Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - How much do you have invested in your FG/SS/Track bike?

I'd like to know approximately how much do you have invested in your Fixed Gear, Single Speed, or Track bike?

Just offer ballpark estimate. Votes are private.

EDIT: If you have multiple bikes, then total the cost of both.



To clear up some questions (which will probably make a ton more):

This includes:
- All small items: tires, tubes, brake cables, brake pads...
- Multiple purchases of the same part, i.e. bought stem "A" for $30 then bought stem "B" for $20. That counts as $50.
- Hub broken and replaced with new hub. You must count the cost of both hubs.
- The estimated value of items brought from other bikes that you own (saddle, pedals, etc...)
- Any item used from a previous bike that you PAID for must be counted. If bought your first bike and used that saddle for your second, please estimate the value of that used saddle in the value of the second bike since you bought it previously.
- Any item you got for free counts as $0
- Extra/alternate parts (wheels, bars, cogs) that are available for use.
- Subtract value of parts sold, i.e. sold old cranks for $25, bought new cranks for $100 = +$75 cost.
- If it took you 5 years or 5 minutes to spend this amount, it doesn't matter. These are just ballpark estimates.


This does not include basic maintenance replacements that are normal wear and tear (just count them once above):
- Tire replacement
- Brake pads
- Tubes
- Grip tape

that seems like a lot of work

eh, around $1500 probably. Haven't bought too many redundant or replacement parts.
Gonna hopefully get it painted soon though and that will be a few hundred.

Just did the math. $1020 (I keep receipts).

I sold just about everything that came off my stock bike so it ends up not being too bad in the end. I've yet to figure that into my total though.

that seems like a lot of work

Yeah, it does. But, the easy way for me is to look at the bike and start with the amount I paid for it then add for the new bars, pedals, etc... Then subtract any craigslist sales.

Again, these are just ballpark estimates.

I've spent about $800. Including replacements, probably $900.

that seems like a lot of work

Not only that, but I can't even comprehend the relevance. The amount of money I have invested in any particular bike is barely relevant to how much money I have spent on cycling, which includes numerous bikes, countless parts and accessories that may float from one bike to another, lots of clothing, bags, tools, etc. I don't have a clue how much any of my bikes cost, except my Long Haul Trucker which I bought for roughly $1000 and is still 100% stock. I'm sure some of them cost over $3000 and others well under $1000. Which one do I vote with in the poll?

Not only that, but I can't even comprehend the relevance. The amount of money I have invested in any particular bike is barely relevant to how much money I have spent on cycling, which includes numerous bikes, countless parts that may float from one bike to another, bits of clothing, tools, etc. I don't have a clue how much any of my bikes cost, except my Long Haul Trucker which I bought for roughly $1000 and is still 100% stock. I'm sure some of them cost over $3000 and others well under $1000. Which one do I vote with in the poll?

Yeah, but if we open it up to cycling in general that's a bigger can of worms. I was trying to stay "on topic". As soon as I say "How much did you spend on cycling?" I'd be hit with questions about "How is this relevant to SS/FG?"

I didn't want to bring tools into it to keep it simple. Nor coaching, clothing, bags, locks, etc... Just tryin' to keep it as simple as possible.

My out-of-pocket cost is easily under $200.00. That includes a new Surley hubset, Nitto Stem, a Salsa brake lever, and Cinelli handlebar tape. I think the seatpost is new too.

Figuring everything as you have indicated would be impossible. How do you factor an Ultegra crankset and bottom bracket that was taken off of another bike or a frame that I stole from my daughter? Most of my fixed gear is stuff from my junk box.

How do you factor an Ultegra crankset and bottom bracket that was taken off of another bike or a frame that I stole from my daughter?

You just take the $200 + terrible parenting = $200 + daughter with emotional problems. Simple math really.

Just cause I know people here have a hard time grasping sarcasm, I don't think you are terrible parent. i am sure there is a decent enough explanation as to why you would think stealing from your daughter is okay. She might have stolen from you in the past and your just doing unto others. Maybe she got pregnant at a young age youd your teaching her irrelevant consequinces for irresponsible actions. Who am I to judge?

Yeah, but if we open it up to cycling in general that's a bigger can of worms. I was trying to stay "on topic". As soon as I say "How much did you spend on cycling?" I'd be hit with questions about "How is this relevant to SS/FG?"

I didn't want to bring tools into it to keep it simple. Nor coaching, clothing, bags, locks, etc... Just tryin' to keep it as simple as possible.

I still don't see the point, not am I able to calculate what you are asking for. Most of my bikes are dynamically evolving. At any rate, if I spend $X,000 on cycling (per year:eek:) what does it matter what one bike cost me? I suppose it might matter if I wanted to sell them, but I generally just use parts till they become worthless or incorporate them into other builds. Therefore most of my bikes aren't even distinct individual bikes.

I still don't see the point, not am I able to calculate what you are asking for. Most of my bikes are dynamically evolving. At any rate, if I spend $X,000 on cycling (per year:eek:) what does it matter what one bike cost me? I suppose it might matter if I wanted to sell them, but I generally just use parts till they become worthless or incorporate them into other builds. Therefore most of my bikes aren't even distinct individual bikes.

Hey man, if you are having trouble then don't answer. It's not that hard. You aren't required to participate.

As I expect yearly returns on my investments, my bicycles are not an investment. Either that or they're an investment that returns a ridiculous sum of something that is not measured in dollars.

My Steamroller has a Phil bottom bracket, King headset and spacers, stainless egg beaters, 32mm tires, and a Flite Ti saddle. About $1100.

I thought about getting some open pros on Phil hubs, 144mm crank, nice seat post, yada yada, but decided I like money more. Anybody want to give me my time back, the time lost spent thinking about buying stuff? Impossible? Yawp.

Seven dollars

i got my bike for free (an old bianchi road bike from my dad) then spent about $500 on wheels, cranks, bars, pedals, etc.

Hey man, if you are having trouble then don't answer. It's not that hard. You aren't required to participate.

This is BFSSFG. The only requirement is pointlessness. 2358 posts and you still haven't figured that out? Get with it man.

total maybe 2200 between two bikes flip flopping parts back and forth, but at any time around 1400 on one bike

I generally keep track of hobby spending. Since this is a fairly new hobby for me, it didn't take me long to calculate it (excluding tax/shipping). I have spent exactly $397.97 (excluding tools).

this is bfssfg. The only requirement is pointlessness. 2358 posts and you still haven't figured that out? Get with it man.

yes, yes, yes!!!!!!

beater: 200
ridiculous bike: 2k

too much :cry:

~~~~~~ By the way; you forgot to mention maintenance... you know for those spills or upgrades that require a professional's help.

Hey man, if you are having trouble then don't answer. It's not that hard. You aren't required to participate.

You've been here long enough to know that this goes against the way things work here. You're supposed to post in threads you disagree with and want no part of.

Also, what about the food we consume in order to get the energy (calories) to pedal our bikes? How much does your bike cost you in food every year? Don't count meals that you don't use to give yourself energy to pedal your bike. Also if you sell some of that food subtract it from the original amount, UNLESS, the person you sold it to used it to pedal their bike and please account for the amount that the replacement food (for the food you sold) cost. Add this all up, and who else loves pancakes? I know I do. I must spend at least $19-47 a year on pancakes.

This is BFSSFG. The only requirement is pointlessness. 2358 posts and you still haven't figured that out? Get with it man.

True.


You've been here long enough to know that this goes against the way things work here. You're supposed to post in threads you disagree with and want no part of.

Yeah, I forgot about that.

I bought a cheap ($115) MTB. I bought an 18t freewheel, an SRAM crankset and an new BB ($152). I paid $10 to have the BBs switched, and about $20 for cheap fenders. So, about $300, taxes in. I am considering buying a Globe Roll 2 in the spring, but them puppies are $950 in Canuckistan.

I look back in shock and shame on how much I've spent over the years, but I haven't sunk $ into drinking and smoking so maybe I don't have to feel as ashamed. I've learned a lot of things through biking like the value of $ and how to bargain through buying bikes though so it hasn't been a total "waste." I've also met a lot of people and gotten a lot of good insight through the buying as well

im cheap. probably always will be. WORD.

I'll admit that there have been chunks of money spent more for the "learning experience" than for any real function...

but I haven't sunk $ into drinking and smoking so maybe I don't have to feel as ashamed.
i don't even want to think how much money i have spent over the years on booze, pot, and cigarettes(i quit finally a few months ago). I know if i started adding it up, i would be shocked.

I just tried adding up how much i've spent on my IRO and lost track at 1100 and that doesn't count things like tubes, tires, or bar tape. I haven't spent much on it since i built my geared roadie, that thing is my money pit now.

I've spent more than I care to admit even to myself. When the GBP bottomed out at the end of last year, I went a little crazy with the Christmas bonus. I only regret a few of those purchases though, and they're all smaller things. The thread about showing people your maintenance area showed me how many bikes other people on this forum own, and I immediately felt a little better.

On my fixed gear I'm hovering right below $350 and hopefully wont spend too much more money on it. I'm getting spending fever however so I'm considering building up a geared bike soon which means more money towards cycling.

The little things really do add up huh?

this is a trick question. money put into a bicycle is lost, not invested.

Around $350, just did all the math.

first fix---$150
most expensive I ever owned----$2700 Colnago pista all campy...had to sell it....was too afraid to scratch it LOL
averege cost of my track bike--- 800
looking for a used track bike in good shape---will spend $ 500-600 must be 50cm or smaller..

so, i should tack on medical bills?

Not sure what the point of all this is. I have three fixed bikes, ranging from "how cheap can I build this" to "this is exactly what I want-- I don't care about the price" Each gets used and has a purpose.

Not sure what the point of all this is. I have three fixed bikes, ranging from "how cheap can I build this" to "this is exactly what I want-- I don't care about the price" Each gets used and has a purpose.

The point of all of this is to see how much we (the BFSSFG community) invest in our FG/SS/Track bikes either as a hobby, work tool, transportation and/or as sports equipment. Nothing more.

With 3 bikes, for this survey you would add the value of all 3.

You can't say you built a "how cheap can I build this" bike and don't care about cost. I understand you weren't worried about the money, but cost was an obvious consideration on a bike like that.

An investment should offer returns on investment - that generally doesn't happen unless you are hoarding pristine lugged steel italian race bikes with the intent to flip for profit. every bike i've owned has depreciated with use.

investment? not really... just saying. i voted anyway.

You can't say you built a "how cheap can I build this" bike and don't care about cost. I understand you weren't worried about the money, but cost was an obvious consideration on a bike like that.
He is talking about two bikes

i don't even want to think how much money i have spent over the years on booze, pot, and cigarettes(i quit finally a few months ago). I know if i started adding it up, i would be shocked.


Quiting a habit like that is always a perk though so congratulations


An investment should offer returns on investment - that generally doesn't happen unless you are hoarding pristine lugged steel italian race bikes with the intent to flip for profit. every bike i've owned has depreciated with use.

investment? not really... just saying. i voted anyway.


this is a trick question. money put into a bicycle is lost, not invested.

I understand it's $ lost no matter how you put it, but could the "investment" in exercise and fun be counted as an investment? I mean if you compare the health (overall including mental) of an avid driver to that of an avid biker, which one gets more out of what they do? A car is hands down more convenient and easier than a bike, but it can also influence a sedentary lifestyle.

^^ +1

This would have been better if it was only for a single bike, rather than multiples.

This would have been better if it was only for a single bike, rather than multiples.

Yeah, I agree. I should have done it for single bikes and allowed the option for voters to select multiple options. Of course, I thought of that after I submitted the survey.

I guess there's no way to change that? Or can you wave an admin wand and make it so?

Yeah, I agree. I should have done it for single bikes and allowed the option for voters to select multiple options. Of course, I thought of that after I submitted the survey.

I guess there's no way to change that? Or can you wave an admin wand and make it so?

I no longer have an admin wand, but we could probably convince a moderator to change the poll, if it's not too late.

You just take the $200 + terrible parenting = $200 + daughter with emotional problems. Simple math really.

Just cause I know people here have a hard time grasping sarcasm, I don't think you are terrible parent. i am sure there is a decent enough explanation as to why you would think stealing from your daughter is okay. She might have stolen from you in the past and your just doing unto others. Maybe she got pregnant at a young age youd your teaching her irrelevant consequinces for irresponsible actions. Who am I to judge?

Gee - do you suppose it could be karma?

I was riding with one of her sons (but on a different bike) when I had the crash that broke both of my elbows.

under a Grand Times 3

The closet I got is my Panasonic I am into for 970.00

I have other Hobbies That cost a little More
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e394/Halfbrothermongoose/IMG_0461.jpg

But as another said I have not spent a dime On Booze or drugs so I Live a little

...I can't even comprehend the relevance.

I think it might have to do with the minimalism of a fixed gear bike: it ought not cost much, but, often it does.

I spent $530 on my first fixed gear bike; $2400 on my second; and, $3010 on my recently-completed third fixed gear bike.

I think it might have to do with the minimalism of a fixed gear bike: it ought not cost much, but, often it does.

I spent $530 on my first fixed gear bike; $2400 on my second; and, $3010 on my recently-completed third fixed gear bike.

I'm sure you won't call that an investment either. I sold a used bike this year for $3k. Best not to think about what that cost to build.