I think cycling is a fairly expensive hobby. I seem to pretty regularly "need" things for biking and not much of it is cheap. Thankfully it is usually spread out but a rotation shorts, tires, helmet, socks (not sure why I need socks so often but I do!), shoes, cleats, bike maintenance crap. Its a pretty constant revolving cost! Then if you participate in events, you must get the jersey!
Is it worth it? I think so. I think life is meant to enjoy! And I think that most of us make allowances for things that make life enjoyable, otherwise what is the point?
Now that you brought this up I'm seriously looking at what I spend on the fun things in life, wow!
Maybe I need cheaper hobbies. I'm going to have to spend more time disc golfing, that's cheap right??!