Originally Posted by
Vampy
Six months and over 600 miles later I can say I am a very happy commuter. I changed not only the way I go to work, but there was a change of mind when I found out that the car is not needed for a couple of miles errand trip.
The main reason to buy the new bike (the main reason I used with my wife, of course) was money. Sure honey, in less than a year the price of the bike will be overcome by savings in gas, yadda yadda yadda, you know the deal. But then real commuting arrived and I saw that if you want to use your bike at night, you need lights, if you want to buy some groceries, you need a basket, if you want to go bigger, or with the kids, you need a trailer. Cleats, shoes, winter gear and so on keep adding up. And then maintenance, flat tires and the likes, so the open question I leave you guys here is:
Do any of you actually rides his bike because of the money?
I'll never go back to the 'car for everything' habits, but damn being healthy and green means spending some cash!
I can't afford the car insurance, gas, and surprise repairs of a car, so you could say I ride because of money. I also enjoy it, prefer it, and am happier when I ride.
It does seem to be an endless money pit, but I enjoy buying parts and accessories for the most part, except for when a need comes at an inconvenient time. I'm hoping that once I'm done rebuilding my touring bike so I have a spare for my commuter that the expenses will drop off to just the occasional replacement of socks, bibs, and tights.