Hom much money do you save cycling?

[Morrisette]

I know the answer to my own question - NONE!! I've spent loads this month on all manner of cycling kit - clothes, bits and bobs, and - ahem - a bike itself. Originally I started cycling to work to save time, and MONEY on bus fares. I think I would have more cash if I was sat on the bus every morning instead of biking. THIS FORUM is probably responsible for a lot of the purchases!!

Trouble is the weather is so bad it's all just sitting there in the house still in the bags!

Do you save money cycling? Or are all the savings eaten up by buying more and more shiny new kit?

 

[John the Monkey]

None.

when I had an eight mile commute, I saved (or reallocated to cycling purchases) £60 a month (cost of train ticket for the month).

 

[John the Monkey]

That said, if I was fit enough to do the full 60 miles round trip from where I live now, I'd be in pocket to the tune of £140 - £190 a month!

 

[alecstilleyedye]

i worked out that (using the tax man's milage cost calculation) it would cost me over £1000 a year to drive to work (it's a short commute). i doubt that i spend anything like that a year between the three bike, only one of which gets regular use on the commute.

 

[fossyant]

Nothing.... over my current commute, but I moved from a job costing me over £300 a month in petrol - I don't spend that on kit now, but I earn more than £300 a month less. My decision was lifestyle based, and getting back into cycling lots - my old job stopped that.

I've spent quite a bit in January on bike bits (including a new lid that was necessary) and of course some new MTB shoes for commuting, a new top (pressie from wife) etc....

I could do it cheap - i.e. not replace anything but where is the fun in that.

 

[marinyork]

Comparing all of the years I've been cycling compared to those before them I've probably saved about £400 a year. A bus day ride ticket is £4, tram slightly less (a week ago it went down to £3 for a "limited period"). It's so much I could afford to buy my current bike every year. Infact with how much public transport has gone up I could do it about twice a year!

I save money as I don't buy much shiny new kit at all. That may change soon as I'm trying to buy a racing bike.

 

[MacB]

Like the OP it could be lots but at the moment savings are running a poor second to bike expenditure. Potentially £200 a month, Jan I saved £90, Feb will probably be about £100. Long term sustained commute then I'll save but, knowing me, it'll get blown on a new bike.

 

[bonj2]

definitely less than i spend on it

 

[tyred]

Probably very little. I still drive to work which accounts for most of my weekly mileage. Have replaced some local journeys to the shop or whatever but to balance that out, I've rebuilt two "classic" bikes so possibly cost myself money and am wondering what my next two wheeled project will be! But on the other hand, I've found a new hobby that I enjoy and I enjoy cycling for cycling's sake. If I cycled to work, I probably wouldn't enjoy it as much. Same way as I enjoy driving but hate driving to work!!!

 

[johnnyh]

saved absolutely nothing really. Another money pit along with my guitars and photography I guess I dont pay the gym membership anymore though...

 

[BigonaBianchi]

Guitars are certainly a huge money pit...I could probably afford the cycling if I sold the guitars

 

[johnnyh]

yeah but how can a man bring himself to sell his guitars... buy more by all means, but sell.. sheer lunacy!

 

[BigonaBianchi]

I have one I might sell soon. I never use it. It's Gibson SG 1970's delux....it's what might be termed a 'good restoration project'

I'd use the cash to buy a groupset for my rourke frame...am I ill?

 

[johnnyh]

yep, certifiable mate!

I have a lovely ES-135 with PAFs that I have yet to play out, only had it for 11 years Did think of selling it, but I figure it doesnt eat anything so might as well keep. (kinda a Spinal Tap, look at this one the tags still on it thing )

I do have a Jap V series Squire Strat that I considered selling, took it apart, photo'd all the parts to show date stamps and all that nonsense... then put it back together, stuck it in the case and errrrr.... 2 years on it is still there

I think I even have a few in the roof, I know there is an old Ibanez Roadstar up there, possibly a Les Paul that has taken the full force of too many punk gigs for its own good. In fact I think only 2 of my collection get played regularly, so I could sell the rest and be quids in!... or NOT

 

[vernon]

Cycling has always been an expenditure item with no savings made whatsoever.

I am hoping to cycle commute from next month and this will make a monthly saving of £30 per month which I can spend on more bike things.