Is a new hobby worth the entry level cost?

**shelbylovesmelby** · 03-31-2007, 07:54 AM

I would say go for it if you have the $ to spare, will use it often, little maintenance involved, somewhere to store it, longevity, and it makes you happy. Why not????

Even better if it can also contribute to you saving gas money as well to work or other various places & or activities.

**JanH** · 03-31-2007, 08:03 AM

Also sounds like a good hobby for exercise which we all need! I save money each month to build up for the hobby costs. Like you, I've discovered some hobbies have a high cost for getting started. Some have been okay, but others I have loved. So I guess it is like shelby says--if you have the money and it makes you happy, why not have fun with a hobby!

**project15** · 03-31-2007, 08:12 AM

Money shouldn't be a problem for this. I've been saving money for it (out of my personal allowance I give myself) and have about 80% saved towards the bike and accessories I'll need.

Yes, I would be using it for work since my first goal with the bike would be to commute to work 12-15 miles (depending on which way I take). Then my next goal would be a century ride (100 miles).

**disneysteve** · 03-31-2007, 08:31 AM

Originally posted by project15 View Post

Is it worth the money to get into something you want to try

The word that jumps out at me in your post is TRY.

Is it worth spending the money for a good quality bike that you know you will get many years of use out of? Of course.

If, however, you aren't sure how you'll like biking to work and other places and don't know if you'll stick with it long term, then I'd probably go with the used bike for starters. Once you know that you are really into biking and will continue to do it, that's the time to updgrade your equipment. Remember, used items hold their value quite well. So if you spend $100 today for a used bike, a year from now you can probably sell it for that same $100 when you buy your ideal new bike.

On the other hand, if you start with the $600 bike and decide to give up riding a year from now, you may only get $400 or less if you sell that bike used.

**lgslgs** · 03-31-2007, 09:13 AM

Originally posted by project15 View Post

Yes, I've thought about getting a used road bike for $50-100, but I'd also like to be fitted to my bike correctly and buy from a local bike shop that would give me free tune-ups and adjust everything correctly to my body and riding style.

Can you buy a used, trade in, demo, or last year's model from the bike shop?

Lynda

**project15** · 03-31-2007, 09:17 AM

Originally posted by lgslgs View Post

Can you buy a used, trade in, demo, or last year's model from the bike shop?

Lynda

I'm actually looking into last year's models and found one I want for $520, but after tax, and helmet, it's up to $600.

Taking disneysteve's comments into account, I found a nice old/vintage Trek on craigslist that was posted about an hour ago for $89. I'd definitely jump on this deal if the frame size is right. I'd prefer new, but at this price for a quality bike, I can't go wrong.

**kv968** · 03-31-2007, 10:17 AM

I'd say get a cheaper bike and see if you're going to keep at it. Although if you KNOW you'll stick with it, then the better is bike is well...better. I would ease into it and see that it sticks first. I'm all for buying quality things if I know I'm going to use them. I got into golf and my $150 set was just perfect to make sure I really wanted to do it. I love it and, although I'm not quite ready for nor need a $2000 set of Callaways, I know that I won't be wasting money if and when I upgrade to better clubs.

**PetMom** · 03-31-2007, 11:15 AM

You sound like you are researching bikes and prices which
is good.

I think this would be an investment in health with the exercise
and as something to do on weekends - where a lot of people
end up spending on entertainment costs.

The added bonus would be money in the pocket with the
commuting costs - even doing this a couple of times would
be great especially when (not if) the cost of gas goes up
more. I am sure a lot of people would love this option
to have to fall back on for commuting. I read about a
biker that did this and he did keep his car or use a
taxi for the inclement weather days.

Also, a new one, (or used one) well cared for, would have
resale value. Something like a spin class (or any exercise
class) would not have anything to resell.

**scfr** · 03-31-2007, 01:48 PM

I concur with buying a used bike and then upgrading if you decide it's something you want to keep up. It's definitely worth some expense because of the health benefits and commuting cost benefits, not to mention the fun you'll get out of it.

Cautious soul that I am, I will say: Do not skimp on the helmet! Buy top-quality (in terms of safety) and buy new!

**disneysteve** · 03-31-2007, 01:51 PM

Originally posted by scfr View Post

Cautious soul that I am, I will say: Do not skimp on the helmet! Buy top-quality (in terms of safety) and buy new!

Absolutely!! Safety items should be purchased new - bike helmets, car seats, etc. Used items can have damage that isn't visible. You health and safety isn't an area to scrimp.

**threebeansalad** · 04-01-2007, 10:34 AM

Cycling is something I've considered getting into, but ultimately decided against it due to the expense and time factor. I'm an avid runner, and many runners make the switch to cycling, but I was really worried that after investing the money, I might not really like it. I was also concerned about the time factor-- I can run for 1 or 1.5 hours have have a great endurance workout, but to really tap into the endurance aspect through cycling you need to go much longer.

I looked into ways to borrow / loan / rent a road bike for a few months, but couldn't find anything.

I ended up buying a used Specialized Rock Hopper Mountain Bike ($50 to purchase plus $100 in repairs). I commute on it (2 miles!) and fool around on trails. So, while I never got into cycling per se, I have a functional bike to have fun with.

I'm sticking to running and swimming for exercise.

**cschin4** · 04-01-2007, 11:25 AM

If you really think this is something you will do, then it is absolutely worth the money. But, if you are someone who tends to get hepped about something new but then quickly gets bored, moves to something else, etc, then you would be better off with a used bike.
My hobby is playing the guitar. I started playing a cheap toy guitar a few years back. It was a Christmas present to my son but I had so much fun playing it. Then, I took some lessons and bought myself a cool electric guitar, case and amp. Paid $500+ for all this but it has been hours of fun and enjoyment for the last 2 years. Definately worth it.
And, obviously, your hobby offers a means of exercise, maintaining your health and so forth. Being "frugal" is not about finding the cheapest thing or not spending money. To me, being frugal means putting my money to the best possible use to enhance my life, retirement, etc.

**project15** · 04-01-2007, 02:46 PM

Great news...While visiting my mother in law, this subject came up and she mentioned that she was wanting to get a new bike. I checked out her old road bike and it was just what I was looking for, and best of all it's free! I'm going to ride it around for a bit and also see if I can upgrade it with modern components (shifters, brakes, etc...) The frame is probably only one size smaller than my body would like, but this works out perfectly to see if I want to get into cycling and drop some more money into it.

**disneysteve** · 04-01-2007, 02:55 PM

Originally posted by project15 View Post

While visiting my mother in law, this subject came up and she mentioned that she was wanting to get a new bike. I checked out her old road bike and it was just what I was looking for, and best of all it's free!

You can't beat free! That's great. A perfect way to check things out and decide how you like it. Congratulations on finding a frugal way to do it.

Is a new hobby worth the entry level cost?