Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Pricey Hobby/Sport

So I'm starting to get into it now.

With appropriate clothing, footware (had to replace my old road shoes for being too small), bottle and just upgrades to the bike, I'm already ~$500 + the cost of my bike ($450) into this.

I know it's worth it, I just hope I'm getting the right items.

Things like:

QTY Product Name Item# Size Color Price Total

1 Sports Instruments Pro 9 Hrm - - - $34.95 $34.95
1 Cateye HL-EL510 Headlight $24.95 $24.95
1 Ascent Kickstand $4.95 $4.95
1 Nashbar Deluxe Cork Tape K $6.49 $6.49
2 Zefal Flip-Top Tag Water Bottle-24 oz. $4.99 $9.98
2 Continental Contact City/Trekking Tire 700X37 $24.99 $49.98
1 Nashbar Gel Handlebar Pads $6.49 $6.49
1 Time Atac Alium Mountain Pedal - - - $64.99 $64.99
1 E3 F11c Cycle Computer w/Cadence - - - $22.49 $22.49
1 Nashbar Deluxe Cork Tape B $6.49 $6.49
1 Nashbar Trekking ATB/Hybrid Handlebar $13.99 $13.99
1 Shimano America MT70 Mountain Bike Shoe - Men's, 48 $65.00 $65.00
3 Forté Terra Lite Aluminum Cage / BLK $3.59 $10.77
1 Pedro’s Tire Levers / YEL $3.59 $3.59
1 TransIt 125 Expanding Wedge Bag / BLK $8.99 $8.99
1 E3 e-Tool Mini Multi-Tool $6.29 $6.29
3 Forté Road Tube - Schrader 700 x 35-38-Buy 3 and Save! $9.42 $9.42


Not counting 2 jerseys and 2 MTB loose-fitting shorts from aerotech design (which was about $150). I also got a used magnetic resistance trainer for when I can't go outside (got it dirt dirt cheap in almost-new shape on CL).

I had to buy alot of basic crap, because most of mine has either been lost or destroyed during my various moves.


Just tell me this, does it ever get to a point where you don't want to spend to improve your lifestyle change (becoming one less car on the road)?

I thought it was expensive too until I realized how much I have spent on fishing over the years. If you are no longer driving a car...(one less car on the road) then you will be spending less money.

I've got about $12,000 in bicycles even before leaving the floor! All the stuff you list is the easy stuff! Add in 14 hours of driving, hotel rooms etc!:eek:

You're just getting started. You are actually on the inexpensive end of the spectrum. You have only bought your newbie/beginner bike and gear. I'm on bike number 4 and I'm beginning to realize that I might just be in the midrange of what I really think might be an ultimate bicycle. Bike #4 was at $2799 but then had to swap out the cassette, saddle, and buy pedals. So call it an even $3400 with tax.

And just today, had to upgrade the cycling shoes... $225 plus tax.

So, you have a ways to go.

started off with no bikes...spent 1000.00 on a Felt F70 3 years ago. Since then 13k, and 5 bikes....for my wife and kids and of course and a new bike or two for me:D. That doesn't even take into account getting the wife a road bike and finishing my fixie which I am currently working on....:thumb: Have Fun and enjoy the ride! You only live once!

It's only as expensive you let it be... All those fun gadgets are useful... but you certainly don't NEED them. Same with the clothes... and shoes. Could just go out in sneakers and basketball shorts.

I'm just getting back into this myself and dealing with the sticker shock part of it too, sort of...

A couple years ago, my wife bought me an introductory flying lesson. That's the one they sell you for about the price of the aviation fuel to get you hooked. It was a really cool way to spend a morning, but I think my eyes glazed over when the guy explained what it took to get a private license. He was talking about $200+ per hour for a plane with an instructor, times how many hours!? And if you want to buy a small plane like this... That made anything else look downright cheap.

My first year back into cycling (last year) was pretty similar. I spent $730 on my bike and by the end of the year had spent close to $1200 on additional gear. However, now that I have a decent riding setup, this year I've been spending much less (thank goodness).

My first year back into cycling (last year) was pretty similar. I spent $730 on my bike and by the end of the year had spent close to $1200 on additional gear. However, now that I have a decent riding setup, this year I've been spending much less (thank goodness).

Same here. Aside from the cost of a handbuilt rear wheel, and another rear wheel when an accident destroyed the handbuilt one after two month's use, I've not had any major expenditures on bike gear this year. Camping gear is another matter......

It's only as expensive you let it be... All those fun gadgets are useful... but you certainly don't NEED them. Same with the clothes... and shoes. Could just go out in sneakers and basketball shorts.

I know folks who do just that. We both have fun, which is the important part.

So I'm starting to get into it now.

With appropriate clothing, footware (had to replace my old road shoes for being too small), bottle and just upgrades to the bike, I'm already ~$500 + the cost of my bike ($450) into this.

I know it's worth it, I just hope I'm getting the right items.

Things like:

QTY Product Name Item# Size Color Price Total

1 Sports Instruments Pro 9 Hrm - - - $34.95 $34.95
1 Cateye HL-EL510 Headlight $24.95 $24.95
1 Ascent Kickstand $4.95 $4.95
1 Nashbar Deluxe Cork Tape K $6.49 $6.49
2 Zefal Flip-Top Tag Water Bottle-24 oz. $4.99 $9.98
2 Continental Contact City/Trekking Tire 700X37 $24.99 $49.98
1 Nashbar Gel Handlebar Pads $6.49 $6.49
1 Time Atac Alium Mountain Pedal - - - $64.99 $64.99
1 E3 F11c Cycle Computer w/Cadence - - - $22.49 $22.49
1 Nashbar Deluxe Cork Tape B $6.49 $6.49
1 Nashbar Trekking ATB/Hybrid Handlebar $13.99 $13.99
1 Shimano America MT70 Mountain Bike Shoe - Men's, 48 $65.00 $65.00
3 Forté Terra Lite Aluminum Cage / BLK $3.59 $10.77
1 Pedro’s Tire Levers / YEL $3.59 $3.59
1 TransIt 125 Expanding Wedge Bag / BLK $8.99 $8.99
1 E3 e-Tool Mini Multi-Tool $6.29 $6.29
3 Forté Road Tube - Schrader 700 x 35-38-Buy 3 and Save! $9.42 $9.42


Not counting 2 jerseys and 2 MTB loose-fitting shorts from aerotech design (which was about $150). I also got a used magnetic resistance trainer for when I can't go outside (got it dirt dirt cheap in almost-new shape on CL).

I had to buy alot of basic crap, because most of mine has either been lost or destroyed during my various moves.


Just tell me this, does it ever get to a point where you don't want to spend to improve your lifestyle change (becoming one less car on the road)?

Do you commute and use the bike for transportation? Factor in the money you save in gas and wear on the automobile. Factor in your improved health, leading to fewer doctor's visits and, possibly, less need for medication. And factor in the fact that DOING something active is often less expensive than WATCHING something - a bike ride is cheaper than going to the movies, for instance.

If I had half the stuff my wife won't let me have, I'd be bankrupt.

I'm ashamed to admit that I have more bike jerseys than shirts at the moment. :)

It's money well spent, and should be money only spent once.

I'm just getting back into it, but have discovered the vintage bug. I have amassed 3 bikes in a little over 2 months but have a very reasonable amount invested.

I think will eventually end up with one new/newish road bike, and lately I feel the desire to have a touring bike eventually.

Going the used and vintage route prevented me from investing heavily in a MTB, which was what I thought was a logical choice for me to start on. I have since come to view the MTB as a utilitarian choice and not something I want to ride every day. That's a personal thing, as many log amazing miles on them. I'm just glad I didn't drop big bucks on one to only discover I still prefer road bikes after all these years.

So I'm starting to get into it now.

With appropriate clothing, footware (had to replace my old road shoes for being too small), bottle and just upgrades to the bike, I'm already ~$500 + the cost of my bike ($450) into this.

I know it's worth it, I just hope I'm getting the right items.

Things like:

QTY Product Name Item# Size Color Price Total

1 Sports Instruments Pro 9 Hrm - - - $34.95 $34.95
1 Cateye HL-EL510 Headlight $24.95 $24.95
1 Ascent Kickstand $4.95 $4.95
1 Nashbar Deluxe Cork Tape K $6.49 $6.49
2 Zefal Flip-Top Tag Water Bottle-24 oz. $4.99 $9.98
2 Continental Contact City/Trekking Tire 700X37 $24.99 $49.98
1 Nashbar Gel Handlebar Pads $6.49 $6.49
1 Time Atac Alium Mountain Pedal - - - $64.99 $64.99
1 E3 F11c Cycle Computer w/Cadence - - - $22.49 $22.49
1 Nashbar Deluxe Cork Tape B $6.49 $6.49
1 Nashbar Trekking ATB/Hybrid Handlebar $13.99 $13.99
1 Shimano America MT70 Mountain Bike Shoe - Men's, 48 $65.00 $65.00
3 Forté Terra Lite Aluminum Cage / BLK $3.59 $10.77
1 Pedro’s Tire Levers / YEL $3.59 $3.59
1 TransIt 125 Expanding Wedge Bag / BLK $8.99 $8.99
1 E3 e-Tool Mini Multi-Tool $6.29 $6.29
3 Forté Road Tube - Schrader 700 x 35-38-Buy 3 and Save! $9.42 $9.42


Not counting 2 jerseys and 2 MTB loose-fitting shorts from aerotech design (which was about $150). I also got a used magnetic resistance trainer for when I can't go outside (got it dirt dirt cheap in almost-new shape on CL).

I had to buy alot of basic crap, because most of mine has either been lost or destroyed during my various moves.


Just tell me this, does it ever get to a point where you don't want to spend to improve your lifestyle change (becoming one less car on the road)?

Not mentioned in my previous post is the opportunity to reduce your vacation costs by using the bike to tour. A week from Pittsburgh to DC, despite problems, was an enjoyable and inexpensive vacation, and if we had camped every night and ate in camp more frequently, it would have been even cheaper.

It's only as expensive you let it be... All those fun gadgets are useful... but you certainly don't NEED them. Same with the clothes... and shoes. Could just go out in sneakers and basketball shorts.

I agree. It's all about what you want....and need. I started 2 years ago with the intent of being more active to drop weight. I started with a $360 comfort bike and probably another $100 or so is accessories and another $150 in tune-ups. I don't wear special clothes or shoes.

Up to this point I mainly ride trails, however, I've been interested in a nice road bike. My budget is no more that $1500 including all accessories for the bike. I'm not looking to compete or go on any century rides. I doubt that I would join a bike club or go on an organized ride.

For me, its about being more active, and, more importantly its about "TFB" (Time For Brian).

Have fun, ride safe!

Brian

So I'm starting to get into it now.

With appropriate clothing, footware (had to replace my old road shoes for being too small), bottle and just upgrades to the bike, I'm already ~$500 + the cost of my bike ($450) into this.

I know it's worth it, I just hope I'm getting the right items.

Things like:

QTY Product Name Item# Size Color Price Total

1 Sports Instruments Pro 9 Hrm - - - $34.95 $34.95
1 Cateye HL-EL510 Headlight $24.95 $24.95
1 Ascent Kickstand $4.95 $4.95
1 Nashbar Deluxe Cork Tape K $6.49 $6.49
2 Zefal Flip-Top Tag Water Bottle-24 oz. $4.99 $9.98
2 Continental Contact City/Trekking Tire 700X37 $24.99 $49.98
1 Nashbar Gel Handlebar Pads $6.49 $6.49
1 Time Atac Alium Mountain Pedal - - - $64.99 $64.99
1 E3 F11c Cycle Computer w/Cadence - - - $22.49 $22.49
1 Nashbar Deluxe Cork Tape B $6.49 $6.49
1 Nashbar Trekking ATB/Hybrid Handlebar $13.99 $13.99
1 Shimano America MT70 Mountain Bike Shoe - Men's, 48 $65.00 $65.00
3 Forté Terra Lite Aluminum Cage / BLK $3.59 $10.77
1 Pedro’s Tire Levers / YEL $3.59 $3.59
1 TransIt 125 Expanding Wedge Bag / BLK $8.99 $8.99
1 E3 e-Tool Mini Multi-Tool $6.29 $6.29
3 Forté Road Tube - Schrader 700 x 35-38-Buy 3 and Save! $9.42 $9.42


Not counting 2 jerseys and 2 MTB loose-fitting shorts from aerotech design (which was about $150). I also got a used magnetic resistance trainer for when I can't go outside (got it dirt dirt cheap in almost-new shape on CL).

I had to buy alot of basic crap, because most of mine has either been lost or destroyed during my various moves.


Just tell me this, does it ever get to a point where you don't want to spend to improve your lifestyle change (becoming one less car on the road)?

Lets put that into perspective, shall we:

Mortgage for car $450 a month, gasoline, $400 a month, insurance $150 a month, total $1000 a month or $12,000 a year. At that rate your way ahead of the game on spending, compared to cagers. Last time I had a car and needed a brake job, I spent more then I had on cycling......

Do you commute and use the bike for transportation? Factor in the money you save in gas and wear on the automobile. Factor in your improved health, leading to fewer doctor's visits and, possibly, less need for medication. And factor in the fact that DOING something active is often less expensive than WATCHING something - a bike ride is cheaper than going to the movies, for instance.


I still have a car (Volkswagen Passat Sedan) that does get around 35mpg, but that's only if I need to go Denver, Fort Collins or know that I'll need to haul something (like groceries, firearms to the range, etc). So I guess I would only be a "One less car on the road 6 days a week".

My commute is 5 miles per day all on paved bike paths. I do have the habit that anything I get myself into, I do my utmost to do it right (hence the newbie riding gear). I could easily see this spinning into something that will make my bank account very unhappy.

The funny thing is, I'm 5'11"-ish @ 345lbs (27 years old). My resting HR is usually 55 and my BP is almost always 115-120/75-78 with low bad and normal good cholesterol.

There's always something you need to buy. I thought I'd get to a point where I had everything. But there's always something you'll need as your skill level and fitness level increase.

My advice: Stop keeping track :lol:

Hmmm, I pay cash for my vehicles, buy them very selectively....used. I spent couple thousand on my Lumina Van, and it tops 30 MPG on the highway. I carry PLPD Insurance, and being almost 50, and married with very low miles, my insurance runs me <$200 a year. I do my own maintenance as well.

My Cycling stuff is all functional, so it's really an expense that is justifiable, or it was sent to me to evaluate for an article or something. ;) (Sometimes it's nice to write copy. :p)


and bhammer.......best advice I've seen you post ever. :D Cycling is as bad a gadget hobby as photography, Fishing or golf! :eek:

Lets put that into perspective, shall we:

Mortgage for car $450 a month, gasoline, $400 a month, insurance $150 a month, total $1000 a month or $12,000 a year. At that rate your way ahead of the game on spending, compared to cagers. Last time I had a car and needed a brake job, I spent more then I had on cycling......

Having once been a rabid, I mean avid golfer, 1 walking (NO cart) round of golf is generally at a minimum $25 and up per round........ After all the equipment is bought, what does it cost to hop on the bike and go for a ride??

My advice: Stop keeping track :lol:

Agreed!

Friend plays golf, three or more times weekly, says same thing:thumb:

Plus new clubs every year.

My wife thought I am presently ill, near favorite LBS this AM, stopped, looked around and left without a purchase. (I forgot my list)

Agreed!

Friend plays golf, three or more times weekly, says same thing:thumb:

Plus new clubs every year.

My wife thought I am presently ill, near favorite LBS this AM, stopped, looked around and left without a purchase. (I forgot my list)

New clubs every year? Not even the pro's do that unless they are sponsored.


Now to ask a question, do you guys think that was decent pricing on what was purchased?

It's pretty reasonable. ;) It's going to cost you whatever you do, and as your distance increases, you do have to use tools to protect the body or to make it efficient.

Look at it this way, if you are working on an engine, it's theoretically possible to disassemble and reassemble that engine with pliers and a hammer. It's not the easiest or most efficient way though, so you buy some specialized tools to do the job. Most cycling accessories are just that, tools to help you with efficiency, safety, or comfort.

So far this year:

$980 on a new bike
$70 on two pairs of fenders for it (but I only use the fat pair now, so I have the skinny ones as extras.)
$75 on a new pair of bibs
$20 on some gloves
$30 on chamois creme
$280 on a SON28 hub (which is sitting on my desk for a couple weeks until I buy a rim and spokes which will be another $100, and even then I'll end up dropping another $250 or so on a light for it.)
I'd estimate another $50 on brake pads and tubes and batteries for my blinkies.
I can't count how much I spend on Accelerade, Accel Gels, Clif Bars, Endurolytes, NUUN, etc...

$45 for a hub on my fixie, $50 for a box of spokes to build it up.
$8 for bar tape
$40 for cheap pedals on the fixie
$25 for a chain
$25 for a new cog
$7 for some rim tape

Yeah, I guess it can be pricey... but it's still cheaper than if I drove to work every day, and it's much healthier (tough to put a price on that.)

decent Gretsch hollow body guitar: $2500
Victoria amplifier: $1500
tuner/reverb/misc: $1500

Cycling is cheap.

I still have a car (Volkswagen Passat Sedan) that does get around 35mpg, but that's only if I need to go Denver, Fort Collins or know that I'll need to haul something (like groceries, firearms to the range, etc). So I guess I would only be a "One less car on the road 6 days a week".

My commute is 5 miles per day all on paved bike paths. I do have the habit that anything I get myself into, I do my utmost to do it right (hence the newbie riding gear). I could easily see this spinning into something that will make my bank account very unhappy.

The funny thing is, I'm 5'11"-ish @ 345lbs (27 years old). My resting HR is usually 55 and my BP is almost always 115-120/75-78 with low bad and normal good cholesterol.

Ah, but you won't always be 27. And people tend to get fatter as they get older. Think long-term investment. Also think of your bike gear that way. Your bike, shoes, etc, should last a long, long time.

OK. So Performance is having their anniversary right now. No big deal unless one happens to be less than 30 minutes from the house.

I left the house to pick up a new drive belt for the riding lawn mower. Not exactly on the way to Performance, but if you veer a little west, by about 10 miles, your right there at it.

I pulled into the driveway planning on sneaking my bounty into the garage and stashing it. Sadly the wife came out on to the patio to fire up the grill as I was making my covert run from the driveway to the garage.

After she finished with the grill she said she would be right back, had an errand to run. We now have a brand new grill awaiting assembly in close proximity to a few performance bags. Pure coincidence, I'm sure.

Sometimes there are hidden, more intangible, costs to our hobbies that we sometimes forget.

Could have been worse, it could have been furniture or a new kitchen.........

OK. <snipped>

Could have been worse, it could have been furniture or a new kitchen.........
That's reserved for when you go to sneak a new Parlee Road Bike into the garage......;)

Yeah, tell me about expensive!!! I went in to get some adjustments done on my MTB and walked out with a new GT GT-R full carbon road bike (see my thread...took full advantage of anniversary sale!)

TBH.....yeah depending on your income level and equipment desires this hobby/sport can be cheap or expensive, but it pales in compairsion to racing anything with a engine attached to it, or simply having fun at track days. Shoot, when I rode sportbikes I was dropping $400-$500 over a corse of 3 to 6 months just on tires, we would drop $600 for 1 set of tires for a race weekend!!

That's reserved for when you go to sneak a new Parlee Road Bike into the garage......;)

Shhhh!!!!! Type quietly, she might hear you...............:eek:

There's a vintage one owner French road bike coming home either tonight or tomorrow. At least it is free, and she knows, and likes, the good soul who is giving it to me. I haven't seen the bike in a very long time, it's in storage, but he heard of this new affliction and wants to help enable the casue. Well, that or clean out his storage room, :shrugs:

ppfffft, my bike stuff is no where near the money my wife has spent on her hobbies in the last 5 years, especially the scrapbooking. I figure I have a couple of carbon fiber bikes to go before were even.

decent Gretsch hollow body guitar: $2500
Victoria amplifier: $1500
tuner/reverb/misc: $1500

Cycling is cheap.

Trek Pilot CF $2799
Cannondale R-900 $1899
Burely Duet Tandem $2150
Bianchi Premio $729
Trek 8000 MTB $1150
Lemond Tourmalet $1150
Specialize Crossroads $399
Bianchi Sport $700

No it Aint! :D

It's only as expensive you let it be... All those fun gadgets are useful... but you certainly don't NEED them. Same with the clothes... and shoes. Could just go out in sneakers and basketball shorts.

Hey, I resemble that remark! :roflmao2: I typically ride in shorts and sneakers and a cheap Champion Double Dry shirt. I was grunge before grunge was grunge. ;)

decent Gretsch hollow body guitar: $2500
Victoria amplifier: $1500
tuner/reverb/misc: $1500

Cycling is cheap.

I kind of cheated that way. When my uncle passed away, he left me his collection. Being a professional studio musician for 35 years, he accumulated a lot of nice hardware.

Trek Pilot CF $2799
Cannondale R-900 $1899
Burely Duet Tandem $2150
Bianchi Premio $729
Trek 8000 MTB $1150
Lemond Tourmalet $1150
Specialize Crossroads $399
Bianchi Sport $700

No it Aint! :D

Yeah but then you have to a strat with a twin, and paul with a marshall, and a nice acoustic... :p

Hey, I resemble that remark! :roflmao2: I typically ride in shorts and sneakers and a cheap Champion Double Dry shirt. I was grunge before grunge was grunge. ;)

Just tell people you're a trend setter. :roflmao2:

Here's another "price" question for you all. A guy I know is selling his Allez Elite for cheap and in my size. Think it would be a good investment (I rode one around a parking lot and it felt nice for the short time) or motivation to break the 300Lbs mark? I know I can't ride it now (345Lbs).

I had an Specialize Elite Comp and I rode it at 345. If it fits and you have the cash and don't need significant other approval, buy it and ride it.

I had an Specialize Elite Comp and I rode it at 345. If it fits and you have the cash and don't need significant other approval, buy it and ride it.


I remember reading that the carbon components on it are only rated at 240lbs. Anyone know if that's true?

Here's another "price" question for you all. A guy I know is selling his Allez Elite for cheap and in my size. Think it would be a good investment (I rode one around a parking lot and it felt nice for the short time) or motivation to break the 300Lbs mark? I know I can't ride it now (345Lbs).

Why couldn't you use it to both as motivation and as a ride? Think of your future weight loss as "living up" to your Allez.

As for not riding it now, if the wheels hold up, why not?

think of all the money you'll save in hospital and doctor bills. Also, any hobby is going to be expensive. Last year I spent 4 digits on a new flintlock muzzleloader that could buy me one heck of a nice Specialized Roubaix.

My wife is very supportive of my various hobbies, although she rarely is interested in the same things, she does know that I could be out drinking at the nudie bar or worse things than tinkering with this or that. Last night I got a 1978 Motobecane Nomade from its original owner. Today I rode it with my youngest to a garage sale where I bought a neat old Raleigh 3-speed womans bike(sturmey-archer hubs, brooks saddle. etc. ) for a dollar. Our round trip was 3miles--we were going to do 10 into town and back but the weather threatned--and the motobecane felt like a really nice ride, agian it needs a tall stem to really work for me, er.. where was I... ? *scratches head* .. oh yes so I brought the raleigh home and she likes the basket on the front. I could be into a lot worse than riding bicycles with my kids.

Hey, I resemble that remark! :roflmao2: I typically ride in shorts and sneakers and a cheap Champion Double Dry shirt. I was grunge before grunge was grunge. ;)

Hey, me too! I wear addias basketball shorts... well, all the time really. They are well ventilated and dry fast, and they look decent off the bike... other than the ring of sweat around my neck (I wear a light weight cotton tee under a regular cotton t-shirt... but those things can only soak up so much!), I look pretty normal when I get to work or go to the store. No odd looks for me!

Truth be told, I've spent plenty on my bike in my two months of ownership:

Trek 7.2FX $420
Rack $30
Rack Bag $60 (ouch)
Water Bottle/cage ~ $10
Mars 3.0/Quadrant combo pack - $30
Nashbar Panniers $20 (74% off)
2 Dinotte 200L $208
Cateye LD1100 $33
Shimano m324 clipless/platform petals $51 (and they are still sitting on my desk...)
Workforce Pedal Wrench $20 (for the petals on my desk)
Topeak Road Morph G $35
2 Panaracer Pasela TG Tires $14 (also sitting on my desk)
4 Nashbar slimed tubes $20 (yep, on my desk)

But my point was that I don't need most of this stuff. For commuting, I could have just went with the rack and bag, pump, multitool and a few patches. I need lighting for the ride home as I work second shift, but I probably could have gotten by with just the Mars/Quadrant - though the dual 200Ls sure are pretty awesome. If I wasn't commuting, I really wouldn't have needed any of this. I could always just pay a quarter to fill up my tires at a gas station, and taken my wheels in to have any flats changed.

It's only as expensive as you make it.

It's all perspective and what you're willing to spend. I know for my stomach I've spent already much more than I'm comfortable with on the bike (mainly due to unplanned rather than planned expenses - a very long story on that). Such are things though, we all have at least one of these places we throw our money down.

Hmmm, I pay cash for my vehicles, buy them very selectively....used. I spent couple thousand on my Lumina Van, and it tops 30 MPG on the highway. I carry PLPD Insurance, and being almost 50, and married with very low miles, my insurance runs me <$200 a year. I do my own maintenance as well.

My Cycling stuff is all functional, so it's really an expense that is justifiable, or it was sent to me to evaluate for an article or something. ;) (Sometimes it's nice to write copy. :p)


and bhammer.......best advice I've seen you post ever. :D Cycling is as bad a gadget hobby as photography, Fishing or golf! :eek:

Most people are not like you though:D, according to the AAA the average cost for driving a medium sized car is 52.2 cents per mile, based on 15,000 miles of driving, $7,830 per year. that's based on a gas price of $2.256 per gallon, is there anywhere you can get gas for less then $4 a gallon now???? Going through the AAA numbers, with the more reasonable $4 a gallon for gas you would get $9056, and that's for a medium sized sedan. Now how about something the average American is more likely to drive, a big SUV, it costs more, closer to $10,000 a year, with the higher gas prices figure nicely over $11,000 a year.

For $11,000 a year, even the least spendthrift of us, can be kept comfortably in bike gear :)

The AAA numbers can be found here (http://www.aaaexchange.com/Assets/Files/20073261133460.YourDrivingCosts2007.pdf)

Most people are not like you though:D, according to the AAA the average cost for driving a medium sized car is 52.2 cents per mile, based on 15,000 miles of driving, $7,830 per year. that's based on a gas price of $2.256 per gallon, is there anywhere you can get gas for less then $4 a gallon now???? Going through the AAA numbers, with the more reasonable $4 a gallon for gas you would get $9056, and that's for a medium sized sedan. Now how about something the average American is more likely to drive, a big SUV, it costs more, closer to $10,000 a year, with the higher gas prices figure nicely over $11,000 a year.

For $11,000 a year, even the least spendthrift of us, can be kept comfortably in bike gear :)

The AAA numbers can be found here (http://www.aaaexchange.com/Assets/Files/20073261133460.YourDrivingCosts2007.pdf)


This could be very useful.

IF I can make the jump to full time commuting (save foul weather days of the extreme sort), and WHEN I get to Emeritus status (got a ways to go at 248), I'm busting out this link just as I head out to get that Calnogo I've always wanted.

Anyone ever tried to live a Calnogo bike box? I might need to consider that option......

Anyone ever tried to live a Calnogo bike box? I might need to consider that option......


Man, Id think you would have to be awuful thin to live in a bike box! Maybe you could let the SO buy a new refridgerator and you can live in that box!

Lets see...off the top of my head.....
Mongoose Cannan Elite $1900 (caught on sale!)
GT GT-R $1800 (caught on sale!)
Electra Townie 21 $450 (hers)
MTB tires $60
new helmet $40
CamelBack HAWG $80
MTB shoes $120 (again on sale)
LOOK pedals for the roadie $80
Road shoes $200
Ridgid Surly fork for the Trek $130 (installed)
and Id say another $200 on misc. crap.

This dosent include the Trek, or Bianchi bikes. Its just from the past 4 months or so.

Trek Pilot CF $2799
Cannondale R-900 $1899
Burely Duet Tandem $2150
Bianchi Premio $729
Trek 8000 MTB $1150
Lemond Tourmalet $1150
Specialize Crossroads $399
Bianchi Sport $700

No it Aint! :D
This is what I spent on my car this year for the stereo. I have a 110 mile commute dailyso I listen to it a lot, it was an investment..... My bike though only cost me about $400 and I bought a Litespeed Vela frame on CL for $200 that I am going to build.

Denon DCTR1 $550
Seas Lotus Reference $750
eD e120.44 $150
Brax X2000.2(2 of them) $1900
PPI DCX730 $350

And this is this years. 2 years ago I spent about $3500 on parts/equipment and I do most of my own installs.

Just got back from the LBS today. I love supporting them, but sometimes I have to wonder about the price of the gear-I bought a very middle of the line notched saddle (25.00) a replacement frame pump, and two lights (one saddle led, fizik, and a CatEye EL 135). 125.00 later.....

*lol* I still am thinking about slicks and whatnot, and the speedometer I got last night was 20.00 from WM.

Sometimes I ebay for stuff, but I try to throw the local a bone too. I got the bike from CL, but the LBS will get any tuneup work. I figure its all fair eventually.