View Poll Results: how long?
This one time, I went like a whole week!
17
28.81%
I've gone a month or two
22
37.29%
3-6 months is not uncommon
15
25.42%
Son, I have bottles of chain lube older than you.
5
8.47%
Voters: 59. You may not vote on this poll
How long without spending money on bike stuff?
#1
Nobody, et al.
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Longmont, CO
Posts: 170
Bikes: Surly LHT
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
How long without spending money on bike stuff?
What's the longest you've ever gone without spending money on bike stuff?
I had a good several-month run but then had to buy some cold-weather stuff for the commute now that I live in Colorado.
Seems like I've got my LHT pretty much how I like it and shouldn't have to buy anything in the next several thousand miles.
How do you guys roll?
I had a good several-month run but then had to buy some cold-weather stuff for the commute now that I live in Colorado.
Seems like I've got my LHT pretty much how I like it and shouldn't have to buy anything in the next several thousand miles.
How do you guys roll?
#2
tougher than a boiled owl
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Rocky Coast of Maine
Posts: 1,125
Bikes: Fetish Cycles Fixation / Fuji S12S / Gary Fisher MTB / Raleigh Grand Prix / Ross Professional / Kent comfort cruiser
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
It took me almost a year to build up my all around good for everything bike so buying was a constant thing for that period of time and its not quite done but I should have it close in a couple weeks. Then I'm hoping I can go several months without having to do anything.
#3
Banned
clothes only.
i buy multifunctional stuff to reduce over cost.
for example, i ride with lycra running parts, XC skiing tops and XC ski gloves. because I also run and XC ski that keeps overall clothing costs down.
i wear a gore-tex lined Adidas running shoe that i run with in the winter as well, which further reduces costs.
the most expensive input in biking is the extra food that i have to eat every day and the CR2032.
when one considers the environmental footprint of consuming an extra 500-1000 kcal/day, i actually wonder if i'm doing the planet a disservice versus using the subway
i buy multifunctional stuff to reduce over cost.
for example, i ride with lycra running parts, XC skiing tops and XC ski gloves. because I also run and XC ski that keeps overall clothing costs down.
i wear a gore-tex lined Adidas running shoe that i run with in the winter as well, which further reduces costs.
the most expensive input in biking is the extra food that i have to eat every day and the CR2032.
when one considers the environmental footprint of consuming an extra 500-1000 kcal/day, i actually wonder if i'm doing the planet a disservice versus using the subway
#4
Been Around Awhile
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Burlington Iowa
Posts: 29,999
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 1,551 Times
in
1,055 Posts
I bought several tires from Schwalbe on-line about 18 months ago.
I've got everything my wife and I need for the foreseeable future, bikewise and otherwise. A very nice situation.
I've got everything my wife and I need for the foreseeable future, bikewise and otherwise. A very nice situation.
#5
Senior Member
Ugh. I don't want to add up what I have spent in the past few months. Hopefully, I am reaching the point where I won't have to buy anything else for a while. That is the goal anyway.
#6
Really Old Senior Member
The longest I went was about 50 years.
Since I've gotten into wheel building, it's hard to not buy stuff weekly to build wheels I don't even need!
Since I've gotten into wheel building, it's hard to not buy stuff weekly to build wheels I don't even need!
#7
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,638
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3873 Post(s)
Liked 2,574 Times
in
1,581 Posts
I keep telling myself that, too.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: The Frozen Mitten
Posts: 109
Bikes: Spec 2013 Carve Comp, Spec 2011 Allez Sport, 1991 Trek Antelope drop-bar conversion, 1 X 7 commuter frankenbike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 41 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hmmm...last 2 years=who-knows-how-many tubes, two sets of tires, 2 sets of shifter cables/housing, grips, saddle, 1 cassette, and 1 chain (due for another soon...)--Oh and some bar ends for fun since I was spending so much money anyway...I have also bought a new jersey, new shoes, new glasses...
The 2 years before that=3 tubes, nothing else.
My stuff tends to all wear out at the same time...I go a few years buying hardly anything and then other years I am buying stuff every month...
The 2 years before that=3 tubes, nothing else.
My stuff tends to all wear out at the same time...I go a few years buying hardly anything and then other years I am buying stuff every month...
#10
Señior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 13,749
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 446 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
3-6 months is the longest apart from the bail out? It's not unusual for me to go a year or so.
I did just buy a whole new bike for the first time in 8 years and I bought a front bag and a rear light, plus a floor pump, kickstand, multitool, spare tube, etc to outfit it, but generally I toss new brake pads on once a year and a new drivetrain every 2 to 2.5 years, and that's about it. I buy 2 or 3 sets of brake pads when I am out.
I did just buy a whole new bike for the first time in 8 years and I bought a front bag and a rear light, plus a floor pump, kickstand, multitool, spare tube, etc to outfit it, but generally I toss new brake pads on once a year and a new drivetrain every 2 to 2.5 years, and that's about it. I buy 2 or 3 sets of brake pads when I am out.
__________________
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Posts: 4,599
Bikes: Vassago Moosknuckle Ti 29+ XTR, 90's Merckx Corsa-01 9sp Record, PROJECT: 1954 Frejus SuperCorsa
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 174 Post(s)
Liked 157 Times
in
75 Posts
I've had a couple of 2-3 year "gaps" in my cycling life since the 70's.
Otherwise, I tend to get maintenance items periodically, and do the occasional "project" (my Ciocc being the current example) brings frequent but short lived bursts of bike-related purchases.
Otherwise, I tend to get maintenance items periodically, and do the occasional "project" (my Ciocc being the current example) brings frequent but short lived bursts of bike-related purchases.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Memphis TN area
Posts: 7,391
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 676 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times
in
13 Posts
My wife says I keep the LBS in business since it seems like I'm up there almost every weekend, despite me also ordering stuff from Nashbar and Amazon.
But yeah I actually didn't have to go up there this past weekend, so it's been 8 days now since I bought stuff for the bike. But actually I have $10 credit at the shop and another $4 left on the gift card hmmmm what should I get
But yeah I actually didn't have to go up there this past weekend, so it's been 8 days now since I bought stuff for the bike. But actually I have $10 credit at the shop and another $4 left on the gift card hmmmm what should I get
#13
Dirty Schwinn-Lover
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Lexington, SC
Posts: 370
Bikes: '11 & '13 Schwinn Racers, Takara (Kent) Kabuto, '11 Gary Fisher (Trek) Marlin SS 29er, Schwinn Sanctuary Cruiser, '11 Schwinn Sid, Firmstrong Chief 3-spd, '10 Schwinn Corvette
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
#14
Dirty Schwinn-Lover
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Lexington, SC
Posts: 370
Bikes: '11 & '13 Schwinn Racers, Takara (Kent) Kabuto, '11 Gary Fisher (Trek) Marlin SS 29er, Schwinn Sanctuary Cruiser, '11 Schwinn Sid, Firmstrong Chief 3-spd, '10 Schwinn Corvette
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I also feel that pain...although honestly, I think 8/10 times we force ourselves into that mindset. That being said, I hope to one day be in a situation similar to ILTB's...got what you need; everything else is a luxury.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 14,778
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 527 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3255 Post(s)
Liked 3,950 Times
in
1,461 Posts
I'd guess that it took me about a year to get to the point where I had everything I "needed" -- even by the American consumerist definition of "need". It turns out that didn't stop me from buying things.
Last Friday I went to Universal Cycles to pickup two orders I had placed online. While I was there I picked up a seat post, a saddle, bar tape, a headset top cap and a rack -- in addition to my two online orders.
Last Friday I went to Universal Cycles to pickup two orders I had placed online. While I was there I picked up a seat post, a saddle, bar tape, a headset top cap and a rack -- in addition to my two online orders.
__________________
My Bikes
My Bikes
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Up
Posts: 4,695
Bikes: Masi, Giant TCR, Eisentraut (retired), Jamis Aurora Elite, Zullo, Cannondale, 84 & 93 Stumpjumpers, Waterford, Tern D8, Bianchi, Gunner Roadie, Serotta, Serotta Duette, was gifted a Diamond Back
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 305 Post(s)
Liked 2,038 Times
in
604 Posts
I have been on a constant roll since my wife suggested that I get another bike. I have many and am always looking for another frame to build up, so I only go a week or two without getting something.
#17
Plays in traffic
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 6,971
Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 76 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times
in
9 Posts
I was up to six months, had everything in stock for spring too, then a cracked head tube meant a new frame, fork, headset, cables, bar tape, bars (just because), stem, spacers.
Restarted the clock two weeks ago.
Restarted the clock two weeks ago.
#18
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Posts: 8,721
Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4227 Post(s)
Liked 2,489 Times
in
1,286 Posts
Usually about 6 months, before the temptetion to buy something gets too much , and I just have to go out and buy something. Yesterday I bought a set of brake leavers because I plan on changing the handlebars on one of my bikes. Right now I am very well stocked up with spare parts and components, enough to build a new bike.
#19
Certified Bike Brat
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Posts: 4,251
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
Pretty much as regular as I buy groceries I guess! But then I like to rescue fix-R-upers which is how most of my bikes started out so the initial capital outlay wasn't there. Then there have been a few experimental projects.
This year there are a couple new bikes in the works and since both are pretty much make-overs - there have been a lot of goodies compiled over the past 6 months and only one bike is done at this point. First time I've ever 'bought' an entirely new bike and seems like a lot of trouble to go through for something I'm just going to give to someone afterwards. But they wouldn't go for a puppy instead.
This year there are a couple new bikes in the works and since both are pretty much make-overs - there have been a lot of goodies compiled over the past 6 months and only one bike is done at this point. First time I've ever 'bought' an entirely new bike and seems like a lot of trouble to go through for something I'm just going to give to someone afterwards. But they wouldn't go for a puppy instead.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 111
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I buy a little gear monthly and budget for it. Some of it can used in other activities, like XC ski and running.
I enjoy having fewer, but better quality items.
I enjoy having fewer, but better quality items.
#21
Dirty Schwinn-Lover
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Lexington, SC
Posts: 370
Bikes: '11 & '13 Schwinn Racers, Takara (Kent) Kabuto, '11 Gary Fisher (Trek) Marlin SS 29er, Schwinn Sanctuary Cruiser, '11 Schwinn Sid, Firmstrong Chief 3-spd, '10 Schwinn Corvette
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I feel like I'm finally at the place where I know what it is I NEED for riding versus what it is that I WANT. That being said, I've been going strong for almost a year buying something bike-related each month. Before that, it was every 3 months, and before that, every 6. All of this started gaining momentum after being off a bike for nearly 8 years.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Memphis TN area
Posts: 7,391
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 676 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times
in
13 Posts
I still want to replace the Nashbar adjustable stem on my MTB with a lighter, fixed stem. Also need a new saddle for the road bike before my upcoming metric century (still rocking the OEM Felt saddle at the moment). Really need a jersey or three, too. Also considering clip-on aerobars for that event.
#25
Been Around Awhile
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Burlington Iowa
Posts: 29,999
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 1,551 Times
in
1,055 Posts
That's why I seldom have to buy bicycle related items, I bought my quality items years ago.
My bicycles and associated accessories have not depreciated any in their value or use to me, regardless of what new flashy gee-whiz items are put on the market
My bicycles and associated accessories have not depreciated any in their value or use to me, regardless of what new flashy gee-whiz items are put on the market