Commuting by bike?

To me it does not matter the cost of cycling vs driving. I know, at least for me, there is no doubt that cycling has cost me more than if I were to just drive but I think that is part of the fun. It's also nice to not put money in the oil companies pocket.

I guess I have only my parents to blame for this addiction to gear.

Aaron

I've ridden about 3000 miles in the last year on abike I paid $300 for. Add $200 for my lights and clothing, thats $500/3000 miles= 0.16/mile.

Just to drive my car to work for 3,000 miles, assuming 20mpg, is 150 gallons of fuel, at $3.15/gallon, is $472.50 for the year, or $0.15/mile.

So basically its a wash, and I have yet to cacluate the cost of buying a car, insurance, maintenance, etc.. Add to the mix the money I save on health care by staying fit, and on food becasue I/m not a fat slob since I ride to work, and the calculus is even better for riding.

Even if I need to buy a new $300 bike every year, its still more economical to bike.

Greg L,
Thanks for your comments back, re frames and where money is well spent. I agree, and I don't mean to diss custom frames, either. Someday after kids colleges are paid for and I've got those randonee skis and boots maybe I'll be able to get a frame built by Davidson or R&E that fits just right and has braze-ons in just the right places and a way to mount a light AND a touring front handlebar bag.... if I could decide on what would be perfect. meanwhile, I'll spend my bit of spare time and $ riding highway 20 W to E across WA next month!