Start up costs for Biking? or other cross training?

[mrshandy]

This is more of a curiousity thread. But what would you say the start up costs for a beginner biker would be?

I was thinking of looking into biking for cross training and was wondering how much it would cost to buy a bike, helmet, appropriate shoes, other gear.

We don't have any gyms nearby that I can join and our home gym space is limited. So I feel kind of torn on what I should be doing besides running.

[Susie]

Like anything, you can spend more or less, and get more or less sucked into buying accessories.  But basics?

Bike - varies from "free since I already have one" to a couple $k.  New entry level road bikes can be in the $700-$1000 range, ish, I would say.
Helmet - maybe like $40.  I think mine was $60?  More expensive ones exist, but they aren't safer.
Bike shorts, at least one pair, but likely more.  $60ish?

I forget how much I've spent on shoes/pedals.  That's another must, and another $100-200, totally ballpark.  And I consider one water bottle cage + bottle that fits in it to be a need (although a cheap need).

But like I said, accessories go on and on after that.

[sadlebred]

What Susie said. I'd budget at least $1200 for getting into biking if you don't want shoes and pedals. Add another $200-300 for those. For an entry level bike you could ride in your sneakers/old running shoes and flat pedals. That would help keep costs down. Get pedals and shoes for birthday/Christmas/4th of July.

I'll also ask what kind of bike you were thinking of? If you want a comfort bike or hybrid to ride once/week for an hour, the cost would be a few hundred $$ less than a road bike with all the gear. A helmet is the only must have for that. Then again, a helmet is a must have for riding any kind of bike!

Of course, if you think you might want to do any kind of road riding, charity rides, centuries, fun rides, etc. I recommend getting a road bike and not have to spend the money in 6 months. Just do it up front.