For a few years, I've ridden a bicycle for transportation, and I don't own a car. My city has a very active road cycling/racing community, and my transportation cycling morphed into 10+ hour per week road cycling hobby, including frequent group rides, organized rides and some races. Looking at my YNAB account, I've spent over $1000 per month since May of 2018 on cycling. I travel for work, and so keep a second trainer/bike in the place I stay most often for travel (I rent a room there), and also a bike and trainer at my parents' house so that I can ride while visiting (they live in another state and I visit often). Part of this high monthly average cost is bicycle purchases, including my $3000+ primary road bike, as well as trainers, computer, power meter, etc. These items will be with me for a few years, so the average will go down over time, however, it's still extremely high. Due to work travel, I'm also making decisions that affect my income in order to ride more.
I currently rent an apartment and recently wanted to buy a condo, but couldn't for lack of a decent down payment - something I'd probably have if it wasn't for all this cycling expense. This, and all the other effects the time/cost of cycling is having on my life often leaves me wanting to "escape" and leave it behind. The problem is that cycling IS my life. My entire social life and lifestyle is caught up in it. Today was supposed to be my first day working part-time in a bike shop, but I turned down the opportunity this morning as it was yet another restriction cycling was placing on my life.
Before cycling, I was a good saver and budgeter, but that's all out the window now. On multiple occasions, with plans to quit, I've posted but then deleted my equipment on Craigslist, FB, etc.
When one is so tied up in a hobby that it's their lifestyle, when you "love" something, is it worth the cost? I suppose this relationship might be more love/hate. Even when I love it, though, the financial strain is always in the back of my mind. Still, I'm single and almost every activity, social event, etc. in which I participate is cycling related. I also have an interest in bicycle/pedestrian transportation issues. Sort of all-in on this hobby.
Note: I have no debt, but not much savings.