Gas is Cheaper
#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.
#2
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.
Considered any of the above?
Not to mention the more difficult to quantify benefits, like better health.
#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.
#5
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
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.
__________________
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.
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.
#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).
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).
#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)
#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.
Beer is for after the ride. Along with a mountain of french fries or onion rings.
#9
#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)

Homebrewing is without a doubt the greatest hobby ever. It actually beats out cycling, although not by much. Together, they are unbeatable.
#15
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.
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.
#16
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Bikes: 1988 Miyata 712

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.
#17
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,894
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Bikes: Bianchi Via Nirone 7, Jamis Sputnik
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.
#18
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
#20
Hmmmm, with the recent chillier temps, a nice bourbon might work for the ride home!
#21
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.
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Prisoner No. 979
Prisoner No. 979
#22
put our Heads Together

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.
#24
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: Seattle, WA
Bikes: Giant OCR1
#25






