I agree with everything in my life. Less (and higher quality) is better, except when it comes to holidays, cheaper and longer is better.

I only buy what is necessary to keep the my bike in working order, tubes, tires, chains.

I thought I was done buying stuff for awhile, then Nashbar started having a frame sale. I couldn't help myself, so I picked up a Fuji touring frame. I don't even need it, but the price was so good (10% off a week ago).

Visiting CL doesn't help either. I just picked up a pair of Avid BB7 disc brakes w/ levers for $70.

Its just a habit...errr..hobby. I know I can stop it when I want to.

Oh oh, which bike was that?

I'm really surprised at the amount of people who go long times between. I'm curious: when you do spend on bike stuff, do you buy a lot at once and then it all wears out at the same time?

Every month or two, I make routine purchases in the $5-$60 range, covering misc parts, chain lube etc., and find that as soon as I have one thing the way I like it, a consumable runs out or a part I'd replaced a couple years back needs to get replaced again. I guess I'm a tinkerer, as opposed to a "set up once and enjoy" kind of rider.

Big purchases are more in the multi-year ranges. While I've bought 3 new bikes in the last 8 years (one for me, two for my wife), I don't think I'll be buying another one for 5-10 years, and major gear purchases are really unusual. Only one occasion comes to mind, when I went on my first longer-than-a-weekend tour, I spent around $1500 on gear for my wife and I...new clothes, new saddle, new handlebar bag (with insert for organising my dSLR camera parts), new panniers, new pedals... the list goes on. That was 4 years ago, and I still use all those things. Might buy a few more clothes this year for another tour, but we'll see. I don't use them for regular riding around town, so they last a long time.

After this backpack that I ordered a few days ago, I think I'm finally settled in and have all the materials I need to handle riding. I do t see myself spending anymore money unless there is an issue with my bike

Damn Universal Cycles and their 30 second price match! (Best bike shop ever. They even have 5 cats.)


Condolences. How old was the frame and what did you replace it with?

I'm a Bike Picker, so most of the cool new stuff I add to my bike comes from bikes I've found in the trash. I can't figure out why so many people, when they throw a perfectly good bicycle away, also throw away all the perfectly good accessories!

I actually tracked my cycling-related purchases and last year spent about the same as a year's worth of transit passes. For me it's not fancy bike parts but things that add to my safely and comfort like good clothing and accessories (fenders, racks, lighting, etc.).

There's always new fun stuff to look at so I know it'll never be zero!

I don't spend very much of the bikes themselves, but I do spend on clothing...long rides in poor weather inspire me to keep buying in search of the perfect combination.

When I work, bikes are always involved. I am car-free and bike everywhere including work. Since 1989 I have worked in (or very near) the bicycle industry/bike shops. Most of my friends and coworkers live a cycling lifestyle. I manage two bicycle related Websites. I am literally DROWNING in bicycle product information and I currently own 5 totally different styles of bikes myself. I always know what bike goodies will be coming out six months from now and can generally get my hands on the "Beta" version of the latest stuff. Like a chain smoker working at the Smoke Shop, I do not have a PRAYER to abstain. Actually, it would be considered not doing my job to stop acquiring bike stuff, even if it is only temporary, loaned, field tested gear much of the time.

I went to my LBS today to pick up a rear cable hanger and some cable end crimps, and walked out with those plus a new pair of SPD shoes. I feel like this is the best place to share that.

We are here for you brother. No judgment passed by other junkies.

Every bike I get, the first year or so I end up spending a bit here and there for minor things. Once I get settled in it's just consumables which I tend to stockpile and don't wear out that much anyway. But at that point I start getting bored and thinking about building up N+1...

After three years, I pretty much have everything I need for commuting in cold in addition to sufficient clothing (2 pairs of shorts, several jerseys, socks, etc). My recent purchase was a pair of Conti GP4000s as the Gatorskins are beginning to look flat. I'm ready to ride and not spend $ on the bike except for Clif Shots and Endurolyte. The only purchase I'll be making in the next year might be to replace my helmet if I can find one I like at a good price.