Can't decide about new bike..again

[Accy cyclist]

How long does it take to decide whether or not to treat myself to some carbon fibre wonder machine? I've been debating in my head for months about it,weighing up the pros and cons of a new bike. I've got my eye on a Cube from a local bike shop,it's a nice looking machine,15 hundred quids worth,but i'd have to buy peddles and some say i'd need to replace the non carbon wheels to get the best out of it. So what're we talking here 2000 quid maybe?
I wish i had that spare cash but i've been on and off work for the last year with health problems,i'm self employed so not much sick pay, so i'm uncertain about buying it on HP even though it's credit free. My old alloy Scott looks ok seeing as it's done about 20,000 miles in its 14 years,ok the colour scheme is a bit dated,and it creaks and grinds a bit but we've done some miles together and we seem to like each other!
Right i'll level with you. I'm the wrong side of 50,i've lost the sight in my right eye,i've lost 40% use in my right arm(temp or not no one knows),i'm more into miles than average speed,even though it's a mental boost to see my average increase when i put in the effort,i'm not going to enter any time trials or races so i'd just be indulging myself if i bought a 2 grand bike without the certainty of being able to pay for it......wouldn't i???

 

[Andrew_P]

Half of me says don't do it, but the better half of me says you only live once just buy it and enjoy it.

Sorry that doesn't help much, as long as the cost is not a real potential for future hardship the benefit would out weigh the cost.

I wouldn't bother upgrading wheels on day one. I went form a £200-250 rear wheel to a £90 stop gap rear and barely noticed the difference

 

[Doseone]

I agree with @Andrew_P why bother upgrading the wheels if you're just looking to get the miles in.

The real question is one that only you can answer, and that is a simple can you afford it?

 

[Dan B]

Will you enjoy a #2000 machine twice as much as a new #1000 machine? Four times as much as a new #500 bike? Retail therapy is great, until you start feeling bad that you've wasted the money - so there's a balance to be struck but only you can decide where that balance is for you.

I'd say to book some test rides on that bike and on some other different bikes, and see what makes you smile

 

[vernon]

There's nothing wrong with self indulgence as long as it doesn't lead to bankruptcy.

 

[Accy cyclist]

Thanks for the replies. Maybe new wheels would be in the future,but the main point is paying for it. I'm bearing in mind that winter isn't that many months away,so i probably would be too wary to take it out in winter conditions, whereas with my old Scott i'm not scared of giving it some harsh treatment as i've always used it whatever the conditions. I asked the bloke who's selling the Cube bike if it's likely to be reduced in price when the season ends. He said he couldn't tell me off hand. I wonder if it will but he wants some one to pay 1500 quid now and not 1200 quid in 2 months time?
This bike just looks the biz with its red white and black colour scheme,bold Campagnolo markings on the wheels etc, but am i after it because of how it looks or how it'll perform? decisions decisions!!

 

[Accy cyclist]

This http://www.cube.eu/en/road/road-race/agree-gtc-race/ is very similar to the one i have in mind. I'm not saying the one in the shop is as good as this one,but it looks as good.

 

[Andrew_P]

I have ridden my best bike through thick and thin for two years and its still in one piece. The problem with the discounted end of season bike is that they will not give you 0% finance on it. As there is not such a thing as a free lunch (or 0% Finance) as the cost of finance is built in to there margin.

 

[AndyRM]

If you can afford it, and you like the bike, then go for it.

I'm just as happy getting the miles in as I am racing on my piece of carbon fibre loveliness.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Get a decent bike for £1000 and spend the rest on beer.

 

[postman]

Chris Hoy is selling bikes via Evans.Not carbon.But a good punt at £1300.Very good reviews,and the 105 at £1000 has good reviews.

 

[screenman]

Seems like you will just be adding to the stresses you have already, as a fellow self employed person I would say do not buy it unless you can hand over spare cash, as in saved up disposable income.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Posts #9 / #13 - OP read & digest.

Not just the bankers who have screwed things up; plenty of people who had wobbly finances have indulged in their manic 'must-have-ness' causing them current and/or future pain coming their way..

Sounds like you and your Scott get on well - stick with it.

 

[EltonFrog]

Under no circumstance should you go in to debt to by a bicycle unless you know with absolute certainty you can afford to to pay the debt.

Do not clutter up your life with more stress and agro than you have already, just for some short term gratification.

Get on your current bike, and ride it like you love it.

 

[TVC]

Have you thought about second hand, you could get a lot more bike for a lot less money.