Ok, I'm a self admitted cheap bastard but I somehow worked up to a very solid commuter rig with a few not used accessories and parts. Took me 8 years of sucking it up, and upgrading here and there. Still use a flashlight with 2 hose clamps as a headlight, rigged a plastic light switch cover with Velcro for my iPhone mount which doubles for my gps, never wear cycling specific anything but my shoes. I could be more comfortable I know, but I also enjoy the challenge. 4 bucks for a homemade pair of knickers from goodwill? Right up my alley.

I want to hear what other budget minded commuters do to keep costs down or non existent. I love diy ideas and other ways of trying to save $, down to using alternative cheaper but just as effective chain cleaning techniques to the cheap but bomb proof Rigs you commute on. What worked, and what didn't?