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View Full Version : Where would you spend $500.00 right now?


Tickdoc
11-19-2015, 09:47 AM
Such a douchy third world problem post, I know.

I received a very generous gift certificate yesterday from a colleague to my local bike shop.

Such a nice generous gift, but now I am conflicted on how to use it.

If it were $30, 0r $50...no worries. But this is enough for something really nice.

Unfortunately, my shop doesn't deal with campy, or I would put it towards a new groupset (which I desperately need).

So, now what? clothing for winter? They carry castelli, and I could spend $500 there quick in winter goods.

Wahoo kicker?

Garmin? I have yet to use a Garmin, instead I use sportstracker with a hr strap. (gift from my wife).

ltwtsculler91
11-19-2015, 09:50 AM
New wheels?

If you're looking for kit, you could get one of Assos' awesome winter jackets (Habu, Shaq, or Bonka depending on your needs) and part of the way through tights..


Or you could also save it for longer term stuff, and invest your own dollars into a new group, keeping the $500 as a maintenance fund at your local shop for tires, tubes, repairs, etc

jtakeda
11-19-2015, 09:50 AM
Hand built wheels?

Fancy tires you've wanted to try?

Tools?

Come on. $500 should be gone easy.

mg2ride
11-19-2015, 09:50 AM
Does you shop offer asian massages?

If so you should be able to get 5 good ones!

Jeff N.
11-19-2015, 09:52 AM
New wheelset for sure.

MattTuck
11-19-2015, 09:52 AM
If it is a gift from a good friend, buy something that will last.

Rollers come to mind (if you need them), tools, etc.

Clothes are nice, but, many have a limited life if you use them regularly in poor conditions.

CampyorBust
11-19-2015, 09:56 AM
Garmin or Castelli sound like good options to me! Just don't expect those logos to stay on forever.

Tickdoc
11-19-2015, 09:57 AM
just bought rollers (kreitler) and just bought wheels. Great suggestions.

I guess my question is this....would I get more use out of a garmin, clothing, or a kickr?

I could also put it towards a new bike :eek:

Tickdoc
11-19-2015, 09:59 AM
tailgate rack....It wouldn't be the 1upusa I want, but would be good use of funds.

FlashUNC
11-19-2015, 09:59 AM
How can they not deal with Campy? Do they not have an account with QBP?

gdw
11-19-2015, 10:03 AM
Winter cycling shoes are a great investment if you ride in the cold.

soulspinner
11-19-2015, 10:04 AM
Anything that enhances your rides..........

93legendti
11-19-2015, 10:16 AM
I had the same dilemma, bought a few things at Performance, Ebay, Classifieds and Amazon, still holding onto the bulk of the $. Bought a pair of Performance elite bibs, Castelli Estremo gloves, DMT shoes here, a new iPhone case...

Last year I bought a fat bike from Performance with my discount.

Unless you are yearning for one big thing, a few smaller items can be just as worthwhile.

rugbysecondrow
11-19-2015, 10:20 AM
GoPro

bobswire
11-19-2015, 10:23 AM
Wheelset

AngryScientist
11-19-2015, 10:26 AM
Unfortunately, my shop doesn't deal with campy, or I would put it towards a new groupset (which I desperately need).



but surely they can order it for you right? if a groupset is what you desperately need, have them order it, why invent things you need when you have a good chunk of change to plunk down on something you actually DO need?

zap
11-19-2015, 10:31 AM
US$500.......new Assos S7 bib knickers and a nice lunch (or average dinner) somewhere.

AngryScientist
11-19-2015, 10:32 AM
US$500.......new Assos S7 bib knickers and a nice lunch (or average dinner) somewhere.

it's a gift certificate to a bike shop - are they supposed to cook for him? :beer:

shovelhd
11-19-2015, 10:33 AM
I'm intrigued as to why the Kickr is on your list. Do you want to add power to your training? You'd be better off buying a power meter. Want to join in the fun of Zwift or Trainerroad? Look at the Tacx Vortex Smart, the best value in a smart trainer out there as long as you are close to an AC outlet.

keevon
11-19-2015, 10:34 AM
100 tubes.

echelon_john
11-19-2015, 10:40 AM
Not a groupset; you'll spend $500 more to buy it local. (sorry; not busting on LBSes)

Nice repair stand?

Lighting system?

2 really nice helmets, 1 for now, 1 for later?

Tickdoc
11-19-2015, 10:53 AM
How can they not deal with Campy? Do they not have an account with QBP?

they are specialized and cervelo. I'll ask them if they can order campy, but I bet I could do better just ordering it on my own.

ceolwulf
11-19-2015, 10:57 AM
If you don't have a smart trainer yet, I've been amazed at the difference it's made for me. I use mainly with Zwift. Never thought indoor cycling could be fun. Do they deal Tacx? I have a Vortex Smart and that should be less than $500. Not in the same league as a Kickr I'm sure but does the job very well (apart from sprints as it doesn't hold over 1000W for any length of time).

pdmtong
11-19-2015, 11:57 AM
Firstly, I would spend the $500 on something that costs $500 or more.

I would not split the $500 up into a bunch of small stuff. Most of us can find $50 or $100 here or there but it is mentally much harder to spend $500 at once OF YOUR OWN MONEY

Most things online are cheaper than via LBS. You know that. So spend the certificate on something that does not or rarely goes on sale.

Of course you know where this is leading....


http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0309/9521/products/2014_Interbike_Award_Short.jpg?v=1439922663

pdmtong
11-19-2015, 11:59 AM
don't forget to take the $50 leftover from the pump and get some LEG warmers :-)

Lewis Moon
11-19-2015, 12:01 PM
I'd turn my bike up to 11.

AJosiahK
11-19-2015, 12:12 PM
my kitchen

Frankwurst
11-19-2015, 12:12 PM
I'd start here. Hang it in my bar downstairs. Spend the rest on good beer. Invite my buddy over that gave me the five bills, sit and drink excessively with him and enjoy his good company.:beer:

zap
11-19-2015, 01:26 PM
it's a gift certificate to a bike shop - are they supposed to cook for him? :beer:

Ha, well, that's what happens when one only reads the thread title.........

:beer:

cdn_bacon
11-19-2015, 01:29 PM
I would buy a CX bike that I wouldn't care about getting slushy/salty etc. At this point I would be looking for anything to extend my minimal riding this year. So why ruin the nice bike.

ptourkin
11-19-2015, 01:56 PM
I thought this was the TDI thread. A bunch of us JSW owners are about 2 weeks out from this dilemma.

FlashUNC
11-19-2015, 01:57 PM
they are specialized and cervelo. I'll ask them if they can order campy, but I bet I could do better just ordering it on my own.

I'd tell 'em to dust off their QBP catalog and get to starting a cart on the website or calling in.

I never got that whole "We don't really do that here." mindset. You do what the customer wants, as long as it doesn't violate safety issues. Customer wants Campy? Customer gets Campy. Customer wants SRAM (ew, I know), customer gets SRAM.

weisan
11-19-2015, 01:58 PM
Get a fit session if they offer one and have good people doing it and you have never had one before

Lovetoclimb
11-19-2015, 03:34 PM
How can they not deal with Campy? Do they not have an account with QBP?

Exactly, they can order you a Campy gruppo to your specs unless they shun QBP.

Tickdoc
11-19-2015, 03:36 PM
don't forget to take the $50 leftover from the pump and get some LEG warmers :-)
What are these leg warmers you speak of;~)

Wakatel_Luum
11-19-2015, 03:42 PM
Rapha clothing...
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/19/5f99fac3a9ff0a0cb94ca1820c3f812d.jpg

akelman
11-19-2015, 03:43 PM
Third page and nobody has said "hookers and blow"? Losers.

Tickdoc
11-19-2015, 03:52 PM
Rapha clothing...
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/19/5f99fac3a9ff0a0cb94ca1820c3f812d.jpg

I would so do that but my clothing choices are castelli or spec.

Tickdoc
11-19-2015, 03:53 PM
Third page and nobody has said "hookers and blow"? Losers.

Massages were mentioned, but I really don't want them (or happy endings)from my wrenches at the shop ;~)

OtayBW
11-19-2015, 04:52 PM
Massages were mentioned, but I really don't want them (or happy endings)from my wrenches at the shop ;~)
You're clearly at the wrong shop.:D

dustyrider
11-19-2015, 04:54 PM
How many employees at the shop? It's clear you don't need the money. Why not spread the cheer to the employees? They're certainly going to have a "need" for it!

dsimon
11-19-2015, 05:05 PM
whatever would make you happy

Tickdoc
11-19-2015, 06:24 PM
How many employees at the shop? It's clear you don't need the money. Why not spread the cheer to the employees? They're certainly going to have a "need" for it!

I'm having pizza delivered sat for their lunch:banana:( and don't assume I don't need the money):eek:

zmudshark
11-19-2015, 06:41 PM
Tools. You can never have enough tools.

drewellison
11-19-2015, 06:58 PM
How about a GoPro/Garmin VIRB for front facing, and a Fly6 for rear facing. That would just about use the total.
Drew

saab2000
11-19-2015, 07:04 PM
Winter jacket of the highest quality and one that fits. It'll last for years and years.

yashcha
11-19-2015, 07:48 PM
I spent mine on a Stages power meter, but it has only made my life miserable discovering the disconnect between my perceived effort level and actual wattage.

ceolwulf
11-19-2015, 09:12 PM
I spent mine on a Stages power meter, but it has only made my life miserable discovering the disconnect between my perceived effort level and actual wattage.


Paying for misery is a fine cycling tradition.

jh_on_the_cape
11-19-2015, 09:26 PM
get a few kids bikes and give them toys for tots if you are feeling in the mood and really need help spending $$.

personally, I like the fit of specialized clothes and shoes. And that's a good place to shop LBS. I would get a nice jacket, helmet and shoes. or whatever fits.

Or I would put it towards a fat bike.

Bob Ross
11-20-2015, 06:13 AM
Hand built wheels?
New wheelset for sure.
Wheelset


Either I have expensive tastes, or I'm shopping at the wrong places:

What kind of components are you guys using to get a complete handbuilt wheelset for only $500?

One wheel, sure. But a pair?



edit: Wait, I guess it's not impossible, I recently bought my wife a set of Shimano 105 hubs laced to DT Swiss RR440 rims for her backup bike, and it came to $475 including labor.

weisan
11-20-2015, 06:16 AM
Bob pal, right here: http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=177566
Chisholm's Custom Wheels
http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=164445

Some of the best wheels you can get for less than $500...

Tickdoc
11-20-2015, 06:19 AM
Bob pal, right here: http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=177566
Chisholm's Custom Wheels
http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=164445

Some of the best wheels you can get for less than $500...

I'll echo that. Only place better would be our classified section :hello:

oldpotatoe
11-20-2015, 06:28 AM
Such a douchy third world problem post, I know.

I received a very generous gift certificate yesterday from a colleague to my local bike shop.

Such a nice generous gift, but now I am conflicted on how to use it.

If it were $30, 0r $50...no worries. But this is enough for something really nice.

Unfortunately, my shop doesn't deal with campy, or I would put it towards a new groupset (which I desperately need).

So, now what? clothing for winter? They carry castelli, and I could spend $500 there quick in winter goods.

Wahoo kicker?

Garmin? I have yet to use a Garmin, instead I use sportstracker with a hr strap. (gift from my wife).

They undoubtedly use any of a number of distributors that sell Campagnolo. QBP, Hawley, SBS, Security, to name just 4 and there are probably 3-4 others.

They don't have to do anything but take it out of a box and hand it to you. They don't have to get their dainty hands dirty working on that 'strange, finicky, EyeTalian stuff'(they probably wear gloves-nancys)..what bozos..Campag stuff isn't a black art or weird science.

oldpotatoe
11-20-2015, 06:31 AM
Either I have expensive tastes, or I'm shopping at the wrong places:

What kind of components are you guys using to get a complete handbuilt wheelset for only $500?

One wheel, sure. But a pair?



edit: Wait, I guess it's not impossible, I recently bought my wife a set of Shimano 105 hubs laced to DT Swiss RR440 rims for her backup bike, and it came to $475 including labor.

I have a special right now-Miche or 6800 hubs laced to Veloccity A23 or Major Toms for $375 shipped.

Most of my wheels are in the $450-$700 range depending on hubs. DT, shimano, Campagnolo, Muiche, Velocity hubs

DT, Velocity, H+Son rims.

Sapim spokes

easy

easy.

thegunner
11-20-2015, 06:32 AM
Either I have expensive tastes, or I'm shopping at the wrong places:

What kind of components are you guys using to get a complete handbuilt wheelset for only $500?

One wheel, sure. But a pair?



edit: Wait, I guess it's not impossible, I recently bought my wife a set of Shimano 105 hubs laced to DT Swiss RR440 rims for her backup bike, and it came to $475 including labor.

Isn't there a pair of Chris king archetypes floating around in our classifieds for not that much more?

velotrack
11-20-2015, 06:43 AM
Save the $500, and use it when you need it. Future you will be thanking today you later.

kramnnim
11-20-2015, 06:47 AM
I would get one item that costs close to $500 for reasons already stated. Something that is not easy to find for less than MSRP. Like...ee cycleworks brakes. I wouldn't buy a Kickr, but they are also hard to find for less than retail.

SpokeValley
11-20-2015, 07:45 AM
This, you don't already have one, would I'll 's be a satisfying project.

Otherwise, custom wheels are simply the best.

jr59
11-20-2015, 07:46 AM
Down payment on a custom frame