A little system I use to stop spending too much on cycling, thought I'd share.
03-19-11, 08:04 PM
#1
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A little system I use to stop spending too much on cycling, thought I'd share.
So, like pretty much everyone on here, I always am drooling over new and different stuff than what I have. That said, I also REALLY never want to be "That guy" with a super expensive setup who trudges along at 14mph, getting passed by 20+ year old aluminum bikes by 45 year olds (No offense to the 45 year olds here... 
)
So, since I already track my times and distances anyway, I've set a little rule for myself.
One hour of biking earns up to $10 in "credit." If I want $1k wheels, I have to bike 100 hours.
For my schedule and frequency, it works out pretty well, but ymmv. I don't include "Necessary" things, sunch as new tubes or one pair of winter knickers, etc. That said, watch out for not making your list of "necessary" items too long...
Anyway, just thought I'd share, keeps the GF and the bank account happier.
)So, since I already track my times and distances anyway, I've set a little rule for myself.
One hour of biking earns up to $10 in "credit." If I want $1k wheels, I have to bike 100 hours.
For my schedule and frequency, it works out pretty well, but ymmv. I don't include "Necessary" things, sunch as new tubes or one pair of winter knickers, etc. That said, watch out for not making your list of "necessary" items too long...
Anyway, just thought I'd share, keeps the GF and the bank account happier.
03-19-11, 08:12 PM
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Any money I don't spend on bills or cycling my wife spends on chocolate, clothing and crapola.
03-19-11, 08:14 PM
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That system is too easy 
I'd have a grand to spend every month or two. Make it $10 in credit for every hour climbing.
I'd have a grand to spend every month or two. Make it $10 in credit for every hour climbing.
03-19-11, 08:20 PM
#4
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Yeah, it comes out to be about $1k every 3 months for me, if I so wanted. Lately, I've really cut down on new things I even want, so that's good... New wheelset is currently being "funded" now though.
03-19-11, 08:23 PM
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$10/hr for riding? It's better than minimum wage, anyway!
03-19-11, 09:06 PM
#6
Senior Member
My system's a bit different, although my lack of training would severely limit spending based on the OP's idea. I just avoid buying something where I can't justify the expenditure for the return.
Yes, I have to be able to afford the stuff first. Pay it in full. Yes I use a credit card to buy pretty much everything but it all has to be paid for by the end of the month.
After that, if I can't get something out of it, I won't be able to convince myself to buy it.
Disclaimer: I feel backups are important - bikes, wheels, etc. I'll spread the purchase time out over 4 or 5 years but I'll get a back up if I like a product. If I don't then I'll sell it off.
Also if it works I won't replace it. I have 10 or 15 year old booties; other than the logo peeling off there is no visible wear on them. Therefore I can't justify buying a sleeker pair.
Sponsor equipment opportunities I take. I didn't have a back up helmet (I crashed my primary and was using my backup). So I bought another helmet through the team sponsor. I bought some tires, tubes, tape, some other stuff.
Other rules: You can never have too much bar tape or inner tubes.
You should stock, when opportunity arises, any spare "wear items" (chains, cassettes, tires, brake pads, bar tape, cleats, computer mounts), "consumables" (chain lube, grease, cables, cable ends, cable housing), and "fit items" that you use (saddles, pedals, bars, stems, and frames/fork).
If you get a chance to buy bike shop equipment (typically when one closes down) buy it, especially if you know how to use it. Truing stands, BB/Headset presses, workstands (although I prefer the fork/BB mount portable stands), even benches and such.
Yes, I have to be able to afford the stuff first. Pay it in full. Yes I use a credit card to buy pretty much everything but it all has to be paid for by the end of the month.
After that, if I can't get something out of it, I won't be able to convince myself to buy it.
Disclaimer: I feel backups are important - bikes, wheels, etc. I'll spread the purchase time out over 4 or 5 years but I'll get a back up if I like a product. If I don't then I'll sell it off.
Also if it works I won't replace it. I have 10 or 15 year old booties; other than the logo peeling off there is no visible wear on them. Therefore I can't justify buying a sleeker pair.
Sponsor equipment opportunities I take. I didn't have a back up helmet (I crashed my primary and was using my backup). So I bought another helmet through the team sponsor. I bought some tires, tubes, tape, some other stuff.
Other rules: You can never have too much bar tape or inner tubes.
You should stock, when opportunity arises, any spare "wear items" (chains, cassettes, tires, brake pads, bar tape, cleats, computer mounts), "consumables" (chain lube, grease, cables, cable ends, cable housing), and "fit items" that you use (saddles, pedals, bars, stems, and frames/fork).
If you get a chance to buy bike shop equipment (typically when one closes down) buy it, especially if you know how to use it. Truing stands, BB/Headset presses, workstands (although I prefer the fork/BB mount portable stands), even benches and such.
03-19-11, 09:12 PM
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I'd have to have some money to be able to buy anything. An empty bank account is a good limiter.
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03-19-11, 09:16 PM
#8
Recusant Iconoclast
Or there's things called self control, discipline, will power, and hey, budgeting and prioritization. I guess we middle aged geezers weren't blessed with the instant gratification of today's youth.
03-19-11, 09:23 PM
#9
Throw the stick!!!!
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03-19-11, 09:26 PM
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I do it by race results. If I have a good race (no DNFs or injuries) I can buy everything I need for the next race (tubes, chain, tires, race entry, etc), and if I have a great race (category win, huge PR) then I get something nice. Last race I podium'd I got to replace my 6 year old mountain bike helmet, and I'm hoping for a skinsuit this summer, it keeps me motivated, cause I really want to stop TTing in a long course trisuit.
03-19-11, 09:47 PM
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The trick to getting more bike stuff is to endlessly expand your available rationalizations.
As a bike commuter every tank of gas I don't get is $50 for bike stuff. BUT THAT'S ONLY A START!!
The expensive gym around here is about $100 a month. I'm not a member because I cycle. Therefore, that's $100 tax free savings to me! Every month! See where I'm going here?
Everything I buy as a Performance Bike member gives me a 10% credit. Now, I'm saving that to get my sweet cycling wife a present. Do I want to look cheap, or get her something nice? That's right-- something nice.
And how can I get my Performance credits up? Only by buying more bike stuff. It's a win-win!
Do you have a neighbor that water skis? Every dime they spend on their boat counts as money you save by not spending it on YOUR boat that you don't own!
If you do it right, it turns out you can't afford NOT to have a bunch of new bike stuff ALL THE TIME!
Send me $27.50 for my new book on how this works, or better yet, don't send the money and you save $27.50 to spend on your bike. Not enough? Then don't buy copies for your friends and save $27.50 on each friend you didn't buy for! Tell your friends not to buy it for you and in no time they'll be rolling in bike swag too!
As a bike commuter every tank of gas I don't get is $50 for bike stuff. BUT THAT'S ONLY A START!!
The expensive gym around here is about $100 a month. I'm not a member because I cycle. Therefore, that's $100 tax free savings to me! Every month! See where I'm going here?
Everything I buy as a Performance Bike member gives me a 10% credit. Now, I'm saving that to get my sweet cycling wife a present. Do I want to look cheap, or get her something nice? That's right-- something nice.
And how can I get my Performance credits up? Only by buying more bike stuff. It's a win-win!
Do you have a neighbor that water skis? Every dime they spend on their boat counts as money you save by not spending it on YOUR boat that you don't own!
If you do it right, it turns out you can't afford NOT to have a bunch of new bike stuff ALL THE TIME!
Send me $27.50 for my new book on how this works, or better yet, don't send the money and you save $27.50 to spend on your bike. Not enough? Then don't buy copies for your friends and save $27.50 on each friend you didn't buy for! Tell your friends not to buy it for you and in no time they'll be rolling in bike swag too!
03-19-11, 09:48 PM
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The more I think about it, I don't mind if I become that guy, because there's no chance in hell I'll ever be the 45 year old on a 20+ year old aluminum bike passing "that guy".
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03-19-11, 09:57 PM
#13
Throw the stick!!!!
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03-19-11, 10:13 PM
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I see by the frown that you don't like it. I can help: Just give me your fancy bike and I'll send you my aluminum one. As a 31 year old teacher holding a pink slip, it's gonna take me the whole 14 years to save up for a bike to make me "that guy" when I turn 45. 
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03-19-11, 10:18 PM
#15
Throw the stick!!!!
If that would make me the fast guy on the aluminum bike I would take you up on it. Unfortunately it will take me ten years (when I turn 45) to regain half of the speed I had when I was your age.
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I may be fat but I'm slow enough to make up for it.
03-19-11, 10:21 PM
#16
Senior Member
The trick to getting more bike stuff is to endlessly expand your available rationalizations.
As a bike commuter every tank of gas I don't get is $50 for bike stuff. BUT THAT'S ONLY A START!!
The expensive gym around here is about $100 a month. I'm not a member because I cycle. Therefore, that's $100 tax free savings to me! Every month! See where I'm going here?
Everything I buy as a Performance Bike member gives me a 10% credit. Now, I'm saving that to get my sweet cycling wife a present. Do I want to look cheap, or get her something nice? That's right-- something nice.
And how can I get my Performance credits up? Only by buying more bike stuff. It's a win-win!
Do you have a neighbor that water skis? Every dime they spend on their boat counts as money you save by not spending it on YOUR boat that you don't own!
If you do it right, it turns out you can't afford NOT to have a bunch of new bike stuff ALL THE TIME!
Send me $27.50 for my new book on how this works, or better yet, don't send the money and you save $27.50 to spend on your bike. Not enough? Then don't buy copies for your friends and save $27.50 on each friend you didn't buy for! Tell your friends not to buy it for you and in no time they'll be rolling in bike swag too!
As a bike commuter every tank of gas I don't get is $50 for bike stuff. BUT THAT'S ONLY A START!!
The expensive gym around here is about $100 a month. I'm not a member because I cycle. Therefore, that's $100 tax free savings to me! Every month! See where I'm going here?
Everything I buy as a Performance Bike member gives me a 10% credit. Now, I'm saving that to get my sweet cycling wife a present. Do I want to look cheap, or get her something nice? That's right-- something nice.
And how can I get my Performance credits up? Only by buying more bike stuff. It's a win-win!
Do you have a neighbor that water skis? Every dime they spend on their boat counts as money you save by not spending it on YOUR boat that you don't own!
If you do it right, it turns out you can't afford NOT to have a bunch of new bike stuff ALL THE TIME!
Send me $27.50 for my new book on how this works, or better yet, don't send the money and you save $27.50 to spend on your bike. Not enough? Then don't buy copies for your friends and save $27.50 on each friend you didn't buy for! Tell your friends not to buy it for you and in no time they'll be rolling in bike swag too!
03-19-11, 10:25 PM
#17
You gonna eat that?
You actually keep track of cycling hours? Ugh. That would take all the fun out of it for me. I think a $1k wheelset would too, for that matter.
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Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
03-19-11, 10:30 PM
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Here is another system.
Spend your time and effort improving your job skills so your can afford some of the luxuries of life.
That 45 year old going 14mph is probably someone that went to medical school and now spends his working life saving lives. Then he relaxes on his expensive bike (and gets criticized by the paupers of the world). LOL
Spend your time and effort improving your job skills so your can afford some of the luxuries of life.
That 45 year old going 14mph is probably someone that went to medical school and now spends his working life saving lives. Then he relaxes on his expensive bike (and gets criticized by the paupers of the world). LOL
03-19-11, 10:37 PM
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Here is another system.
Spend your time and effort improving your job skills so your can afford some of the luxuries of life.
That 45 year old going 14mph is probably someone that went to medical school and now spends his working life saving lives. Then he relaxes on his expensive bike (and gets criticized by the paupers of the world). LOL
Spend your time and effort improving your job skills so your can afford some of the luxuries of life.
That 45 year old going 14mph is probably someone that went to medical school and now spends his working life saving lives. Then he relaxes on his expensive bike (and gets criticized by the paupers of the world). LOL
03-19-11, 11:08 PM
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If I bought a $1000 set of wheels my wife would beat my ass...and the wheels still wouldn't be any ligher than my $150 wheels. I'm at the point where there is nothing I can buy for my bike that will make IT or ME better. My seat is good, pedals are fine, brakes are new 105s, FD, RD, Shifters...check. There is nothing I need. Shoes are good, shorts are good, got a bunch of jerseys and some cold weather gear...I'm set. My car on the other hand is a POS and gas costs $4.15/gallon.
03-19-11, 11:42 PM
#21
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I'd say I actually have pretty good self motivation, will power, and budgeting. Since I can technically "afford" most of the things I Want, the only real reason to have a system at all is to avoid just going crazy for no real gain.
The trick to getting more bike stuff is to endlessly expand your available rationalizations.
As a bike commuter every tank of gas I don't get is $50 for bike stuff. BUT THAT'S ONLY A START!!
The expensive gym around here is about $100 a month. I'm not a member because I cycle. Therefore, that's $100 tax free savings to me! Every month! See where I'm going here?
Everything I buy as a Performance Bike member gives me a 10% credit. Now, I'm saving that to get my sweet cycling wife a present. Do I want to look cheap, or get her something nice? That's right-- something nice.
And how can I get my Performance credits up? Only by buying more bike stuff. It's a win-win!
Do you have a neighbor that water skis? Every dime they spend on their boat counts as money you save by not spending it on YOUR boat that you don't own!
If you do it right, it turns out you can't afford NOT to have a bunch of new bike stuff ALL THE TIME!
Send me $27.50 for my new book on how this works, or better yet, don't send the money and you save $27.50 to spend on your bike. Not enough? Then don't buy copies for your friends and save $27.50 on each friend you didn't buy for! Tell your friends not to buy it for you and in no time they'll be rolling in bike swag too!
As a bike commuter every tank of gas I don't get is $50 for bike stuff. BUT THAT'S ONLY A START!!
The expensive gym around here is about $100 a month. I'm not a member because I cycle. Therefore, that's $100 tax free savings to me! Every month! See where I'm going here?
Everything I buy as a Performance Bike member gives me a 10% credit. Now, I'm saving that to get my sweet cycling wife a present. Do I want to look cheap, or get her something nice? That's right-- something nice.
And how can I get my Performance credits up? Only by buying more bike stuff. It's a win-win!
Do you have a neighbor that water skis? Every dime they spend on their boat counts as money you save by not spending it on YOUR boat that you don't own!
If you do it right, it turns out you can't afford NOT to have a bunch of new bike stuff ALL THE TIME!
Send me $27.50 for my new book on how this works, or better yet, don't send the money and you save $27.50 to spend on your bike. Not enough? Then don't buy copies for your friends and save $27.50 on each friend you didn't buy for! Tell your friends not to buy it for you and in no time they'll be rolling in bike swag too!
This is indeed awesome.
Here is another system.
Spend your time and effort improving your job skills so your can afford some of the luxuries of life.
That 45 year old going 14mph is probably someone that went to medical school and now spends his working life saving lives. Then he relaxes on his expensive bike (and gets criticized by the paupers of the world). LOL
Spend your time and effort improving your job skills so your can afford some of the luxuries of life.
That 45 year old going 14mph is probably someone that went to medical school and now spends his working life saving lives. Then he relaxes on his expensive bike (and gets criticized by the paupers of the world). LOL
03-20-11, 04:22 AM
#22
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So, like pretty much everyone on here, I always am drooling over new and different stuff than what I have. That said, I also REALLY never want to be "That guy" with a super expensive setup who trudges along at 14mph, getting passed by 20+ year old aluminum bikes by 45 year olds (No offense to the 45 year olds here... )
So, since I already track my times and distances anyway, I've set a little rule for myself.
One hour of biking earns up to $10 in "credit." If I want $1k wheels, I have to bike 100 hours.
For my schedule and frequency, it works out pretty well, but ymmv. I don't include "Necessary" things, sunch as new tubes or one pair of winter knickers, etc. That said, watch out for not making your list of "necessary" items too long...
Anyway, just thought I'd share, keeps the GF and the bank account happier.
)So, since I already track my times and distances anyway, I've set a little rule for myself.
One hour of biking earns up to $10 in "credit." If I want $1k wheels, I have to bike 100 hours.
For my schedule and frequency, it works out pretty well, but ymmv. I don't include "Necessary" things, sunch as new tubes or one pair of winter knickers, etc. That said, watch out for not making your list of "necessary" items too long...
Anyway, just thought I'd share, keeps the GF and the bank account happier.
You shouldn't delay your gratification. I know two 60+ year olds that can drop you. (not me) Don't feel bad...I don't...they can drop 99% of all the fast guys I know.They are on fast bikes btw with carbon wheels. Matching bike swag to speed or talent on the amateur level is silly. Lots of slow guys on fast bikes and fast guys on average bikes but the fastest guys I know are fast guys on fast bikes.
Last edited by Campag4life; 03-20-11 at 04:26 AM.
03-20-11, 04:38 AM
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My inner-child laughs at your system. I'm on a China wheel binge right now. Amazon has become my new LBS that leaves stuff at my door. With Prime shipping I can get it in 2 days and if I really want it I pay the $4 to get it tomorrow before I have time to change my mind. GL
03-20-11, 04:52 AM
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03-20-11, 04:58 AM
#25
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That system rewards you for going slower. Better if it was distance based.