Buying a new bike technique?

Dave W · Post by **Dave W** » 14 Nov 2014, 7:51pm

I used my tried and trusted method - step one - leave a few brochures about the house, step two leave the laptop open on a bike page, step three - casually mention I might buy a new bike. Step four - go out and buy it, wait for the fireworks then go to Coventry for a week and put up with constant ridicule at party's etc for the next year.
Back fired a bit this time - she was madder than usual.

What's your method?

Bicycler · Post by **Bicycler** » 14 Nov 2014, 8:35pm

At home we discuss it. I can't imagine it any other way. That's how it works.

When visiting my parents I carry on the tradition started as a teenager. I take the actual price of something and divide it by between about 3 and 5 (whatever seems right) and tell them that figure. People just don't understand the cost of bikes and bits. I'm pretty frugal as cyclists go, but I still got it in the neck the time when I rode round on my new "£200" (treble it :wink:

) bike a few years ago - "there are bikes advertised in the paper for £20" "Your cousin's got that mountain bike he never uses you could have had that" :roll:

I cannot imagine what would happen if I bought a bike costing a thousand or more; I might as well just tell them I've traded my cow for some magic beans :lol:

eileithyia · Post by **eileithyia** » 14 Nov 2014, 8:37pm

In a house full of cyclists it is not a problem, you chose the wrong other half :lol:

I do believe many men buy bikes all in the same colour so their spouse does not realise it is a different bike.

Joe.B · Post by **Joe.B** » 14 Nov 2014, 9:20pm

My other half is currently hankering after a new ICE Trike. Which is great because she understands how much a quality or niche cycle can cost and won't faint if I start talking about Rohloffs and other such extravagant items.

MikeF · Post by **MikeF** » 14 Nov 2014, 9:30pm

eileithyia wrote:.....I do believe many men buy bikes all in the same colour so their spouse does not realise it is a different bike.

That's a good idea. :lol:

pioneer · Post by **pioneer** » 14 Nov 2014, 10:11pm

After buying a bike I sometimes leave it in the shed for a few months before bringing it out. Then I can say with some truth, oh, that old thing, I've had it for ages. It's what they do with dresses after all.

I used to try and have a one in, one out rule. It lasted for a couple of years but somehow, the shed is full again. How did that happen?

RonK · Post by **RonK** » 14 Nov 2014, 11:28pm

How does she explain the appearance of yet another new pair of shoes in her wardrobe?

Mine says: "Those old things? I've had them for ages."
When I feed that line back to her she knows she has no argument.

Brucey · Post by **Brucey** » 15 Nov 2014, 12:32am

pioneer wrote:... but somehow, the shed is full again. How did that happen?

they breed, don't they...? :lol:

cheers

NATURAL ANKLING · Post by **NATURAL ANKLING** » 15 Nov 2014, 1:54am

Hi,
There's three in the hall.
Two in the conservatory.
Two hanging in the office.
I have lost count of how many upstairs.
Dont ask whats in the shed and garage..............
Oh the lounge is my spinning gym etc.

Funny thing is she never buys anything.

samsbike · Post by **samsbike** » 15 Nov 2014, 7:50am

What did you get?

Personally I fess up but ultimately costs me more as I then have to redress the balance by spending an equivalent amount on something for the family unless its my birthday or something and gets wrapped up in that (gift to myself).

pstallwood · Post by **pstallwood** » 15 Nov 2014, 9:13am

Both of our present cars were bought without consultation so a new bike is barely worth a mention.

Think big and it is surprising what you can get away with.

Peter

TrevA · Post by **TrevA** » 15 Nov 2014, 2:47pm

My wife is quite reasonable (possibly because she cycles too). She recently bought a horse which costs well over £100 a month in livery, food, etc. She therefore agreed that I can have £100 per month cycling allowance.

So I currently have about £600 in my cycle account. Currently pondering on whether to refurbish my Ridgeback Panorama (could do with a respray and needs new wheels) or there's a very nice Dawes Galaxy in the Nottingham branch of Evans, in my size, which is £892, which is quite tempting.

How much does your other half spend on clothes, shoes, hairdo's, makeup? More than you, i'll wager. Worth making a calculation and then bargaining for a similar amount to spend on cycling. Add on any savings you make from commuting by bike instead of train/bus/car.

531colin · Post by **531colin** » 15 Nov 2014, 5:10pm

You could always take up golf instead............

hondated · Post by **hondated** » 15 Nov 2014, 6:11pm

Mistakenly posted by hondated

hondated · Post by **hondated** » 15 Nov 2014, 6:15pm

Dave W wrote:I used my tried and trusted method - step one - leave a few brochures about the house, step two leave the laptop open on a bike page, step three - casually mention I might buy a new bike. Step four - go out and buy it, wait for the fireworks then go to Coventry for a week and put up with constant ridicule at party's etc for the next year.
Back fired a bit this time - she was madder than usual.
Dave if you think that is difficult try your system for a new motorbike. Apparently I own the last one I am ever going to own.

What's your method?

Dave if you think that's difficult try the same method to buy a new motorbike.
Apparently I now own the last one I am ever going to buy.

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