I am an avid cyclist, so I do have a strong bias here. However, an increasing number of office goers are replacing their cars with bikes to go to their workplace. The main reasons for changing the mode of their transport are economy and health. Bicycling is much cheaper than driving a car and it is an excellent form of exercise. However, bicycling need not be as cheap as one might expect. Due to different reasons, cycling can become a costly affair. Let us look at those reasons:
The Bicycle
Bicycles of different make and model are available and the choice depends on the preferences of the rider. Depending upon the make and quality, their prices vary vastly. If it is speed that you want, a road bike will be the most suitable one for you. If comfort is what you are looking for, there is the commuting bike. A mountain bike will serve all your purposes if you make some alterations to it. The most expensive component of bicycling to work is the bicycle itself. But if you buy a used bicycle, you will be saving a lot in this regard.
Accessories to a Bicycle
A bicycle surely needs other accessories as well. There has to be a headlight, an inflator, extra tubes, comfortable seats and panniers (what are those? Uncommon word, I know). You may also have to buy a backpack to carry your personal belongings. All these things together will cost you a considerable amount of money. This is in addition to the cost of the bicycle itself.
Special Clothing
As a bicyclist, you must have special clothing to protect you from the elements of nature. The special clothing will also make bicycling comfortable. If you ride in your office dress, your dress will become dirty by the time you reach your office. Then there is the helmet, the gloves and so on. These items are again going to cost you dearly.
It now seems that the initial cost of riding on a bicycle to your office is quite high but since it doesn’t need any fuel and is almost maintenance free, you will be making huge savings in the long run. By bicycling to work every day, you will stay fit and there will be a marked improvement in your overall health. This is the bonus for you.
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