Determined
After careful consideration I have decided the following: I'm going to quit the gym. I'm also going to quit riding the bus to work, during winters too. Instead I'm going to ride my bike to work all year around. The money saved from quitting the gym and not taking the bus will go to a separate account, dedicated to keeping my current bike ridable for as long as it takes to save enough money to buy a new bike. I'm wagering I can keep my current bike ridable until I can afford a new one...
The bike I'm planning to get is (rather obviously) the Gary Fisher Dual Sport 129, mentioned in my previous entry. I've decided on a Gary Fisher bike for several reasons. First of all they seem like a company genuinely excited about their work, something which is rather rare these days. The only other manufacturer who conveys the same kind of spirit that I know of is Mackie, highly recommended for audio equipment.
Anyhoo, both companies have also demonstrated great customer support. I sent Gary Fisher a few questions on the bike, and recieved swift and informative answers. High quality customer support is very important to me, and especially in this case. I have calculated that the bike will cost me around 2000 euros. I don't plan to spend that kind of money unless I can be sure to get support even ten years from now if necessary.
Another reason for me to choose Gary Fisher is the fact that they have a well designed web site. I feel this shows that they are willing to spend money on other things than just manufacturing bikes. The site also has a rather good bike selection tool, which amusingly suggested the Dual Sport 129 to me, after I had already been looking at it. One rather compelling reason to buy their bikes is the fact that you can't buy one off their site. The reason is simple, they don't feel that you can properly select a bike without riding it, just like the way it should be. Good stuff.
Wish me luck saving money, will ya?
Pirate-support, anyone?
There are a lot of pirated (unlicensed) copies of Windows around. Frankly I don't blame people using a copied version of Windows on their home computer, the price for Windows is rather extravagant given their practical monopoly at the moment.
But it seems Microsoft does realize some things are better left alone than messed about with. Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows XP will install even on a copied version of Windows. This, is a Good Thing. Most of all, this will help reduce the problems associated with worms and viruses. There's a Slashdot discussion on the subject, with at least one rather interesting comment. Compare this to the recent behaviour of the RIAA. Which makes more sense to you? After all, Microsoft could be throwing lawsuits right and left to people copying Windows...