The Bike Envelope

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2013-02-15 8:48 PM

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Elite
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Subject: The Bike Envelope

So I stash cash in an envelope for future bike purchases:  cash birthday presents from my MIL, proceeds from selling stuff, an occasional contribution of matching funds from JWKMH when she goes out with her girlfriends and I stay home and eat leftovers.  It adds up.  So now the envelope has about $3000.  The rule for spending the Bike Envelope is that it makes me happy to look at and own the purchase.  No compromises. No knock offs.  This money is for first class merchandise at first class prices. It does not have to be justified by some notion of having earned it.  And, I am quite certain I will not be measurably faster. It is technically difficult to measure the speed of something going as slow as I go.  I just want to have some really cool gear.  You are permitted to feel smug when you pass me on your mountain bike.

I am thinking Zipp 303 clinchers with Michelin ProRace 3's and some Zipp brake pads for my Litespeed Tuscany.  I will not be saving them for a special occasion.   They will be the everyday wheels for this bicycle.  I ride this bicycle in Atlanta on in town streets which are pretty rough. The cobblestones of Paris-Roubaix would be smoother.

What do you think?

TW

2013-02-15 9:52 PM
in reply to: #4624567

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Master
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Subject: RE: The Bike Envelope
Go for it - you have earned it one way or another!
2013-02-16 5:39 AM
in reply to: #4624567

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Champion
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Subject: RE: The Bike Envelope
I think you should have some built by wheelbuilder. Talk to the guys there and tell them they'll be everyday wheels, they can build some a bit "tougher" than stock.
2013-02-16 7:51 AM
in reply to: #4624567

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Resident Curmudgeon
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Subject: RE: The Bike Envelope

If this is the purchase that "makes you happy to look at and own, " then by all means go for it. Post pictures to share the joy!

I do something similar with a savings account I call my "New Bike Fund," in which I segregate the income you are talking about: gifts, directors fees, officiating fees, sales proceeds. Since it doesn't come out of the household budget, this allows me to spend it guilt free when I feel like it.

Main reason I'm posting, though, is to say that I love my Tuscany and consider it the single best purchase I've ever made.

2013-02-16 8:05 AM
in reply to: #4624732

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Elite
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Subject: RE: The Bike Envelope

Leegoocrap - 2013-02-16 6:39 AM I think you should have some built by wheelbuilder. Talk to the guys there and tell them they'll be everyday wheels, they can build some a bit "tougher" than stock.

I suppose Zipps are optimized for occasional racing rather than for everyday use because that is by far the way most people use them.  But even so, out of the box, the Zipps are pretty durable.  Here is what Tom D wrote about the pre-Firecrest 404 clinchers for everyday use. 

http://university.tri-sports.com/2011/12/07/zipp-404-5000-mile-torture-test/  

Many people comment on the Zipp factory bearing adjustment is pretty loose.  Some people say that the bearing covers don't keep dirt out very well if the wheels are used for cyclocross.  Maybe other spoke choice or tension other choices might be different for an everyday optimum.  It could be something to work on.  It could be fun work with Wheelbuilder to have some input on customized wheels.

In the final analysis, this purchase is about the smile factor.  I want something that is satisfying at lots of levels.  First quality, innovative, handmade in America, Zipp wheels have it all.  The bikes are the same.  All three of my bikes (the two Litespeeds were made in Ooltewah and the Trek was made in Waterloo) are US made.  They give me a lot of pleasure just to see them.  They are like friends.  I want the same effect from the wheels.

I will linger over the purchase in any case.  It has taken several years to stuff the envelope.  No sense rushing to spend it all.

I hope I see you out on the road around Knoxville Chris.  You've always got some useful advice. It could be fun.

TW

2013-02-16 8:10 AM
in reply to: #4624795

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Elite
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Subject: RE: The Bike Envelope
the bear - 2013-02-16 8:51 AM

If this is the purchase that "makes you happy to look at and own, " then by all means go for it. Post pictures to share the joy!

I do something similar with a savings account I call my "New Bike Fund," in which I segregate the income you are talking about: gifts, directors fees, officiating fees, sales proceeds. Since it doesn't come out of the household budget, this allows me to spend it guilt free when I feel like it.

Main reason I'm posting, though, is to say that I love my Tuscany and consider it the single best purchase I've ever made.

I feel the same way.  The craftsmanship of the swaged head tube and the welds is just outstanding.  You used to be able to run into the guys that did the welding in the Chattanooga.  Really cool.   

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