Unless you’re single, chances are that you have someone in your life who you need to discuss purchases with, at least to a degree. Whether those are your grandparents, parents, boyfriend, wife, or escaped alien from Area 51 that you’re in a rental agreement with, it’s always a good idea to run the idea past them.

Bikes are expensive, no matter how you dice it up. Hell, even $150 for a department store bike can be a stretch for some people. Chances are though if you are reading Singletracks, then you are a mountain bike enthusiast and not only understand the joy and pride that comes from ripping a quality bicycle down a winding stretch of dirt, but you endorse it. Most people who have been riding long enough also understand the nuances between different categories of bikes, and how they change over time, or even worse — fall apart.

Here are ten reasons why you might (or might not) need a new bike, and how to convince the other person in your life. These are also listed in descending order from most to least important, although the order could be debated, and so could the merits of each argument.

Your bike is well past its prime and kinda dangerous at this point

Now this is a safe area to start talking for a few reasons, which is why it’s at the top. We all know someone who has been riding the same bike for a decade and it sounds like a bag full of tin cans being towed down the trail. This isn’t a knock on anyone who can’t afford an upgrade, but sometimes its safer to spend a little money on a quality piece of equipment that will offer peace of mind.

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