Bicycle-related expenditures for the year

[Aggie_Ama]

I've seriously come to a point where I said "Self? Yeah. Uhm... Cycling and all the accoutrements seem to cost less than sleep aids, antidepressants, a gym membership and whatever drugs it would take to work both my lousy jobs without going crazy. We're sticking with biking."

... and I never argued.

Amen. I really fell in love with cycling after I could no longer bowl due to a movement disorder. Running was the first thing to fill the void, but it didn't take me out to see the world and was hard on my knees. I think how depressed I was when I first started shaking and realize I am happy now because I have something to do (and good medicine). I too have a lousy job, but the day seems better when I am looking forward to a nice bike ride!

[emily_in_nc]

Used Titus Racer X mountain bike (ebay): $1379 including shipping
New Shimano XT crankset for said bike since I need 170mm cranks, and it came with 175s: $272
Other bike shop tuneup stuff and labor: $$?? (not sure yet, I pick it up Tuesday!)

Yes, it adds up - but it is money well spent in my book!

Oh, I should also add that I recently made $750 selling one of my road bikes, so that helped offset these purchases.

Emily

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Biking is our investment in the good health of our bodies AND our spirits. And when both these things are in good health, that goodness spreads even beyond us like an aura, affecting those around us as well in positive ways.

Others spend as much on beer, cigarettes, jewelry, car stereos, cable tv, etc....

[tomgrrrl]

Biking is my therapy, though I must admit I'm a sucker for bike stores and probably buy items I don't actually need (I'm trying to cut back on that). I don't have a DP at the moment so there's no one breathing over my shoulder...there is, however, that pesky bank account I have to look at so I guess that serves to keep me in line (most of the time).

[Nanci]

No WAY do I want to know! I _am_ looking forward to wearing my two LS jerseys that I waited and waited and waited for, that Terry finally put on clearance, if it ever gets cold again.

And my Shimano sandals and the Sugoi shorts are priceless.

All the stuff to set up my bike for randonneuring...

All the rain gear...

I don't have too many purchases I regret- except the world's ugliest event jersey, my first one :-( . And the road shoes. Never wear them.

[DebW]

I've spent $240 on tools this year (it's hard to believe there were that many tools I didn't already have - headset tools where the big ones) and $210 on parts (headset, 2 chains, 4 tires). I think of all the money I've saved by riding on the same frame since 1983 and many of the same parts since 1974. Maybe it's been enough to buy myself a Titanium frame next year?

[Brina]

first two items are my Ruby and DH's Kona Hoss. I don't even want to add it all up.

[extra-vert]

I just built up a Klein bicycle, buying almost everything on ebay, new and used. I kept a spreadsheet to track my costs versus retail for each item, (hoping somehow that I could beat buying a stock bike, (that never really works). The bike is finished, but I am scared to death to add up the final tally, especially when the bike is about 3 lbs heavier than I anticipated
But, I just keep on telling myself that no matter how much $ I pour into my bicycle it will always pale in comparison to my ex-boyfriends expenditures for his constant whims and upgrades. I just know that when I finally send him the new pic he's been requesting, he'll advice all kinds of upgrades. Carbon wheels, GPS computer - NO WAY, I'm done for a while.