My Third Bicycle... In One Month

Okay, so I am on bike number 3. So shoot me! I have to say that bike riding has become a bit of a hobby. And I am beginning to develop the thighs to prove it! Hehe. So the other week I went to the bike shop because my rear tired was literally wobbling. I thought that it was possible I only needed my spokes adjusted but indeed the rim was bent. I asked how much this would cost to replace and they assured me it was not terribly expensive. Indeed as it was only around 88 Yuan (88/7.8= $11.28). They told me that I had been riding the bike too hard. Guilty as charged when I recollected at all the things I had jumped or attempted to jump on the way to the shop alone. This was a cheaper bike not intended for such extreme sports riding as seen on MTV. So I thought I had better buy heavy duty rims to support my appetite for being airborne. I told them in as much chinglish as possible that I will replace my rim every week if we just replace it. So I think I should upgrade to something a bit more sturdy. They agreed but reminded me it would be a bit more than 88 yuan. “How much, I asked?” Well for the least expensive better quality rim it was around 300 plus 70 for a new spindle thingy (the thing that attaches to all the spokes and the frame) times 2 for front and rear tires. Grand total of around 740 (740/7.8= $94.87). Riiiight.
For that money I could nearly buy my bike again. So I decided to just upgrade. This new one is Purdy sweet and the frame supports the option of upgrades like disc brakes! Dangerous I know. So now, my bike has cost me around the same price as my first car Frankie in Los Angeles. Only, I’m in China… and it’s a bicycle. Before you panic, be reminded that dear old Frankie cost me a mere $250. R.I.P Frankie. You are missed.