Indecisive Cat is Indecisive

[kaitou]

There are a lot of things I'm thinking about getting. Like a Wii, or a new camera. But I've also been thinking about getting a bicycle. But I'm really torn about it.

Pros:
I live 5 minutes from work/grocery store/anywhere in town by car, that's easily commutable by bike
I did the bike around thing during my study abroad in college and it wasn't a big deal
Save on gas!
Save the earth!
Exercise
Neighborhood is safe

Cons:
Better to get a good bike than a crappy one, which means $$
What if I don't use it? It's a lot of money to spend on something I won't use. I could use that money on a Wii/camera/kitchen table.
No bike rack at work.
May be mocked heavily by coworkers. (There's at least one guy at work that drives a Monster Truck)
Bike would only be used to commute, I don't think I would take a ride just for pleasure.

What do you think? If I still had a paid account I'd set up a poll. Instead I plead that you comment. Your choices are:
A)Get a nice bike
B)Cheap bike and upgrade
C)Don't get a bike, get a Wii & Kitchen Table
D)Ticky Box!

Comments

[eramundo.livejournal.com]

i must confess there is something a little ironic about riding a bike to a company that makes car parts...

bike racks for your car might also be an unexpected sticker shock.

I say bike, because it's good for you! but I wouldn't spend huge money on it, if you can find a nice one used that would be a big tipping point. You might want to walk the route first, or borrow a bike, just to make sure it's as easy as it looks in a car...

[kaitou1412.livejournal.com]

"i must confess there is something a little ironic about riding a bike to a company that makes car parts..."

Ha! So true. An Accord DOES get pretty good mileage though.

I wasn't intending to get a bike rack. It ought to fit in the back of a car if I fold the seats down, shouldn't it?

[eramundo.livejournal.com]

the chain grease might muss up your pretty interior...

[bardofawen.livejournal.com]

I think you should get a bike, but look on Craig's list or somewhere similar and see if you can't find a nice bike for the price of a cheap one. You need to get something that's comfortable and that you want to ride, otherwise, let's face it, you won't. So if it takes a little extra money to buy a bicycle you really like, do it!

Okay, looking at your other reservations:
- Just use it. It's better for you, and better for the environment, and better for your pocketbook. How much money will you save each week in gas alone? Do the calculations, and find out how long it will take for the bicycle to pay for itself. As soon as it does, it's as though you never spent the money to begin with. Then you can get your Wii/camera/kitchen table.
- talk to your employer about the bike rack situation. Ask them if they would get a bike rack, or if not, ask them where you should put your bike to keep it safe.
- Who cares about what some Neanderthal with a gas guzzler thinks. Would you let someone with a pack-a-Day cigarette addiction get you down because you don't smoke? Of course not! That guy probably spends $120 a week on gas. You should be laughing at him.
- Do you take your car joyriding? Probably not, right? So it's just for commuting. Did I mention how much money you could be saving on gas? PAYS. FOR. ITSELF.

And you'll be healthier for it, and I always think that's a good thing.

[kaitou1412.livejournal.com]

Craigslist was a good idea, I hadn't thought of that. Alas for my area it's all kids bikes, or 1957 vintage bikes.

I did the math, and it will probably be about a year before I pay off the bike. The nice thing about living in St. Marys is that if I just go to work and grocery store and back I can make a tank of gas last about 3 weeks. The bad part is that all my 'fun' stuff is a long haul which would be out of the question with a bike.

As for the bike rack and mocking. They're kind of tied together. I'm a little worried that someone might think that messing with the bike would be funny.

I think the bike is a great idea. I guess I doubt my resolve and willpower more than anything. Thank you for the encouragement.

[whimsical-cow.livejournal.com]

My husband switched from driving to bike riding about two months ago. It was a tough adjustment at first, but he's really glad he stuck with it. Not only is it saving us a lot of money, but he's in much better shape from it, and has started to enjoy it to the point that he now he actually rides it for fun as well.

Plus, a couple of our friends who live close to their jobs have since started biking to work as well, so you never know - instead of getting mocked you might start a trend. My one friend Mo keeps her right in her office, actually, though I don't know if that'd be an option for you or not.

If you can get to a Target, or know anybody with a wholesale club membership like BJ's or Sam's, you may not even have to compromise all that much between price and quality. Just don't forget your helmet! ;)

[flidgetjerome.livejournal.com]

What's the weather like? A lot of people I work with bike in and they all have full-body rain gear but on the other hand we're in the land of constant rain so it's sorta necessary.

It's just an additional expense you might want to consider, as well as thinking about a place at work you can change your clothes.