Originally Posted by
acidfast7
As far as my fiscal constraint comment, I think people shouldn't be buying a bike until that have at least 12 months of net salary saved in the US or 6 months in Europe (due to differences in the unemployment insurance). At which point, I'd still hesitate to spend more than 20% of a month's net salary on a commuting bike (this is the commuting forum, right?).
Hope that clarifies my perspective.
My starting pay was about 150 euros per MONTH. I could spend 10 euros per month for bus ticket, or pay some 30 euros for a decent second hand bicycle - and make sure I keep it save (inside firm office, inside home). Why leave anything for thieves? Bikes get stollen in my city regularly, just leave it out and it's gone. Even crapy looking bikes get stolen, sold for 5 e 2nd hand later.