I have been cycle commuting for 4 months now, I'm prepared and ready to cycle through the winter (excluding when it's really really bad weather due to safety concerns, drivers in this part of the world are terrible). I went from using a junker MTB/hybrid that was technically too small for me to purchasing a £550 road bike, buying so much cycling clothing(lycra this, lyrca that), repair stands, tools and even went as far as picking up GPS unit (albeit secondhand on ebay) for £160.
I have just totted it up and I have spent in excess of £1100 on cycling in 4 months. Now, I knew I was spending a lot more than I liked to admit to myself, but frankly I'm shocked by the initial outlay! I do keep track of my spending, and I have curbed it these last couple of months, but it's going to take a whole 12 months (based previous fuel spending) of cycling without another purchase to make the bike really pay for itself. I think part of the spending problem is I really really really enjoy cycling. It has become my weekend and evening hobby, it has got me in shape fast, it has made me sexier, smarter and I perform better in work. Yesterday I rode 100 miles for charity, burning 3600 calories and today feels like any other day, just I'm a little more awesome.
But cripes, £1100 on cycling in 4 months, had to pinch myself!!! it's worked out a lot more than I thought... On the plus side, I know have some serious know how, tools etc so I can do most of my own bicycle maintenance, and aside from a decent warm winter coat, have all the seasonal wear I need. Hopefully will be able to stomach closing down my car lease (costing me £230/month) in January when the early termination fee drops from £999 to £333. I seem to have moved from one financial mess (spending too much on a car) to another (£1100!!!).
Did any of you struggle with reigning in your spending when you started cycling? How are you keeping costs down???
Quick edit, this spend also includes fixing up the junker and fitted pannier rack and bags so I can do my shopping, done this 3 times already and now I look forward to visits to the supermarket!!!