New Bicycle Thread.

[rvijay]

I recently got a bicycle for $180 almost including taxes. With accessories, extra tubes etc., it is almost going to come to $600. Some expensive but vital accessories: Mr. Tuffy Tire Liners ($30 a pair, plan to get 2). Complete light kit, 2 pumps, Bike Speedometer, Pocket Bike Tool Kit etc.,

Share any important/useful info. about cycles, also share your experience with bicycles. Comments welcome from all.

Vijay

[IamJen]

Not sure this is a Frugal Forum thread. :)

[rvijay]

Not sure this is a Frugal Forum thread. :)

Given current gas prices, parking prices and the need to exercise bicycles are frugal. However, I was wondering what everyone here thought about the accessories.

Vijay

[IamJen]

Hee. I don't think the category's too important. $600 just sounded like a big chunk of change to me. :p

When I rode alot, the best "accessory" I had was simply a good seat. Saddle sores are the pits. Be sure to have a good lock too.

[sararie]

I just got an xtracycle off ebay and am taking my two gals about for test runs. We live on a military base, so I saw a bike as a better alternative to driving the 1 or 2 miles up the road to grab/see something. If right outside the base wasn't so scary, I would ride about the city too. The cycle did cost a chunk of change, but I figure it will be worth it in the long run..if I can get them to sit and not whine! LoL

[harper]

When I rode alot, the best "accesory" I had was simply a good seat. Saddle sores are the pits. Be sure to have a good lock too.

:up: A nice seat is worth the cash!

Also, a tire pump & spare tube you can bring with you and some blinky lights incase you're out past sunset.

[froggythefrog]

I just got an xtracycle off ebay and am taking my two gals about for test runs. We live on a military base, so I saw a bike as a better alternative to driving the 1 or 2 miles up the road to grab/see something. If right outside the base wasn't so scary, I would ride about the city too. The cycle did cost a chunk of change, but I figure it will be worth it in the long run..if I can get them to sit and not whine! LoL

Yeah.... trying to ride a bike along Gibson would be asking for it. However, they're building bike lanes all around town. (*fingers crossed*)

I am very new to biking.... It would be nice to know what was a sound investment and what's just a waste of time.

[nogardsram]

I spent a fair amount on my bike back in 2000, but I've used it as my primary mode of transportation. The first year I had almost 4000 miles on it.

I've actually been pretty lucky, I don't carry a spare tube or pump (I stopped), nor do I have any of the heavy duty liners. I haven't had a flat yet. I'll probably get one soon, now that I've said that...

I don't ride so much after dark anymore, but a light is required around here by law (but it's still a good idea to get a light, I'd prefer an LED type one, to conserve on batteries).

I do enjoy bike speedometers, for the purpose of knowing if I'm going the speed of traffic, as well as total miles (or trip miles). My original has crapped out cause of cracks in it and weather, and I really miss it. I'd recommend one of those, if any of that is important. Don't go too expensive, I really don't think all the extra features are needed beyond the basics (speed, time, trip distance, odometer, trip time). When I used to do night riding, I wished I'd had a backlit one, but it's really not needed, since my eyes were more focused on the road... :)

I do have a pocket bike multitool thing. It's come in handy a few times.

In terms of being frugal, having the spare tube and knowing how to install it would be useful. I know some people who carry a spare tube, don't know how to install it. Not too useful to carry that weight then.

Another good idea is to take a bike repair/maintenance class (they have them off and on here). Usually a couple hours for a few days, they go over how to change flat tires, replace and adjust brakes, adjust derailers, cleaning, etc. In the long run it'll pay off if you take the approach of keeping up on your bike and doing the adjustments, etc. That probably depends on the person though, some might prefer just paying the money... Not too frugal though. :)

If using a bike as a mode of transportation, a bike rack and panniers for carry stuff comes in useful. I prefer those over a backpack, but usually have both. Can be spendy, but comparing this to driving, it's a lot cheaper.

[1vegan]

Hee. I don't think the category's too important. $600 just sounded like a big chunk of change to me. :p



Being frugal isn't just spending little money, but it's also about spending money wisely ;)

I have a bicycle myself, sure it costed a couple of hundred, but it takes me in to town where my car can't come, it's quicker, I don't pay parking fees for it, and it doesn't need petrol.

An "investment" that earned itself back, and it's good for the environment and my health.

[Bios]

I put more miles on my bikes than my car most years. I do a lot of solo riding and I'm in a very rural area, so self-sufficiency is important. Here's what I call indispensible in the long run:

Under-seat pack with spare tube, a little cash, two tire levers (might not need these for a mountain bike tire -- try your tire and see), patch kit (the second flat on a long ride can ruin your day without that $.97 patch kit), indestructible type of energy bar (Clif bars stay good for months in all weather). I put on the cell phone too, though I know there's no service half the time where I go but it doubles as my I.D and emergency contacts.

Frame pump.

Water bottle holder and bottle -- two if you might go more than 20 miles between water holes.

*Bright* clothing if you're riding on a road.

A helmet with good air flow, fingerless gloves, and good biking shorts are well worth it if you're going to be putting in lots of miles.

Tire liners aren't even worth the weight to me, never mind the cost. I don't often flat. Ditto for lights, as I find riding after dark too dangerous most of the time anyway. The cars can't see you well enough. If you need tire levers, buy decent ones at a bike store instead of the $1 WalMart specials. A tire lever that's going to break first use is worse than useless. I don't carry a multitool except for multi-day treks, but I have one at home to make adjustments with.

Keep the chain lubricated and don't let the bike stay wet to protect your investment. Good bikes are really expensive, but they're just as good a bike years later if you take care of them well.

Don't forget to make sure the bike is adjusted to fit you. That's a Huge comfort advance for free. If you don't know about this, drop by a bike store and ask.

Enjoy. :)

[queenarmadillo]

As a person who frequently drives around cyclists: in Britain they have just made it legal to ride with flashing lights rather than steady ones. Not sure about the legality of this in other countries anyway, but DO NOT RIDE IN THE DARK WITHOUT A CONSTANT LIGHT. Flashing lights mean drivers see you about 2 meters sooner than they would with a steady one, but the driver cant see where you are going. This means if you are pulling out round a road obstacle, ditch, parked car etc, the car driver cannot tell that you are doing it, may not expect you to do it if the obstacle is dark, and may already be accelerating to overtake you before they notice. By all means use both if you wish, but if you only use one light make sure it is a steady one. That is my number one cycling tip (well that, and make sure that if you are carrying a repair spanner etc, make sure it fits the nuts on your bike first... I say that from experience)

[1vegan]

As a person who frequently drives around cyclists: in Britain they have just made it legal to ride with flashing lights rather than steady ones. Not sure about the legality of this in other countries anyway, but DO NOT RIDE IN THE DARK WITHOUT A CONSTANT LIGHT.

Why not? blinking lights work while you're standing still too, but it's best not to rely on battery operated lighting

A light on the bike is a good idea, but don't think it will make you any safer.

Reflectors work, lights work, but a lot of car drivers do not expect bikes on the road (unless you live where I live).

A light is nice, but the only thing that will keep you safe, is to be very aware of traffic YOURSELF. Never, ever trust that cars have seen you, don't believe you'll get right of way, then you'll be pretty ok.

*loads of bicycle commuter experience, also in the dark and without lights on the bike too

[sararie]

Froggy- i get worried driving my car along central, let alone a bike with two kids!:-/ Am hoping this bike is all it's supposed to be..just need my kids to sleep so I can get it put together...still.