road biking is just too expensive!
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Interesting post, firstly would say if cycling is your main passion then you're unlikely to really care that much about the cost !
Secondly not sure how things work in your neck of the woods but playing football in London for a team some years ago did cost me some money.
Joining fee for club could be £20-£40
Weekly subs paid £6 5-6 years ago, would imagine maybe £8+ now so roughly £220+ for a season.
Hidden cost of after match drinking £10 for a jug ?
Boots maybe £40 for a reasonable pair plenty of people pay 2 or 3 times that
Some teams have midweek training on astroturf pitch another fiver a wekk
Even without any drinking (and being cast as a tightwad unsociable git!) you're looking at £400ish a year to play football and depending on the standard you may be less fit than cycling !
If like many you are able to commute you may find your cycling costs negible as they are offset by travel costs not to mention the added healthy years you're adding to your life.
With regards to the wear and wear of your chainsets are you doing any regular greasing ?
You could take attend maintainence classes and learn to service yourself ?0 -
Cycling has cost me a fortune over the last 4 years or so - several bikes load s of kit always upgrading something or other
And do you know what? I love itand everytjionh thing that goes with it - I didn't take up cycling to save money, I took it up when I gave up smoking and now its become an obsession - if I'm not out on my bike I am thinking about the next time I get the chance to go out.
I'm reasonably fit now but still not going to keep up with somebody younger on a cheaper bike in trainers (I'm knocking on the door of 50)
Each to their own I say I don't care what other people are riding or wearing I still give them a wave or sday hello. I don't have a flash car - my bikes are probably worth more than my car - and I love the fact that I can ride my bike as fast and as far as my ability takes me and this has replaced my love of driving (almost impossible to enjoy this on todays overcrowded camera ridden roads) without getting into trouble with the police or the missus
Just enjoy yourself!!0 -
I remember the days when I was shocked by the price of a football top and shorts when they were only made from polyester- I clearly never thought I'd one day be happy paying nearly £100 for a bit of lycra with a sponge in the crotch! Just what are the overheads involved here anyway?!
Cycling can be as cheap or expensive as you like it to be, but the more you do it the more you have to spend because the "buy cheap, buy twice" saying really is true! I probably sit in the middle ground somewhere, I'll save money where I can but you really can't skimp on things like helmets, bibs and saddles, or any of the things that influence your riding comfort the most.
We do live in a world where snobbery is rife, and although I "only" ride a Ribble Gran Fondo I can hold my own on the road. There are still people that ride Cervélo's that won't say hello, but that doesn't mean you can't flip them the rod as you leave them at the bottom of the hill now does it
Getting to and entering races is definitely expensive (almost £30 a week getting to the track and racing in the winter) plus whatever you do in the summer but you have to accept that cost if you want to do it. TT's may be cheap to enter but if you want to be competitive it's most certainly going to cost you a lot more in gear. You just have to draw a line on what you're willing to spend, and then rub it our and draw a line just behind it, and then probably rub it out again....0 -
downgraded my motorbike to buy a decent bike . bought all my gear from aldi . pedals and computer thrown in with bike . bought last years shoes at half price . didnt cost me too much .0
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Long-time lurker!!
I have a fondness for my Gore Running Wear, on my bike... Just because its dual purpose, great material for sweating in, and removing aferwards. And because i can try it on, non of the kit available in my LBS's is as stylish or suitable for trying on in public. And i dont like buying clothes online.
Sadly, £50 a time... But they get used a lot!0 -
Same here Boyzer except the other way around. I use a lot of my cycling tops/long sleeves and base layers for running and mountain walking because they wick sweat really well and keep you nice and warm in the cold..0
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spyker, i think i can see what you are trying to say. i think i understand your point, but maybe this wasnt the best place to make it.
anyway, i too love football as well as cycling. and i agree that cycling is expensive. having said that though, football isnt exactly cheap (dont forget you also have the ridiculous prices to watch the sport - i have paid £250 for my champions league final ticket!!).
come to think of it, is any sport cheap???
i would advise you to think carefully about giving up cycling, and about trying to combine the two. i have suffered a year of constant back trouble which i have been told is a result of combining the two sports.
do which ever one you love most (if its cycling you will find a way to fund it)0 -
I have a 10 year old Sannino mild steel hybrid, still going strong and I consider to be zero cost.
But now I've met a bunch of folks into triathlon and as a reasonable open water swimmer, I wan to get involved but need to improve my cycling which means more and better quality training on a better bike. $$$$
However, its a hobby, its making me very happy, its keeping my decrepid 47 year old body fit and nearly slim so hells bells, if I cant splash out a bit of wedge on a hobby at my age when can I?! I guess the answer is not to buy anything significantly better than you really need (some degree of soul searching needed!).
How do you value enjoyment, satisfaction and improvements in health?
The price tag looks expensive but the payback is bigger.'I started with nothing and still have most of it left.'0 -
I agree with the above sentiment, It doesnt need to be expensive but... i'm pretty sure that many (most!) own bikes and equipment way beyond what is actually required. But why not buy things that are aspirational, look good or just make someone feel better?
The level this goes to is limited by an individuals enthusiasm for their hobby and of course fatness of the wallet. As long as they enjoy it then good on em' I say.
I do understand what the OP is getting at (not sure why he was given such a hard time tbh) but I think it can be applied to many many hobbies or passions.0 -
I've only been riding since the beginning of the year and what has been most expensive is the poor decisions of buying inadequate gear.
Having bought the bike, I went on a spending spree and bought the 'essentials', only to realise that things like the rain jacket etc I bought was crap and had to spend more money on a better ones.
Now that I've got all the bits I need I don't spend so much and keep my eye out for better prices and second hand gear. There are loads on my wish list, but as others have mentioned, they are for birthdays etc.
If I'm honest, the thing I've been most proud of when out on my bike wasn't any top clothing or gear, but a nice scabby graze down my left calf! Made me look like a seasoned rider....and I didn't even do it whilst riding!!!
Oh, and another thing! All this talk of blasting past someone on their flash bike and gear...how do you know they aren't in the last two miles of a 100 mile ride and warming down before their finish?0 -
I'm going through a similar process Mark - buying stuff, realising its either not up to the job or doesnt fit right etc. I am learning tho.
My best purchase is a Kask helmet. Tried loads, always looked for the cheaper ones but decided to splash out (for me) £85 notes on it. Fantastic item, a retention mechanism that should suit most shapes of head and just a real feel of quality about it. Should last me years.
Clothes and shoes is also a real hit and miss area and maybe this is where it can be expensive. Buy cheap buy twice? I've heard that saying a few times and i'm beginning to see the sense in it. Getting items that fit right isnt easy. I'm not an average persons shape, a bit short and a bit erm..porky *sigh* There is a certain amount of trial and error required.
But i do choose to spend money on these things, I dont have to but I'm finding it enhances my enjoyment and makes me want to go out and ride.0 -
As a youth all my bikes were reclaimed from the tip or bought second hand off mates. 5 speed stuff would never wear out, so the only purchases were the occasional inner tube, pair of brake blocks or roll of bar tape. And it was cash positive since I'd ride and save the bus fare.
A lifetime later I spent £1100 on a road bike bike cos I'd had a bonus and was turning 50. Epic Cycles helped me choose a racelight Tk as a sensible, year round workhorse that's still a hoot to ride. All it's had in the following 3 years is a couple of chains. I'm still using the shoes, helmet and mitts I had on the mtb before that; I have bought some better clothing and some tools, but that's only because I can afford to.
Week in week out it costs me nothing to be a cyclist. I don't buy fancy food and drink, I do my own spannering, and I don't replace anything that's not worn out. It's still got to be one of the cheapest hobbies out there.0 -
keef66 wrote:As a youth all my bikes were reclaimed from the tip or bought second hand off mates. 5 speed stuff would never wear out, so the only purchases were the occasional inner tube, pair of brake blocks or roll of bar tape. And it was cash positive since I'd ride and save the bus fare.
A lifetime later I spent £1100 on a road bike bike cos I'd had a bonus and was turning 50. Epic Cycles helped me choose a racelight Tk as a sensible, year round workhorse that's still a hoot to ride. All it's had in the following 3 years is a couple of chains. I'm still using the shoes, helmet and mitts I had on the mtb before that; I have bought some better clothing and some tools, but that's only because I can afford to.
Week in week out it costs me nothing to be a cyclist. I don't buy fancy food and drink, I do my own spannering, and I don't replace anything that's not worn out. It's still got to be one of the cheapest hobbies out there.
One of the most sensible posts I have read on this forum - unlike the whinger who started it.
It may be a lump to outlay at the start and if you can't afford that, maybe you should choose something else.
I think the problem is people take it up and then think they are fking Lance Armstrong. Oh - I am doing a 20 miler - I must get myself some energy bars and drinks, the teamkit, a carbon water bottle holder.
Get a half decent bike - maintain it and it needn't cost you more than £100 a year.
I drink water when I go out, make my own sandwiches, chew gum or snack on bananas or gummy bear like sweets.
I enjoy cycling and do it for transportation and do bigger rides for fitness. I have never felt the urge to have any kind of energy drink or bar.0 -
Good point. These gels, bars, recovery drinks etc are flipping expensive. If you're not a pro rider do you need them? It's interesting to note what happened in the old days before the "energy gel". There are lots of inexpensive foodstuffs to stick in your pocket/saddlebag. Sweets/chocolates are good (jelly babies for me), try biscuits (fig rolls are recommended) or even on longer rides a sandwich (cheese and jam works a treat).Ecrasez l’infame0
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Or stop and have a cuppa and a slice of cake. Ecrasez l’infame0
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I ride to suit myself i wear what i want and it does not matter what others think, i just enjoy being out.
Its to easy to be sucked in by the branded clothing,but that wont make anyone a better rider.
When i commute in normal clothes apart from gel shorts underneath,on a Spesh Sirrus i got reduced due to it being so called smoke damaged.
At week ends i ride a second hand spesh roubaix,my shoes are tatty but work,and i do all my own servicing and so have slashed plenty of cash off of cycling.It's as expensive as you want it to be.Never trust anyone who says trust me0 -
BelgianBeerGeek wrote:Good point. These gels, bars, recovery drinks etc are flipping expensive. If you're not a pro rider do you need them? It's interesting to note what happened in the old days before the "energy gel". There are lots of inexpensive foodstuffs to stick in your pocket/saddlebag. Sweets/chocolates are good (jelly babies for me), try biscuits (fig rolls are recommended) or even on longer rides a sandwich (cheese and jam works a treat).
Yes - a nice bit of gelatine with sugar always gives you that energy boost you need. Shoelaces are pretty good too.
On my 50 miler yesterday I had a homemade egg salad sub in my bag - total cost - about 70p and a bottle of water. I drank the water, got it refilled for free, with ice, at a pub halfway round.
I was working my body I didn't even get a craving for food.
I bloody enjoyed it after I had had a long cool shower because I was covered in sweat from the ride.
Anyway, back to the moaning OP - cycling hasn't cost me a penny - I expect to have to pay for failed or worn parts.
I think once you have the initial outlay out the way it must be the cheapest form of transport available and one of the cheapest hobbies.
Like I said - if you can't afford that outlay - maybe don't post on a cycling forum?0 -
Clothing can be had very cheaply from lidl/aldi or try decathlon, i got a pair of bib shorts for £22 and did a sportive in them and i was comfortable even after 80 miles !
My commuter is a £120 2nd hand carrera TDF that has had a new chain + cassette , added crud gaurds , pannier rack, pannier bags + spds all off ebay + a apir of lidl spd shoes.
The whole lot probably does not even come to £200 for so far 8 months of use and over 2000 miles, that works out at 10 p a mile !!
My other bike is 2 years old and cost £250 off a cycle forum , a virtuosso that was new but the owner wanted a MTB and that has done may more miles and only needed a new chain, cassette + a new bottom bracket last week.
The virtuosso is the bike i did the sportive on and i came 25th out of a field of 160 for the distance i did, plenty of people on machines costing more than 10 times as much and they were slower .
At the end of the day it comes down to the motor on the bike not how much bling you have.FCN 3/5/90 -
Audax community do some huge mileages on 'ordinary' bikes/wheels (read the story over on YACF of the guy who got his bike welded on a 600km ride recently his name is Von Broad) and steel bikes can be relatively inexpensive - Condor/On-One?
Kit needn't be expensive but my partner who cycles and has done some major rides in her past in cheap kit finds that the best stuff Assos/Rapha etc lasts longer,washes better, fits better and is far more comfortable but that's just her. Plenty of people can manage with Aldi shorts - depends how much riding you do. Have to agree that it is getting stupid and the amount of stuff that appears in the mags now is crazy. Every month it's another £5k frame and £2k wheels made by elves from fairydust. I suppose it's no different to the ski market which has always been expensiveM.Rushton0 -
I picked up an 80's Raleigh Equipe I think it was for £60. Was in excellent order had Shimano 105 all round. 27 wheels and levers on the frame.
My intention was to turn it into a flat bar road bike.
Unfortunately it got nicked within 3 days of buying it!
Now my road bike is a Spesh Allez 2011 Triple that cost 10 X as much.
My current running costs are £12.50 a mile - lol. Do I regret the purchase - not in the slightest.0 -
thanks for all the comments.
i think i should explain what i was trying to say. i am very competitive and always have been. i love the feeling of pushing myself to the limit and finishing ahead of the competition.
what i was trying to get at is that whilst cycling is a great sport, i am finding it too expensive to enter competitions. i know the local tts are £3, and whilst these are fun, you dont get the buzz of a full race (well i dont).
the cost of the bike, clothing, parts etc aside, racing is what i was hoping to get in to fully but with needing a race licence, travel to the event, maybe accomodation, not to mention the race fees it is just too expensive. and then there is insurance on top.
dont get me wrong, cycling can be cheap and fun, but i have found its just too expensive if you want to race.
but thats just my opinion. i know this is a delicate subject and i apologise if i have offended anyone by expressing my opinion. like i say, i didnt mean to have a go at the cost of day to day keep fit cycling, just the cost of racing.
:oops:0 -
No worries mate sad thing is nearly everything is expensive nowdays my lads play football at week ends and some of the subs are getting silly many lads have given up or parents are finding it tough,my own lads now pay for there own subs by doing some part-time work.Never trust anyone who says trust me0
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Very true i stick a jam doughnut in the bag and that suits me nicelyBelgianBeerGeek wrote:Or stop and have a cuppa and a slice of cake.Never trust anyone who says trust me0 -
Rolf F wrote:You don't have to make it expensive. My touring bike dates from 1990 and uses downtube shifters. Pretty much any breakage costs less than a tenner, chainrings about £15 and a cassette much the same. Such a bike can easily be had for, say, £120.
Even Sportives vary drastically in price and you can still find some that are less than a tenner to enter.
My favourite jersey was under £30, and a stem that I had to replace came from a Lidl of the bicycle world - Decathlon. Does the job.
PS If anything I find the stems must be in the highest margin bucket - £60 and up?0 -
My two penneth.
I never ever pay RRP for anything. To many online shops and ebay that a discount cannot be found. End of season sales etc.
Just built a £2k bike for just over £1k. All new parts as well only had to use bars and seatpost that I already had.
I only buy mostly Castelli clothing and always find I can find 40-50% off RRP. Quality gear that lasts years.
Cycling is as expensive as you want to make it. It is though an expensive past time.
Walk into a LBS and say your new to riding and want to do the Etape you'll easily end up spending £5k.
You need to get savvy, ask around and learn from others experiences.0 -
Still, lots of free things are expensive once you factor in travel and accommodation. I do a bit of hillwalking and while there's no charge to go out on the hills and I haven't bought any new kit for years, you still have to get there, stay somewhere and eat.
Sometimes that's just the way it is, and it's for you to decide how much you want to do it.0 -
If you have a bike just ride it and enjoy cycling and stop complaining about every little thing when there are bikes and parts and clothing out there that are cheap but still good! End of.Giant XTC 2.5 '08
Felt Virtue 3 '10
Giant Defy 2 '11
Giant Terrago Disc '07 - Convereted for CX
Fit Team Park Bmx '080 -
JumperSimon14 wrote:If you have a bike just ride it and enjoy cycling and stop complaining about every little thing when there are bikes and parts and clothing out there that are cheap but still good! End of.
When I was in a cycling club there were some members who spent very little on cycling equipment but rode their bike(s) many miles and seem to enjoy it better than those who had to have the latest equipment/clothing. So you don't have to spend shed loads of money to enjoy the sport IMHO.
Unfortunately, magazines such as Cycling+ and this forum seem to make some people envious of those fellow cyclists who can afford to spend a bit more money on the pursuit of their hobby.0
