Why can this hobby be so damn expensive......

[Mr Haematocrit]

I make no excuses. I studied very hard, worked hard and now have a reasonable standard of living.
I'm not a leach on the health service due to exercising, eating well and not drinking or smoking.
I pay my taxes and contribute to society with my voluntary work.... God know why I need to justify what I spend on cycling at all.
It is an insane amount, though when I actually think about it.

 

[jdtate101]

I make no excuses. I studied very hard, worked hard and now have a reasonable standard of living.
I'm not a leach on the health service due to exercising, eating well and not drinking or smoking.
I pay my taxes and contribute to society with my voluntary work.... God know why I need to justify what I spend on cycling at all.
It is an insane amount, though when I actually think about it.

My exact thoughts. I've educated myself, paid god knows how much tax and now, through my cycling purchases, am putting more back into the local economy. I enjoy cycling, so I will spend whatever I like whenever I like. Cycling makes me happy....enough said.

****Just don't tell the wife**** ....actually she is fully behind me and see's it all as an investment in our future (me being fitter and around longer to enjoy the kids etc...)

 

[oldfatfool]

Oddly, when I last rode a bike properly in 1992-1996 I never spent on the bike, except to buy it s/hand at £50 and then another at £80 in 1996 which I hardly then used. I can't remember a puncture or any sort of maintenance since all it was was a commuter for a 2 mile each way ride on a path.

This time

Purchase of bike. Purchase of clothing. More clothing. More parts. Maintenance and servicing. More bikes. New wheels. More clothing. More servicing. etc. etc. etc.

+1

The ridgeback delta is 14 yo done '000s of miles and is still on the original chain and cassette. It as had new tyres and inners and that is it, still rides and changes smoothly but is up for scrapping before long due to a noisy BB and arrival of the trike for commuting.

My last roadie lasted about 4 years (25 years ago) with no maintenance other than wd40 and 3 in 1 oil, it used to sit outdoors covered with a plastic bag in all weathers and was ridden on sandy seafront paths, it only died when I learnt to drive and ignored it totally.

The new tourer however is on its second chain and cassette in 8 months, will get a new chain and cassette and tires in another 200 miles ready for the next tour. It as its own specialist lubes, tools and other spare chain rings and cassettes of varying size.

For some strange reason I am now contemplating a summer roadie to save weight???

I have more cycle related 'trouser' clothes than normal clothes, which incidentally all need changing due to the weight loss imposed by ............ cycling.

I am sure it is a conspiracy by the government to reduce national debt.