Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Commuting
Reload this Page >

Gas is Cheaper

Search
Notices
Commuting Bicycle commuting is easier than you think, before you know it, you'll be hooked. Learn the tips, hints, equipment, safety requirements for safely riding your bike to work.

Gas is Cheaper

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-20-08 | 11:35 AM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Gimp with a Limp
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
Gas is Cheaper

I've been trying to do this bike commuting thing, but I swear that it's costing me more. There's just no way around it, a gallon of gas is cheaper than a couple decent pints of whatever is going to give you the courage and motivation to ride on these freaking crazy streets. Down a few Coronas and its off to the races, you know? But I can't think that I'm saving money, nahhh... it's all about the fun.
GutterNinja! is offline  
Reply
Old 11-20-08 | 11:46 AM
  #2  
gamecat's Avatar
Hoopy Frood
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 457
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles

Bikes: Trek 7.3fx, Peugeot PX-10, Fuji Roubaix Pro ('04), Cannondale R600, Triumph Roadsters, Raleigh 20, Univega Nuovo Sport, Schwinn Sierra, Bianchi Osprey, Peugeot NS-22, Batavus Champion, Haro Pulse.

Insurance. Registration. Maintenance. Replacing a worn out car more often than a worn out bicycle. Do you buy your gas on a charge card on which you carry a balance w/a interest rate?

Considered any of the above?

Not to mention the more difficult to quantify benefits, like better health.
gamecat is offline  
Reply
Old 11-20-08 | 11:54 AM
  #3  
SouthFLpix's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 1
From: Miami, FL

Bikes: 2007 Giant Cypress DX, Windsor Tourist 2011

It's more expensive for me to drive.
SouthFLpix is offline  
Reply
Old 11-20-08 | 11:54 AM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA

Bikes: Giant OCR1

Health benefits, far cheaper wear and tear, no insurance (other than health insurance). Getting into bicycle commuting can be expensive ($1K - $2K to equip yourself for all weather commuting), but if you already have the gear it's far less expensive to ride than it is to drive.
vaticdart is offline  
Reply
Old 11-20-08 | 11:59 AM
  #5  
Barrettscv's Avatar
Have bike, will travel
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,286
Likes: 317
From: Lake Geneva, WI

Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2

Originally Posted by vaticdart
Health benefits, far cheaper wear and tear, no insurance (other than health insurance). Getting into bicycle commuting can be expensive ($1K - $2K to equip yourself for all weather commuting), but if you already have the gear it's far less expensive to ride than it is to drive.
ditto
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Barrettscv is offline  
Reply
Old 11-20-08 | 12:11 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
You folks are taking the original post way too seriously.

All that's said was, liquid courage costs more than gas. Anyone would be an idiot to actually suggest that commuting by bicycle is costlier than in a car (except for that whole "instant death in the event of a bad collision" thing, but we're talking monetary here).
oakback is offline  
Reply
Old 11-20-08 | 12:17 PM
  #7  
Where am I?
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX

Bikes: Old Centurion Accordo (in the process of being SS'ed), Cannondale Quick 5 (racks/panniers/fenders, utility bike), Trek XO1 (fun/fast/main ride)

Originally Posted by oakback
All that's said was, liquid courage costs more than gas.
Yes, but liquid courage tastes better...unless you are actually drinking Corona as stated in the original post. I would rather down a pint of gasoline than anything macro brewers currently produce.
surveyor is offline  
Reply
Old 11-20-08 | 12:27 PM
  #8  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA

Bikes: Giant OCR1

I carry my liquid courage with me. It's in a stainless steel flask. I find 2.5 ounces is enough to last me for a week. Right now it's Fighting Cock bourbon.

Beer is for after the ride. Along with a mountain of french fries or onion rings.
vaticdart is offline  
Reply
Old 11-20-08 | 01:32 PM
  #9  
jdmitch's Avatar
Non-Spandex Commuter
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 0
From: Olathe, KS

Bikes: Trek Soho S

Originally Posted by oakback
You folks are taking the original post way too seriously.

All that's said was, liquid courage costs more than gas...
Especially if you require a full gallon to go 15 miles...
jdmitch is offline  
Reply
Old 11-20-08 | 01:37 PM
  #10  
jpdesjar
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Homebrews are delicious, would rather invest in some good hops then gasoline. Is this all this thread is about? I ride so I can drink more beer and not get a beer gut, nuf said.
 
Reply
Old 11-20-08 | 01:46 PM
  #11  
aidanpryde18's Avatar
Full of Love and Meatloaf
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Louisville, KY
Ya, rot gut for the ride, the good sipping bourbon for afterwards.
aidanpryde18 is offline  
Reply
Old 11-20-08 | 01:49 PM
  #12  
UmneyDurak's Avatar
RacingBear
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 9,053
Likes: 68
From: NorCal
Absinthe for me. My roadie snobishenss is showing through here.
UmneyDurak is offline  
Reply
Old 11-20-08 | 01:52 PM
  #13  
Where am I?
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX

Bikes: Old Centurion Accordo (in the process of being SS'ed), Cannondale Quick 5 (racks/panniers/fenders, utility bike), Trek XO1 (fun/fast/main ride)

Originally Posted by jpdesjar
Homebrews are delicious, would rather invest in some good hops then gasoline. Is this all this thread is about? I ride so I can drink more beer and not get a beer gut, nuf said.
Yeah, but hops prices are finally starting to stabilize/decrease, so they may not be as good as an investment

Homebrewing is without a doubt the greatest hobby ever. It actually beats out cycling, although not by much. Together, they are unbeatable.
surveyor is offline  
Reply
Old 11-20-08 | 01:58 PM
  #14  
jpdesjar
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Yes they were pricey over the summer, making beer and riding bikes go very well together.
 
Reply
Old 11-20-08 | 04:15 PM
  #15  
LarryMelman's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 645
Likes: 25
From: Phoenix, AZ
Pray tell, how does my insurance and maintenance change if I bike-commute?

Because let's not kid ourselves, no rational person gives up their car.

Actually I am unconvinced that bike-commuting saves any money at all, if the start-up costs are factored in.
LarryMelman is offline  
Reply
Old 11-20-08 | 04:23 PM
  #16  
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles

Bikes: 1988 Miyata 712

Originally Posted by vaticdart
I carry my liquid courage with me. It's in a stainless steel flask. I find 2.5 ounces is enough to last me for a week. Right now it's Fighting Cock bourbon.

Beer is for after the ride. Along with a mountain of french fries or onion rings.


https://www.trophybikes.com/catalog.p...d=-1&prodid=32

I don't drink myself, but I saw one of these last week. Mad style points in my book.
thrillho is offline  
Reply
Old 11-20-08 | 04:45 PM
  #17  
bhop's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,894
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles

Bikes: Bianchi Via Nirone 7, Jamis Sputnik

Originally Posted by LarryMelman
Pray tell, how does my insurance and maintenance change if I bike-commute?

Because let's not kid ourselves, no rational person gives up their car.

Actually I am unconvinced that bike-commuting saves any money at all, if the start-up costs are factored in.
My car insurance was dropped to 'recreation' since I literally only use it on weekends. Maintenance.. that should be pretty obvious. Mileage decrease = less wear and tear on the engine and chassis, less tire wear.
bhop is offline  
Reply
Old 11-20-08 | 04:49 PM
  #18  
Sirrus Rider's Avatar
Velocommuter Commando
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,683
Likes: 38
From: Houston, Texas

Bikes: '88 Specialized Sirrus, '89 Alpine Monitor Pass, two '70 Raligh Twenties, '07 Schwinn Town & Country Trike, '07 Specialized Sirrus Hybrid

Originally Posted by surveyor
Yes, but liquid courage tastes better...unless you are actually drinking Corona as stated in the original post. I would rather down a pint of gasoline than anything macro brewers currently produce.
Corona=Latino Urine=Corona Any questions??
Sirrus Rider is offline  
Reply
Old 11-20-08 | 04:52 PM
  #19  
Big_e's Avatar
Strong with the Fred
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 970
Likes: 2
From: Dallas, TX
The price of gas and car maintanance was never really an issue with me. I bicycle for my health. I am noticing some savings in my finances but thats just extra for me.
Ernest
Big_e is offline  
Reply
Old 11-20-08 | 05:05 PM
  #20  
BA Commuter's Avatar
Comfortably Numb!
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 943
Likes: 1
From: East Jabip

Bikes: Jamis Commuter 3.0

Originally Posted by vaticdart
I carry my liquid courage with me. It's in a stainless steel flask. I find 2.5 ounces is enough to last me for a week. Right now it's Fighting Cock bourbon.

Beer is for after the ride. Along with a mountain of french fries or onion rings.
Hmmmm, with the recent chillier temps, a nice bourbon might work for the ride home!
BA Commuter is offline  
Reply
Old 11-20-08 | 05:31 PM
  #21  
dynodonn's Avatar
On the lam
Titanium Club Membership
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,470
Likes: 96
From: The Village
Since bicycling takes a little more effort than driving, I've reduced my number of overall miles per year. With that little extra effort involved, plus the bike's lower carrying capacity, I've greatly reduced the amount of purchases being made since I now give them more thought rather than getting into the SUV, driving to the store, and making a rash buying decision on something that I didn't really need.
__________________
Prisoner No. 979




dynodonn is offline  
Reply
Old 11-20-08 | 05:37 PM
  #22  
cerewa's Avatar
put our Heads Together
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,155
Likes: 1
From: southeast pennsylvania

Bikes: a mountain bike with a cargo box on the back and aero bars on the front. an old well-worn dahon folding bike

Down a few Coronas and its off to the races, you know? But I can't think that I'm saving money, nahhh... it's all about the fun.
If biking was dangerous when you weren't drunk, it's sure to be dangerous when you are drunk!
cerewa is offline  
Reply
Old 11-20-08 | 06:28 PM
  #23  
TuckertonRR's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 572
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia PA
Originally Posted by LarryMelman
Because let's not kid ourselves, no rational person gives up their car.
Oh really? take that over to LCF
TuckertonRR is offline  
Reply
Old 11-20-08 | 06:58 PM
  #24  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA

Bikes: Giant OCR1

Originally Posted by BA Commuter
Hmmmm, with the recent chillier temps, a nice bourbon might work for the ride home!
I love to stop on my ride home, have a smoke (I smoke about a pack a month) and drink a bit of bourbon. I carry the flask in my mess bag so it stays relatively warm.
vaticdart is offline  
Reply
Old 11-20-08 | 07:03 PM
  #25  
hurricane harry's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Seattle

Bikes: Novara Randonee/DRZ400S

Originally Posted by vaticdart
I love to stop on my ride home, have a smoke (I smoke about a pack a month) and drink a bit of bourbon. I carry the flask in my mess bag so it stays relatively warm.
I love to stop on my ride home, have a smoke (I smoke about a bag a month).
hurricane harry is offline  
Reply


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.