Stimulus check dilemma

[Reader Rabbit]

Originally, I had planned to pop the money straight into savings. It seemed the prudent thing to do. However, as I was toodling about my neighborhood yesterday, I went into the locally-owned bike shop on a whim. Next thing I new, I was test driving a bunch of different bikes! I already have a bike, but it's 18 years old. I really, really want one of these awesome new ones (Trek 7x00 series or Trek 7.x FX). But the thought of doing just what that peckerwood Bush wants me to do is galling. Plus, all the bikes have a big "Made in China" label right on the front below the handlebars.

So, what is the progressively-correct action to take?

(And if you advocate getting the bike, please provide your opinion on whether I should get the FX or the 7000 series.)

Thanks!

[mucifer]

1. If you plan on driving less a bike would be a good investment.

I don't know you or your financial situation. But, I think you should get a bike. :) It's a nice Sunday here in Chicago and it seems like the thing to do!

[Reader Rabbit]

4. That was one of my rationalizations

And the fact that it was a gorgeous day here in Portland also contributed to the bike lust. :)

[Warpy]

7. You've got a long riding season in Portland

if you don't mind getting wet now and then. You can't go wrong with a bike. A good bike is the closest thing to flying I know. Mine is an old Univega racer I used to do a 22 mile round trip commute on.

My riding days are over, alas. It's electric power for me now. Still, I envy all the cyclists I leave in the dust at stop signs.

:evilgrin:

[PetrusMonsFormicarum]

2. Money borrowed from China

so it probably doesn't matter (although I would hope that you would get a spirit lift from riding around on your new bike!).

An accountant friend of mine tells me the best things to do with the check are either savings, or paying down debt. I put half in savings and half in my checking account as further barrier to the idea that many of us (including me) are but one or two paychecks from the street.

Can't comment on the brand; I've been riding around the same Specialized Rockhopper for the last decade.

[whistle]

3. Made in China for a fraction of the cost to make it in the U.S. so why

...are these bikes priced at $1,700.00 retail?

[Deja Q]

5. Because the cost savings were passed onto people other than the consumers,

which I thought was the claim for offshoring?

[RaleighNCDUer]

6. I've wondered the same.

It seems that China is doing as Japan did in the 50s. At one time, 'Made in Japan' was synonymous with 'cheap junk'. And we ceded the 'cheap junk' marketshare to them. They cranked out millions of $3 transistor radios, and built SONY. Japan's electronics industry swamped the American electronics, so now they can charge whatever they want, because we have no competing products.

[TWiley]

8. I have a bicycle, and I ride it t work.

I like the "Hybrid" bicycles. The ones with skinny high pressure tires and upright handlebars. It is easy on my back because I sit up straight on the seat, and the skinny tires make it easy to pedal and it coasts real well.

The mountain bikes are a pain in the butt to ride. The thick knobby tires are a real workout.

How often do you think you will use it? We have an old railroad bed that was converted to a bike path here. We ride on it all the time.

[mdmc]

9. i'll sell you one of my made in usa cannondales

they are newer then your old bike, recently serviced (thats what I spend my tax rebate on), and made in the usa.