General Cycling Discussion - biking and wallets

Did you guys notice that when you became really interested in biking that your wallets got much thinner.

I noticed that a few days ago that I have a lot less money when I started getting really into biking. Like im trying to save for a new computer here and I keep blowing it all on my bike.

thats the beauty in cycling:D :D

At first I thught you were going to talk about how we tend to keep our wallets as empty of superfluous junk as possible, to save weight and make them easier to carry!

I don't know how expensive it's been for me to be a cyclist, but maybe that's just because as a bike commuter I save so much money on conventional commuting expenses.

And I used to buy a lot more computer games and other home entertainment items than I do now. It evens out.

Of course, I spend a lot more money on food! :beer:

RichC

Yeah i found that too! I wanted a new pda, but once that money was in my hands; i went right for the lbs!

Jared

I used to spend all my money on auto related accessories. Then I found cycling, and have since spent not a dime on that hobby, and far too much on this one. Everyone around me can't comprehend how much I've actually spent, and thinks I've gone crazy. You guys are the only ones that understand :(

:)

Originally posted by WorldIRC
Like im trying to save for a new computer here and I keep blowing it all on my bike.

At least you have your priorities straight.

hey, I just had a flash,
Jared, wanna buy my PDA?

(then I can get that crank Im itching for.... :))

im 16 in october so my dad stil believes he has control over my money flow.. he thinks my road bike shouldnt cost more than $300 CDN.. He just doesnt understand.

my boss understands though.

I go with all of that. A few months back I finished a big-time upgrade on my home PC and rebuilt it using new of everything. Then my wife whispered something about making our marriage even better by going riding off-road.:D

Litte did she know what she had said. It proves you must be careful about what seeds you broadcast in your wallet.

Now guys, you're looking at it the wrong way.

Buy some classic steel frames, fit quality components, and you won't want to keep spending. Only replace things when they wear out.

*Thinks* "Hmmmm I've just sent one of my frames for a refurbishment which will cost £170, and then I'll need new wheels, chainset, brakes and cassete. And a new bottle cage for the new braze ons, new guards, a lowrider for the added braze ons there. i might as well get a new saddle. And there was that Flying Scot frame in the small adds the other night. It would be nice to have another pure road bike."

On second thoughts. As you were guys, I totally agree with you. :)

As soon as you get the component or cycling accessory that you really, really needed, another need comes along. The sport can caost a fortune if you let it. It's great though, there's nothing like new shiney bike things.

I misread this one too. I was thinking of a literal wallet. On a slightly different note, I have started carrying a little cash, some id, and a debit card when I am out on the bike.

I cycle to save money. Commuting to work on a bicycle is much cheaper than commuting in a car. I've bought a few accessories to make the commute more pleasant but that's far cheaper than the cost of gasoline alone.

I misread this one too. I was thinking of a literal wallet. On a slightly different note, I have started carrying a little cash, some id, and a debit card when I am out on the bike.

Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Heard that one before! Take a little cash on the ride just in case you have an emergency, like passing a bike shop on the trail, or perhaps being accosted by a leprachaun in Ireland, "Now den, be a good fella and give me your cash, and I'll be letting you have this shiny thing for your bike." Sounds familiar, eh?:D

I commute, but since this is my first year, I think I spent more on upgrades, equipment, repairs, Gatorade and energy bars than I saved in gas. Still wouldn't trade, though!

I have 3 bikes (road, MTB and touring) and it NEVER stops. There is ALWAYS something to buy.

Ah well, everyone gotta have a hobby, some people buy cigs and booze which is like either setting your money and fire or flushing it down the toilet.

At least with cycling ya got stuff!

Originally posted by Inkwolf
I commute, but since this is my first year, I think I spent more on upgrades, equipment, repairs, Gatorade and energy bars than I saved in gas. Still wouldn't trade, though!

In downtown Philadelphia, you're lucky if you can park a car for $120 a month. Plus gas and car maintenance... I could buy a new bike every year and still be ahead of the game.

From where I live, a 10-trip train ticket is $42.50. The economy of cycling -- even with maintenance, clothes, accessories, and even the occasional new bike -- is inarguable. Not to mention the savings on gym membership.

RichC

Originally posted by Rich Clark


I could buy a new bike every year and still be ahead of the game.

RichC

I hear you. When I went to the LBS to get some upgrades for commuting, the total came out to about $80. My wife gave me a dirty look so I told her I could probably buy a $2k bike and still come out cheaper than driving to work all year.

Yow. Well, in the small town where I work, parking is free, there are no traffic jams, the only train track is likely to be converted to a trail next year or so, and there's probably next to no car theft/vandalism.

I figure biking is my contribution to keeping it that way. :D

My wife gave me a dirty look...

Darn! Why do they do that?:)

In the case of my wife, it's ammunition for her next shopping spree. Shoes are like crack to her.

In the case of my wife, it's ammunition for her next shopping spree. Shoes are like crack to her.

I know what you mean. Last weekend, I bought a set of the Master Lock Street Cuffs for the bikes (that's my excuse anyway).:D

She complained why spend all that money on something that will never get used once. Fair point. I hope never to have to use them, but I'll take them with us when we go on day rides and if we want to go indoors to a cafe or pub lunch. What she forgot (conveniently) is that she'd spent about the same in the last two weeks on novels that she will read only once and throw away. Can't understand her, after all these years...:D

Hey, wait a minute, what's wrong with booze?

The best thing about cycling is that, not only do you get stuff, but you also get great legs, the ability to inhale food, and the best toys for small kids ever to be found -- blinkies.

Originally posted by JDP
In the case of my wife, it's ammunition for her next shopping spree. Shoes are like crack to her.

hahahahaha....you are soo right my friend. I am lucky and happy that I am not married and sharing money, cuz (1) she'd never let me spend so much on cycling accessories, and (2) I'd be broke from her spending.

Think of it this way... At least you know where your money is going, where it has gone, and where it will go, and there are no surprises. And you can get rid of it before the goverment takes some. So spending it on your bike will take the confusion and worries away from money, you will have nothing to worry about, and a cool bike to show for it. Can it get any better?

Originally posted by Guillermo


hahahahaha....you are soo right my friend. I am lucky and happy that I am not married and sharing money, cuz (1) she'd never let me spend so much on cycling accessories, and (2) I'd be broke from her spending.

Well, in her defense I make it sound worse than it really is. Disclaimer: The internet has a tendency to encourage exaggeration. Actually, I spend more on my various "toys" than she does on shopping. I wouldn't trade her for all the money in the world.

My wife knows that for safety I wear my medic alert necklace and carry a debit card, my driver lisence and of course, the house keys. The fact that my LBS is on my normal road route AND that they accept my debit card is not discussed.

The house keys come in handy though. My wife always locks the doors when she goes shopping:p

Carl

I've got it really bad, my wife keeps sending me
links to things she wants for HER bikes. I'm spending
so much on her my poor rides are beginning to feel
neglected.
Of course it was my idea to buy her a 27 year old
Eisentraut which needs to be refurbished. . .

Marty

Originally posted by Bokkie

Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Heard that one before! Take a little cash on the ride just in case you have an emergency, like passing a bike shop on the trail, or perhaps being accosted by a leprachaun in Ireland, "Now den, be a good fella and give me your cash, and I'll be letting you have this shiny thing for your bike." Sounds familiar, eh?:D

I too misread the subject. I also thought it was a discussion on what to do with your wallet during a ride and essential items you should carry with you. I have started trimming down the things I take with me to bare essentials and as such have simply kept a "dual-wallet". My wallet has one of those pull-out sections that has my driver's license, a couple of credit cards, insurance card, a little bit of emergency cash ($20) and a "valet key" tucked in for those times I'm out MTBing and have driven to the trailhead. So before a ride, I simply pull the insert out of my wallet, shove it in my jersey and go.

As for lightening the wallet by other means, all I can say is that if I'm out riding and pass a bike shop, it's a good thing I would find it inconvenient to attempt to carry another bike home strapped to my back while riding my current bike. |8^) When I drive past the shop with my wife, she always seems to try and distract me from noticing where we are.

I hear you JDP;

My wife is always kidding with me about all the points she is gathering up whenever I go on day rides while she stays home with the kids, Well she is cashing in because next weekend she and her two friends are going on a 3 day Shopping trip at the Outlet malls and I stay with the Kids. I don't have a problem staying home with the kids but there goes my new Cyclocross Bike I was itching to get this fall. :( :(

Dang, it must be something in the water. My wife is from Kennesaw.

Wives. Wonderful creations. Let's raise our glasses and bikes to them.
:beer:
:beer:

"where's my wallet?," oscar
" mama must have hide it " Miguel (my 4 year ol son)