I just say “Hey, I’m thinking of getting a new bike”. then we make sure the budget is right, and when it is, I get the bike. No smoke and mirrors; no hiding; no guilt. I don’t buy a new bike every month, and that helps. I actually have to be more carefull with what I spend on baseball/football/hockey cards. Smaller expenses, but they happen more often. Luckily, she also likes to ride, so it is an easy sell in the end.