Is Bicycle Ownership Worth It Despite the Heavy Upkeep?

Is bicycle ownership worth it despite the heavy upkeep? The answer largely depends on the individual and their perspective. While some might view the maintenance of a bicycle as a labor-intensive task, others find it rewarding and essential for a sustainable and healthy lifestyle.

The Maintenance Myth

Many people believe that owning a bicycle involves significant upkeep. However, with a bit of knowledge and practice, the maintenance can be manageable and even enjoyable. Learning how to inspect, tighten, and maintain your bike can significantly reduce the need for professional assistance and save you money in the long run.

Learning to Maintain Your Bike

With bicycle maintenance, you can learn to do most tasks yourself, thereby reducing the reliance on professionals. Start by understanding how to check tire pressures, lube a chain, and perform minor adjustments. As you become more confident, you can tackle more complex tasks such as bleeding hydraulic disc brakes. The process is straightforward, and the satisfaction of keeping your bike in top condition is worth the effort.

Cost Analysis

The cost of maintaining a bicycle can be surprisingly low. Over the course of a year, even with a bicycle ownership of two bikes, the expenses can be minimal. For example, in a particularly intensive year, the author spent about 200 € on spares and consumables like oil, tires, tubes, and chains, along with one check-up visit at a local bike shop. Additional cleaning and maintenance took about 2 hours, which is mostly done by the owner themselves. This adds up to well under 400 € for both bikes.

Health Benefits and Time Savings

The health benefits of cycling are undeniable. Regular cycling can improve cardiovascular health, enhance muscle strength, and reduce the risk of obesity and chronic diseases. Additionally, using a bicycle as a means of transportation can save you time compared to traditional methods such as driving a car or taking public transportation. You can avoid standing in long lines at petrol stations, waiting at bus stops, or spending time in traffic.

Is It Worth It?

The question of whether bicycle ownership is worth it comes down to personal use and perception. For those who use their bikes extensively, the time and effort spent on maintenance are a small price to pay for the health, environmental, and financial benefits. Even if you have six bikes as the author does, the cost per bike is minimal. The key is to find a balance between the time spent on maintenance and the hours of enjoyment and health benefits.

Overall, bicycle ownership is a worthwhile investment, particularly for those who can maintain their bikes with basic knowledge and skills. The time and effort invested in maintenance are more than compensated for by the numerous benefits.