Author Topic: How much is vanity worth?  (Read 15929 times)

Texas_Student

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How much is vanity worth?
« on: January 30, 2015, 08:48:50 PM »
So today I was out looking for a new bike. More specifically, I am looking for a good commuter bike to take to classes, grocery shopping, and work (once I get transferred to a closer location).
I went to a shop on campus that repairs and sells bikes that were abandoned on campus by students. They didn't have much of a selection today, but what they did have was a woman's style road bike in purple. For $30. And it was is immaculate condition.
Now as a 23 year old man I feel like I am not able to take advantage of this savings.
Is this another time that I should shake off the standards set by society, like I am by riding a bike in the first place, or am I justified in not wanting to ride a bike that I may be ridiculed for having?

pennyhandlebar

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #1 on: January 30, 2015, 10:13:10 PM »
Like you, I'm vain enough to not want to ride that bike permanently. However, it is a screaming deal. So, if it fits you, I would say buy it and ride it until something better comes along. You can always put it on CL for what you paid for it.

Blue girl

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #2 on: January 30, 2015, 10:17:25 PM »
Get it, and if the colour bothers you, a can spray paint, $7, can do wonders.

My Husband got a purple-pink girls bike as a present when he was a child because it was on sale and what his parents could afford at that time. Love to say it didn't phase him, but that wasn't the case!

Ynari

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #3 on: January 30, 2015, 11:31:51 PM »
My boyfriend bought a bunch of pink hiking socks a few months back because they were, no joke, $2/pair cheaper for the same sizes and types.

Same with a sports watch. Pink, for some reason, was cheaper. So he bought that. Still wears it all the time. And tells people about it, because it's an amusing story.

Assuming that bike is your size, BUY IT!

humblefi

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #4 on: January 30, 2015, 11:40:45 PM »
Quote
For $30. And it was is immaculate condition.
Now as a 23 year old man I feel like I am not able to take advantage of this savings.

There is one piece of data missing here. If you would have found a men's bike, what would it cost?
+ If the cost is $50, would you buy the mens bike without hesitation? I would :-)
+ If the cost is $75 (check out the cost of new bikes in Walmart for comparison), would it force you to think more? Is $45 worth the extra time being self conscious, 
   explaining to friends, spray painting, etc..Note that if you use the bike for 3 years, then the cost difference disadvantage is miniscule.

Just rounding out the argument. Hope you do not mind.

Cressida

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #5 on: January 30, 2015, 11:57:07 PM »
I would ask yourself why you believe you're too good to own an item that some might associate with women. Because on the face of it, that sure indicates that you don't have a good opinion of women. If that's the case, and if you're fine with that, then by all means don't buy the bike.

surfhb

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #6 on: January 31, 2015, 12:23:02 AM »
I would ask yourself why you believe you're too good to own an item that some might associate with women. Because on the face of it, that sure indicates that you don't have a good opinion of women. If that's the case, and if you're fine with that, then by all means don't buy the bike.

Roll eyes

I love women....much smarter than their male counterparts.    But there's no way in fuck I'm going to be riding around town on a purple girls bike.   I'll FIRE  1 week later then planned :)
« Last Edit: January 31, 2015, 12:25:25 AM by surfhb »

Cressida

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #7 on: January 31, 2015, 01:11:51 AM »
I would ask yourself why you believe you're too good to own an item that some might associate with women. Because on the face of it, that sure indicates that you don't have a good opinion of women. If that's the case, and if you're fine with that, then by all means don't buy the bike.

Roll eyes

I love women....much smarter than their male counterparts.    But there's no way in fuck I'm going to be riding around town on a purple girls bike.   I'll FIRE  1 week later then planned :)

This position is self-evidently incoherent.

Cressida

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #8 on: January 31, 2015, 01:29:02 AM »
I had no idea that bikes were a gendered item.

While I take your point, EVERYTHING is a gendered item today.

https://www.pinterest.com/socimages/pointlessly-gendered-products/

worms

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #9 on: January 31, 2015, 02:35:41 AM »
Coming back to the original question...

Buy it! Everyone will assume you just borrowed it from your super fit girl friend!

chuckaluck

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #10 on: January 31, 2015, 03:45:52 AM »
When I was about ten years old (in the 60's), I begged and begged my parents for a bike.  I didn't know it at the time, and they never mentioned it, but my parents just couldn't afford to get me one.  Then one day my dad brought home a bike that he found at a dump that was still in great shape.  I was the happiest kid in the neighborhood.   I didn't care that it was a "girls" bike and I was a boy.  I had a bike!  In fact, the most fond memories I have of that time was carrying my best friend to and from places on my handlebars because the bike lacked the front bar.     

kathrynd

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #11 on: January 31, 2015, 03:59:03 AM »
Buy the bike.


When I was in high school, and buying my own clothes, I used to buy men's (S) t-shirts and Boys (XL) sweaters, because they were cheaper than female clothes.
I was frugal, and did't even know it.

PEIslander

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #12 on: January 31, 2015, 05:02:04 AM »
My first thought was to recommend buying the bike. Many "women's bikes" feature a frame with an lowered crossbar. That style can be comfortable to use for either gender.

The question has me thinking about what gendered products I wouldn't buy. Many products are essentially the same (sweaters & T-shirts as per kathrynd's post) but others clearly aren't. Sure many men would buy the bargain bike while practically zero men would buy themselves a bargain dress - no matter how well it might fit! A dress is a little extreme - but how about a man buying deodorant marketed to women? I would use it if I liked the smell. I suppose deodorant is a bit of a cop out since it really isn't on public display.

I had a female friend who went into a barber for a haircut. The barber refused her saying "I only cut men's hair". She said "but I want a men's style hair cut". He still wouldn't cut her hair.

sunnsurf

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #13 on: January 31, 2015, 05:09:09 AM »
I live my life and am raising a family that throws gender stereotypes to the wind.  Buy the bike and enjoy the ride. We do...

PEIslander

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #14 on: January 31, 2015, 05:25:34 AM »
I live my life and am raising a family that throws gender stereotypes to the wind.  Buy the bike and enjoy the ride. We do...

I'm curious and not judgemental. Do you do that by purchasing gender neutral style clothing for your kids or do put dresses on your son?

YoungInvestor

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #15 on: January 31, 2015, 08:21:47 AM »
Yeah, no, I would never ride that. Just wait a bit for them to get a mens' bike, at least.

Milizard

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #16 on: January 31, 2015, 08:34:14 AM »
It doesn't seem like you need this bike immediately, so what's the harm in waiting for a more suitable bike to become available?  I don't see a reason to punish yourself for the sake of eschewing societal norms.  If it bothers you, it will create a psychological obstacle to actually using the bike.  Why do that to yourself?  I believe MMM thinks that biking everywhere is a pleasant experience. Shouldn't you?  It's not like this is the last, best bike that will ever be available to you.  Just keep checking the store.

Dimitri

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #17 on: January 31, 2015, 08:50:26 AM »
In the air-conditioned lounge I met a man from Houston who said his name was something
or other–”but just call me Jimbo”–and he was here to get it on. “I’m ready for anything, by
God! Anything at all. Yeah, what are you drinkin?” I ordered a Margarita with ice, but he
wouldn’t hear of it: “Naw, naw…what the hell kind of drink is that for Kentucky Derby time?
What’s wrong with you, boy?” He grinned and winked at the bartender. “Goddam, we gotta
educate this boy. Get him some good whiskey…”

I shrugged. “Okay, a double Old Fitz on ice.” Jimbo nodded his approval.

“Look.” He tapped me on the arm to make sure I was listening. “I know this Derby crowd, I
come here every year, and let me tell you one thing I’ve learned–this is no town to be giving
people the impression you’re some kind of faggot. Not in public, anyway. Shit, they’ll roll
you in a minute, knock you in the head and take every goddam cent you have.”


http://english138.web.unc.edu/files/2011/08/The-Kentucky-Derby-is-Decadent-and-Depraved.pdf

If I was going to buy a bike I wouldn't necessarily have a problem with the color purple but I sure wouldn't be caught riding a girl's bike.  You don't want people to get the wrong impression of you.
« Last Edit: January 31, 2015, 02:29:54 PM by Dimitri »

PEIslander

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #18 on: January 31, 2015, 09:04:53 AM »
I sure wouldn't be caught riding a girl's bike.  You don't want people to get the wrong impression of you.

Don't worry. Other people really don't care.

variational

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #19 on: January 31, 2015, 09:33:20 AM »
I'm a man and I've always thought that women's bikes, with the lower top bars, appear to have have significant usability advantages over men's bikes, even for men, as pointed out by PEIslander above. (1) It is easier to hop on and off with a lower bar. (2) In case of a sudden stop, a collision, or a near miss, there's more of a buffer between one's crotch and the top bar. The only non-social disadvantage I can see with a lower bar is that it might not be as structurally bulletproof - but this surely isn't a major factor except maybe for racers or long-haul travelers or the like.

So, if I was looking for a bike and I found a women's style bike in an appropriate size at a good price, I'd definitely take it! (On the other hand, I also agree with previous posters who've suggested that if one is socially uncomfortable riding a women's bike, it might be better to wait and find something that one will unambiguously enjoy riding. Even if a single shop only has a few good options, there is no scarcity of good used bikes of all sorts in the broader market.)

NoraLenderbee

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #20 on: January 31, 2015, 10:49:05 AM »
I can't believe how many guys are saying they wouldn't be caught riding a woman's bike. Like it will make their balls fall off or make them grow boobs. You'll diverge from all sorts of social norms (clown car, clown house, etc.), but you won't ride a bike with a different crossbar because it looks girly??

Rezdent

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #21 on: January 31, 2015, 11:12:10 AM »
I can't believe how many guys are saying they wouldn't be caught riding a woman's bike. Like it will make their balls fall off or make them grow boobs. You'll diverge from all sorts of social norms (clown car, clown house, etc.), but you won't ride a bike with a different crossbar because it looks girly??
+ 1

Truthfully,  the number of people who would
A. Know the difference,  and
B. Notice it is a "girl" bike, and
C. Care enough to mention it

Seems awfully small.  It sounds like some posters haven't been able to break free from the societal norms of gender.
I have to believe these are at least partially reinforced by marketers who have reasons to promote stereotypes, and a consumer culture that buys into them.  I buy items based on my needs and price consideration - not on the marketing.

If a bike fits my needs but is clearly painted to appeal to a 14 year old boy, I would buy it even though I am an older woman.  If anyone gave me shit about it then I consider it a teachable moment :)

Honestly ask yourself which person exhibits more confidence: the guy who is secure enough to happily rock a purple bike, or the one that won't get it because it isn't masculine enough?

Guizmo

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #22 on: January 31, 2015, 11:26:32 AM »
do it, my sister in law gave me her bike. A women's style bike and I ride it all the time. I'm short, so it is perfect for me.

Bob W

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #23 on: January 31, 2015, 01:27:21 PM »
Around here a grown man riding a bike is considered rather queer.  So I don't think a girls bike makes it much weirder.  Paint is cheap.

StartingEarly

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #24 on: January 31, 2015, 01:28:51 PM »
I strongly dislike dimitri's post.

Kris

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #25 on: January 31, 2015, 01:30:02 PM »
*Shrug*  Some people have higher sensitivities to the possibility of being judged by others for behavior that is seen as outside the arbitrary norms we have established.  If it's not comfortable for you to ride this bike in public because you'll be embarrassed, then what I would say is that, from a mustachian point of view, the $30 would be a waste of money, because you'll ride your bike less and eventually end up regretting the purchase. 

JLee

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #26 on: January 31, 2015, 01:57:30 PM »
I had no idea that bikes were a gendered item.
http://www.cyclingforums.com/t/492316/new-to-cycling-womens-vs-mens-road-bikes

I would ask yourself why you believe you're too good to own an item that some might associate with women. Because on the face of it, that sure indicates that you don't have a good opinion of women. If that's the case, and if you're fine with that, then by all means don't buy the bike.

Would you say the same if he needed clothing and he could buy a dress for $40 cheaper than pants and a shirt?

Rezdent

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #27 on: January 31, 2015, 03:02:27 PM »
I had no idea that bikes were a gendered item.
http://www.cyclingforums.com/t/492316/new-to-cycling-womens-vs-mens-road-bikes

I would ask yourself why you believe you're too good to own an item that some might associate with women. Because on the face of it, that sure indicates that you don't have a good opinion of women. If that's the case, and if you're fine with that, then by all means don't buy the bike.

Would you say the same if he needed clothing and he could buy a dress for $40 cheaper than pants and a shirt?
What?  I'm not sure that a bike to clothes comparison is apples to apples...but anyway, are you saying that all women must wear dresses if the dress is cheaper?
Should women not wear pants/shirts because they are marketed to men?

I'll confess that I have not and do not wear athletic groin "cup" protection but it is because I don't need or want it, not because it would somehow step on someone's notion of my femininity.  I just don't get gender stereotypes and how people self-identify with them when they are so blatantly tied to marketing gimmicks.  For chrissakes - if a bike has a lower price due to color and a lower bar PLUS it fits the need...go for it.
Full disclosure:  I am female and I bought a blue car instead of the purple one available.  Does that make me less a woman?

JLee

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #28 on: January 31, 2015, 03:38:43 PM »
I had no idea that bikes were a gendered item.
http://www.cyclingforums.com/t/492316/new-to-cycling-womens-vs-mens-road-bikes

I would ask yourself why you believe you're too good to own an item that some might associate with women. Because on the face of it, that sure indicates that you don't have a good opinion of women. If that's the case, and if you're fine with that, then by all means don't buy the bike.

Would you say the same if he needed clothing and he could buy a dress for $40 cheaper than pants and a shirt?
What?  I'm not sure that a bike to clothes comparison is apples to apples...but anyway, are you saying that all women must wear dresses if the dress is cheaper?
Should women not wear pants/shirts because they are marketed to men?

I'll confess that I have not and do not wear athletic groin "cup" protection but it is because I don't need or want it, not because it would somehow step on someone's notion of my femininity.  I just don't get gender stereotypes and how people self-identify with them when they are so blatantly tied to marketing gimmicks.  For chrissakes - if a bike has a lower price due to color and a lower bar PLUS it fits the need...go for it.
Full disclosure:  I am female and I bought a blue car instead of the purple one available.  Does that make me less a woman?
If the OP is concerned enough about public perception, I don't see how the clothing comparison is that irrelevant.

Most women I see wearing pants and shirts are wearing ones cut for women. If you'll read the link I posted, there's also sometimes differences in comfort/fit between mens'/womens' bikes.

Red Beard

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #29 on: January 31, 2015, 03:51:19 PM »
This is one of the more bizarre questions I have heard.

1. Does the bike fit you?
2. Is it in good working condition?
3. Is it in your price range?

Its a mode of transportation, not something that will magically force you to define your identity by it for the rest of your life

Mr. Green

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #30 on: January 31, 2015, 03:55:16 PM »
If you ever have to come off the seat suddenly, your boys may appreciate the lower bar of a women's bike. If you have a men's bike seat positioned correctly you're on your tip toes when standing so a sudden unseating can be painful.

Astatine

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #31 on: January 31, 2015, 04:00:38 PM »
I view gendered items as being fully part of the consumer sucka culture. Most of it is utter BS and unnecessary.

Is it fit for purpose and a good price? That's the only thing that matters. DH won a pink bowl at a Tupperware party. The sales person was super embarrassed but nobody (male or female) in the room cared. A bowl is a bowl is a bowl.


NoraLenderbee

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #32 on: January 31, 2015, 05:39:14 PM »
I can't believe how many guys are saying they wouldn't be caught riding a woman's bike. Like it will make their balls fall off or make them grow boobs. You'll diverge from all sorts of social norms (clown car, clown house, etc.), but you won't ride a bike with a different crossbar because it looks girly??

Um, maybe he just doesn't want to have a conversation about it every time he gets on his bike - and that's pretty much guaranteed if the bike looks as I imagine it.

I find it hard to believe there would be more than a very few times when someone commented about his bike. I ride a lot, and the only people who say anything about my bike are people who like bikes and just want to talk about them.

Quote

But feel free to judge away... this is the internet after all.


Why thank you, sweetheart.

RapmasterD

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #33 on: January 31, 2015, 05:48:42 PM »
I think there is a reason why far more women ride so-called men's bikes than vice versa -- it has nothing to do with the masculinity or gender. It has everything to do with the frame.

caliq

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #34 on: January 31, 2015, 05:51:14 PM »
I think there is a reason why far more women ride so-called men's bikes than vice versa -- it has nothing to do with the masculinity or gender. It has everything to do with the frame.

But if the bar is lower and therefore less likely to damage the goods, why on earth wouldn't a guy ride it?

Disclaimer: I know nothing about biking but I've been wondering about that question for years, since I found out there were men's vs. women's bikes.

RapmasterD

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #35 on: January 31, 2015, 06:30:42 PM »
caliq -- Winner. Particularly when you get old like me and those man grapes start to hang down to around your knee caps and your flexibility decreases so much that you have to bend the bike to a 60 degree angle just to get on the fucker.

crispy

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #36 on: January 31, 2015, 06:41:57 PM »
Since the bike is in immaculate condition, buy it, sell it on Craigslist for a higher price, and take the money to get the bike you really want.  Problem solved without the angst.

kendallf

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #37 on: January 31, 2015, 07:10:49 PM »
Here's my old fixed gear, a powder coated Volks Cycle frame from the 70s.  I rode this bike for years and never got even one comment other than admiring ones. 

New Volkscycle fixed gear

wtjbatman

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #38 on: January 31, 2015, 07:20:09 PM »
How much is vanity worth? For me, more than $30.

horsepoor

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #39 on: January 31, 2015, 07:26:43 PM »
What Crispy said.  Buy the bike, ride it, and then either sell it at profit, or paint it black if purple bothers you.  I pass bike commuters each morning and I could not tell you what kind of bike they're on.  99.5% of people won't notice, so if it suits your purpose otherwise, buy it.  I certainly don't have any angst over the 28 year old men's Cannondale I have, though advertisers would have me believe I should buy some fucking pink thing.

Blonde Lawyer

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #40 on: January 31, 2015, 09:17:10 PM »
And this is how I got an amazing used hybrid for a steal.  It is a men's bike but in a bluish green color.  The men wouldn't buy it because of the color and the women wouldn't buy it because it's a man's bike.  I'm tall and have very long legs.  The bike fits me perfect.  I win! The used bike store guy was thrilled to finally find a match for this awesome bike. 

Knapptyme

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #41 on: January 31, 2015, 09:43:32 PM »
I distinctly remember riding (when she wasn't) my older sister's Pink with Grey stripes Huffy 10 speed as a boy. The lower center bar allowed me to get on it where my brother's bike was too tall for my then-short legs. The 10 gears allowed me to cruise way faster and attack hills way taller than my boyish BMX-style hand-me-down. Did I switch to my brother's bike when I could fit on it, yep, but I never regretted the joy of the rides on my sister's 10 speed. Aside from the purple color, the appropriate term I've heard is a "step-through" bike rather than a women's bike. This older couple in a group I ride with both have step-throughs because it's easier to get on and off.

Your real question is one of luxury. If you have the means to get a bike that offers you the luxury of color choice, then make that decision knowing it's a luxury. If you actually needed a bike, this thread would be somewhere in the Celebrations or Share Your Badassity category with a pic included to show off your good deal.

To the original question--not nothing, but definitely not much.

2ndTimer

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #42 on: January 31, 2015, 10:07:44 PM »
Just explain to people that you need the lower center bar to accommodate your massive male organ.

act0fgod

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Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #43 on: February 01, 2015, 03:02:42 AM »
The answer to the title of the thread is going to be different for every person and for different items.

I think the red heron in this topic is that the bike is a "women's" bike.

Others have stated the biggest piece, which is the fit.  It would be a real crazy coincidence if a $30 women's bike at the student union fit you.  You didn't mention how long a distance you plan to ride the bike.  My wife is only 4 inches shorter than me but riding about 10 minutes on her road bike and I hurt (she does not ride a women's specific road bike).  We have a hybrid commuter that we've both used for rides of about 20 minutes but much longer distance than that and it wouldn't be good for either of us.  So basically find a bike that fits you and your needs.  Even if you only plan to ride 5-10 minutes on your commute I'd recommend getting a bike that you could ride comfortably for at least 30 minutes.

With regards to the color people shouldn't judge you because you don't like the color.  That is your prerogative.  Just like people here have judged you for admitting you may not want to ride a purple bike others will judge you because you ride a purple bike.

One poster mentions a male wearing a pink watch.  I would never wear a pink watch, even if it was given to me (I would wear it if someone paid me enough).  Other people can wear what they want, just like I can wear what I want.  Is the color thing a gender issue...maybe but there are lots of other colors I don't like.  Pink and purple are pretty strong colors, I generally prefer more subdued colors.

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  • Posts: 43
Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #44 on: February 01, 2015, 05:30:15 AM »
two Words:  Bad. Ass.

Buy the bike and be sure to post about it in Share Your Badassity.

Icecreamarsenal

  • Pencil Stache
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  • Posts: 600
  • Location: New Jersey
  • Burnt
Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #45 on: February 01, 2015, 01:26:20 PM »

I would ask yourself why you believe you're too good to own an item that some might associate with women. Because on the face of it, that sure indicates that you don't have a good opinion of women. If that's the case, and if you're fine with that, then by all means don't buy the bike.

For the psychiatrists/psychologists out there, can someone please remind me what kind of statement this is? I know it's broadly painted as passive aggression or veiled micro aggression but there's a category even more specific. Thanks in advance, as I encounter someone like this almost weekly.

stlbrah

  • Bristles
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  • Posts: 430
Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #46 on: February 01, 2015, 03:26:57 PM »
I wouldn't mind biking everywhere, but I am going to wear the clothes I want to wear in the process.

Don't get an expensive commuter bike or it wll just get stolen

amyable

  • Bristles
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  • Posts: 295
Re: How much is vanity worth?
« Reply #47 on: February 01, 2015, 05:30:56 PM »
Spray paint it camo!  Hell yes!

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!