Living Car Free - How much is your bike worth?

Or your most often used bike if you have several?

I am not trying to find out who has got the biggest wallet, but am hoping it will help me solve a nice little problem. It is time for me to purchase a new cycle (now i've sold my only vehicle) and was going after something quite nice. The Specialized Tricross has caught my eye but then i began to wonder if i'd feel happy leaving that outside all the places i'll need to be visiting. Work is ok, because it will be in a secure car park, but supermarkets, martial arts class, etc would all mean the bike is left on the street (albeit locked up against something) and unless i'm going to carry around a heavy lock everywhere i am thinking it might not be such a good idea.

So what do you use everyday?

You should carry the heavy lock around everywhere. :)

I own bikes ranging in cost from $50 to $5,000. Usually I commute and run errands on my $50 bike, and I only lock it half of the time. Sometimes I'll use my cross bike for longer commutes, and I always lock that bike. I never take my expensive bikes around town, unless I can keep my eye on the bike the whole time I'm out.

I ride a rigid steel mountain bike (Specialized Hardrock). It probably cost only $400 when it was built. It was probably at least 5 years old when I bought it for $100, but it had never been ridden. Well, it's been ridden now, and you can tell that by looking at it. However, it still works as good as it did the day it was made, and it's a very good bike that serves me well. I have had tough guys say they want it, so it isn't theft-proof.

Unless you are into time trials and triathlons, you do not need to spend much on a bike. Say you look at three bikes: Bike A costs $500, Bike B costs $1000, and Bike C costs $2000. Is Bike B twice as good as Bike A? No, of course not. It's probably at most 20% better. And Bike C is probably less than 10% better than Bike B. It's all about diminishing returns and marginal utility, which are accepted economic principles.

Now is Bike A "good enough"? That's up to you to decide. Any of the three bikes is undoubtedly good enough for utility riding and transportation. They're all three also good enough for having fun as you ride them. Bike B will be a little smoother and faster, and maybe somewhat sturdier. Bike C will turn a lot of heads on your Saturday club ride, if you're into that kind of thing.

Yes, you have to worry more about an expensive bike getting stolen. That factor alone might decrease your happiness with the pricey bike.

As for my personal opinion...I hate to quote Lance Armstrong, but he was right: "It's not about the bike."

You should carry the heavy lock around everywhere. :)
I agree. If your bike is rideable it is worth at least the permitted mileage reimbursement charge of 44.5 cents per mile, probably more than that. If the bike has even 1000 miles of useability it is worth at least $445.00. Another way to look at the value is how many bus trips it can replace.

I don't advocate the ticket price of a bike so much as it's probable use in reality. I always buy either a used bike, or a simplier model of a new bike model range that reflects the riding style and the enviroment that I ride it in. The three bikes that I have now are either used previously or a basic simple new model of a make that is proven for long term use.

As for security, I use folding bikes that I take with me everwhere I go. If I can't do that, I don't take them on that trip. That works for me.

The bike I use for errands is worth about 7-800.

My current everyday commuting bike was free.

Before that, my commuter bike for a quarter century cost me some scrap wood that I had no use for.

My everyday commuter is a trek 7.2fx hybrid, got it about a month ago, it was about $400USD Still need to add fenders though. I think it depends where you live. In my area people tend to leave bikes right outside of their apartments or homes. I don't go that far though. If I lived in queens ny, where I grew up, then I would probably use something cheaper around town

My commuter is an old steel Giant road bike, single speed. Really that's all you need for getting anywhere. It's fast, it's smooth, it won't wear me out, and the whole setup only cost about 100 bucks. On another note: I will never commute on my 3k racing machine; really I'd only shave a few minutes off of a 20 minute ride; there's no need for extreme speed around town.

I own bikes ranging in cost from $50 to $5,000. Usually I commute and run errands on my $50 bike, and I only lock it half of the time. Sometimes I'll use my cross bike for longer commutes, and I always lock that bike. I never take my expensive bikes around town, unless I can keep my eye on the bike the whole time I'm out.

I think this is a good idea. Get a bike that is good to use around town, which won't hurt the wallet if it dissapears. Then get a nice bike that really goes, and ride it only for fun, so that the only time you are not riding it is when it is at home.

You should carry the heavy lock around everywhere. :)

If for no other reason than building the upper body parts many cyclists seem to neglect. :)

On topic:

Purchase price: $500
Accessories, big heavy lock, and other crap: another $500
Value to me: Priceless

I use my 20 year old road bike that costed $900.00 back in the days as a commuter. A 1986 Bianchi road bike upgraded for multipurpose riding.. Even though it is an old bike I still carry a 3 lbs chain to lock it where ever I go.

My bike was free, I've put less than $200 dollars into it over the last three years or so. Its value to me? Practically priceless, it is my main form of transportation, to get to work and back, the grocery store, the laundromat...

But I don't think that's what you're really looking for; sounds like you're asking not how much everyone's bikes are worth, but whether or not you should get an expensive bike - and the only drawback to you seems to be having to carry around a "heavy" lock. Even a log chain and a huge padlock wouldn't be all that heavy - unless you're a weight weenie, carry whatever it takes to secure your bike to your satisfaction, whether the bike cost nothing or $2000. I don't generally lock my bike up (after an initial period of nearly always doing so) because I live in a friendly small town. On the other hand, I do bring it inside every night, take it inside at work, and rarely leave it outside a store for very long. And now that the tourist season is getting into full swing here, I will likely lock it up more often until fall comes and the visitors clear out again. It is important to me not to lose it, because even though it's not worth a lot of money, as I said it's worth a lot to me, because I use it to get around and do everything.

My bike was purchased for $60 used on craigslist. The add-ons killed me, and is running upwards of $700 right now, including the assist kit.

I use a Krypto Evolution U-lock. I figured that not alot of thieves like the "granny" look of my bike. And that weird handlebar. Nobody likes those.

...mine ain't worth two dead flies, but it gets the job done.

most often used, I'm not sure on the exact price, since it's had so many changes done to it, but approx $2500

My other bike is about $1100.

Yeah, not exactly what you expect in a car-free/commuter type person...I just think of them as my two-wheeled pickup truck and corvette :)

Most expensive only cost me $300 back in 1997. Fuji Odessa rigid MTB.

The one that sees the most use was free on Freecycle. I've probably put about $150 into it since I bought it.

I lock it up with a heavy chain and this round lock...

My orginal commuter was a Raleigh Sports 3sp that I bought at a pawn shop for $35 in 1978...still have it:eek: :D It has been thru hell, I rode it daily for 6 years, my brother took it to college for 4 years, rode it pretty much daily. I got it back commuted on it for 3 more years. It now is in the shed waiting for some long overdue rebuilding. Next commuter was a Giant Iquana Mt bike, outfitted with slicks, fenders, racks and lights. Total cost $500 plus or minus, rode that one until it got stolen from my house, recovered it and rode it for 2 more years. Currently not commuting, but when that changes commuter most likely will be a Breezer.

Aaron:)

my daily bike now is my new Trek su100 aprox 400 orig my daily bike was going to be trek 839 singletrack mtb I found at pawn shop for $100 but proved to be just too big I was stretched way too much to the handlebars so got a new Trek 7200 hybrid for $400 -- still have that one use it on rainy days as it has fenders, etc. I am happy with both bikes and only took short while to save up the funds. I lock both bikes everywhere I go.

...mine ain't worth two dead flies, but it gets the job done.
You are so right, Nameless One.


:beer:

oops that should read trek 930 singletrack

Thanks for the replies.

After considering what everyone has said, I don't think i'll bother with the Tricross. Will keep my eyes peeled for a second-hand road bike for the longer rides instead.

25 year old schwinn world sport converted to singlespeed/fixed, paid $100 for it and it sees about 13,000 miles a year of messenger work/car free living

had it 3 years, gone thru 2 wheel sets, several pairs tires, 4 chains, 1 bar tape, it just got its second saddle, and about 5 pairs of brake shoes for its front brake

some hints Ive learned riding for a living:
if your afraid of hurting it or riding it in bad weather its the wrong bike
if your gonna be upset if its gets stolen, its the wrong bike
locking up is easy, carry a mini U-lock and stick it in your back pocket
if your counting on race bike parts to last a long time and be maintenance free---dont
the more complicated it is the more trouble it will be

in the end, its just a bike, its a tool to do a job

My Hardrock was $360 or so in 2001. I want to get a 2nd bike when I have the loot together, I wanna drop like $750-$1200 on the next one, just to see what the diffrence in the ride is.

my only bike atm is an 86 Centurion. I bought it off ebay for $175 with shipping. I have since added lights, fenders, a rack, replaced the cranks, replaced the BB, replaced the cassette, rebuilt the wheels, rewrapped the bars twice, etc. I think I have about $500 in it now.

Excuse the OT post, but pedex - can you PM me re: your work? Looks like I can't PM or email you.

From the stories that I read, there is no lock made that will even slowdown a pro; an 18V battery powered handtool will take out any lock I've ever seen. I own A, B, C, and even more expensive bikes, but the only thing that I would leave for more than thirty minutes in a public setting locked or otherwise is my $25 POS 15 yr old department store special. It would be too upsetting to lose any of my other rides to some scumbag. The POS has proven to be so much of a hassle to keep running given the number of miles that I put on it that I recently purchased a folder; it's going to go everywhere with me.

I leave mine locked up all over in columbus w/o a problem. When im working its not uncommon in many places to freelock it and leave it unattended. Its locked up outside right now, have a police chopper doing circles overhead and I can go down the block and buy a variety of drugs LOL, never had a problem. Some places bike theft is a big problem, many it isnt at all.

Some places bike theft is a big problem, many it isnt at all.


+1
I used to live in queens NY, and there I had to be very careful. People with cars don't leave anything of value in sight. My Mom's hubcaps would always get stolen, how sad is that? Now I live in north carolina, and people always leave stuff on their seats. So I'm not as afraid to leave my bike locked up for a little while.

I leave mine locked up all over in columbus w/o a problem. When im working its not uncommon in many places to freelock it and leave it unattended. Its locked up outside right now, have a police chopper doing circles overhead and I can go down the block and buy a variety of drugs LOL, never had a problem. Some places bike theft is a big problem, many it isnt at all.
Some places have different kinds of theft too. In East Lansing, by the campus, they steal locked bikes and even a good lock might not stop them. And vandalism of locked bikes is a big problem there (stoved in wheels usually). If you want to keep your bike, it's best to take it inside and lock it. A couple miles away in Lansing it's mostly people riding off with unlocked bikes, and you might even find your bike again if your lucky. Even a cheap lock will usually be enough to stop them, and I don't hesitate to leave my bike locked just about anywhere.

I've got a 531 Falcon tourer from the 70's, which I got for nothing from Freecycle. So far I've spent $20 on a set of panniers. I'm thinking about new bar tape too, but I don't wanna get carried away....

Anyway, I lock it with a U-lock and a cable lock whenever I need it. All my bikes were cheap - even my real nice roadie was $30 off Ebay (another vintage machine), but I lock em all up. Only time I don't have my locks is if I'm just on a pleasure ride, and I won't be stopping.

My bike was purchased for $60 used on craigslist. The add-ons killed me, and is running upwards of $700 right now, including the assist kit.

I use a Krypto Evolution U-lock. I figured that not alot of thieves like the "granny" look of my bike. And that weird handlebar. Nobody likes those.
Nice pics! Looks like you're using those Wald folding side-baskets. I had them on the back of a hybrid bike too, loved them.... exactly the size of a paper grocery bag. :) Your electric kit is all bagged up.... is that to disguise it from thieves, or from the police? Some states/provinces are stricter than others about enforcing moped licenses.

I use a fairly inexpensive folding bike. It cost me less than $250 new, and I mostly take it wherever I can. It's gone into the grocery store with me, fit (rather awkwardly) into the shopping cart. Things I do for security:

-bring it with me whenever possible

-When I can't bring it inside, I lock it up (of course). Even if it'll be in sight, I fold over the handlebars, it's a visual discouragement to would-be thieves (How will I steer the thing?)

-If I have to leave it outside more than a couple of minutes or out of sight, I fold it up completely and THEN lock it, cable through both tires.

-This is a good one, I really like it: I upgraded the pedals to MKS EZY quick-release ones. They come off the cranks without tools, in all of one second. This leaves the bike in a condition that's not only more compact (better for folding/carrying inside), but virtually un-rideable even if the cable got cut. The thief would have to carry my bike away, which isn't impossible but makes them much slower and more conspicuous. Pics and more details HERE (http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=194646)

For what it's worth, I'll also point you to an article I read by another BF member, v1nce. Haven't seen him on the forums in a few months, but I really enjoyed it.

http://www.rhizomes.nl/ultimatebike.html

I had a car that died in November, and planned to replace it. I never got around to shopping for another.
I have three bicycles, none in working condition. My Raleigh 3 speed was stolen last year, and I am still heartbroken.

Now that I've finally made up my mind to NOT buy a car, I feel like I can justify buying a new bike. But my most expensive bike as an adult was $80.00.

I wish I could get thrilled about the bikes I have, but I'm just not.

Mary

I had a car that died in November, and planned to replace it. I never got around to shopping for another.
I have three bicycles, none in working condition. My Raleigh 3 speed was stolen last year, and I am still heartbroken.

Now that I've finally made up my mind to NOT buy a car, I feel like I can justify buying a new bike. But my most expensive bike as an adult was $80.00.

I wish I could get thrilled about the bikes I have, but I'm just not.

Mary


If you spend lots of money on a nice bike, because it will be your main transprtation, maybe it will re-enforce your comitment to a car(e) free lifestyle.

My daily commuter is a cannondale R600 which I paid $1600 CDN for new 3 yrs ago. I don't have to lock it at work and I leave it in a bike locker at the train station between commutes.

My urban assault bike is a schwinn moab disc I got for $600USD new 4 or 5 yrs ago. I use a kryptonite nyc lock to secure it when I am about town running errands. I had it stolen once when I used a cable lock even though I was only 8ft away eating at the time.

My mtn bike a rocky mtn instinct was $3500 CDN new and never gets locked anywhere and is stored inside. Based on how much it gets used it is my worst value bike, but it is a lot of fun when I do ride it.

I am building up a surly LHT which will cost me $3000 CDN by the time I am done.

I use my 20 year old road bike that costed $900.00 back in the days as a commuter. A 1986 Bianchi road bike upgraded for multipurpose riding.. Even though it is an old bike I still carry a 3 lbs chain to lock it where ever I go.

VERY cool bike.:beer: :beer:

I have a Cannondale F900 which I think was about 2,000 dollars. it has never had a lock on it. I am going to use it for a commute. I will carry it up one flight of stairs and put it in my office. (I am the president - no carpet - ain't much of an office either. ;-) ) It is about 7 years old I think.

I originally bought it for trail riding, it has a lots of miles on it - I don't really do agressive single track, but I love jeep trails, which is a good thing since that is what the roads are like down here often.

Given the abuse of the roads - I am glad it is a very good hardtail, but I suspect I could function with one about 100 dollars - after all, most people do down here - but I am older (47) and deserve the handicap! ;-)

My daily commuter is a Trek 820 Single Track Series. It's a huge steel tank (imo) and rides incredibly smooth. I had been riding a Dept store road bike that was too small for me and had series shifting issues no matter how much I worked on it. I picked up the 820 for $189 on sale new from a LBS. Since getting it I've added on bar ends, bottle cages, frame pump, lights, clipless pedals, and a snap on rear fender for those rainy days. I've probably spent around $400-500 all together on the bike but I'm more than happy with it's comfortable sitting position and smooth ride.

Hmm, the bike by itself or the bike how I have it now??? I bought a $600 Specialized Sirrus last year and have added a rack, trunk, panniers, seat bag (depending on what I am doing determines which bags I have mounted), computer, pump, etc... I've probably spent about $800-900 easy on it. But then I have no car and it is my primary transportation other than my feet...

Well, when I bought the bike it was about $700, that was in 2004, now in 2006, I (and family) have put in about $6300 to $7500 more. Stuff like lights (2 NiteRider Systems), pumps, locks, new chains and componds, other upgrades, trailers, racks, painners, and many more. I am car-free, and a college student, so lots of money goes for repairs, I am a little hard on my bike. But its a car-free, communter, tourer, do anything bike. But most of the money is like $10 or $20 there, only 4 major upgrades that cost me over $500. I love my bike and I take good care of it. To replace the bike would be a lot less, I would know what not to buy because its going to fail.
Good Luck,
Super Geek