Conference noted::bicycle

>>< Note 1191.0 by MPGS::ROCHELEAU >>
>>                      -< Is this grounds for divorce? >-
>>
    
  
Well I suppose you could hold out some of the more interesting 
night time activities until he comes around...... But that would
seem a bit drastic :-)

There is most definitely a BIG difference between a $300 bike and 
a $500 bike. If fact this is a very fundimental breakpoint for 
the type of bike you get. For $300 often buys a steel 
(flexible/heavy) frame, often marginal components and often steel
rims on the wheels. $200 more gets you a Chrome Moly or Aluminum
frame (much better materials) good components, and good alloy wheels.
All of that adds up to a much lighter and much more enjoyable
bike. The ranges may be a bit scewed (i.e. $250 vs. $400) but the 
phenomenon definitely exists. BTW alloy wheels are very important 
for safety as well. They have much better braking 
characteristics. The rims and the frame are the two most 
important aspects of a bike's performance.

I recently replaced my cheap Fuji with a $450 Fuji. I LOVE THIS 
BIKE! It is like night and day compared to the cheaper models.

Now I said fundimental a while back.... This is because the 
difference between a $500 bike and an $750 bike is much less 
detectable. Here you are looking a better components but similar 
frames. Not a huge weight difference but slightly better 
performance. So the "bang for the buck" is much higher in the 
price range you are talking about. 

More comments include:

"Bikes are designed to last greater than 10 years, how about your 
stereo?"

"What is your fish tank doing to improve your health?" (I happen 
to have a tank, I like both activities...:-) )

"Why didn't you by a 20 gallon tank?"

A Classic: "Don't you love me anymore?" But that one usually is 
reserved for bigger "negotiations" in my house.

Why not take your husband out to look at some bikes and have him 
try to convince some knowledgeable sales people of his views. 
They will work hard for your case I' sure....

Anyway,

Good Luck,

JC

I'm VERY hesitant to get into this one. You know what police say,
the worst predicament to be in is a family difference one. BUT
I can't resist. Try some of these next time you talk about it:

	* The next time he wants to buy something, LET HIM HAVE IT!

	* Obviously, since you are using this notesfile, you are
	  working and should have some capital for your own
	  interests.

	* Tell him that riding a better bike will keep you more
	  interested in the sport as well as possibly more comfortable.
	  Thus you will probably ride more and/or harder and stay or
	  get into better shape. 

	* A good quality bike will last longer and take more abuse
	  than a cheaper one. Thus saving money in the long run.

If this fails then I'm sure you can think of something else :-).

By the way I'm assuming you have your own reasons for wanting to buy
a good bike, therefore I won't get into why you need one.

Good Luck
Mano

    Also, you could say, "You're right dear, there isn't that much
    difference between a $300 bike and a $500 bike.  I guess I need
    a $2000 bike for what I want to do."  Then you can compromise on
    a $1000 bike!
    	FWIW, I started with a $300 bike (it did have a chrome-moly
    frame and 27" alloy wheels), but gradually found myself upgrading
    things.  First the wheels, then the pedals.  By the time the upgrades
    were done, it would have been cheaper to buy a bike that came equipped
    with better stuff (plus I would have had a bike with an entry level
    racing frame instead of a sport-tourer).  I don't know much about
    the $500 level bikes, nor do I know whether you're interested in
    a road or an off-road bike, so won't presume to comment on specific
    componentry to expect at those price ranges....
    

    IMHO there IS a large difference in THAT price range!
    
    I bought my wife a new bike (her first >3 speed), and knowing that
    I would be doing all the work on her bike I wanted one that would
    have good quality components.  I got her a IronMan with the shamono(SP)
    105 groupo 700x20 tires.
    
    She loves the bike and rides 30 miles a week by herself and goes
    with me on most of my rides(21+miles).  She has inproved so much
    that I could not stand to see her suffer/sweat in her "track" shoes.
    
    SOOOO I ordered the LOOK Comp. peddles $72 tax included from nashbar.
    then went to the bike store for shoes, nike TC Lite (this shoe has
    excellent air flow, and is very COOL).   Next is the Gelflex seat! 
    ($30 to keep her bottom from being "out of order" is WELL worth it!!)
    :-)
        
    Absolutely nothing will turn you off to somthing more than poor
    equipment.  I feel that you will save in the long run buying the
    bike you want.  If you are dissatisfied with your bike you won't
    ride it (and enjoy it). 

    Not to say that you can't buy a GOOD bike for $375 

    If he LOVES you, what is wrong with you getting a bike you will enjoy
    for years to come.  Its only money......honey
    
    
    John_who_has_just_bought_his_son_a_dimondback_ascent EX!!_his_wife_new_
    shoes_new_LOOK_pedals_and_a_flick_stand_for_their_birthdays_all_in_one_
    week!!!!!!!!_and_is_very_broke.....................

    Might as well divorce him now, and get it over with.  If you're like a
    lot of us, within two years you'll want a $1000 bike, and two years
    after that, you won't settle for less than a stable of expensive
    mounts.  If he's too cheap to let you shell out an extra $200 of your
    own money for a good starter bike, imagine his reaction down the road!
    
    MATT
    (On his way to the builder tomorrow night to see the frame for his
     new $1900 racing bike...)

    
    .3 hit is right on the nose:
    There IS a big difference in a $300 and $500 bike.
    Go for the $500 bike.
    

$500 may not be too much if you stick with cycling.

If you don't, well, that may turn into an other problem...

	~Mike

    How about an annulment?
    

    
       If only my wife would aproach me with this problem I might rejoice!!!!
    I have been trying to get her on a bike for 3+ years now !!!! 
    to her, SWEAT is a four letter word.
    
      But, back to the problem at hand. As mentioned earlier, Cutting
    him off for a while will usually do the trick (if you can take it
    yourself).  When either Myself or my wife wants something we just
    say the next few chances at overtime go to the new toy. I use expense
    checks from work when I get them and I also have a bottle that I
    keep all of my spare change in at the end of the day, that may not
    sound like much but in 3-4 months I can get 60 to 70 bucks out of
    that jar.
    
        Of course you could always just go out and buy it !!!!!
    He'll get over it. The only thing to worry about is his going out
    and saying "If you can do it I cna do IT !" (nah nah nah nah nah)
    
    
    
                                       JOhn C.
    

It's not worth fightin' over. Just say "You're right, honey, I'll get 
the 300$ bike and with the 200$ I save I can go out and buy a GUN! :-)"
This should get you that 700$ bike in a hurry! :-)

I agree with the prev. responses, BTW. There should be quite a bit of 
difference between a 300$ and 500$ bike (noticeable to the rider-type 
difference), while above that 800$ +++ the difference curve levels quite 
a bit and often just accomodates individual preference.("These 200$ 
brakes look kooler than these 100$ brakes an' I'm spending 2500$ 
anyway....").
                                              ken

    This is an interesting and fun note.  The solution is also very easy.  
    There is a significant difference between a $300 and $500 bike.  That
    difference being "quality".  And when purchasing anything, one should
    evaluate the quality relative to the overall cost as compared to buying
    something because it's cheap.  So, invest in a quality bike which will
    last a long time, perform well, and give you a fun and enjoyable way to
    stay fit.  Concerning your new husband; divorce him, take him for what
    you can, buy a $1,000 bike, get out there and meet a single male
    cyclist, and enjoy the rest of your life...  If nothing else, you will
    always have a collection of great bikes to ride...   

    Cycling is better than marriage anyways...especially with the
    bike you want... ;-). Your husband is getting all the goodies and toys
    and you can't get any?!? Go out this weekend and buy that $500
    bike, and add another $250+ for a helmet,gloves,pump,x-tra tube,water
    cage,water bottle,cycling shoes,bike bag,shorts,jersey,cateye computer...
    
    And show him what a cyclist you are...then at least you will 
    have almost just as many new toys as him. Fair is Fair!
    
    Good luck and hold your ground. You'll be glad you did...believe
    me.
    
    -Arthur 
                                 

    The basic problem here is education.
    
    Your husband has to learn a few basic rules.
    
    1) take him to a bike shop and show him what bikes cost and how much 
       you could be spending
    
    2) That no outdoor sports leads to no indoor sports.
    
    3) That a divorce lawyer will cost 1/3 of everything you own and 
       he'll still have to buy you a bike.
    
    Or you could be a little more tackful. Get him interested in cycling
    and then your $500 will seem insignificant compared to the $1500 he'll 
    want to spend.

    I was looking for something that I could "add" to this discussion.
    
    RE: .0.  A $300 bike will, because of its cheaper components, need more
    maintenance and return trips to the shop than a $500.  And as mentioned
    earlier, you will need another $250 for supplemental toys.  That should
    get you nearly even.  Did he consult you before the fishtank and other
    toys?  Are there fish in the tank?  They cost bicks too.
    
    RE: .14.  Only 1/3?
    
    ed

    My wife bought an $AUS 399 (at current exchange rates that's about
    $US 300 so we qualify) on my advice about two years ago now.  It
    didn't fit properly, it was equipped with el cheapo components,
    etc.  After a few tries she basically gave up riding and missed
    out on all the benefits of fitness and health as well as getting
    cranky at the thought of going for a ride.  Does your husband want
    to live with an unfit, fat, cranky wife?  Since it was my idea,
    it was my responsibility to fix it.  Now after spending an additional
    $300 she has a bike she likes to ride.  She is getting fit and lean
    and all that stuff.  Is he prepared to spend the extra to recover
    from his mistake?
    
    Good luck.
    
    Richard.

    
    
    I forwarded your base note to my wife.......here is here un-edited
    reply:
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Subj:	RE: thought you would get a kick out of this one...

Tell here what we do....establish a MOMO account (my own money), then they
can each do as they wish!  That's what DR. Joyce Brothers says is one way
to help your marraige be successful!

Your loving wife who doesn't care what you do with YOUR money.
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    I'm inclined to agree with her except when it comes to BOATS !
    
    							Jerry

    Greetings Rocheleau,
    
    Welcome to marriage! To show you how much I love my wife I went
    to a wedding last weekend rather than spend the whole day bike riding.
    Tragically I was in such a foul mood the whole day that I didn't
    make any brownie points for my sacrifice. 
    
    So you have appeared to be learning the principle of whats really
    important to each other. You see the truck etc. are really important
    to him and the bike is really important to you. No need in divorce
    here because you'll find ways of working this out.
    
    Fred Mudgett

    Good soap opera, but what happened? Did you get the bike or are
    you filling for divorce.