% of Income on new bike - Moral Dilema

APIII

Have you actually test ridden the Willier to satisfy yourself that you're getting your money's worth? I only say this because I splashed out a small fortune on a new bike last year, and TBH I don't think the benefits warranted the outlay. It all depends on what you're upgrading from of course.

FatLarry

You will need new chains, cassette, probably service it sometime, truing and all the usual parts/jobs. You will also need new cycling clothes / shoes probably ... so more like 2000 grand I would say

OK, so it's £33.33 a month then!

Still good value when you consider the pleasure, the health benefits, the environmental benefits, yah de yah

fnegroni

I agree, instead of looking at it as a bike, look at it as a method of transport.

You could spend £1500 on an old banger of a car that *will* fall apart in 12 months, or spend £2000 (including accessories) on a bike which will last you another 8 years.

IMHO, given the use you are going to make of it, it's a no-brainer.

Lagavulin

Not if you're going to hang Shimano on it... :P

(runs away)

dombo6

This is how I would approach it. Adjust the amounts accordingly, toss in a new pair of Jimmy Choos for the Mrs at the end and it's effectively free:

I use the old "cost to change" trick ie how much the old bike could be sold for. Careful pitching of low ball new bike price at the start helps as it is then but a baby step to what you really want. Then compare to other household items like eg new dining room table and chairs, plasma telly etc. Comparison with the cost of a really rubbish new car also helps, something made in Korea perhaps, or Malaysia, as does savings on rail card if said new bike is to be used for such a chore as commuting.
Of course it never is, unless it's sunny, mid summer, on a Tuesday, and you have no client meetings.
An example, I recently had a professional fitting done of my existing bike at Cyclefit in Covent Garden. Worthwhile, and the bike is more comfortable. But, it could have gone very differently...

"Sweetpea, the man at Cyclefit said my bike's the wrong size and will cripple me"
"So"
"Well, you know how I have all my suits made to measure as off the peg don't fit, it's the same with bikes. There's the safety aspect too."
"How so?"
"Imagine driving the car with the seat so far back you couldn't reach the pedals. It's the same with bikes."
"You have a new bike"
"I had a new bike. It's old now."
"You bought it in 2007"
"It was a 2006 model. That's 3 years old. Most people change their cars more regularly"
<sighs> "Ok how much"
"Well about £2,500"
"For a bike???!!"
"No, just the frame. But it's only £2k if you take off my golf club membership".
"You don't play golf"
"No, but I could. And membership would be at least £500. Not just a one-off either, that's every year. So since my current bike was made in 2006, that's £2000 saved. So effectively the bike would be free."
"What about your current bike?"
"Well, I'd sell it of course, my sweet. Stick it on ebay "
"How much for?"
"Ooh. Loads. Start at 99p and fingers crossed. Or I could keep the kit and wheels and just sell the frame, but a complete bike would go for more."
"Hmmm"
"I'd ride to work too, every day. That's £1,600 saved straight off, which would pay for the new wheels and kit. Probably"
"You said that last year. And still went in by train."
"It was raining"
"What all year?"
"Pretty much."
"Next door have a new Range Rover"
"Yes, and they dropped ten grand as soon as they drove out the showroom. So £4k for a bike is a steal"
"four thousand quid for an effing bike?"
"Well no. Only four hundred actually. Two grand saved on golf club fees. 1600 saved on railcard, leaves just four hundred balance. So you could get some shoes."

Job done

kingrollo

I have already sowed the seeds - saying the new bike will be £2k - so when I unveil it at £1500 - it won't seem so bad !

dodgy

Dombo6 wrote:

This is how I would approach it. Adjust the amounts accordingly, toss in a new pair of Jimmy Choos for the Mrs at the end and it's effectively free:

---snip---"Well no. Only four hundred actually. Two grand saved on golf club fees. 1600 saved on railcard, leaves just four hundred balance. So you could get some shoes."

Job done

A true genious

Mister W

It's your commuting vehicle so I don't think £1,500 sounds unreasonable. It may feel like a large amount to pay up front but it results in a very cheap commute. Running a car would cost a lot more and my train season ticket is over £2,500 each year.

waytogoyet

what has the SPO said about the purchase so far?

BenS999

If you have the cash then go for it - a new bike after 8yrs doesn't sound unreasonable to me at all, if you get 5yrs out of a bike i think thats pretty good too especailly when you commute on it and ride at the weekend too. With the amount of riding you do just make sure you get the right bike for the milage.

I know from past experience i tell the wife the new bike/ gadget etc is a bit more than it really is, then i say i got it for a better price and treat her to dinner or something...has worked for me in the past!