General Cycling Discussion - Who pays for your cycling?

Who's the one with the money?

I have to save up for new bike, pedals, shoes etc but replacement parts Mum and dad fork out for...(I'm 17) or if I want a decent helmet (which I got) I have to pay for it, because I already had one that worked (was hot though)

Brendon

None of my toys go on a cc or savings account or a check.I save on the side and use it for my toys including cycling.She would'nt understand the price of my stuff either as i only buy on sale,open box or last years model or whatever.

I try to save but most ends up on the charge card. I love to see a big bill every month. Yea right!

My father used to tell me I could have anything I want....... as long as I get a job and pay for it myself. Seventeen is a heck of an age. I'd never want to be there again. Now is the time to get your act together and really learn what it means to earn your keep. The earlier you can learn to control your finance, the better off you will be. Here's a hint. Always strive to live BELOW your means. Bring in more then you spend. Master that, get an education and apply what you have learned. You will never have to worry about bike parts again, or anything else for that matter.
Best of luck young man.

Jim

My husband & I both work full-time. He has a serious CD habit, and lots of computing toys. He was actually relieved when I got an expensive hobby. Now he doesn't have to feel guilty about his hobby spending. We both limit our hobby spending to fairly reasonable amounts, because we do look at each others credit card statements when we pay the bills monthly.

I've been unemployed since 28 March 2003, so my wife :love: and my unemployment checks pay for my cycling needs.
Er...wait...my unemployment checks stopped last week.
My wife now pays for my cycling needs.


If I could get a job I could pay for my own stuff (f**king age discrimination :crash: ).

My fiance' pays the household bills with his income. My paychecks go toward toys: Bikes, trips, dinners, movies, etc. We live cheap and play hard.

I'm 17 as well and pay for all my stuff as well, save for the helmet because I had cracked my other one. Yeah, right now I'm in a bit of a pickle with money since I need to upgrade this computer for college and would like to buy a rather expensive bike (and hopefully do both without dipping into my bank account which will probably be needed to get me on my feet after college). And since school sports prevent me from getting a job it kinda sucks, but meh, as long as I'm riding :D

Either me or the wife.

I recently heard about a program in the local school system where students can recieve grants for certain outside-of-school activities like music and sports. I knew of one guy that was hopeful to get money for cycling. Basically, it sounded like a program to drag kids away from the Playstation, and get them outside. Seemed like a pretty good idea. Anyone know of similar programs?

My :love:WONDERFUL:love: mother and sometimes me :p

NZL, this forum once took a poll to see what the average rider reading these forums age was and if my memory serves me correctly it was around 42-55! That being said, the average rider here (such as myself) pays for their own bikes, parts and repairs by working for a living. That's why for me I don't go crazy, because as with any hobby it can become a money pit.

Believe it or not you can get a el-cheapo helmet from Wallyworld and pay $25 VS buying a bike shop boutique model for $150 and they all have to pass the same US federal safety standards called the CPSC certification. So what's the diff between the two extremes? vents, but mostly the "cool factor"! You can buy exotic racing tires that cost $50 each or spend $30 each, the diff is the $50 tire will handle better and be lighter, but it will also wear much faster and get more flats, the $30 tire will weigh more handle good enough for most people, last a lot longer and less susceptable to flats.

So my advice to you is to get a part time job and pay for your hobby, but only buy the level of parts your going to be at, in other words if your already racing in clubs and want to go pro then you will need to get a higher lever of parts; if on the other hand your just doing this as a hobby and occasionally race in some local events then settle for something about middle of the road or less.

But that's just my 2 cents and these days 2 cents ain't worth much!

I pay for whatever I need myself.

already racing in clubs and want to go pro then you will need to get a higher lever of parts That is me!

And I do go for the better tyres, I find the Michelin Pro Race actually lasts twice as long as the ones half the price....so work out the same value!

You can only get the decent helmets at bike shops here, but I needed it because when it came to push this summer I was overheating, and the old cheaper helmet hung too low on the forehead and I had trouble seeing.

Brendon

Man, I WISH I had someone to pay for my bicycling costs. That would be great.

But, I pay for it all myself!

I tend to buy cheaply. I watch the Nashbar and other ads and ebay and get most of my stuff there. My wife claims I am famous for getting "good deals" and pinching a penny till it screams!

The key to financial stability:

Always strive to live BELOW your means.

I was poor my entire life until I graduated from college. I then said to myself that I'd never live like that again.

My entire paycheck is budgeted on a percentage basis. My household expenses (rent, utilites, food etc.) is to be no more than 25%, car expenses (payment, insurance, gas etc.) no more than 25%, throw in my student loan and that leaves a significant % remaining.

I stress to the students I train in my field not to go out and buy a new car for at least a year. As much as they'd like to treat to themselves for all the hard they did its more financialy rewarding to put off the purchase and get on solid financial ground.

My % budget works for me and it allows for the toys......

Hi,
I typically throw $20 bucks a week at my bike shop. This comes out of my paycheck. I am currently paying on pedals for the wife, shoes for my Sis, and upgrades on my bike. Got a new saddle a couple days ago; because it was the Xmas season, I paid $10 a week for it. Slow and steady is the key.

NZL, this forum once took a poll to see what the average rider reading these forums age was and if my memory serves me correctly it was around 42-55! That being said, the average rider here (such as myself) pays for their own bikes, parts and repairs by working for a living. That's why for me I don't go crazy, because as with any hobby it can become a money pit.

Believe it or not you can get a el-cheapo helmet from Wallyworld and pay $25 VS buying a bike shop boutique model for $150 and they all have to pass the same US federal safety standards called the CPSC certification. So what's the diff between the two extremes? vents, but mostly the "cool factor"! You can buy exotic racing tires that cost $50 each or spend $30 each, the diff is the $50 tire will handle better and be lighter, but it will also wear much faster and get more flats, the $30 tire will weigh more handle good enough for most people, last a lot longer and less susceptable to flats.

So my advice to you is to get a part time job and pay for your hobby, but only buy the level of parts your going to be at, in other words if your already racing in clubs and want to go pro then you will need to get a higher lever of parts; if on the other hand your just doing this as a hobby and occasionally race in some local events then settle for something about middle of the road or less.

But that's just my 2 cents and these days 2 cents ain't worth much!
Kinda bs-You can get that $150 helmet for 75 bucks at the year end sales.You can buy those exotic racing tires,what those are on biketiresdirect for 35-40 bucks.You can get top stuff at less then full price if u shop smart and at the right times,imo.

I'm 49, crazy, self-employed, and pay for my own toys. Wife pays for her collection of shoes.

George

My credit card LOVES buying me bikes!

I take the money from the petty cash drawer at work.




















Just kidding!

Q: Who pays for your cycling?


A: I am also 17, and pay for almost all of it. When I moved to where I am now, my parents bought me an expensive bike (the klein mp 99). I dont remember how much they payed and how much I payed for the bike, but the main thing was they bought it for me and I payed them back. I then took out one more loan for a specialized P3, and then got a job at a bikeshop. Now I usually pay for everything myself, but my parents will help me out with most anything. Working at a shop has made my mountain biking career possible, if not for the job I would probably be clueless as to every mechanical aspect of bikes, and would be riding out dated equipment.

I take the money from the petty cash drawer at work.

Just kidding!

Well, my computer shop pays my bills and everything else...

Although I don't ;) get the petty cash.. I do take from the cash drawer when I want to buy something.....

I call it miscellaneous costs. :D
It adds up to the total expenses... This way, I pay lesser tax. :D
And... the book keeper understands..

And I'm not kidding... ;)

Well, my computer shop pays my bills and everything else...

Although I don't ;) get the petty cash.. I do take from the cash drawer when I want to buy something.....

I call it miscellaneous costs. :D
It adds up to the total expenses... This way, I pay lesser tax. :D
And... the book keeper understands..

And I'm not kidding... ;)

Yep, its tax season again ;)

No reason we can't exploit loopholes like the big boys, eh?

Yep, its tax season again ;)

No reason we can't exploit loopholes like the big boys, eh?

What can I say, everyones doing it, why shouldn't we.. :D

At 15 I was working part time weekends in the familly buisness , then if I wanted something I had to save or sometimes borrow from my Dad and repay it - a good lesson to learn ; live within your limits , and ALWAYS have a bit aside for a rainy day , because when it rains it pours .

I pay for it myself. I find it much easier to explain to myself why I need those expensive parts etc. But there s a flipside so all this - I sometimes lie to my wife about how much it all costs me :p

Ever hear the term, "Sugar Daddy"

Ever hear the term, "Sugar Daddy"

Where can I find one of those?

;)

I ignore my husband's motorcycle modification habit, and he ignores my bicycle upgrade habit.

Ignorance is bliss in this house! :D

The insurance company of the guy who hit me last.

At the end of every season, usually October or November, I get hit by a car. It's amazing how easy it is to take advantage of the opportunities that you would swerve to avoid in June or July. Just make sure that the police show up and file a report, and especially make sure that the driver gets a ticket for a moving violation, this might take a bit of acting.

Never been hurt, never keep a bike longer than a year. This fall I switched from a TCR 1 alloy to a TCR Composite.

They also have to replace your helmet, there only good for one fall. And usually I can get a new pair of shorts, jersey, and whatever else I happen to need.

Once you get a set of x-rays and complain about soft tissue damage they will do anything to get a personal injuries waiver. I have gotten a replacement value cheque in less than 36 hours by signing quickly.

My bike store loves me because I pay full price and as a result give me great service during the season.

I have done this for the past five years, works like a charm.

So to all you careless drivers, happy motoring and thanks for the bikes.

The insurance company of the guy who hit me last.

At the end of every season, usually October or November, I get hit by a car. It's amazing how easy it is to take advantage of the opportunities that you would swerve to avoid in June or July. Just make sure that the police show up and file a report, and especially make sure that the driver gets a ticket for a moving violation, this might take a bit of acting.



Thats really nice, good insurance fraud racket you've got running.
I particularly like the part about opportunities. consider yourself
lucky you haven't gotten hurt. I also think its only a matter of time
before you rightfully get prosecuted when the insurance companies
begin to see multiple payouts to you.
really gives cyclists a good name eh?

No racket. I have never CAUSED an accident.

If a driver puts me in the position where I have to take defensive and evasive measures then that driver is obviously not in full control of their vehicle. That would put the driver at fault. The fact that I might have been able to avoid the incident makes no difference. The driver should not put me in that position.

The police recognize the driver's responsibility to control the car. The insurance company has assumed the liability for any damages that might arise from the insured's use, or improper use, of the vehicle.

At the end of every season, usually October or November, I get hit by a car. It's amazing how easy it is.......

I don't know him but there's a guy in our group training ride that seems to go through similar incidents as you describe. It's funny, it only happens to him and no one else while we're all riding together. He seems like an angry individual who seems to enjoy confronting motorists.

George

I pay for my own stuff, but my needs are fairly modest. I buy a new set of tyres and a new drivetrain once a year typically. The only extras I have are to replace a wheel occasionally when I taco it in some altercation in traffic. I tend not to buy bike stuff I don't need or wont get significant use out of. All my frivolous spending goes on Lego.

The fact that I might have been able to avoid the incident makes no difference.

Actually it does. I'm not aware of what the exact rules are in your area, but here there is a responsibility put on all road users to do everything in their power to avoid a collision, whether they're in the wrong or not. If an insurer could show that you could have avoided the collision, but didn't, you could be s.o.l. or at least held partially responsible.

Either way, it's a risky game you're playing. You might not always walk away from one of these crashes. I'd also be careful who you boast to about it. But hey, it's your skin. Let your own conscience be your guide.

Unfortunately I pay for ALL of mine and my sons, he is 11 and I will pay for his things until he is 16 and can legally get a job, he can then pay for his own gear, tho i may help every now and then , plus Christmas and Birthdays etc so he doesnt lose interest.
But since I do pay for my own gear, I like the expensive things, all of my jerseys are team bianchi, all of my bibs are team bianchi except one, all of my socks clothing even my helmet are team bianchi, my bike tune ups and upgrades i pay for also, I just search and find things on ebay you can get great deals for "NEW" gear there and most sellers accept money orders. (they are fools if they dont)
But like I said there are lots of great cycling clothing, gropos and even bikes for alot less on the internet.. :D

The hard working citizens of Pasco County pay for all my hobbies. i.e. Bianchi_Rider. LOL, thanks Matt for your vicarious support!

No racket. I have never CAUSED an accident.

If a driver puts me in the position where I have to take defensive and evasive measures then that driver is obviously not in full control of their vehicle. That would put the driver at fault. The fact that I might have been able to avoid the incident makes no difference. The driver should not put me in that position.

The police recognize the driver's responsibility to control the car. The insurance company has assumed the liability for any damages that might arise from the insured's use, or improper use, of the vehicle.

Around here, the person who had the last chance to avoid the incident is typically at fault.

The insurance company is not paying for your biking. I and all other buyers of insurance are paying for it. Our premiums are increased because of your actions.

Knock it off. I already pay enough. And, WHEN you are seriously injured, I will have to pay for that, also.

The hard working citizens of Pasco County pay for all my hobbies. i.e. Bianchi_Rider. LOL, thanks Matt for your vicarious support!
LOL, no problem there Mr Smokey Bear. :D
Fortunately I havent been pulled over since I moved to Florida, Now my wife on the other hand did and it only cost $40.00
I did pay for that one, guess that was the day you guys at the S.O. had donuts on me LOL
My taxes dont seem to go towards the S.O. they seem to go more towards the schools in this County.
I dont know why or see where but according to the media and news papers the schools get it all, maybe you should be one of those S.O. guys thats works in the school trooper, i bet you would get a raise LOL
be safe

Unfortunately I pay for ALL of mine and my sons, he is 11 and I will pay for his things until he is 16 and can legally get a job, he can then pay for his own gear, tho i may help every now and then , plus Christmas and Birthdays etc so he doesnt lose interest.
But since I do pay for my own gear, I like the expensive things, all of my jerseys are team bianchi, all of my bibs are team bianchi except one, all of my socks clothing even my helmet are team bianchi, my bike tune ups and upgrades i pay for also, I just search and find things on ebay you can get great deals for "NEW" gear there and most sellers accept money orders. (they are fools if they dont)
But like I said there are lots of great cycling clothing, gropos and even bikes for alot less on the internet.. :D
"REVISED"
"REVISED": I guess I pay for Super Troopers gear as well, so I am now a part owner in his Sweet Bianchi :D
Think I may pick that bike up this weekend and take it for a nice long ride :D

Well this season its all reperations for getting hit by a Lexus (I hate to say this but considering the damage I took and the money I got, I came out on top). Previous years (like 16-18) were spent working at least 40 hours a week over the summer doing as many jobs as possible then riding till dark.

Good for you 'pinky'. Also, very good choice. The Lexus drivers are almost always well insured and eager to make restitution for the accidents.

Next year chose a dream bike at the beginning of the season and keep your eyes open for the oppotunities.

I already want to move up to the T-Mobile Team Replica composite bike and my bike has only been on the trainer so far. Luckily they will not relase the bike until the end of the season, so that when I'll be looking for another 'opportunity' to upgrade.

Ewitz,

someone should track you down and nail you for
insurance fraud. And yes you did cause the accidents,
you've as much as admitted that here.
You are nothing more than a thief with an unusual angle.

He cant be serious, if he is and writing it here he is stupid as hell.

An unusual angle and a really nice new bike.

Can't forget that new bike part.

By the way, nothing is fraudulent. The insurance company always asks for the receipts from the bike that they are replacing, I make sure to let them know that it was bought through a prior at fault insurance claim. I make no bones about it. They assume the liabilty. The police assign the fault by charging the driver.

I am merely the benefactor of the unfortunately bad driving habits of drivers around cyclists.

I drive a car. I pay insurance. I make sure that I don't cut off cyclists, or other drivers , for that matter. I am aware of what is going on around me when I am driving and make sure that everyone gets home safely.

Perhaps the fault really does lie with the driver. If they were in less of a rush and were watching what they were doing I would not be upgrading on an annual basis.

It is one thing to throw yourself in front of a moving vehicle it is completely different to be a less than defensive cyclist.

A fine line? Maybe but it is one that I can walk with a clear conscience.

Have you ever thought about that.

ewitz man sounds like you've taken one too many to the head. Having been hit, I never want to have it happen again.

Maybe. If that's the case I'll take the room next to Pantani please.

"REVISED"
"REVISED": I guess I pay for Super Troopers gear as well, so I am now a part owner in his Sweet Bianchi :D
Think I may pick that bike up this weekend and take it for a nice long ride :D


Nope...I just got a call from the shop owner, and he has yet to get the Money orders as of 1245 this afternoon. His shipments go out at noon. I looked up the Envelope I sent and according to the ups website they went out at 0621 this morning but weren't delivered yet. So he said he will schedule shipment for friday. He said he would call me back to confirm that with me....hopefully he is shipping it next day.

By the way, nothing is fraudulent.
I am merely the benefactor of the unfortunately bad driving habits of drivers around cyclists.
A fine line? Maybe but it is one that I can walk with a clear conscience.

I primarily ride in the ghettos of Los Angeles and most drivers for the most part are uninsured. From your experience, what or which kinds of vehicles shall I target? Thanks..

George