Bike Mileage Competition & Today's Ride

[2TonJellyBean]

I can drive 400 kms in about 4 to 6 hours without eating. I'll use $40 in gas and I'll have 4 out of 5 seats covered.

I can cycle 400 kms in 18 to 24 hours but I'm pretty sure that it usually costs about $50 to 80 in food. It also means that about 10 - 20% of a $90 cassette and $80 chain get used up along with 10% of a $50 front tire, and 20% of a $50 rear tire.

And I used to think motorcycling was expensive... hehe

[trebuchet03]

I have yet to replace my chain on the 3000+ miles I've logged on my bike Who knows how many miles I did before getting a cyclocomputer and how many miles the bike had before I bought it at a garage sale I still have the original cassette - no need to replace any time soon My expenses on my bike since it was purchased have been roughly $100 including the $35 to buy. I've spent more on oil changes for my car since I bought that bike

Equipment costs can be expensive - if you're going for a high performance bike But it doesn't have to be that way (hell, I'm riding on a lugged steel frame ).

The better comparison would be to compare a scenario when you're likely to be substituting saddle time... How much will it cost you in fuel to do four 3 mile trips (all starting with a cold engine) daily for a week.

It's not like these expenses go away if you converted your bike to a lightweight EV

[2TonJellyBean]

Yes, mid-range Campy and a heavy rolleur rider, with a bag, lights etc. The total weight affects the life of the drivetrain items, especially from the affects of climbing.

Short rides, no contest!

You should use a chain measurement device if you don't already do. Ride too long on your chain and it'll mess up the chainwheels on crank (I did, ouch$). I've always coveted the Rohloff hub with a real chain - 14 speeds, all with the same ratio change and a straight chainline.

[kickflipjr]

I am at 1,600mi for the year, but I haven't been keeping track of direct car replacement trips.

I figured 64mi displaced off the top of my head (its hard for me to think much futher back then August / July). Of course I bike when I am bored (so I ride my bike for fun as apposed to driving my car around for fun).

[SVOboy]

I wonder if we should run the thread just by total mileage or displaced? I feel like total miles is easier, even though it's certainly measuring different things?

What do you think?

[kickflipjr]

I like miles displaced better. There are plenty of people who just use bikes for recreation and end up putting a bunch of extra miles on there cars to get them to the bike trail/group ride/event/ etc.

I lurk on www.bikeforums.net a lot there is plenty of good information on that forum. I recommend the following subforums (but remember to post your bike threads here on gassavers ):

commuting

living car free

utility cycling

[SVOboy]

Okee, that's a good idea, and we'll stick by that. What was your displaced total?

[2TonJellyBean]

negative displacement = driving to cycling events

My score's very bad in that regard...

[omgwtfbyobbq]

Originally Posted by trebuchet03

Unless of course someone wants to show that it's better for one to not exercise and ride an EV....

That's why ya build a hybrid meng. A gear set, even one that's as widely spaced as needed on an heavy EV bike or velo, is a trivial addition and allows the rider to input however much they want during the ride.

Originally Posted by trebuchet03

Bugger

Ain't no deal. Probably maxed out from fall/winterguard. My thighs otoh...

[Lug_Nut]

I'm at 684.9 miles, add another 10.12 for the trip back home tonight. All commuting displacement.
I've tried to not eat the difference. Instead I'm withdrawing from the fat accumulated when I drove everywhere. Belt is two notches too long now. Pants are baggier front and rear, but tighter in the thighs and calves.
Just spent another $180, this time for a light (nice bright LED unit that works on pitch black, dark country roads up to 30 mph before I outrun my reaction time) and a pair of half-tights that will hold me until sub freezing weather arrives for my 05:30 departures from home. Next: some full finger gloves.