lsberrios1 

Hey guys,

I've been riding for about a month now and already itching for a new bike since i've learned tons in this forum about bicycles, components and everything related. I've decided to come up with a new system that hope makes riding a bicycle motivational and satisfying. I am thinking about "putting a dollar in a jar" for every mile I do. For example, so far I have about 200 miles this month which means that I have 200 dollars saved for my next purchase. If I buy something for the bicycle the amount in the jar decreases.

I am thinking about 2 bycicles when I reach the milleage. The Cannondale Supersix Ultegra or the FELT F4. Both carbon with ultegra components and about 4 pounds lighter than my Z85. I think it is a descent step up after 3500 miles.

What do you guys think?

Luis

Nachoman

I could see that as a disincentive to ride.
Like saying to yourself "oh crap, I'd love to do a century this weekend, but I just don't have the extra money".

LowCel 

Sounds like a good plan.

hyhuu

For me and many others, that would be a motivation for riding a lot less as we couldn't afford it.

slowandsteady

With the mileage I do, I would be able make a BMW payment every month.

lsberrios1 

Well Yeah, I could see how it could get expensive. Its like having a car that makes 4 mpg. 0_o. I guess it is more of a goal since I really want a carbon bike but I know im not in good enough shape to justify one. Hopefully by the time I make it to 3500 miles (hopefully within a year or 2) I will be as solid as a rock!

martialman.45

More miles means you will need the $$$ for tubes, tires, chains etc. Go for it.

SCochiller

If you have to pay yourself to make riding a bicycle motivational and satisfying, maybe you are in the wrong sport.

lsberrios1 

Maybe... My first motivation is losing weight and getting in shape. Then is the accomplishment of being able to ride a bicycle for long periods of time and maybe racing one day. I just use this dollar a mile thing as a little prize for the future and to justify purchasing something that is most likely not necessary but a luxury. This quantifies my effort for a new bike and limits myself to not buying it before due time. Knowing myself, if I dont put a restriction like that I would be most likely to go and purchase a new bike next month. I might as well have said that I will buy the new bicycle when I hit the goal instead of a dollar a mile. All in all the point is that according to how many miles I ride I can spend that much in $ for my next bicycle. Being a fat and out of shape slob means that 3500 miles wont be easy as for some of you who can do that a month.

Bacciagalupe

So you literally just bought a bike, and already want another one?

You already own an excellent bike that will last you for tens of thousands of miles. A different bike will not necessarily be any more comfortable, and it won't be any faster. Ride your current bike into the ground.

merlinextraligh

Sounds like a good idea. Forcing yourself to wait a little for new purchases will make you more likely to know what you really want, and not waste money on impulses.

Also tying it to the amount you ride will make it more likely you'll use the stuff. Lots of enthusiastic newbies come in, ride a lot for a few months, buy lots of stuff, then move on to other things, and have a lot of unused expensive stuff.

banerjek

Just so you know, most people here ride 3k-6k miles per year. Some people ride considerably more. If you get into the regular mix, you'll have an awesome bike budget...

DaveWC

It makes sense to me. Ride a lot, upgrade your bike. A buck a mile seems like the wrong # to me, I'd use 50¢. I'd also not include peripheral stuff like tubes, tires etc. as those are just stuff you need to enjoy the hobby whereas a new bike isn't.

Grim Ace

Sounds like a good plan, though a dollar per mile may be a bit much. As you continue cycling, you will likely drastically increase speed and distance, especially if you do end up getting that new bike (or is this a plan until you get a new bike, I am not sure). For me, it would come down to over a 100 bucks per week, and my guess is that it will be for you too at some point given your level of enthusiasm.

maybe a dollar every two miles is better.

I also agree with the above poster. This is a good plan for not buyin everything at once. It takes a while before you really know what your own preferences are and what the things are you want. That 50 dolar saddle bag may look appealing now, but in another year, you may find out that you prefer to take your stuff with you in your jersey etc.

One other thing I feel like I have to say is that you already have a very decent bike now. For someone who is just getting into it, I dont feel like you would really benefit that much from a much more expensive bike. Your current bike wont stop you from doing any of the things that you are able to do on a more expensive one. There is also a second reason why you may want to hold off on buying that bike. If you buy a very expensive road bike, it should be to your exact preferences. Right now you may not know what those are, and it may take at least a year for you to really find out. Once you have some more experience, you will have a much better grasp of the things you like and dislike, your riding position and the feel and geometry you are looking for, etc. If you buy a 2000+ dollar bike after just a few months of riding, it seems unlikely that you will be able to find the one that would really be the best choice for you in the long term.

lsberrios1 

I bought this bicycle to try if I was really going to enjoy the sport. I wanted a bicycle that could keep up and was good quality but that wouldnt break the bank if I decided I didnt like riding. Now, like merlin said, I am tying myself up to that goal before buying the bicycle I really wanted in the beginning. I am still very new and even though I would like to ride for the rest of my life I am one to change my mind very quickly about stuff, specially hobbies. By the time I get to 3,500 miles I am most likely assured that I really do like the sport and that I will continue doing it. If I get there, then I will get the bicycle I wanted from the beginning.

tagaproject6

Ride first and see if you an stick with it.

pallen

Not a bad idea. For me that would be $20 every weekday I ride to work. If you commute, you could put in how much you might spend on gas in a week (or a little more) and use that money for a new bike. That would give you some real motivation to take the bike instead of the car to work. Instead of flushing that money away buying fuel, you could use it for a new bike.

DaveWC

Another thing to consider is first pay for your current bike. In other words, first accumulate the 1,250 miles to pay for your $1,250 bike. Then start putting new miles towards a new bike.

topflightpro

You haven't given yourself a very high bar to cross.

Why not set a more explicit goal, like riding 10,000 miles on the bike you have before allowing yourself an upgrade? For myself and others here, that is not a big number, but based on your mileage, it seems like a pretty tough goal to reach.

PhotoJoe 

Sounds about right if he learned a lot from the 41. Surprised it took him this long to want to upgrade.

I think the 0.50/mile sounds about right. This will let you put some miles in before dropping more money in a sport you aren't sure you enjoy. If you earn the money with miles, and still want the bike, then you're ready for the next step and can afford it. Then, start saving again for that next bike....you know you're going to want i!

caloso

I admire your plan, but it's too rich for my blood. I'd have to quit riding--too expensive.

PhotoJoe 

For you....$0.01/mile.

back4more

I think the first thing I question is the tons of things you have learned on the 41

StephenH

So I should start shopping for $12,000 bikes for next year, I reckon.

lsberrios1 

Thanks, Imaine if it were to be a dollar per post in your case!