The Appeal Of Cycling - Part 2 - The Hardware

Whatever sport or hobby I've had, it was never solely about the activity; it was complemented by an interest in the actual hardware, and so it is with cycling.

I like good bicycles and accessories; this is one of the ingredients that make cycling enjoyable for me; I like to be riding a good quality bike - it simply wouldn't be the same riding junk...I have to say, I'm a little disappointed to see cheap bikes appearing in UK bikeshops styled like the more expensive quality items to cash in on a trend.

One of the great things about cycling for me at least, is that it's cheap enough to be able to afford the best stuff without being wealthy, in the same way as, cars or boats for example. OK, occasionally you get these £100,000 one offs with gold and diamonds on it, but by and large, anything practical is within reach of anyone with disposable income, either to save for or borrow with a small personal loan. Not only that, but currently in the UK there are government incentives eg the cycle to work scheme where you can save 20% sales tax and pay the remainder in instalments.

I don't think it's ever been a better time to  be a cyclist, and I plan to indulge as much as my finances will allow.

Some of these can be pretty expensive - are they worth the money? Well, being worth the price charged is a subjective thing. If I'm using something regularly with no problems, that's a good guide as to whether I'm getting my money's worth. With utility/town bikes, it's easy to get your money's worth by riding them regularly - you just get on them and ride, so there's less likely to be a feeling that it was an indulgent waste of money because you don't get the chance to use it or you cannot afford the running costs...

Contrast this with a boat, where the best times have been stated as the day you buy it, and the day you sell it...

Not only are manufacturers, particularly in Germany and Switzerland producing mouthwatering hardware, the internet makes these goods more accessible than they would have been in the past, when you would have had to rely on traditional retail methods. I keep getting pleasantly surprised by all the good quality stuff out there.