General Cycling Discussion - Getting ready to ride.

I am starting to get ready to ride this year. In no particular order here is a list and the approximate cost, if known, of what it will take to get me and my bike ready by the month of March:

1. Haircut - $15.00
2. New gloves - $20.00
3. Tune up - $40.00
4. New tires - $45.00
5. Paint for seat frame - $50.00
6. New chain - $100.00
7. New seat frame - $300.00

Grand total: $570.00

This amount may be more or less.

Total from money saved in 2009 by commuting and running errands on bike: $507.30

$570.00-$507.30= Deficit of $62.70

I will have to build that amount back up as I commute and run errands this year.

Why are the chain and the seat frame so expensive? Is this for a recumbent?

A.

so what about all the medical costs you'll skip by being more fit?

I've definitely spent more than that in 2009 on bike stuff..and will spend WAY more than that in 2010. Planning on riding across the state (so need to buy bike stuff for that, as well as food and lodging along the way) as well as a new road bike at the end of the year.

by this time in 2011, i'll have spent ~$3000 on bike stuff and associated stuff in 2009-2010. and that's just the foreseeable cost of maintenance, and one new bike. might have to get a new mountain bike this year too...but I also need to afford textbooks and stuff, so we'll see.

Why are the chain and the seat frame so expensive? Is this for a recumbent?

A.

Yes, a recumbent. Vision R40 OSR, SWB/MWB. The current aluminum has 8 welds, 5 of which have failed and been repaired over the last 7+ years. There are no replacements available anywhere with out having one customer made. I finally found a local shop who will not charge me half the cost of a whole new bike for a custom built seat frame. I am having one built out of 4130 cro-moly.

You could save a little by trying a Nashbar/KMC 'bent-length chain for $12.99(8-spd) or $29.99(9-spd). I've had good luck with KMC.

Is the haircut a biking expense because your helmet doesn't fit without one?

You could save a little by trying a Nashbar/KMC 'bent-length chain for $12.99(8-spd) or $29.99(9-spd). I've had good luck with KMC.

Is the haircut a biking expense because your helmet doesn't fit without one?

I know I could go cheap and buy from nashbar, etc. But I prefer to keep the green in my community and support my local bike shop. I am also very, very partial to the Shimano brand/style chain I have been using since I have owned the bike. I would still have to have it installed. Even though my local shop would install it for me I feel it is an insult to ask them to install a chain I bought somewhere else.

I usually get a haircut to get ready for bike riding. the helmet does fit a bit better with shorter hair and it is a lot cooler.

I think you should skip the haircut - definitely a budget buster!

Call Poweroncycling.com to see if they can help you retrofit a $264 Bacchetta Euromesh seat on your Vision. Or save $100 by rattlecanning the custom seat frame; it won't show through the seat mesh anyway, and you can always get it powdercoated someday when you have money.

Only one haircut per year? And I though I was bad for going 2-3 months!

Call Poweroncycling.com to see if they can help you retrofit a $264 Bacchetta Euromesh seat on your Vision. Or save $100 by rattlecanning the custom seat frame; it won't show through the seat mesh anyway, and you can always get it powdercoated someday when you have money.

Only one haircut per year? And I though I was bad for going 2-3 months!

First what is rattlecanning? Never heard the term before. I tried a retro fit with a seat meant for a newer model Vision after the frame was redesigned. The same style of seat used on Volae's. Even using an a adapter it still did not work. Now I'm gun shy to try any other type of retro fit. I may be a bit high on the paint. I am painting it myself. I am going to buy the best quality spray primer and paint I can find and apply at least 2 coats of each.

I get more then one haircut a year, about 3 or 4. I love Sportclips. They cut it exactly how I want it. I have it cut to 1" long all the way around. If I want to spend a bit more I splurge for the hot towel, hair wash and massage. Yes I admit to being a bit of a metro sexual when it comes to my gromming and hygiene. I always tip the perosn who takes care of me at Sportclips up to at least 50% of the cost.

Help me out with a color for the seat frame. I know a majority of it will not show through the seat cover. I don't care. I don't want black or red. The current seat frame is black, the bike frame is red.

When you buy a spray can of paint and shake it what sound does it make?(rattle can):)

Yes, a recumbent. Vision R40 OSR, SWB/MWB. The current aluminum has 8 welds, 5 of which have failed and been repaired over the last 7+ years. There are no replacements available anywhere with out having one customer made. I finally found a local shop who will not charge me half the cost of a whole new bike for a custom built seat frame. I am having one built out of 4130 cro-moly.

Stupid question, I don't know much about recumbents, just curious: can you use two regular chains and just link them together or is that still too short or is there something special about recumbent chains?

Ah, regarding haircuts: I got a $30 electric haircutter couple of years ago and I use the 3mm blade on my entire head, takes like 3-5 minutes, saves time and money on haircuts and it's very convenient :) I understand that this hairstyle may not be for everyone though.

Adam

Stupid question, I don't know much about recumbents, just curious: can you use two regular chains and just link them together or is that still too short or is there something special about recumbent chains?
Adam
The chains are just long. Sometimes sold as 'tandem/recumbent' chains. Roughly the same length as the timing chain on a tandem. Yes, indeed, you can just link together multiples of single chains. The current synchro chain on my tandem is one single chain plus part of another with two quicklinks.
I buy a lot of stuff online, but I have bought two RANS recumbents through my LBS in the last couple of years.

The original seat frame is non heat treated aluminum. That is the problem with the welds failing. Cro moly will not have that issue.