Originally Posted by
jadocs
Just as expensive. Everyone has different levels of "want". For example, you speak about the upfront cost of just getting a bike. It can turn into a lot more than that.....a better bike, a "rain" or winter bike, a cross bike, a MTB, better wheels, different wheels, better shoes, updating the groupset, indoor trainer which can turn into a smart trainer, then zwift or trainer road, etc., etc.
It's not cheap unless you are a casual cyclist.
Even then, that's subjective. Whats Cheap? My bike was entry level and the Jones h loop handle bars were not. Someone who buys a BSO from Walmart would think my bike is expensive. I consider myself a casual cyclist, but the fact I ride in the winter and often ride 5 days a week cause some people to think I'm an actual cyclist. While I don't want to apply the label cheap to my cycling, I have managed to make it very affordable. I agree, we can make it as expensive or affordable as we want, but as soon as it starts replacing the car it starts paying back the initial investment.