Buying a bike is the best investment?

[Bushman]

The CSIRO Future Fuels Forum has just released a report 'Fuel For Thought' that models what would happen to the cost of petrol at the bowser if there is a 'near term peak in international oil production resulting in declining future oil supplies'. The result of the model - a wost case scenario of $8 per litre within 10 years. Here is a link to the report:

http://www.csiro.au/files/files/plm4.pdf

As the report correctly states, oil is the lifeblood of the Australian economy because, more than most countries, we are spread far and wide over this brown land of ours. We are accustomed to cheap oil. The major infrastructure decisions being made by our governments are based on cheap oil. So it is a very good question. Is the oil there?

The industries most likely to be be seriously impaired by rising energy costs is tourism and mining. But, due to our supermarket shelves being dependent on road tranpsort to get our goodies to us, everyone will be seriously affected. Imagine the effect on GDP and inflation if petrol hits $8 per litre! Stagflation as a way of life? I think I'm moving to Zimbabwe.

So this brings me back to my thread title; is buying a bike the best investment you could make today?

I cannot see long-term oil production being capable of feeding a global consumer society. So I am going to wean myself off oil. This involves:
1. living closer to work. I used to commute from Fitzroy (inner Melbourne) to Glen Waverley (easter sprawl) via combustible engine. I have changed my job and now get the train to work. I am happier and my bank balance is happier.
2. I now own a bike and use it for smaller distances.
3. Make the house green - light bulbs, alternative sources of power etc.

What else can I do? Be interested in what others out there are doing to wean themselves off the black stuff.

The way I see it, there are five fundamentals that drive the Australian economy:
1. cheap energy;
2. cheap debt;
3. plentiful water;
4. resource rich;
5. skilled labour force.

We have seen what has happened when 2, sourced from our best mates the Yanks, dries up. Imagine the catastrophe when 1 and 3 implodes as well.

 

[korrupt_1]

I own an e-bike.

I commute about 12km to work. Takes me about 25mins in peak hour Adelaide traffic.

It now takes me 20mins to get to work on my e-bike.

The decision to ride bike to work was not because of higher fuel or financials, but one of efficiency, fittness and freedom.

I love the look on frustrated drivers in peak hour stop-go-stop traffic!!


(*) I still work up a sweat when I do get to work - because I like to *try* to keep up with the traffic... crusing at around 40kmph with pedal assists.

 

[alankew]

I personally use my bike for small errands,keeps me fit and saves petrol.Couldnt believe when me moved here from the UK how many 3 and 4 litre runabouts there are.Things seem to be slowly changing though,a lot more European and small Jap cars on the road.Think we need to look at car sharing as well.I try to plan my use of the car so if i have to buy whatever can I do other tasks on the way so that one round trip accomplishes a lot more.I have a Vespa scooter which is pretty economical and use this for longer trips when my old legs(and time) wont allow a bike.Scary every time you go out on the road and look at all the cars most of which have one person in.Just doing my little bit but it is such a massive problem in a big country like Oz.Wouldnt like to be struggling to pay the mortgage etc with the extra burden of higher petrol prices.Perhaps a bit more grow your own(not the smokeable variety though)

 

[Bushman]

Perhaps a bit more grow your own(not the smokeable variety though)

Yep grow your own is a good idea. We have three planter boxes out the back fed by the rain water tank. Beans, zuchinni, cabbage and brocolli are my best crops. Need some of STB's phosphate and potash as it seems the soil gets exhausted especially with the aubergines!

Car pooling is one I have not thought about. It needs more of a community mind set though and the grumpy office workers out in the 'burbs might not be so keen.

 

[wayneL]

Cheltenham is a city of 120,000 the bulk of which is no more than 4 miles across.

We use our bikes for everything, shopping, going to the pub, out to dinner, exercise etc. In a city with that many people crammed into such a small area, the bike is quicker for everything.

Plus, you see much more. Cheltenham is an attractive place and we'd miss most of it fighting traffic.

Only ever use the car when we have to go out of town.

 

[Robb]

Yup, I have a single speed commuter road bike. Its light, was cheap, has no gears so will never need any money spent on maintenance (only tyres and tubes) and commuting on it in canberra is just as fast as driving in the mornings and afternoons (I keep up with traffic between each set of lights, comfortably sitting on 30 - 35km/hour).
Its good that Canberra is quite a bike friendly city... if only it weren't so spread out.

 

[robots]

hello,

yes i cycle around to work most days, have trailer (BOB) and carry tools, buckets etc

great way to get around, in Melb the increase in cyclists is massive

also make sure you are a Bicycle Vic member (around $90/yr) covers you for income, injuries etc

thankyou

robots

 

[trillionaire#1]

ive been toying with the idea of an electric bike ,$120 to fill up the car now who knows how much in the future,for less than 20 tanks of juice i can be pretend peddling all over the place,keep the car for family outings and really bad weather and head for the bike lane!

 

[Smurf1976]

3. Make the house green - light bulbs, alternative sources of power etc.

What else can I do? Be interested in what others out there are doing to wean themselves off the black stuff.

The way I see it, there are five fundamentals that drive the Australian economy:
1. cheap energy;
2. cheap debt;
3. plentiful water;
4. resource rich;
5. skilled labour force.

We have seen what has happened when 2, sourced from our best mates the Yanks, dries up. Imagine the catastrophe when 1 and 3 implodes as well.

The light bulbs etc will save largely coal and natural gas, not oil, for most situations in Australia.

Agreed with what you're saying though. The energy industry is the backbone on which EVERY other industry rests. A point that very few Australians outside the industry understand - but one which all will understand real fast if/when it goes wrong.

 

[Joules MM1]

bumma!

Lance Armstrong to end fight against doping charges; lifetime ban from cycling likely
08/23/2012 11:12:27 PM

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/armstrong-to-end-fight-on-doping-charges-2012-08-23?siteid=bnbh

Aug. 23, 2012, 11:11 p.m. EDT

By Michael Kitchen

LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong said Thursday he will no longer fight against charges of drug use, making cycling authorities likely to ban him from the sport for life. "Today I turn the page. I will no longer address this issue, regardless of the circumstances," Armstrong said in Austin, Texas, according to a published statement. Armstrong said he would now focus on his work with helping cancer sufferers.

 

[Joules MM1]

invisible bike helmet ....huh?

airbags

video

http://www.servicecentral.com.au/resources/articles/Invisible-bike-helmet/1956

try not to laugh, ok

 

[numbercruncher]

Im trying to decide on a mountain bike for fitness and pleasure purposes - leaning towards the"giant" brand .... Any experts have an opinion?

 

[So_Cynical]

Im trying to decide on a mountain bike for fitness and pleasure purposes - leaning towards the"giant" brand .... Any experts have an opinion?

Not an expert, not even close but i have owned and enjoyed a Giant Cypress bike for almost 12 months now, in my humble opinion the comfort bikes are the way to go if your just wanting to get out and improve your fitness and actually enjoy a 3 or 5 hour ride.

Big wide soft seats with give, seat post suspension, front fork suspension, over sized tyres, 21 gears and riding in a more upright position...comfort bikes with 26x1.95 or 700x38 Wheels make riding fun, should call em fun bikes.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bikes/model/cypress/12017/57463/

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bikes/model/sedona/12027/57490/

Marin make some good comfort bikes too.

 

[Tightwad]

Most of the bike gurus I know will tell you the brand isn't overly important once you get into the quality bikes. The groupset - gears etc, and type of frame and other components interest them more, then they look at brand for whatever feels good to them. In some cases it can be better moving up to better quality components, have a bike nut look at the specs and see what they think.

 

[Ijustnewit]

Im trying to decide on a mountain bike for fitness and pleasure purposes - leaning towards the"giant" brand .... Any experts have an opinion?

I ride a fair bit and my advice would be to go for a City Bike that has around 24 gears and a wheel/ tyre size of around 700 x 38 c. Great for fitness , commuting , you can put a rack on and carry bags , fast and great resale value .
I would stay away from a full racing bike unless you intend to race , they are very hard on the body and riding position is more bent over and hard on you neck and back. Also the tyres are really narrow and not suited to footpaths or bike paths if you have to use one.
I would also think really hard before getting a mountain bike , they are comfy and take allot of bashing but are extremely heavy compared to a City Bike and if you do allot of suburban riding you will have to change the Knobbly Tyres as they really slow you down and use allot of energy up for no reason. Resale value is also generally poor.
Also the same goes for a Hybrid ( a cross between a commuter and mountain bike ) they are the ugly ducklings of the bike world and really hard to resell as well a being cumbersome to ride.
I would also go to a bike shop , they will help you get the right size bike for your height ect. They are a little dearer but can tune your gears (can be a real mess if you don't know what your doing ) . I think ebay is reasonable but again I would check out what size frame you need ,bike size caculators are available on the Net to help you work out what size frame you'll need. But again make sure all the gears are finely tuned .
I see lots of people riding the wrong size bike , usually too big. You can do allot of injuries to you knees , back and hips if this is the case.
Anyway that's my thoughts safe riding , Cheers

 

[So_Cynical]

Also the same goes for a Hybrid ( a cross between a commuter and mountain bike ) they are the ugly ducklings of the bike world and really hard to resell as well a being cumbersome to ride.
I would also go to a bike shop , they will help you get the right size bike for your height ect. They are a little dearer but can tune your gears (can be a real mess if you don't know what your doing )

I was in Cell Bikes the other week on a busy Saturday and this none bike woman was looking for a weekend ride, the sales man had her on a city kind of bike..now this woman was mid 30's and maybe 80 or 85 Kgs the bike this salesman put her on had a seat that disappeared up her ass, no suspension and skinny tyres....he told her to ride up and down the street to "see how it felt"

Now anyone new to bikes would ride that for a couple of hundred meters up and down the street and come back saying wow that was great....but guaranteed after 5 or 6 clicks on that bike, that woman was not going to be having much fun.

Comfort for the win....cumbersome to ride?...no, your dreamin, a pleasure to ride more like it.

 

[McLovin]

I would also think really hard before getting a mountain bike , they are comfy and take allot of bashing but are extremely heavy compared to a City Bike and if you do allot of suburban riding you will have to change the Knobbly Tyres as they really slow you down and use allot of energy up for no reason. Resale value is also generally poor.

I guess it depends how much you want to spend on the bike. A mountain bike doesn't need to be that heavy. My current MTB (Yeti, aluminium frame with only carbon handle bars) is around 11kgs all up. I bought it second hand but in excellent condition for about $1700, although the parts are worth north of $4.5k. I ride it around town a bit, more comfortable than my road bike, which I pretty much use just for proper cycling, morning rides etc.

I reckon if you're buying something to use as a commute it's worth spending a bit extra to get something that isn't a hunk of cr@p.

 

[tech/a]

My mountain bike is a Merida
My Road bike an Orbea

I have a set of road tyres for the mountain bike
For track riding and road.have a spare set of rims just
Switch when necessary.

Suggest Armadillo tyres haven't had a puncture since
Fitting them. Hate punctures!

 

[RandR]

Im trying to decide on a mountain bike for fitness and pleasure purposes - leaning towards the"giant" brand .... Any experts have an opinion?

I have a 'Cube'. Its a great mtb for the price paid. German brand. Alot of there bikes in there lower priced range (which is around 1000 or so) are just comfy as hell to ride. (for me) Whatever you get just make sure the 'specs' are reasonable - disc brakes, decent set of gears by reputable name. Dont be afraid to spend alot of minutes test riding the ones you lean towards. I spent probably at least 30 mins on each the bikes that made it to my 'final test'

Theres quite a few decent mountain biking haunts around sth east qld that ive been using it on in the last 18mths.

If it aint comfy you'll never want to use it more then once.

 

[Ijustnewit]

This is my current ride , I've had about 10 bikes over the years from comfort hybrids , mountain bikes , racing bikes , triathlon time trial bikes and I have found this Orbea to be better than anything I've ever ridden for the price.

http://www.orbea.com/au-us/bicis/modelos/carpe_h50/#presentacion