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Biking To Work? It'll Cost You!

Greenies love to point out the cost-saving benefits of biking to work. Glendale, California native Michael Hall recently told the Los Angeles Times that he saves $150 a month by cycling to work. And Paula Rodriguez, who lives in California’s San Fernando Valley, bikes the 15 miles to her office to save as much as $4.50 per gallon on fuel costs. There’s no denying that cycling is a cheaper commute. But, few mention the initial costs — upwards of $1000 — you’ll incur if you decide to pedal to the office. Factor in these necessary expenses if you’re considering the alternate commute:

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Bike, $630

bike, biking, save gas, expenses, exercise The best set up for a smooth ride includes big wheels and a lightweight frame. Worth considering is the Women\'s Globe City 7 www.specialized.com, from specialty bike maker Specialized, which is accessorized with front and rear lights, fenders, and a rear rack large enough to hold your prized Marc Jacobs tote. The bike\'s low frame guarantees modest mounting on skirt days. Available in Navy. \r\nNote: Carry extra AAA batteries for when lights burn out.

Helmet, $38

bike, biking, save gas, expenses, exercise While states don’t mandate that adults wear a bicycle helmet, we think they should, since on average, 70 percent of bicycle-related deaths are from head injuries. The Giro Women’s Skyla helmet www.giro.com is light, strong and offers single-handed adjustment. The helmet’s 20 vents minimize helmet hair, and a visor attachment shields eyes from the sun. Available in White and Sky Flowers.

Chain and Lock, $70

bike, biking, save gas, expenses, exercise Consider this a necessary investment. OnGuard\'s Brute STD 5001 U-lock www.onguardlock.com features steel shackles much tougher than even the brawniest bolt cutters and pry bars - they can withstand up to 10 tons of pull force. Mounting bracket included.

Water Bottle, $10

bike, biking, save gas, expenses, exercise Hydration is key for the biking commuter. Bell\'s 25 oz. water bottle and cage www.bellsports.com attaches to your bike frame with two screws (included), making it easy to reach at a red light.

Bell, $7

bike, biking, save gas, expenses, exercise Riding is safest with a bell that can be heard from at least 100 feet away. If you\'re feeling funky, opt for Bell\'s Be Alert Bugle Horn www.bellsports.com. Its hee-haw sound warns \"coming through\" in the quirkiest of ways. For a bit more muscle, Bell\'s Navigator Bell has a floating compass and comes with a universal mounting bracket ($10).

Bike Bag, $198

bike, biking, save gas, expenses, exercise In-the-know bikers call it a pannier, the bag that attaches to your bike and can hold all your workday needs. Ortlieb\'s Back Roller Plus www.ortliebusa.com is watertight and has a shoulder strap so you can carry it in the office like it’s a Kenneth Cole. Pannier reflectors increase your visibility on the road—and your street cred with fellow cyclists. Available in black, red and black, and blue and black.

Worst Case Scenario Tools, $33

bike, biking, save gas, expenses, exercise When a wheel deflates, Blackburn\'s Air Stick is an easy-to-use pump that will keep you clean ($20). If your tube gets punctured, Bell\'s Universal Inner Tube (700, X35/43C) will fit most bike wheels ($5). For a quicker fix, Bell\'s Deluxe Patch Kit, with 20 glue-less patches and three tire levers, will also do the trick ($8). Pop in the local hardware store carry and pick up a mini tool to tighten any lose screws.

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