How much you willing to spend on a bike?

[Sunflower]

Hi,

I am a new member here! I am spending thousand of dollars on bike which others may think i am crazy. So how much are you willing to spend?

[Mr. Bloom]

When we go to a cycling event, the bikes are worth more than the vehicle we're transporting them in...does that help?

Seriously, don't overspend your abilities. If you're a novice, go for good quality entry level. If you're accomplished, gauge your purchase by your goal...Fun doesn't have to be terribly expensive, but competition may...

JMHO

[alpinerabbit]

spamspamspamspamspam

[celerystalksme]

$3.23

[Sunflower]

Hey, I am just wanted to start a topic here.

[tulip]

I've spent $40 up to several thousand. It depends on what I can afford at the time. You don't have to spend alot to get a great bike. Of course, you can, but you don't have to. It just depends on a whole range of factors.

[Tri Girl]

I can tell you what I WON'T spend (more like could never): $10,000 for a bike like the pros. Like Tulip, I have a varied range from $7 mixte I found on craigslist to a higher dollar tri bike. I like them all equally.
When I visited my brother last summer in Colorado, he asked me what my bike cost. I tried to downplay it, but after much persistence I told him. His jaw dropped. I told him it was the same amount of money that some people spend on Starbucks 3-4 days a week for an entire year, and at least I have a bike to show for it at the end of the year. If you're not a cyclist- you just don't "'get it."

[tulip]

Good response to the "how much does that cost" question. I hate that question. I get it mostly when I ride my Bike Friday, since it's a funny-looking bike. It's really none of their business. I don't ask how much people's house cost, or their diamond rings, or their tricked-out baby strollers...

If someone does ask, I politely tell them that Bike Fridays (or insert your bike brand) come in a range of prices and models. If the person insists, I return with a question to them: what kind of bike are they thinking of getting, and what will you use it for? That usually turns the question away from how much my bike costs to getting a bike to suit their needs. I've never had to say "it's none of your business," but I've come close.

[deeaimond]

Yeah, I totally agree that we need to spend within our means.

I found a good deal starting out, and at first I was so hyped up I wanted to buy like a 'nice' bike after riding for a year. But now the one year mark is almost here, I realise I'm still really happy with my bike. I need a new computer so I'm gonna put the money towards that instead. So I don't have carbon fibre, but I still ride pretty alright.

Thing is, when you're riding, especially in a group, its really easy to get sucked into wanting better and more all the time, and feel that the cost is justified. But there are other parts of our lives we need to take care of too, not just the cycling part.

I still lust after a Bianchi-coloured bike though... such a beautiful sea-foam green. what do they call that colour??

[Zen]

such a beautiful sea-foam green. what do they call that colour??

I don't know but I've heard it called some things I won't repeat here

[alpinerabbit]

I detest Celeste.

That's what Bianchi's house color is called.
Hey I'm a poet and I didn't know it.

@sunflower - I detect spam becasue of the link in the sig line.

[Veronica]

Y

Thing is, when you're riding, especially in a group, its really easy to get sucked into wanting better and more all the time...

I don't ride with that kind of group.

Speed is really about the engine. On my last tri I averaged 22 miles an hour on my lugged steel bike with a Brooks leather saddle, without aero bars. I did do most of the ride in the drops though. My bike weighs about 20 lbs. The overall winner (a pro) averaged 26 mph. I don't know what she was riding. But I'm willing to bet that if we had swapped bikes we would not have swapped times.

Veronica

[ny biker]

Good response to the "how much does that cost" question. I hate that question. I get it mostly when I ride my Bike Friday, since it's a funny-looking bike. It's really none of their business. I don't ask how much people's house cost, or their diamond rings, or their tricked-out baby strollers...

If someone does ask, I politely tell them that Bike Fridays (or insert your bike brand) come in a range of prices and models. If the person insists, I return with a question to them: what kind of bike are they thinking of getting, and what will you use it for? That usually turns the question away from how much my bike costs to getting a bike to suit their needs. I've never had to say "it's none of your business," but I've come close.

I just say, well, at least I'm not spending it on heroin.

[katluvr]

I agree, it is no one's business who much I spend on my bike or bike accessories or bike trips. I can pay my bills and give to charity...so I can afford it.
I chose to spend $$ on these healthy pursuits than others.

As for how much one is willing to spend. Really an individual question.
What is your budget. How much will you ride. How serious are you about this?

Starting out it is best to fine an entry level bike that fits you! Then I think one can move "up" in the world (although some people do not feel that way).

I moved to a all carbon bike a year ago. That was after many moons, trips and miles on my current aluminum steed. I knew about how much I could and would splurge. And I love every penny I spent. So it is all about what you can afford and you are comfortable parting with.

I know many people whose first bike had to be at a much higher level than their experience. But they felt they could afford it. (and maybe they could--who I am to judge) As long as they don't let it sit and gather dust!

[7rider]

Q: How much am I willing to spend??
A: Depends on the expected use of the bike. I am not willing to spend as much for my commuter as I did for my road bike.

Q: How much did I spend??
A: It cost more than a pair of sneakers....less than a new car.