Originally Posted by captnfantastic

I ride 3-5 time/week, it gets expensive. In order to keep me out of the red I use the following:

I buy Gatorade powder from Walmart. I use it in my bottles when I ride, and for recovery after a long hard ride. If I am doing a long ride that requires bottle fillup, I bring a ziploc with powder in it for round 2. Stick with the glacier freeze or lemon lime, trust me. Half a scoop for a standard bottle or full scoop for a 1L nalgene. It makes 6 gallons, $8.38.

I fill my hammer gel squeeze bottle with honey from Costco. I use it like anyone else would use a gel. 5 lbs, $12.

I recover with ice cold chocolate milk. It gives me the protein, carbs, and fats that my body wants after a workout. .5 gallon, $2.49

For longer rides I bring a snicker bar (or 2). They give me a bit of protein with carbs and don't upset my stomach. They also taste good, unlike cliff/power bars. Walmart 6 for $3

I buy "C9 by Champion" mens quarter socks at Target (white of course). They wick moisture and provide mild arch support. Most comfortable cycling sock I have used, and they look good. 6 pair, $12

I buy unthreaded CO2 cartirdges from Walmart. They are only 12 grams but I carry 2 with me. 15 for $8.

10 pack 48mm road tubes on ebay for $40. I don't patch tubes, it's just something I don't do.

What do you guys use? I would like to find substitutes for the following:

-Chain lube
-Chain cleaner
-Parts cleaner
-Any other suggestions you might have

Cheers!