Originally Posted by
Moonshiner
I don't actually commute to save money. I do it for the ride and exercise. But the cost savings is definately an side benefit.
I have to own a car anyways, so I can't claim insurance, taxes, etc.. as a savings. It's a issue of the cost of gas, wear and tear on the car versus the wear and tear on the bicycle. (They've both been long paid for.)
Looking at the cars bills and figuring the gas cost for mileage I ride yearly instead of driving, it's probably in the $800-$1000 range for the car. While I haven't spent one penny on the bike in the past three years. I don't have the upgrade obsession that some have.
As far as increased food for energy. I don't see it. At 5'10" and close to an eight of a ton, I could probably cut back on food and still ride.
Somebody brought up this point, I think it was on the e-bike forum. They claimed that riding an e-bike was more efficient as the cost of electricity was lower than the added food needed to fuel a pedal biker. I said that their argument made sense IF they were getting by on a subsistence diet. I, like you weigh pretty damn near an eigth ton and, like you, I am sure eat plenty, even when I'm sitting home on my but. Infact, it's safe to say that on a day wasted away watching TV, my caloric intake is higher than if I rode a century. It's called eating something because you're bored. And it's a really bad habit.