Is Cycling An Expensive Sport?

One of the most attractive qualities of sport is the stories it produces. The underdog beating the champion, people from humble backgrounds rising to the greatest heights; sports are a reminder that anything is possible with determination. There is, however, the caveat that some sports are so expensive that they price out a lot of people from being able to participate. Cycling is a common mode of transportation around the world, however, cycling as a sport is a whole different world.

People also follow cycling as a hobby or a way to reach their fitness goals. Hence, cycles are pretty common and easily accessible, so the inevitable question arises, how expensive is professional cycling?

Professional cycles are surprisingly expensive

Cycling as a sport is highly competitive, cyclists are racing against time. Hence, to increase the speed, endurance, and safety of the athletes, cycling equipment needs to be expertly built with the finest high-end materials. The extensive manual labor required along with the expensive raw materials result in high-costing professional cycles. Interestingly, a cycle can cost as much as a motorcycle, i.e., $10,000.

The reason behind high-end bicycles being so expensive is the manufacturing costs. The good quality bikes are made of expensive and a variety of materials. Earlier steel was used to make the frame of bikes, but now expensive materials like carbon fiber and titanium are being used.

Formula One F1 – Italian Grand Prix – Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy – September 9, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez with bicycles on the circuit ahead of the Italian Grand Prix REUTERS/Massimo Pinca

It’s not just the manufacturing of the bicycle that’s costly, but research and development costs are also included in the prices of cycles. To produce better quality and innovative bicycles, companies spend a lot of money on research.

Cycling Equipment

Buying a high-end cycle is a long-term investment; while it might be costly, it can be used for years. Elite equipment is also important as it helps avoid the risk of accidents while cycling.

The fragile nature of cycling makes it an injury prone sport. Even in the Olympics, a lot of bikers face nasty accidents, hence investing in the correct gear is extremely important. From head to toe, athletes have to wear safeguarding gear like helmets. Thus, investing in the right bike and the accompanying protective gear becomes critical for athletes, as it could literally be a matter of life and death.

ETNA, ITALY – MAY 10: Arrival / Rohan Dennis of Australia and BMC Racing Team Pink Leader Jersey Disappointment / during the 101th Tour of Italy 2018, Stage 6 a 164km stage from Caltanissetta to Etna-Oss.Astrofisico 1736m / Giro d’Italia / on May 10, 2018 in Etna, Italy. (Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images)

Professional cyclists also have to constantly spend on the maintenance of their bikes. Overall, although cycling can’t be called a rich man’s sport, being a professional cyclist does requires significant investment in equipment. But if you’re cycling at a professional level, it is critical to have the right equipment to safeguard youself.

Also read: Why Do Track and Field Athletes Earn Lesser Than Others During Olympics?

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