Should I tell DH I don't like the bike he got me?

[londonagent]

I've been after a new bike for while but also know what I want & realistic about budget so have been looking online for 2nd hand. Not found one my size yet but knew it could take a while looking for a specific type & in my size. I put 'Hybrid Bike' on my Xmas list (optimistic/unrealistic but it is a wish list!) but had discussed with DH that I'd really like a certain type - Trek Domane for those that cycle so decent but not OTT and possible 2nd hand within our budget.

About 6 weeks ago I nearly bought a really cheap ( £35) ladies step-through hybrid from someone in my village as I was struggling without a bike but DH told me not to waste my money and he'd find me one.

So he did get me a bike but it's basically much the same (but an even shittier brand) as the cheap one he told me not to buy It's also a step-through which I don't like but I can't really moan about that as he wasn't to know. He went quite a long way for it and I'm guessing overpaid possibly panicked last minute as he only picked it up on Thursday. I'm really bloody disappointed and don't know if I should tell him, or suck it up and try not to weep every time I ride it

WWYD - ask why he bought this one when I'd specifically said another type or don't be ungrateful and keep quiet? Clearly he can't take it back and I do really need a bike but I'm quite sad about it as I've been looking forward to a bike upgrade for bloody ages.

@Seadragonusgiganticusmaximus

You put “Hybrid bike” on your Christmas list but you say you want a Trek Domane - isn’t that a road bike? I’m confused so perhaps your husband was too.

Tell him. Life too short for the wrong bike.

I thought that @Seadragonusgiganticusmaximus, as I have a Trek Domane road bike, but I googled and they do a Domane hybrid.

I think partially where he went wrong was he’s got a traditional ‘hybrid bike’ whereas the Domane is still an out and out road bike that can handle some slightly rougher stuff. I had to learn with Xmas lists if people asked for what I would like that I had to be very specific and caveat with ‘or a donation towards’ or something totally different if it was not in their budget.

I’d sell on the bike and buy the one you want. Bike fits are so important especially if you are considering a reasonably sporting position of a road bike it will be nothing like a step through hybrid that will be very upright.

I agree that you should look out for the one you want, but if its been difficult without one, why not use this one as an interim plan until you find the one you want? See it as a temporary measure

When you say he got it from eBay, is it new or used?

Your point about trainers is a really good one to hit him with if he mumps.

Tell him that you’re taking his branded trainers back and getting him ones that look similar from George at Asda. When he freaks tell him it’s the same for bikes.

Thank you Ibiza. Just had a look on the website and couldn’t see it so perhaps the Domane hybrid has been discontinued.

To be fair to him, he bought something very similar to what you were going to buy yourself, so I can see why he might have thought he was doing the right thing in the absence of being able to source exactly what you wanted. I think try it out and see how you go.

When you’re able go out on it for a ride an d then when you get back say that it just didn’t suit you. Sell it on and get what you actually wanted.

@Seadragonusgiganticusmaximus

Thank you Ibiza. Just had a look on the website and couldn’t see it so perhaps the Domane hybrid has been discontinued.

There hasn't ever been a Domane hybrid per se. The trek hybrids are FX models.

Apologies bike people, the Domane is what I was originally looking at but decided I needed something more versatile and everyday use (& have an old but perfectly functional road bike I will continue to use). Yes I can see why DH therefore might have been confused but we'd had the conversation about me preferring a good quality 2nd hand over a cheap new and the type of brands I was looking at but he seems to have gone for cheap 2nd hand (but overpaid so probably thinks it's what I'm after!) .

And yes, of course it will do the job but I've been without an everyday bike for 3 months and would have bought myself something to tied me over had I know.

Do you have the budget though for what you want - its a lot more than a pair of trainers?

I agree that it's better to wait until you are better and give it a go. You may be surprised and actually like it. If you try it and don't like it, then it's fine to sell it on and buy a different one, but I think it's a bit unkind to decide it's not what you want without trying it especially as you have changes your mind a few times already.

@Doorawakens

Do you have the budget though for what you want - its a lot more than a pair of trainers?

We usually spend about £250 on each but not fixed. I bought DH a few other bits and spent c.£200 but last Xmas I bought him a phone so spent nearly £400 (and much less for birthday) and he knows there is similar flexibility both ways. I have seen quite a few decent 2nd hand bikes for around £300/350 albeit not my size or miles away so know they exist. I suspect I'm being a brand snob here and given my confusing/vague guidance may need to suck it up if it's ok IRL.