Commuting - Shhhh don't tell my wife.

My $900.00 commuter bike is now a 1400 dollar bike, and I still need fenders. Saving money on gas hah.

Surly Cross Check with 2 bottle cages, a pedros under saddle bag, and 2 boddles. $1,014.80
2 Schwalbe Kojak tires $63.90
CatEye Strada Cadence $30.00
2 Romisen RC-N3 CREE Q5 LED Flashlight "Black" @ $24.45 = $48.90
Planet Bike Blinky Superflash Rear Light $17.98
Kryptonite New York 3000 $55.99
Lockblocks U-lock Mount $12.50
Mega Block U-lock holder $9.95
Brooks B-17 $69.95
Park MTB-3 tool $20.00
Topeak Road Morph with Gauge $35.00
Power Grips Sport Pedal and Strap Set $40.00
$1418.97

+shipping puts it over $1500

I know I could have done it cheaper but, it wasn't difficult to get up to that point.

*snicker*
You sound like my husband. I do not know, or care to know, what he spent on his Big Dummy.

Surly Cross Check: $930
Panaracer T-Serv tires: $40 x 2
Wellgo Toeclips + Pedals: $20
CygoLite 10 watt Halogen light: $50
Planet Bike Superflash: $20
Tektro RL520 Ergo V-Brake Levers: $20
Avid Single Digit 5 V-Brakes F/B: $20 x 2
SunLite Rack: $30
SKS Fenders: $35
Fi'zik Bar Tape: $30
Kryptonite Evolution Mini: $60
Cheap cable lock from Wal-Mart: $5
Specialized helmet: $50
NikeFit compression shirt: $20
Canari biking shorts: $50
Oakley Radar Path sunglasses: $100
Park tool: $30
Topeak Road Morph: $25

Total: $1595

I'm in debt now :(

You can only bike with a $150 pair of sunglasses?

You can only bike with a $150 pair of sunglasses?
Why would you draw that conclusion?

I wanted a nice pair of sunglasses, and I got them. Is that a problem with you?

I wanted a nice pair of sunglasses, and I got them. Is that a problem with you?

One born every minute. :roflmao:

Congratulations.

but really, that's nothing.....

Go ride the crap out of that thing.

One born every minute. :roflmao:
This is ridiculous.

I am happy with my purchase.

I am not judging anyone for agreeing/disagreeing with me.

My purchase was informed, and apparently I paid $103.50, not $150 (just checked my eBay invoice).

I could make fun of people for buying $100 saddles, but I don't, primarily because I understand that everyone has different preferences.

So, what would you spend on the cheapest used car you'd be willing to be seen driving?

That's what I thought. Suddenly a $1400-$1700 bike, including accessories, doesn't sound like a bad deal.

If it's any consolation to the OP, I'm in just as bad with losses of about $400 on top of those kinds of expenses as I bought and sold two bikes before my third as I figured out what I finally wanted. Even worse, that doesn't consider the clothes:

showers pass elite 2.0 jacket: $200
bellwether aquano pants: $60
specialized commuter cycling shoes: $80
pearl izumi cyclone gloves: $30
pearl izumi bike shorts (x1): $40
rei bike shorts (x3): $100
smart wool skull cap: $20 ( i don't have hair)
bell helmet: $40
under armor white skull cap: $15 ( i don't have hair in the summer either)
trek summer gloves: $20
altura winter gloves: $48
pearl izumi shoe covers: $39
gore shoe covers: $47
sugino shoe covers: $40 ( ok, so i commute to Seattle)
smart wool socks (x4 pairs): $28 (one of my better deals)
zoic jerseys (x2): $40
hind shirts (x2): $40
rei woven polyester t-shirts (x2):$40
sport hill jerseys (x2): $50
helmet mirrors (x2 - one broke): $30

And the grand salami....Lake winter cycling boots $230. Still smarting from that one.

Why would you draw that conclusion?

I wanted a nice pair of sunglasses, and I got them. Is that a problem with you?

Haha, that is awesome.

How are you guys liking the crosscheck? Done any long rides on it yet?

Haha, that is awesome.

How are you guys liking the crosscheck? Done any long rides on it yet?
I love it. I've already done a 25 and a 35 miler; that ride made me consider getting a new saddle, but I'm going to do a couple more rides before I decide on that one.

It also serves me well as my 5 mile home->campus commuter (it's really really hard to fight the urge to bike fast on campus).

You sound like my husband. I do not know, or care to know, what he spent on his Big Dummy.

No, I'm sure you don't. Those things are way awesome though.


I could make fun of people for buying $100 saddles, but I don't, primarily because I understand that everyone has different preferences.

Well, you DID buy a brooks yourself. That, and you forgot the proofide. Together, you have roughly a 100 dollar saddle :P

That said, I'm pretty sure I've already crossed the 2000 dollar threshold this year. Started off with a Trek 7.2fx, added rack, rack bag, panniers, fenders, lock, pump, blinkies... another blinky, 2 Dinotte 200L. Then after about six weeks or so I discovered despite the fitting "advice" from the store that I purchased my bike from (Name and shame: Scheels Allsport in Coralville, IA) it was too small (17.5" for a 6' guy?) and bought a Surly Long Haul Trucker from an actual LBS... and fenders for it.. and a brooks, topeak "aerowedge", pedals, new bar tape.

On the upside, I haven't bought any new camera gear since February, or gas since April, so...

I love it. I ride it every chance I get. I have gone up to 50 miles on it. It has served me well.

Well, you DID buy a brooks yourself. That, and you forgot the proofide. Together, you have roughly a 100 dollar saddle :P
I'm not the OP :(

no proof hide. I have heard that in my climate it isn't needed. I forgot to list the rack, and panniers.

Kona Blast: $750
WTB disc 700c with redstorm 23c: $700 (I spent a lot more on wheels and tires but these are on it now)
Grunge Pedals: $20
guppy lights: $20
Topeak explorer rack: $40
Topeak seatpost rack: $60 (worthless)
Shimano XT hydraulic breaks: $280
Shimano XT crankset b/b: $190
Shimano XT cassette: $90
Brooks b17: $60
Easton Monkeylite carbon riser: $65 ebay deal
Detours toocan grocery panniers: $50 x 2
topeak mtx dx bag: $100
two cheapie helmets: $30
Park tool box kit: $160
thudbuster: $90 (don't use it)
Surly karate monkey forks: $65
mobile bike stand: $100


These are just some of the monies spent saving money on gas. I don't do this for saving money, obviously.

Lucky.

Stuff I've bought specifically for commuting:

Curve D3 $550
Backpack - $5 (garage sale find)
Banjo Brothers rack trunk - $35 (for full-commute days)
Helmet - $50
Ergon grips - $30
Saddle bag and the tools that live in it - $50
Minewt - $100 (planned purchase)
Gloves, pants clip - $20

Counting the road bike I use for commuting once in a blue moon would add another $2k easily.

I'm not the OP :(


Oh, well... yeah.

I think you got off cheap.
Leader frame $100
Leader fork $150
Campagnolo Chorus groupo approx $1050
Cantiler brake and rear V brake $80
Thompson seat post $80
My favorite discontinued handle bars $80
Old front wheel (Mavic) free
Rear wheel, Campy Chorus hub, Open pro rim (used) $100
Fender $40
Front rack $10
Tires 28s $50
Tubes $6
Seat, SMP $200
Handlebar tape $15
Rear light $18
Front LED light $200
Water bottle capes $20
Air horn $25
Seatbag $24
Air pump $25
Cyclo computer $28
http://home.swbell.net/hebert11/leader_cyclocross_bicycle_002.jpg

http://www.hauntedfrog.com/images/smilies/useless.gif
Let's see that bike pron!

http://www.hauntedfrog.com/images/smilies/useless.gif
Let's see that bike pron!

http://members.cox.net/hollingsworth/fujixpro.jpg

Fuji Cross Pro - $1100 (got a great deal)
Planet Bike Fenders - $30
AirZound - $30
Topeak Explorer Rack - $30
Specialized Armadillo tires - $125
Tire liners - $10
Topeak MTX bag - $65
Water bottle cages - $10
Water bottles $8
Garmin Edge 305 GPS - $300
Minewt X2 lights - $205
Topeak White Lights - $40
PlanetBike Superflash - $25
PlanetBike Rack light - $20
Blackburn Mars 2.0 light - $25
Incredibell bar end bell - $15

I think that comes out to $2045 - that doesn't count the helmets, jerseys, shorts and shoes / boots / gloves that I've got.....that's actually twice as much as my first car. (a 1978 Chevy Chevette that cost $1000). It drove about as fast as my bike.

http://www.hauntedfrog.com/images/smilies/useless.gif
Let's see that bike pron!

There's a sticky (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=49471) with commuter bike pics. That said... let's see pictures of the gear.

Pricing for just my lighting setup:

SON28 hub: $275
DT spokes: $30
DT RR1.1 rim: $60
Supernova E3: $200
Lamp mount/hardware: $5

$570; call it an even $600 with a rim strip and tire. I was discussing this very concept with a serious road racer during my last club ride: You spend your money where it makes sense. As a commuter and distance rider, I spent it on an all-night lighting solution. As a racer, he spent it on carbon fiber power-meter cranks. $1500 on a complete bike is a drop in the bucket compared to what you could spend on a really serious bicycle habit. (I think the racer guy mentioned his power-meter cranks were over a grand.)

You guys are insane. But in an awesome way.

$200 for Panasonic Road bike (AL-7000)
$80 for new tires (nashbar belted and schwinn belted)
$35 for Road Morph
$20 for helmet
$18 Wedgie bag
$12 Chain Lube

Knocking old ladies down on the MUP: Priceless

Given my commute is 2.5 miles & I can commute by car for $5.00 a week & I spent $12.00 to replace the rear axle on the rain/winter bike that took 2 & a half weeks to recoup that investment.
Given the right circumstances (as above) you can make a pittance seem pointless.
But what's the price of the enjoyment?

OP I really don't like that you posted that and then I decided to go through it myself. Bikes are cheap but bike stuff adds up. Good thing I knew I was spending more money then saving since this is my rando as well as my commuter bike. All weather year round commuter.
Bacchetta Giro 26 (http://www.bacchettabikes.com/images/bikes/giro26_med.jpg) $1595+
$100 shipping and assembly charge ($@(#) PCF)
Bebop Pedals (http://www.cippsites.com/Merchant4/graphics/00000011/Bebop.jpg) $120
Keen Sandals (http://media.rei.com/media/x/1407418.jpg) $115
Ortleib Rolltop bags (http://media.rei.com/media/ss/28618747-a856-4e1b-8935-67957a93b873.jpg) $165 (free with REI dividend)
Brain Bag (http://www.bacchettashop.com/sess/utn;jsessionid=1548c687ff0e921/shopdata/0010_Accessories/0010_Bags/images/brainbox_lrg_400x400.jpg)$65(seat bag) which failed and was trashed
Aero Trunk Replacement (http://angletechcycles.com/images/AerotrunkBlackRear.jpg) $200
Fastback double century (http://www.cippsites.com/Merchant4/graphics/00000011/DoubleCentury.jpg) $85 (Under seat bags for dual 70oz bladders)
Fastback frame pack (http://www.cippsites.com/Merchant4/graphics/00000011/FastbackFlashpackGreenspeed.JPG) $30 - similar to barista bags
4th set of tires ugh.. OEM + $66 (split beads) + $100 (good but too thin for chipseal) +$98 (on order)
Cross ride wheels (http://www.fullcycles.com/images/Mavic-crossride-disc.jpg) $180
Dual Dinotte 140s (http://media.rei.com/media/pp/1f18ebbf-191c-41ce-8176-0d5f0d52ca48.jpg) $240
Dual Superflashes (http://images.buzzillions.com/images_products/03/28/planet_bike_super_flash_rear_light_reviews_548707_300.jpg) $30
Dual rear mirrors (http://www.calhouncycle.com/productcart/pc/catalog/evo_mirror-lite_1614_general.jpg) $40
Dual SSC Zbin (http://www.dealextreme.com/productimages/sku_1342_1.jpg) custom LED front Light with computer CPU heatsink $50
Q-Rings (http://www.rotorcranks.com/images/qringstriplelarge.jpg) $280
ADEM Neck rest (http://www.bacchettabikes.com/forum2/albumtn.aspx?size=mid&imgpath=1129-asppg_Pv532825869.jpg) $60
Fenders $45
OAB Special Bacchetta front light mount (http://www.bacchettabikes.com/forum2/albumtn.aspx?size=mid&imgpath=48-asppg_Zu649733436.jpg) $65
Velo Genesis Seat Strut Clamps (http://www.bacchettashop.com/sess/utn;jsessionid=1548c687ff0e921/shopdata/0010_Accessories/0020_Seats/images/clamps_lrg_400x385.jpg) $24 (used instead of grenade pin style adjusters)
SOLAS reflective Tap from identitape $25
Carbon Spider Visor (http://www.lobosolo.com/visor/) $25
Fenix Flashlight (https://www.fenix-store.com/images/Fenix%20L2D%20100t.jpg) $50
Ventisit Seat Pad (http://store.valueweb.com/poweron/catalog/VENTISIT%20%20BACCHETTA.jpg)$99
2 Hydropak Water Bladder (http://www.cippsites.com/Merchant4/graphics/00000011/HydrapakReversibleResevoir2008.gif) $52
And last but most importantly:
Bacchetta Jersey (http://www.bacchettashop.com/sess/utn;jsessionid=1548c687ff0e921/shopdata/0020_Apparel/0015_Jerseys/images/2007_jersey_blue_lrg_400x555.jpg) 65$

Total: $4069
Miles since March on this bike: 4,076.4. hmm at $1 a mile it is paid off :thumb:
Note: Some stuff on the list I use on other bikes or off bike and I'm sure I inherited a few things from other bikes that aren't listed.

My bike is in the back holding up my wifes "custom" built in holland challenge hurricane SL low racer/tourer bike. She's worth it :love:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3265/2811479531_45af49dc61.jpg?v=1220132589

Some of you guys are cheaper than the folks on the Alfa Romeo forum! Sheesh.....

I'm building a new bike in the spring that'll start with a $1200 frame. Have no idea what the total cost will be - I'll be poaching some Super Record components off my Dad's old bike - not sure how many, however. At a minimum it'll have the SR headset and seatpost. Perhaps the cranks with a triple adapter which rules out the BB. Perhaps the front hub unless I get a generator hub. The SR rear freewheel hub will be going on my old road bike and the early-90s Record cassette hub off that will go on the new bike. I'll use either the campy brake levers or a set of Modolo Professional levers I have. I may use the SR downtube shifters or perhaps not....I'll need new brake calipers for sure and rebuilt wheels. Then racks, fenders - obviously once I've gone that far I can't go cheap on that stuff.....

Anyhow - I'll be spending WAY more than $1400. As stated above, however, I'm still only looking at a buck a mile per year or so and this bike should last me the rest of my life.

Chris

Surly Cross-Check, Salsa Delgado Cross rims, Continental CityRide 700x32 tires, Cane Creek S-8 headset and Flat-Top levers, Avid Shorty 6 brakes, Nitto North Road bars, bright orange Lizard Skins grips, Planet Bike fenders and lights, no derailleur: $650 off Craigslist
Selle Italia saddle (I like 'em hard), slightly used: $55
Velocity bottle cages, orange to match grips: $20
Orange bottle to match cages: $11
JoeMo vacuum bottle for coffee: $13

Spouse wanting a ride just like it: priceless

So, what would you spend on the cheapest used car you'd be willing to be seen driving?


The car I drove for the past 5 years in winter weather cost me $350. (No, that's not a typo.) Took about $100 in parts to get/keep it running over those 5 years.

I also loaned it to friends who needed wheels every summer.

Last week I sold it to a junkyard for $250, so $200 for 5 years = $40 a year.

Let see...
Marathon plus tires 80
Rain pants 80
jacket 75
full finger gloves 25
floor pump 25
chain lube 8
new tubes 20
bike shorts 10
Subtotal pre new bike: $323

New bike 1000
Pedals: 20
2x shorts 100
new tire 30
sunglasses 10 bucks (did I mention they retail for 130? :D)
Food 100
Subtotal new bike: 1240
Total: 1,587

Not having owned a car for the past year minimum savings:
1200 car insurance
1000 gas
1000 dollars a year in maintenance and repairs (Yes, that is high. Yes, I hated that car.)
2570 Purchase price of car divided by years owned 18,000/7 (price per year)
Total: $5770
Amount Saved this year 5770-1567= $4203

The car I drove for the past 5 years in winter weather cost me $350. (No, that's not a typo.) Took about $100 in parts to get/keep it running over those 5 years.

I also loaned it to friends who needed wheels every summer.

Last week I sold it to a junkyard for $250, so $200 for 5 years = $40 a year.


mmmm....k. no oil, no tires, no anti-freeze.....

I'd love to see a picture of that $350 car (that runs?!)...

mmmm....k. no oil, no tires, no anti-freeze.....

Ahem... did you read the "$100 in parts to get/keep it running" bit? A $350 car doesn't get expensive oil (recycled/re-refined works nicely at $0.27 a quart), filters (I happened across a bulk purchase of a dozen of the correct oil and air filters for $5.00) or tires (decent used tires can be had for about $5 each). I do all my own wrench-turning.

I got it for $350 becasue the "buy here-pay here" dealership couldn't get it running. They had the plug wires on in the wrong order.

Even if you double the maintainance figure, heck, triple it, that was still one frugal damn ride while it lasted.

It went to the automobile graveyard becasue no car with that much rust is going to get a new clutch at $100, complete exhaust system at $250, and head gasaket at $100. All of the above went bad on the way back from an MS150 ride, and I limped it home speed-shifting on 3 cylinders with toilet paper stuffed in my ears. :)

I guess the car figured it was a good day to die.

Given my commute is 2.5 miles & I can commute by car for $5.00 a week & I spent $12.00 to replace the rear axle on the rain/winter bike that took 2 & a half weeks to recoup that investment.
Given the right circumstances (as above) you can make a pittance seem pointless.
But what's the price of the enjoyment?

I was thinking the same thing. Since deciding to bike commute as often as possible in May, I have bought my late-90s Bianchi Eros a complete overhaul, a single TransIt DX pannier, a Topeak Expedition rack, new Randonneur tires...

And just last week I ordered a day-glow green windbreaker, full-finger gloves, lights, an Eagle Creek Pack-It Folder, and an Arkel Bug.

And my commute is exactly 3 miles each way. I probably spent maybe $500 on all that which is a little more than the payment on my Tundra (which I can't wait to give back in Novemeber...). Overkill for a 6-mile roundtrip? Probably. But could I put a price on the enjoyment I get out of riding even if it's only two or three times a week? Nope.

I am hoping to ride enough to feel justified in buying an LHT. I love those bikes.

Good gosh! I sure hope my bride doesn't see this thread!

I started to make a list of everything i have spent on my bike since i purchased it, but i quickly deleted it when i realized that i don't even want to know myself!

woo hoo I broke my brake lever. Upgrade time.

http://members.cox.net/hollingsworth/fujixpro.jpg

Fuji Cross Pro - $1100 (got a great deal)
Planet Bike Fenders - $30
AirZound - $30
Topeak Explorer Rack - $30
Specialized Armadillo tires - $125
Tire liners - $10
Topeak MTX bag - $65
Water bottle cages - $10
Water bottles $8
Garmin Edge 305 GPS - $300
Minewt X2 lights - $205
Topeak White Lights - $40
PlanetBike Superflash - $25
PlanetBike Rack light - $20
Blackburn Mars 2.0 light - $25
Incredibell bar end bell - $15

I think that comes out to $2045 - that doesn't count the helmets, jerseys, shorts and shoes / boots / gloves that I've got.....that's actually twice as much as my first car. (a 1978 Chevy Chevette that cost $1000). It drove about as fast as my bike.

Is that bike short or is it just the way the picture was taken?:innocent:

I don't have to keep anything from the wife when it comes to my bike/gear purchases. My two fully equipped commuter bikes that are kept indoors, both happen to be next to me as I write this, amount to only 6 months worth of her auto loan payments.

Just remember, it's not about the money......at least that's how I rationalize it:twitchy: Although this month's upgrades of a handbuilt wheelset and a broooks b-17 were worth every penny.

The car I drove for the past 5 years in winter weather cost me $350. (No, that's not a typo.) Took about $100 in parts to get/keep it running over those 5 years.

I also loaned it to friends who needed wheels every summer.

Last week I sold it to a junkyard for $250, so $200 for 5 years = $40 a year.

This type of scenario is not what usually happens with the average person, most vehicles that I see going for the initial purchase of your vehicle generally have 3 tires into the dismantling yard and the last one on a oil slick. Plus $200 dollars for maintenance over a 5 year period is also not the norm, with the expenditure by the average person being several times that amount.

Dear Sweet Jeebus... I just crunched my accessories numbers... OUCHIES!! And I've only just begin buying stuff for my bike(s). Grrr. If I didn't love cycling so much I'd hate it! :lol:

My bike "habit" has now completely eaten up my stiletto fund... And my clothing fund... At this rate I'm gonna be shoeless and naked but riding a decked out bike. :thumb:

You finally did the math, huh? Join the club, no savings. The only way to save is to get ride of the car entirely.

Sounds like a nice bike.

BTW: Your bike is cheaper than a mistress. :lol:

haha...I really don't really want to know how much I've spent on bike stuff in a year. But between bike and camera stuff, it's totaled about $2000.
and I'm getting a $200 lens and clipless pedals/shoes in the next month xD

*sigh* It's only money, and I'm saving a fair amount too.

My purchase [sunglasses] was informed, and apparently I paid $103.50, not $150 (just checked my eBay invoice).

Sounds reasonable to me. My prescription eyeglasses with thin progressive bifocal lenses, all the coatings, and Ti frames cost $700. Then the clip-on shades are about $50 more. Granted they came from the most expensive place in town, but their warranty has replaced both lenses for free recently.

I would laugh out loud if I could get away with spending a hundred bucks on glasses.

I paid $30 for my current ride, a 6 speed Leader LE60700 found at a yard sale. It came already with steel fenders and rack installed. Read about it here: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=554001

My CCM helmet cost $12.98
The new replacement "Touring" seat (with springs) from Canadian Tire, on sale for $14.98

I think my next investment may be tires.

I bought my sunglasses at the dollar store....:P

I bought my sunglasses at the dollar store....:P

It's only your eyes. :eek:

It's only your eyes. :eek:


700 might be reasonable....for prescription progressive bifocal and good frames. And since you probably wear them pretty much everywear, is wel worth it.

100 dollar non prescription sunglasses, on the other hand, seem kinda expensive and if they aren't shatter proof, are putting your eyes in as much danger as the cheapo ones, possibly more.

I usually wear a pair of cheapo safety glasses which I get from work for nothing. They are even almost cool looking.