Cycling has a world of benefits that can make your life a whole lot better. From giving you a reason to exercise to simply cutting down on your use of gasoline, you’ll be happy you decided to take on biking. After all, the bike is one of the most common forms of recreation around the world for a reason. Although this amazing hobby can save you a bundle of money in the long run, there are still ways in which you can cut down on the price of biking in general. So, when you decide to pick up the hobby or simply upgrade the bike you have you won’t have to fret about destroying your monthly budget. With these tips you’ll really reap the benefits of a lifestyle filled with biking.
1. Second Hand Bikes
Beginning this hobby is when you’re probably going to end up paying the most. Purchasing a brand new bike can cost you up to $300 for a basic model. Instead of jumping into the deep end try looking for a used bike. If you have a family member that is already into cycling then they might have an older model you can purchase or have. If this isn’t the case then check out your local thrift stores. There’s usually a large choice of bicycles that range from children sized to adult sized. However, during some seasons the thrift store might not have any bikes in. There’s always the off chance you could find one at a yard sale though, so keep your eyes peeled and check your local listing for sales in your area. Looking on Craigslist is another great option if you need the bike to be local. Of course, if you’re willing to wait and pay shipping prices then online auction sites are another good option. If you have a used sporting good store in town then they may be able to give you a good deal, but often you will only save a small amount. The same can be said of pawn stores, but there is no harm in checking these establishments as you never know when you might find a good deal.
2. Know What You Need
One problem many newcomers to cycling face is they don’t know what they need in a bike, so they end up spending the extra money to buy all of the bells and whistles. Sure, these items are nice to have, but there’s a good chance you won’t use everything, especially if you’re just getting started. The key to saving money on a bike is to know what you’re going to need. If you plan on riding for a leisure activity on your weekend then you may want to consider a basic cruiser. This will allow you to have some fun without making the experience overly complicated. You may also consider a more basic three speed bike if you plan on commuting to work. Mountain bikes are a lot of fun, but if you know you’re going to be riding in flat areas the majority of the time then don’t purchase one. However, if you’re buying one specifically for the activity then start off with an easier model first. The same can be said for BMX bikes. When you go to purchase children’s bikes make sure they allow room to grow. You can also buy a set of training wheels separately, so you don’t have to pay for the wheels already installed on the bike.
3. Routine Maintenance
Paying for a new bike or even getting the bike repaired can really take some money out of your pocket. Instead of allowing the bike to degrade once you have purchased it you may want to consider doing some routine maintenance. This is easier than you think, so don’t feel overwhelmed by the idea of it all. Some simple items to complete on a regular basis are cleaning the goo off of your bike’s chain and oiling any area that might seem stiff. These two things take mere seconds to complete and anyone can do them. You should also monitor your tires before and after each ride. This will allow you to know when its time to air them up so you won’t have to replace them any time soon. There’s a lot of basic items you can do to the bike, so if you need a list of tasks then do a simple search online. You can even look specifically into issues your bike’s model typically has, which will help ensure you’ll easily keep your bike going for years longer.
4. Sales
One simple way to get more for your money is to looks for sales. Typically, bikes usually go on sale before holiday weekends so this is a good time to start your search. However, you may want to consider subscribing to bike shop newsletters in your area as this might help you cut down on the general price of a bike without having to wait for the holiday seasons. If you’re okay with waiting then you’ll probably get your best deal on a bike during Black Friday. Bikes usually aren’t in season during this time, so its easier for stores to really cut down on the prices of these items. Of course, when you do find a good sale you should shop for bike accessories as well. Helmets, padding and even items for your bike could really make a huge difference if you can find the right price reductions.
5. Get Insured
You might be surprised as to how much you can save by justing having your bike insured. Sure, it might sound like a huge expense to do so, but generally insurance on this type of item is incredibly low. You may even find that it barely makes a difference with your budget and witout having to spend as much money on gasoline you’re still saving a lot more even with the added expense. This insurance tends to help with repairs or replacement of the bike if there is ever an accident or a part of the bike doesn’t work anymore. However, it is also good to have if your bike is ever stolen. The insurance can get your back on the road without you having to spend more money on gas than you should. If you already have renters insurance then you might be covered. Try talking to your provider to see if this is the case. If you are covered then you’re already good to go!
6. Splurge on a Padlock
If you tend to use your bike for intercity community then a padlock is a necessity. We all would love to think that our stuff won’t get stolen, but chances are if you leave your bike unlocked you probably won’t find it when you’re finished shopping. Good padlocks might cost a pretty penny, but they’ll cost a whole lot less than replacing your bicycle. If you’re uncertain what to buy to protect your bike then go into a bike store and ask. Usually store clerks won’t steer you in the wrong direction and you can never have too much lock. You might want to consider purchasing a lock that covers the entire front tire. It can be a real burden dragging the tire into work every day so find a lock that protects the entire bike if possible.
7. Tax Credits
There’s several upsides to commuting to work on your bike rather than rolling out the car. Apart from being great exercise and helping do your part to save the environment, it may also entitle you to a few tax credits when you file this year. The government is all about people living a greener lifestyle, so when they see you’re trying they will provide you with a reward. When you go in to file taxes, talk to your accountant about it. He or she should be able to find the information you need to enjoy this credit. When you do receive your reward you can use it to make your bike more commuter friendly or grab that radio you’ve been missing out on during your commute. Just make sure you have receipts from your biking expenses ready to go when you decide to file.
8. Must Have Accessories
Accessories can go a long way when it comes to saving you money on biking. For example, in most states having a light on your bike is a requirement if you plan on riding at night. Although many don’t plan on doing so, sometimes night riding is a necessity especially in the winter when it gets darker a lot sooner. Paying for a ticket for this can be pricey, so try to find a cheap light. This simple item can also keep you safer, as well as reflectors, so don’t avoid the cost of these items as paying for an accident could cost a lot more and may even cause sever injury. Another great item to have is a GPS. If you ride your bike around town a lot this could be a must. Sure, most phones have GPS, but it is much safer to have a device secured on your bike rather than forcing yourself to hold onto a phone. This could lead to an accident or your phone breaking. A radio is another great way to make commuting more fun. Of course, if you are set on using your phone for these two items then there are special phone mounts that will make it safer for you to use your phone and could offer more protection for the phone.
9. Store It
One very important thing to do for your bike is to store it whenever it isn’t in use. This can be tough if you don’t have the space, but there are precautions you can take to avoid leaving your bike out in the elements. If you don’t have a garage or covered porch then one thing to do is leave it in your home’s entry way, especially if you’re expecting poor weather. Bikes can easily rust, particularly the chain, if they are left in wet conditions for a long time. If it comes down to it then covering your bike with a tarp could be a great way to keep it out of the poor weather without having to bring it inside. If you do happen to ride in wet weather then make sure to wipe the bike down as soon as you can. This will help avoid rust so you won’t have to worry about replacing parts or the bike any time soon.
10. Rentals
If you don’t plan on riding your bike frequently or you don’t have space for a bike then you might want to considering getting a rental. Most bike shops will offer a variety of bikes to rent for a few hours to a full day so you can enjoy a ride during your free time. This is also great if you plan on experiencing different kinds of biking, or if you’re on vacation. You may even discover mountain biking or BMX biking are actually sports you’re interested in which could open you up to new experiences without spending a lot of money. If you’re an everyday commuter without the space for a bike, or you just want to check out the city, then the government has begun to set up biking centers in several cities. These bikes can be rented for several hours and will allow you to get around town without worry. Most of these bikes are also tagged so if it is stolen you won’t have to stress about the repercussions.
Biking can be your favorite hobby if you don’t let money get in the way. With these simple tips you can save even more money on your frugal hobby. So, grab your favorite helmet and let your bike be a guide to adventure and relaxation whenever possible.
