It's all about the Bike

Running is a cheap sport: Pair of shoes, some shorts and you are off. Of course me being a gadget guy I always have to add more. Instead of just a t-shirt and shorts, I have to get a tech shirt and running shorts. I could make due with an old Timex, but why would I do that when there is a GPS watch from Garmin that does everything but run for you. But even with all of the gear and race fees, running is still even cheaper than most Gym memberships.

The sport of swimming is similar, in that you only need the bare essentials. I already have running shorts that make great swim trunks. I did have to replace my goggles when the strap broke, but at $10 for years worth of use...I think I can manage that. Our county pool charges either by the month or by the visit, and since my travel schedule is rather tight, I opted for 10 visits for under $20 bucks. All in all still a very cheap sport.

Then there is the bike. I know I could make due with my old cheapo, but it was in need of repair, and to throw $50 into repair would be about 50% of what the bike was worth. Coincidentally my friend Brett is an avid Biker and an avid fan of eBay. Well Brett from time to time sends me a deal on a bike on eBay that he thinks would suit me and I always decline. Well this time he got me at just the right time and we purchased a new Marin Road Bike. I say we because all I did was send a check. He found it, bid on it, picked it up, cleaned it, repaired it and adjusted it to my build. Its great to have friends.

This bike is no carbon fiber dream. It is not even aluminum. But for me it fits the bill perfectly. It is tons lighter than my old bike. and it is a true road bike with thin tires and real components. Very different from my old pseudo mountain bike, with witch I peddled furiously to keep up with my friends on the trial. The only problem is, even though I got the bike cheap…there are a lot more costs involved with biking than swimming or running. You have to have the pants so your butt won’t fall off after a long ride. You need the gloves, the helmet, water bottles…not to mention the pedals and shoes that are the bane of my existence and are worth a post all of their own.

Now a lot of these items I already had; and most of them can be picked up inexpensively. I have also tried to keep myself from going overboard and getting things I don’t need (which is awfully hard for a gadget addict). But in terms of costs, Mr. Armstrong had it right…it is all about the bike.