Premium bikes, curated tours abroad, costly gear and constant urge to upgrade, makes cycling an expensive activity. ‘Don’t get into cycling, it’s a trap’, warn experts. It’s as addictive as cocaine and twice as expensive…goodness gracious! Am I quitting after reading this?
This blog article is a collection of perspectives of six individual riders who are involved in serious cycling and invested their heart and soul; reaping rewards that are more personal and beyond comprehension for a routine mindset.
1. Cycling Blogger Vijay Malhotra:
In the last couple of years, I have undertaken cycling trips to the Netherlands, Germany, Vietnam and different cities in India to attend cycling events and gain experiences. These trips have costed me about 15 lakhs. My major cost goes in travelling to make content which includes photography, videography and editing fees to my team. At first glance, this value may appear too high, but the benefits are enormous and equally satisfying. Travel and events abroad offer knowledge sharing, networking and bring collaboration opportunities. At times I get sponsored bikes and merchandise for reviews and test rides, complementary invites to attend workshops and knowledge forums. These are some of the perks I enjoy. Besides, I get remunerated for my work. Over the years I have build a reputation online and often get organic media coverage and continue to earn recognition in the cycling community which are my major rewards. And lately, a big transition to fitness resulted in a weight loss of 12 kgs with regular cycling.
“Cycling is a passage to freedom and a silent tool of transformation. Be fearless to ‘Rise Up’, consume pain, sacrifice comfort and dare to give your best” – Vijay Malhotra.
As a content creator, I get the flexibility to plan my own work schedule, enjoy creative freedom of expression, and control over execution of my ideas and switch-off when feeling fatigued. These are things which I could have never imagined to do in a corporate job.
2. Touring Cyclist Dhruv and Ashim Bogra:
Delhi based Dhruv Bogra, a long distance touring cyclist took a sabbatical from his corporate job in 2017 to cycle solo and unsupported from Alaska to Peru spending 400 days on a bicycle riding 15000 kms. He went on to publish a book capturing his journey titled ‘Grit, Gravel and Gear’ (buy from here). During the lockdown triggered by the global pandemic, he wrote his 2nd book titled ‘Away’ (buy from here) featuring his shorter expeditions in the mountain ranges of northern India. His next big adventure came in 2023-24 venturing into the mighty Himalayas from Arunachal Pradesh to Himachal Pradesh called ‘Pedal the Himalayas’ tour spanning over nine months with his wife Ashim Shatsang Bogra.
Dhruv finds himself fortunate to have explored the off-beat places, ride in challenging terrains, discover the magic of nature, birds and species and visit areas where very few humans wander into. “Being a non-conformist, I have been away for several months from my employment to chase my dreams and to live a life of exploration. Gratefully, these adventures have been a moment of self-discovery and fulfilment. These raw and rustic experiences are about my personal transformation, resilience and a path to spirituality. I believe, the world opens up on such voyages offering unfamiliar exposure to the wilderness, people and culture, extreme weather conditions and gripping encounters with wildlife. The journey helps you establish a deep connection with nature – your faithful acquaintance in unpredictable circumstances.”
“For me, it has been a tremendous challenge at 56, managing my energy on the tour, the photography and editing along with work and no rest when I am back in Delhi. But this has only made us more resilient and capable to take on any challenge in the world” – Dhruv Bogra.
Dhruv explains, “Bike tours are relatively expensive as you need a special touring bike and high quality essentials like a tent, spare tires and tubes, clothing, safety gear, packed food, cooking utensils etc as you have to survive for miles and days without resources. So far, I have ploughed in around 24 lakhs for all these adventourous trips. But I think, the cost of pursuing cycling as a hobby is negligible. With a basic bicycle and normal clothing, you are good to go in an urban environment.”
3. Wanderlust Murugan Shobana:
Murugan Shobana, General Manager Purchase at Mahindra Holidays, say’s “I own 3 bikes of which 2 are London’s most famous brand ‘Brompton’, with a price tag of 1.5 lakhs each. My quest for cycling took me to Singapore to participate in the ‘Brompton World Championships’ and got a chance to personally meet and interact with Will Butler Adams, Managing Director of Brompton Bicycles. I commute daily to office on my folding bike and save about 1.3-1.5 lakhs on fuel cost, parking fee and car maintenance annually and contribute in reducing traffic congestion, air and noise pollution. Every year, I take an all India tour of 3 months for business purpose, and with a folding bike accompanying me, my last mile trips are sorted. My diabetes is under control with consistent time being spent on the saddle.
“Making people smile daily is my way of life, makes my day brighter with lot of positive energy” – Murugan Shobana.
I capture my journey on my YouTube Channel ‘Brompton Murugan’ (watch here) which has crossed 11k subscribers and growing. My pet ‘Benji’ enjoys the outdoors sitting in the front basket – sometimes calm, and sometimes, aggressively barking at the street dogs. It’s so much fun! I have received various awards from my organisation for eco-friendly commuting, promoting sustainability and inspiring many people along the way. These are some of the accomplishments that I can count from the investment of 12-14 lakhs which I have made, and it’s justified for the active and quality of lifestyle that I lead”.
4. Globetrotter Chetan Shah:
Chetan Shah, President of the Mumbai Cycling Enthusiasts has an inspiring story to tell. “Cycling has a one time acquisition cost and delivers unlimited freedom to ride. It’s cheaper than the annual Gym membership. Chetan recently bought a new bike from abroad costing 4 lakhs adding to his existing collection of six bikes – and all of them are imported brands with its value running into lakhs. He has evolved as a cyclist and with high-end bikes, his performance has improved over the decade – and recorded 1,50,000+ kms on the global fitness app ‘Strava’ until January 2025. He takes up yearly bike tours and has visited countries like Germany, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Belgium, France, Italy, Netherlands and Switzerlands. These tours cost in the range of 1-2 lakhs depending on the number of days, but works out to be cheaper when compared to traditional travel journeys.
“Cycling allows you to explore the world at the fraction of a cost with the ability of slow traveling; which otherwise is not possible when using a fast transport like a bus or a car” – Chetan Shah.
Chetan is a daily rider, TedX speaker and rides for six days a week and 3 hours a day. Chetan explains that the health benefits and productivity growth is exponential which is something not quantifyable. After getting into the sport of cycling there has been minimal medical cost and less doctor’s visits. He has found himself to be more active and alert with imaginative thinking flowing during his work time – adding value to his business. Chetan documents his bike tours on his blog called ‘thebikelife.in’.
5. Endurance Rider Saurabh Dalvi:
Saurabh Dalvi, Business professional and Ultra Cyclist started cycling around the pandemic and has gone extravagant with his bike and equipment. ‘I started as an amateur cyclists with an entry level bike and soon realised the need of a pro-level bike to enhance my performance. My custom built Scott Foil RC costed me 12 lakhs alone and and till date, I have invest about 20 lakhs on cycling which includes long distance trips such as Delhi to Agra, Mumbai to Statue of Unity etc. I am now preparing for Kashmir to Kanyakumari expedition as I speak.
“I set out to chase fitness. Somewhere along the way, I caught transformation!” – Saurabh Dalvi.
Biking has given me a whole new experience and an outlet to fitness. I have the best bike in the world with the most advance apparels, safety equipment and accessories. Having reached the apex point of owning equipments; from here on, I only intend to maintain it with replacements after wear and tear and no further upgrades. My advice to newbies and fellow cyclist is not to get influenced from your peer groups and refrain from over spending. Identify your individual needs and purpose of riding and accordingly invest in the appropriate equipment”.
6. Fitness Cyclist Mayur Jain:
Mayur Jain, Businessman and Fitness enthusiast, observes “Quality comes first for any kind of sport you choose and when it’s pursued with proper equipment, chances of injuries are less. Cycling is an aspirational sport. When buying a luxury bike, we pay for the technology, research and science that goes behind in developing ultra-modern features like aerodynamics, light-weight material and superior craftsmanship that puts the rider in a competitive position. Cycling is purpose driven – it matters why you are buying a bike – for gravel riding, triathlon, mountain biking, touring or commuting. Every bike is designed with a purpose, and when you are buying a quality bike, it comes with a price tag. Ultimately, price is what you pay and value is what you get.
“Life needs to be simple. Just believe in what you do and say what you believe” – Mayur Jain.
For example, my De Rosa carbon road bike which costs 6 lakhs is designed for racing while the 3 lakh rupees BMC SLR 05 road bike is meant for climbing. De Rosa is an ultra-premium bike just like Rolls Royce of cars. It gives you a sense of satisfaction and confidence and its a symbol of pride and with a feel of luxury. Pro-level bikes makes you feel contended and happier even if you are an occasional cyclist. It’s the essence on what you choose and that makes you more comfortable to go the extra mile. My passion has taken me to a meditation zone where I am setting up a sprawling space in my house called as ‘Cycling Hanger’. All my bikes, equipment, merchandise, indoor trainer, electronic devices and gear will be stored in this dedicated room. Once ready, it will become a live space which inspires you to surpass expectations of fitness. All these desires come at a cost – and I have already invested 18 lakhs and started budgeting for the cycling hanger project.
To all the readers, if you have come this far, please take this article as a WARNING. If you fall into the trap, you will sink in and emerge as an ADDICT. No rehab will save you:) Be prudent and decide accordingly on what you want…a budget bike or an expensive beauty.
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Also read: EXPENSIVE BICYCLES BUT POOR AFTER SALES SERVICE?
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Author: Vijay Malhotra, Mumbai.
