A little system I use to stop spending too much on cycling, thought I'd share.
03-20-11, 05:01 AM
#26
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Here is another system.
Spend your time and effort improving your job skills so your can afford some of the luxuries of life.
That 45 year old going 14mph is probably someone that went to medical school and now spends his working life saving lives. Then he relaxes on his expensive bike (and gets criticized by the paupers of the world). LOL
Spend your time and effort improving your job skills so your can afford some of the luxuries of life.
That 45 year old going 14mph is probably someone that went to medical school and now spends his working life saving lives. Then he relaxes on his expensive bike (and gets criticized by the paupers of the world). LOL
03-20-11, 07:32 AM
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I kind of like this idea. Though I would like to buy what I wanted, I only tend to buy what I need, which is really a first for me, but because cycling is so darn expensive, it actually forces me to most of the time. The shop I use has a similar program actually for its customers. You buy a bike w/ a computer from there, then they put you in this program that for every 250 miles you ride you get a $25 gift certificate, or something like that. I might be more miles to get the gift certificate, but I have witnessed a couple of customers come in and take advantage of that program. That is a pretty cool one and it tends to get the new cyclists in to riding more I have noticed.
03-20-11, 08:16 AM
#29
You gonna eat that?
It's actually pretty easy. I have an Android phone, and there's a free app by Google called My Tracks that uses GPS and records a bunch of different parameters. At the end of each ride, or later if I want to just do a batch of them, it exports the data to an Excel spreadsheet, which I then copy and paste into my own excel spreadsheet with a few charts and summaries. Literally a matter of minutes to see my progress day by day, season by season. I think it's very cool and helpful.
And since we're sharing, here's my system: I acquire bike stuff when it comes my way. Most of it is decent, but not great, stuff. Everyone once in a while I get a fantastic deal. My commuter is an old 90s hybrid I picked up for a hundred bucks (it was 14 years old but still new with the store price tags on it, just never ridden). I've picked up upgrades now and again over the years to where it now looks like a Surly LHT clone and would probably take at least $1000 if it got stolen and I wanted to replace it. But if it did get stolen, I'd probably just start again with a $100 and start building it up.
To me, it's about collecting, and frugally, rather than just throwing money at it. Like cccorlew above, I try to finance my bike habit based on savings realized from bike commuting, although I don't keep strict track of expenses. Like tracking hours in the saddle and miles traveled, that would take all the fun out of it for me.
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03-20-11, 08:34 AM
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So, like pretty much everyone on here, I always am drooling over new and different stuff than what I have. That said, I also REALLY never want to be "That guy" with a super expensive setup who trudges along at 14mph, getting passed by 20+ year old aluminum bikes by 45 year olds (No offense to the 45 year olds here... 
)
So, since I already track my times and distances anyway, I've set a little rule for myself.
One hour of biking earns up to $10 in "credit." If I want $1k wheels, I have to bike 100 hours.
For my schedule and frequency, it works out pretty well, but ymmv. I don't include "Necessary" things, sunch as new tubes or one pair of winter knickers, etc. That said, watch out for not making your list of "necessary" items too long...
Anyway, just thought I'd share, keeps the GF and the bank account happier.
)So, since I already track my times and distances anyway, I've set a little rule for myself.
One hour of biking earns up to $10 in "credit." If I want $1k wheels, I have to bike 100 hours.
For my schedule and frequency, it works out pretty well, but ymmv. I don't include "Necessary" things, sunch as new tubes or one pair of winter knickers, etc. That said, watch out for not making your list of "necessary" items too long...
Anyway, just thought I'd share, keeps the GF and the bank account happier.
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Steel is real...and comfy.
03-20-11, 08:49 AM
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The trick to getting more bike stuff is to endlessly expand your available rationalizations.
As a bike commuter every tank of gas I don't get is $50 for bike stuff. BUT THAT'S ONLY A START!!
The expensive gym around here is about $100 a month. I'm not a member because I cycle. Therefore, that's $100 tax free savings to me! Every month! See where I'm going here?
Everything I buy as a Performance Bike member gives me a 10% credit. Now, I'm saving that to get my sweet cycling wife a present. Do I want to look cheap, or get her something nice? That's right-- something nice.
And how can I get my Performance credits up? Only by buying more bike stuff. It's a win-win!
Do you have a neighbor that water skis? Every dime they spend on their boat counts as money you save by not spending it on YOUR boat that you don't own!
If you do it right, it turns out you can't afford NOT to have a bunch of new bike stuff ALL THE TIME!
Send me $27.50 for my new book on how this works, or better yet, don't send the money and you save $27.50 to spend on your bike. Not enough? Then don't buy copies for your friends and save $27.50 on each friend you didn't buy for! Tell your friends not to buy it for you and in no time they'll be rolling in bike swag too!
As a bike commuter every tank of gas I don't get is $50 for bike stuff. BUT THAT'S ONLY A START!!
The expensive gym around here is about $100 a month. I'm not a member because I cycle. Therefore, that's $100 tax free savings to me! Every month! See where I'm going here?
Everything I buy as a Performance Bike member gives me a 10% credit. Now, I'm saving that to get my sweet cycling wife a present. Do I want to look cheap, or get her something nice? That's right-- something nice.
And how can I get my Performance credits up? Only by buying more bike stuff. It's a win-win!
Do you have a neighbor that water skis? Every dime they spend on their boat counts as money you save by not spending it on YOUR boat that you don't own!
If you do it right, it turns out you can't afford NOT to have a bunch of new bike stuff ALL THE TIME!
Send me $27.50 for my new book on how this works, or better yet, don't send the money and you save $27.50 to spend on your bike. Not enough? Then don't buy copies for your friends and save $27.50 on each friend you didn't buy for! Tell your friends not to buy it for you and in no time they'll be rolling in bike swag too!
03-20-11, 09:01 AM
#32
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I don't like to waste money needlessly but if I want something and the bills are paid, I'll try to get it. I work overtime to help with buying any "toys" I want.
Right now I'm wanting, not needing, new bottle cages and my first pair of bibs. I figure for the ones I want it'll come to around 150.00 total. Can make that with some OT.
If you think of all the places you can save a dollar here or there, (bottled water, soda, cereal and on and on) you can find a way to save for some of the smaller items.
Right now I'm wanting, not needing, new bottle cages and my first pair of bibs. I figure for the ones I want it'll come to around 150.00 total. Can make that with some OT.
If you think of all the places you can save a dollar here or there, (bottled water, soda, cereal and on and on) you can find a way to save for some of the smaller items.
03-20-11, 09:05 AM
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My system is very sophisticated. When I find out about something that looks, or sounds good, I buy it.
Cervelos are sounding better every day.
Cervelos are sounding better every day.
03-20-11, 10:27 AM
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03-20-11, 12:51 PM
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That said, I can't spend money I don't have or can't afford. However, it seems foolish to deny myself things I can afford just because I don't "need" them. Life's too damned short for either misplaced frugality or financial irresponsibility. So yeah, I am "that guy". There's no way I can justify the quality or quantity of gear I have based on my riding prowess, but you know what? I truly love the stuff I have, and because of that, I love using it. And the more I use it, the more likely it is that someday my performance might approach what my gear is capable of.
At least that's my story, and I'm sticking to it
03-20-11, 01:15 PM
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I get teased sometimes about my bike. Things like, " you have a Corvette bike and a Brigs and Straton Lawn mower motor for it."
At this stage in life ( been retired for many years now) I feel it's time to have some of the nicer things, within reason. There is no rerun in life. When it's over, it's over. So I am going to enjoy what I can while I can. I enjoy cycling it so why not.
I say if you can afford it, go for it, cause there no do overs. When the next hour is gone, it's gone for good. Just saying.
At this stage in life ( been retired for many years now) I feel it's time to have some of the nicer things, within reason. There is no rerun in life. When it's over, it's over. So I am going to enjoy what I can while I can. I enjoy cycling it so why not.
I say if you can afford it, go for it, cause there no do overs. When the next hour is gone, it's gone for good. Just saying.
03-20-11, 03:02 PM
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i do it by "when there is extra money in the savings account and there is something I want or need after everything more important has been given necessary attention, I will buy it."
seems pretty simple to me. sure, there is a lot of stuff I would like to have, and some could argue that there is some stuff that I "need" but I guess in the grand scheme of things, it's never that serious.
that being said, I put $25 per pay period (2 weeks) into a separate savings account for "fun" money... also if I get a bonus, a small chunk will go there. it adds up fast enough to cover most (if not all) things.
seems pretty simple to me. sure, there is a lot of stuff I would like to have, and some could argue that there is some stuff that I "need" but I guess in the grand scheme of things, it's never that serious.
that being said, I put $25 per pay period (2 weeks) into a separate savings account for "fun" money... also if I get a bonus, a small chunk will go there. it adds up fast enough to cover most (if not all) things.
03-20-11, 03:50 PM
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03-20-11, 04:06 PM
#40
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In practice, this is probably cheaper than earning and spending credits...
03-20-11, 05:48 PM
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I've always enjoyed having the best of the best. I'm at that point now in my life
where my bike gets most of that attention.
where my bike gets most of that attention.
03-20-11, 09:39 PM
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03-20-11, 11:22 PM
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03-21-11, 11:07 AM
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So, like pretty much everyone on here, I always am drooling over new and different stuff than what I have. That said, I also REALLY never want to be "That guy" with a super expensive setup who trudges along at 14mph, getting passed by 20+ year old aluminum bikes by 45 year olds (No offense to the 45 year olds here... )
So, since I already track my times and distances anyway, I've set a little rule for myself.
One hour of biking earns up to $10 in "credit." If I want $1k wheels, I have to bike 100 hours.
For my schedule and frequency, it works out pretty well, but ymmv. I don't include "Necessary" things, sunch as new tubes or one pair of winter knickers, etc. That said, watch out for not making your list of "necessary" items too long...
Anyway, just thought I'd share, keeps the GF and the bank account happier.
)So, since I already track my times and distances anyway, I've set a little rule for myself.
One hour of biking earns up to $10 in "credit." If I want $1k wheels, I have to bike 100 hours.
For my schedule and frequency, it works out pretty well, but ymmv. I don't include "Necessary" things, sunch as new tubes or one pair of winter knickers, etc. That said, watch out for not making your list of "necessary" items too long...
Anyway, just thought I'd share, keeps the GF and the bank account happier.
jersey until I could maintain a certain MPH average that was significantly better than what I started with, etc...).
Then I set another goal and got shoes, then a helmet and eventually, I wasn't riding my road bike with MTB gear.
When I was able to keep up with and eventually be competitive with my riding buddy (who races regularly),
I decided it was time to upgrade my bike. But I'm done for a good long while now. As planned, I'm going to
ride my current bike all year and I'll build up a carbon bike for next year when I have the time off from scratch.
That's the one thing I just couldn't do...keep a bike "as is" from the factory.
Next on my list: Shoes and new shades, some weekly riding gear and that's it. For real.
BTW...I "buy smart" as well. I saved at least a thousand dollars off my bike by buying in the winter and off season.
Last edited by 2ndGen; 03-21-11 at 11:10 AM.
03-21-11, 11:10 AM
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03-21-11, 11:13 AM
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I have not one gripe with the guy who rides a sub-$1,000. bike.
There are a lot of really great bikes at that price. I did that.
I still ride a sub-$1,000. bike. I just upgraded the snot out of it.
(Coincidentally, I got her a bike. She'll be riding with me soon enough.)
I get teased sometimes about my bike. Things like, " you have a Corvette bike and a Brigs and Straton Lawn mower motor for it."
At this stage in life ( been retired for many years now) I feel it's time to have some of the nicer things, within reason. There is no rerun in life. When it's over, it's over. So I am going to enjoy what I can while I can. I enjoy cycling it so why not.
I say if you can afford it, go for it, cause there no do overs. When the next hour is gone, it's gone for good. Just saying.
At this stage in life ( been retired for many years now) I feel it's time to have some of the nicer things, within reason. There is no rerun in life. When it's over, it's over. So I am going to enjoy what I can while I can. I enjoy cycling it so why not.
I say if you can afford it, go for it, cause there no do overs. When the next hour is gone, it's gone for good. Just saying.
Nike says "Just Do It!" In New York, we say "Do You."
Get what "you" want. Forget the haters.
After all, they're all gone when one logs off, hey?
For the Bike Snobs who criticize your Motor, most of those guys just walk into
a bike shop and whip out a Credit Card and walk out with an awesome bike.
Easiest thing in the world to do. The rest of us have to earn it.
I want to die completely penniless once my loved ones are cared for.
After all, we ain't takin' it with us, right?
Similar situation here. Only at my age, SWMBO appreciates not only the effect of my riding on my physique, but also its impact on my life expectancy.
That said, I can't spend money I don't have or can't afford. However, it seems foolish to deny myself things I can afford just because I don't "need" them. Life's too damned short for either misplaced frugality or financial irresponsibility. So yeah, I am "that guy". There's no way I can justify the quality or quantity of gear I have based on my riding prowess, but you know what? I truly love the stuff I have, and because of that, I love using it. And the more I use it, the more likely it is that someday my performance might approach what my gear is capable of.
At least that's my story, and I'm sticking to it
That said, I can't spend money I don't have or can't afford. However, it seems foolish to deny myself things I can afford just because I don't "need" them. Life's too damned short for either misplaced frugality or financial irresponsibility. So yeah, I am "that guy". There's no way I can justify the quality or quantity of gear I have based on my riding prowess, but you know what? I truly love the stuff I have, and because of that, I love using it. And the more I use it, the more likely it is that someday my performance might approach what my gear is capable of.
At least that's my story, and I'm sticking to it
My SWMBO I had to try to "sell" on why I needed what I got for my bike as I upgraded.After returning from riding through a lightning storm,
I tried to use that as an excuse for "needing" a carbon framed bike.
She responded with: "Or, you could just "not" ride through lightning storms."
Back to the drawing board for me.
Last edited by 2ndGen; 03-21-11 at 12:44 PM.
03-21-11, 11:23 AM
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My system is based on performance goals. When I started I had a cheap mtn bike. I told myself when I could ride my local loop without putting my foot down, I'd upgrade to something decent within my means. Done. Now I have a time goal. When I can make that same loop in under XX minutes I'll upgrade to something very nice within my means. The road bike has been the same but first with miles - 2000 in a year upgraded me from an old Raleigh to my more modern but still modest LeMond. Once I can hang with the pack of my local team and I'm ready to enter a race (goal spring 2012) I'll get a better road bike. With the knowledge I've gained along the way I feel like I can make a much better buying decision for my needs.