Help please!
I have been growing my 'handlebar' moustache lately and have been successfully commuting to and from work by bike and have even found time to go out on leisurely rides into the country side (one 60 mile road trip, and a series of smaller rides around my area). If I keep this up I will cut my fuel consumption down to 10% of its former levels. I still need to drive to visit my girlfriend as turning up sweaty and stinking isn't going to do my love life any favours and need to get my smart clothes into work uncreased at least one day a week - any advice on these as side notes?)
Well the cycling bug has well and truly bitten me. The bike I am riding is in a terrible state and needs fixing up, parts are loose, the frame is technically too small and I think its hurting my right knee. I really really want to buy a new bike. I'm thinking of spending £549 (approx 900 USD) on this... (
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/bbd/road-track-bike/ribble-7005-audax-winter-training?part=BB14AW7005&sub=conf_BBRW&bike=1) it's totally practical and will be just as good to ride all winter long, assuming I can hack the wind and the rain...
To me this seems a reasonable amount to spend on a bike for commuting and leisure, but I'm worried by buying this I am slipping into old consumer habits of buying too much new stuff. I still have approx 2k of debt and I really need talking out of buying this as I know I shouldn't be prioritising new purchases over debt... but the complainypants in me is panicking because the summer is almost over and I really want a new toy.
Someone talk some sense into me...
FYI - my bike is 8 years old, the seat post is knackered and constantly slips to the lowest position so it feels like I'm riding a BMX home, the gears are poorly indexed, or just beyond repair, oh and did I mention, its technically too small.........
I'm torn. :(
Update: Yes, I forgot to mention I have tried going down the used bike route but I'm 6"2 and haven't been able to find anything of both the correct size and of sufficient quality to justify the risk of ending up with a heap of junk!