Cycling is expensive hobby?

Celebrating 2 years in cycling, I try to summarize my spending in cycling, for your consumption & judgment.
In the keen interest of cycling, I'm indulged and being happy about it.

How does it start
Prior July 2007, a number of time, I been approached by Jazlan to take up mountainbiking. I had a keen interest but forking RM2000 for a bike wasn't that easy at that point of time. An angel came down in a form of human and gave me RM2,500 soft loan for a kick start.

Initial "investment"
I bought myself Scott Scale 70 for RM2.3k from BikePro (thanks to Big Mac for his time and consultancy). Immediately I went to KHS for a Limar 911 helmet at RM280, the only helmet that fits my big head at that point of time. The list go on an on. Glove, bladder, allenkey toolset, spare tube, shoes, cycling jersey, lycra pants, and more tools. After spending a total of RM3k, I may become insane keeping the record of my spending list.

More spending
Soon enough, I endo during first night ride in RRI, bent my saddle (body injury will recover, parts injury won't). So I replaced with Velo Carbon (new, RM120).
Weekend ride dosage seems insufficient, bought blinker and light in order to ride at nite.
Cassette and chain worn, replaced.
Straight handlebar caused numb wrist, replaced.
Running shoe double as cycling shoe caused slippery pedal grip, bought HiTech trail shoe (new, RM240).

Even more spending
V-Brake failed on me, bought Avid BB7 (new, RM350).
Joined the clipless bandwagon, bought SPD pedal and shoe (used, RM250).
SPD design flaw caused numerous stupid falls, changed to Crank Brothers pedal (used, RM100).
Another clipless shoe, Shimano MT41 (new, RM240).
Bought Spesh frame from Big Mac to inflict others in the family (used, RM250).
Bought bundle parts from Jazlan to assemble Spesh (used, RM100).

Recent years..
Before I blow a candle celebrating 2 years in cycling this August, I have 2 full fledged MTB for trail ride, and 2 rigid fork MTB with slick tires for tarmac ride. Now, contemplating to sell off my Spesh for my bed space. Obviously, I need space to sleep.
Proper sleep prior to next morning rides is important!

First and forth wives live happily ever after.

p.s:

• Angel, knowing your preferences to be below the radar, I shall not mention your name you here but you know who you are.
• LHDN, I had received your additional deduction to my salary. Nothing left here, move on!
• Thief, you took my son's BMX, please return it to him. He's not tall enough for my MTB. Thank you in advance.
• Potential thief, you may be electrocuted if you try something nasty. BTW, alloy is a good conductor.

The man who can't get enough

Apparently, my Shogun is back, hitting the road. I put it to rest for a month after I sold it's 27" wheelset due to issue with "chain line" on single speed.

Long story short, an offer made by Mr Beskal on his XT shifter and RD left me with surplus Deore RD and shifter from Spesh. Fitted Shogun with read shifter & Deore RD, with a little tweak on Hi & Lo settings on the RD, I run it on 5 speeds only. This is due to maintaining the "chain line" within tolerable limit since I run on single chain ring (without FD); a potential disaster shall the chain derail from the chain ring.

Deore RD, 9 speed cassette and a pannier rack

I decided to set the record straight; Shogun for commuting, Scott for the trail, and Spesh for my version of road bike. Clearly, each bike has it very own setting that suit most for its intended purpose.

Riding Spesh to work is fast, however with a back pack on my back, thing gets a little warmer and steamy under the wind breaker. Thus Shogun is an ideal bike since it fitted with pannier rack that will easily take 20kg on it. My first encounter riding Shogun with back pack on the pannier rack was a pleasant one. Less steamy and better body movement to observe the traffic. Downside, a little awkward light feels on my front wheel as most weight is being shifted to the rear wheel.

My official commuting bike :)

My previous post on Denda
Someone peeled off the warning sign this morning and I swear it wasn't me.. Seriously :D

The usual parking spot. Now without the warning sign ;)

Welcome aboard newbies! See you soon Munir..

Cannondale F5 2009. Source: Cannondale.com

Welcoming..
Wife's cousin, Azlan bought Cannondale F5 this morning after registering his interest with me few weeks back and I took him for a ride at Bukit Kiara (not a good choice to influent potential MTB'r to mountain biking) last Saturday. Welcome aboard bro!

In 2007, I influenced my brother, Azmi into cycling. He started of with decent setup Proton T-Blaze before settled for better specs Scott Scale 70 '08. Though I tried harassing my other 2 brothers to follow suite, it was a failure :)

A week ago, schoolmate Sher took up cycling after many years abandoning it. I wasn't very sure her ultimate objective but she said she will join me on trail once she's ready. On! on!

Leaving..
After many attempts to fit riding schedule between job, family & some other commitments that has higher priority; Munir gave up cycling last night by selling his Scott Scale 40. Hope to see you back on saddle bro.

Interesting articles

I came across these interesting articles last week. Something related to cycling but his write-ups on economics catch my attention most.

Bercinta Dengan Basikal

Halangan #1: Kenderaan Melambangkan Status

Halangan #2: Cuaca Panas

Halangan #3: Bahana Individualisme & Konsumerisme