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[LeeS]

She went out last night so I brought the bike indoors to set the saddle to height etc . She came home a bit early and spotted the bike. That looks expensive she said, then gave me the cats bum disapproving thing that women are quite good at. She decided that she needs a new pair of jeans which I was hardly in a position to argue with, and if it means not using a straw to eat with I may have got of lightly.

[Marcus]

Guys Guys Guys This is worrying.... Man is the master in his house, I don't want to hear anymore of this talk about getting approval from 'er indoors. You tell her, she says 'Yes darlin' that's ok', Job done

Tonight I need you to take control, show her who's boss, I'm sure you know what I mean

Report results tomorrow.

[Antloony]

Here here Marcus, well said. I wear the trousers AND the shoes in my house and do excactly as I want, when I want.....as long as I ok it with the misses first and she doesn't mind...

[Dombo]

[quote="Antloony"]Here here Marcus, well said. I wear the trousers AND the shoes in my house and do excactly as I want, when I want.....as long as I ok it with the misses first and she doesn't mind...

[LeeS]

Marcus , you might be my hero. Any chance I could put a poster of you in my room ?

[Mike I]

I do exactly as I'm told in my house - unless I don't want to .

For those unenlightened souls who feel they need approval for a new bike from the wife/girlfriend/civil partner/husband etc, I shall repeat my tried and trusted advice. Do not buy a bike off the shelf; build it yourself. Take your time. Buy the parts from a number of different outlets over about six to eight months. Get them delivered to your work address or buy from old-fashioned shops as much as possible - most parts are small enough to sneak past prying eyes. If you have to get stuff sent to the house, The Enemy should overlook the odd parcel delivery, and tyres, tubes, chains and cables are just 'spares' anyway.

Get the frame last, as it's hardest to hide, disguise or dismiss as something which "needs replacing every six months". When challenged, explain that your 'new' bike is not really an extravagance, because you're just going to build it up from all those bits you happen to have lying around in the shed [yes, those bits that you've been surreptitiously buying for months ].

If this fails - and I can't think why it would - remember that the answer to all questions about price is 'about £500'. To the non-cyclist this seems like the sort of money a fairly serious rider would spend, but without sounding over-the-top.

[I am not authorised to give financial advice. Consult your IFA if in doubt.]

[Rob Q]

[quote="Marcus"]Guys Guys Guys This is worrying.... Man is the master in his house, I don't want to hear anymore of this talk about getting approval from 'er indoors. You tell her, she says 'Yes darlin' that's ok', Job done

Tonight I need you to take control, show her who's boss, I'm sure you know what I mean

Report results tomorrow.

[Dombo]

And always remember the fall back "safety aspect":
New disc brakes on mtb - for safety
Lighter wheels for road bike - spin up quicker so accelerate out of trouble; safety aspect
Carbon bars - reduce road buzz induced finger numbness, thus allowing application of brakes - safety aspect
Gruppo upgrade - lighter so safer (see above re accelerating out of trouble)
Mallorcan training camp - a fitter rider is a safer rider

And if that fails use the environmental argument - All that nasty carbon is safely stored away, sealed forever in those frames, bars, seatposts, wheels, pedals etc

[Amy]

Ha! Get a cycling girlfriend

Then all you have to do is bribe her with some new kit for her bike/a new bike/have argument over who needs a new bike

Actually could be more expensive now I think about it ...

[Marcus]

[quote="Rob Q"]Is this the same Marcus who on the Sunday ride after Xmas we stopped for the pub lunch and when you went to the toilet and someone answered your mobile your wife in a pretty stern voice asked where you were.

[Rob Q]

[quote="Marcus"]
You misunderstood, she was very concerned for my welfare and wanted to know what time to put my dinner on and warm my slippers

[Rogan]

Gents, this is all very pleasing to hear. I might not be the only one then who runs the gauntlet (from front door to garage) every time a box marked 'Wiggle' arrives. I am at a slight advantage in that my wife hasn't got too much of a clue about matters cycling (she'll love me for saying that) but my 14 year old son is far too clued-up and has become a bit of a snitch lately (which is hilarious)! So all tips are welcome.
LeeS I think your Jeans trade-off for a Boardman Pro Carbon is a master stroke I have much to learn from you...
Got that wrong - wife just spotted some new cycle gear I bought from Dauphin today. Note to self -