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Chap at my work wanted a new (to him) bike for minimal outlay around £250 or so. I went through what he needed it for, suggested a low cost hardtail from one of the big 4 and even took the time and trouble to find him a few nice examples from Specialized, Trek etc.
Today he had bought a cheaply framed hardcore jump bike complete with cast iron frame, chain device and a set of old bombers, he wonders if he made a mistake as he has now noticed that the bike isn't really suitable for long XC rides but as it had disc brakes and Marzocchi forks he felt it, and I quote, "had to be good".
Should I own him with the bombers?
You offered advice not an instruction. He chose to ignore it. Now it looks like he bought a bike based on inappropriate requirements. It looks like he would've been better off listening to you but you can't do much else. Don't worry yourself about it.
Frustrating, but the best thing you can do is say "told you so" and poke your tongue out.
Went through similar with someone at work. Explained that with their budget of £200 they should be looking for something fully rigid, basic v brakes and gears, and then hopefully the bike might work.
What did he get? A brand new full-sus with disk brakes and a shimano sticker on the down tube. Bike doesn't come with forklift required to move it.
My advice: never give advice!
Been there, tried it - unfortunately people always nod their heads & then go and do whatever they feel like anyway.
Spent ages going through the options with a mate for his £250ish budget, felt pretty safe that he would buy something ok. Went away on holiday and he'd bought an overpriced full-sus BSO when I got back 😆 Sad to say I did laugh and point out what a numpty he'd been. He still has it - though he's never been offroad on it.
I admit to being slighty baffled by people sometimes. Maybe he will get really good a dirt jumping who knows!
Your only moral responsibility is to give what you think is the correct advice, it's his life, he can choose to eff it up if he wants.