Doesnt anybody have a bike payment plan?

It took several months but I bought my Lemond Zurich, mostly Ultegra, some Dura ace bike a piece at a time on eBay. I did splurge on a new set of Bontrager racelite wheels. I couldn't get my wife past the sticker shock of a new ride so I did the one piece at a time thing on eBay and the bike slowly appeared in my workout room in the basement.
My uncle owns a shop north of Chicago and I took the bike to him for the wheels and final tune up. I told him the final price and he said I got a good deal.
My bike's not tri. specific but it's what I wanted. If you want any more info. I'd be glad to help you out.

something about that just cracks me up it just seems like such a diabolical scheme my inner child is laughing hysterically. What piece did you start with?

The frame.
A beautiful well cared for Lemond Zurich.
Then a new bottom bracket from Nashbar on sale.
I felt a little like I was trying to get away with something. That made it much more fun!

you guys are cracking me up!

Sean, as for spending $$ on a bike, remember that it's easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission! 

My 'bike payment plan' was a credit card . . . . :-)

See that would be mine and my will power is sooooo weak on this bike issue but part of my budget is I dont use credit cards. If I need a credit card for anything I use my Visa Debit Card. So the only debt I have is a house and car.

If you are on a limited budget, why not look to your local bike or triathlon clubs. There are always good road or tri bikes for sale at a reasonable price and you know that you will get a well cared for machine. (For instance, there is an aluminum Eclipse with a carbon fork and Shimano 105 for sale at my local club for 600AMD.) And you can most certainly talk the price down with a cyclist who has probably just purchased a very expensive road machine. Keep looking and good luck.

The only bike payment plan I have seen is for Litespeed and you could get a good used car for the price of one those See if you can find a good deal on a used road bike to use for now and save some cash each month to purhase a new bike later on. That is the plan I have been on for the last year. I just purchased a new bike and paid cash, I was a much happier camper not having to worry about payments. Good Luck

FYI -- From a consumer protection standpoint, it would be better for you to use a credit card instead of a debit card. That way, you're afforded all of the protections of a credit card and don't have to worry about the numerous problems caused if someone uses your debit card fraudulently. If someone cleans out your account, the bank may reimburse you, but in the meantime, you could bounce a bunch of checks and rack up tons of fees. Instead, you can use your credit card and write all of the charges in your checking account register as if it were a debit card transaction that just hasn't cleared yet. Then, when time comes to pay for the bill, the money will already appear to be gone from your checking account (in your register) and writing the check is easy. Also, you can get good rewards with credit cards. My Chase Perfectcard gives me 1% cashback (no "up to") on all purchases except gas. Gas purchases get a 3% discount, but in the first 90 days, they get a 6% discount. I got $16 back from the credit card company last month alone. Just a thought ...

Anyway, for the bike, do you have any savings? If so, you could use that money and then pay back the savings on a monthly basis. If not, then I think your best bet is to just save up for the bike. You could try to take advantage of 0% introductory offers from credit cards, but you don't like them too much. Any other way that you try to pay for the bike will end up costing you a lot more in the end.

Good luck.

I used to ride with a friend that had a simular dilema. His low cost solution was to buy "slicks" for his mountain bike. These tires were dual pupouse. Low pressure for off road and very high for road riding. This will not solve the handle bar problem but may tide you till the Xmas sales and gift cards.

I think thats probably going to be the solution for the time being.

I don't know where you live, but here in atlanta at atlanta cycling you put 20% down on a bike and then pay on it monthly until you are able to buy it. maybe your local bike store will let you put something down. At least this will hold the bike. hope it goes well. I know what you mean about spending 1000+ on a bike.

I wish but I almost feel too embarrassed to call

What size bike do you ride?

I dont even know Im 5'9 I have a size 9.5 shoe and weigh about 160lbs Is that helpful?

Edited by soupaman 2004-06-18 1:27 PM

If you are 5.9 and weight 160, you are about my size. I have one triathlon Cannondale 54cm and a Airborne Zeppelin 55. To best determine your measurements visit Airborne Bicycles and fill the questionnaire they have online and you will know exactly what size bike you need. It sounds to me Silent my have a good deal for you....find out.
Here in town, the owner of a bike shop allowed me to put in a home lay away a mountain bike with no extra interest or anything. So, I gave 20 or 30%, I cannotrememberclearly but I do remember going to the bikeshop on my bike to make payments.

It is worth the try if you are consistent. Reputation goes a very long way.


Francisco

I've just been checking out the Quintana Roo website they say they have a 6 months same as cash program, a 12 months same as cash program and a 12 month intrerest free credit plan. I may be able to get my Tequilo yet.

Ian

That would be great if they have that I'll sign up next week.

Check the LBS soupaman – my local one does bike payments.

Which is bad. For me!

im sorry LBS? (new acronym for me unless you mean pounds)

Local Bike Shop.
I think...

Ian

is right!

linc whats the best price you've found on that Tequilo?

Mike youre an LBS genius Called my ....... LBS who is a Quintana Roo 'dealer' asked about the financing he says eh we can do some in house financing. So to anyone whos lookin for a bike on a payment plan hit your LBS you may find what you're looking for. I was avoiding the LBS because I figure they're always going to be more expensive than the web and frankly I was too embarrassed to ask about a payment plan for $1300. Now I just hope they have my size in a QR Kilo. Tri bike here I come.


Edited by soupaman 2004-07-16 1:19 PM