 inch tires are getting harder to find, especially in 28 or 30 mm widths for commuting, especially in the winter.

Derailleur is going out soon, and you'll need the 130 mm width to accommodate the replacement system as time goes on.

You need this bike reliable and ready for your commute and ongoing fitness - she loves your newfound agility, strengh, sveltness, mental calm, alertness, compassion, and vitality, right?

You love to ride this bike on utility trips, and it needs to stay good.

The bike only needs this major upgrade to be prepared for the foreseeable next 22 years, right? It's a low cheaper than a new Rivendell!

Think these will work? a subset of them did for me!

jsharr

Becuase all the other kids at school are rollin on 700s and they tease you mercilessly reppin 27s

bigbossman 

That's right - all the cool kids are doing it. She wants you to be cool, doesn't she?

Also, it's cheaper than a triple-bypass.

stevesurf

Mrs. Stormcrowe has been very understanding of the sport that has saved your life, right, Tom? Sooooooooooo...what's another set of wheels if it keeps you riding it! Bikes like that are meant to be "kept in the family", and if you keep riding it, knowing you, you'll keep taking care of it!

RobbieTunes

Honey? you would begrudge me spending money on my HEALTH?

King of Kadence

Got it!

Tell her you need the wheels to stay cardiovascularly fit, and you need to thrust your hips like Elvis as you say cardiovascularly fit.

King of Kadence

and then you might need to do something else too.

txvintage

I tried this approach, ironically for some Open Pros.

Her reply was, "When you can keep up with the other kids, we'll talk about it."

pastorbobnlnh 

And you know this how?

robtown

Do you golf? What's a new driver cost? How much did she spend on her new shoes? How about the purse she had to coordinate with the shoes? How many shoes does she own?

Maybe you should take her by that new motorcycle showroom. What's a motorcycle helmet cost?

Good luck

bigbossman 

Upon reflection.......

Total cost depends on what part of town you're in, what brand of booze you buy, and the build quality of the lady in question. And - there are regional differences to consider, including local market demand.

I guess it really isn't much different, after all.

TeamRoundBoys

Cool kids don't ask, they take.

jimisnowhere

Because we have to save the old bikes 'cuz the new ones are plastic. Show her a photo of a shattered CF bike. Its for your own safety this needs to be done.

redxj

It is always better to ask for forgiveness than ask for permission!