My friends dad is getting him a bike for $4100. He's 13 and can only ride it for a couple months every year (we live in canada and its either snowing or cold for most of the year.) I just think its too much for a bike. is it?
2007-12-15 14:29:30 · 14 answers · asked by Whats That About? 5 in Sports ➔ Cycling
It does seem a bit extravagant for a 13 year old. But if his dad has the money and is willing to spend it, then let him. (would they like to adopt me??!?!?!?!) There are racing bikes for elite riders that are that expensive (and higher), but unless your friend is a budding racer, it's probably overkill.
2007-12-16 00:33:42 · answer #1 · answered by crazydave 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wasn't going to reply but noted one very important point not addressed. At 13 he could grow quite a bit still. A high end bike should be a perfect fit. With a growing kid that's not possible. For that reason alone I would not make the purchase. $4100 is a lot, but a relative figure. If the family has a lot of money, then it may not seem like a lot to them. If it's a hardship on the family it's an outrageous amount. At 13 I would say it's excessive anyway. Even if doing some racing - 1/3 that amount would get a great bike. Being able to ride it only a few months makes the purchase less desirable too.
I see this scenario where I live - Michigan. We have more boats than any state in the US, yet our boating season is short. Many people buy very expensive boats for maybe 4 months of use. Unlike a bike, a boat is very costly to maintain and store. Go figure...
My answer is yes, it's too much.
2007-12-16 07:28:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Nope, not too much for bike. But a $4100 bike for a 13 year old? Well, depending on what he is going to do with it that might be a bit too much. But if he is a road or mountain bike racer that is actually a moderate amount of money to spend on a racing bike. You can spend upwards of $6-7K on some road racing bicycles, but for $4100 you can get a pretty sweet ride. I have a good friend of mine that races bicycles professionally in Europe half the year and she just sold her 1 year old used Look Carbon bike for $4000, so it's all relative.
2007-12-15 22:40:19 · answer #3 · answered by Zarathustra 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It all depends on the use that the bike will get and how often the bike will be used in competition, if any. The more that the bike is ridden, the more that kind of money can be justified. More expensive bikes are easier for more skilled riders to use. Also the cheaper the bike, the less specific of riding it can be used for. High end road, triathlon and mountain bikes are ridden by riders that know a lot about the specific type of bike that they purchase. You wouldn't see a top level pro rider on a Walmart bike and you wouldn't see your local paperboy on a top of the line bike either.
I started riding in triathlons at age 14. Now at age 34, I still don't have one that costs that much. But its only because I haven't been able to afford it, I'm good enough to ride that level of bike, just don't have the funds to do it.
2007-12-16 00:39:38 · answer #4 · answered by Eric R 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
4100 for a bike is not absurd. For a 13 year old it is.
Im fifteen and have a $7.5 grand bike and it is worth it. I'll explain.
If you are to compete, and well, you need a good bike. I had been racing for a couple of years and it was a prize for a race.
I doubt he is going to race given he can only ride it for a limited time. In this case he doesn't deserve a bike like that.
However, if he does have a bike like that, he has no excuse to go out riding in winter. Just put on more layers and fit snow proof tires.
Lastly, its the fathers choice ultimitly and you shouldn't try and raise his child.
2007-12-15 23:04:49 · answer #5 · answered by shakeyourbotty 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
well ....
actualy you could go ether way it depends on what he dose with the bike and how he takes care of it. if its taken car of it could last intel hes an adult and he'll still have a bike to ride. or you could put it this way and say no its not a good investment because he's only 13 and he can only ride it a few months a year. id say if he rode it year round going on every trail in canada than yes but outher wise no
2007-12-16 05:59:16 · answer #6 · answered by matt 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Unless the kid is very serious about riding, entering competitions and such, it's way too much. You can get a very decent bike for 10% of that, especially for a 13 year old kid.
2007-12-15 22:49:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
frankly, it is. now if you were talking about a "dirt" bike which is a motor powered bike than that would be different.
a regular long-time use bike goes for around $500.
your friends dad is either really nice or getting ripped off.
2007-12-15 22:38:45 · answer #8 · answered by Kukai 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Is buying a 16 yr old a new Mercedes for her birthday too much? Is buying a $5M home too much?
Let's not allow class envy to enter our opinions. If they have the jingle to spend $4100 like we spend $410 -- More power to them!
I would like to be adopted into that family, please. See there is this Yellow Lamborghini ......
2007-12-16 08:27:36 · answer #9 · answered by McG 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
What's too much or too little depends on who you ask. If his dad can spare that amount without compromising on the family needs (house, food, schools, health, etc.), then it is fine.
What I would consider spending that much money is that he's still growing, so that bike will probably not last too long and still fit him.
2007-12-15 23:47:00 · answer #10 · answered by Roberto 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋