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 Californias San Fernando Valley, bikes the 15 miles to her office to save as much as $4.50 per gallon on fuel costs. Theres no denying that cycling is a cheaper commute. But, few mention the initial costs upwards of $1000 youll incur if you decide to pedal to the office. Factor in these necessary expenses if youre considering the alternate commute:
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 dont 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 Womens Skyla helmet
www.giro.com is light, strong and offers single-handed adjustment. The helmets 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
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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
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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 its a Kenneth Cole. Pannier reflectors increase your visibility on the roadand 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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