I would like to think that I treat my cycling activities as a hobby. Of course, riding 5 or 6 hours each week, taking oodles of pictures while riding, obsessively following dozens of cycling-related websites, and writing blog posts, like this one, may extend it past hobby status.

However you want to classify it, my cycling shares one common aspect to all other hobbyists – EXPENSE.

Hobbies, by their own definition, involve taking a basic idea (in my case – riding a bike) and exploring it to level most people would never go. Just as a knitter buys assorted needles to match their intended stitch or a coin collector purchases elaborate displays to highlight their collection – I buy cycling-related items that either improve my bike or make me comfortable.

This weekend’s purchase included some new cycling shoes and a pair of “real” cycling glasses. The shoes were an important investment, as my older pair was nearly 5 years old and starting to show their age. I am, by many measures, a “light” user of my equipment and generally take care of it. Thus, the old shoes weren’t as deteriorated as you might expect for five solid years of cycling equipment. But, the squeaks and squawks they made while riding indicated an end was near.

After some searching, I chose to stick with my brand of choice – Specialized. My bike is made by them, as well as an assortment of peripherals and clothing I use. They are a company that focuses on good design and quality engineering – making them an easy choice to support. Plus, they make good stuff that works consistently well.

I picked up their Expert Road Shoes that feature a technology called Boa. Instead of the typical velco straps, it uses a cable and pulley system to tighten the shoes. It’s amazingly effective. Plus, the carbon soles are much stiffer than my older, plastic versions. Used in today’s short ride, they demonstrated an measurable improve to my ride comfort.

I also purchased some insoles that raised support under my arches. A measurement at the store indicated that I have very high arches. After putting my old shoes on and following up with the new ones with extra support, I could clearly understand what I was missing without arch support in my shoe. The bike had a much more solid feeling to it, with an added benefit of comfort.

Regarding the glasses, I have always been cheap and bought Target specials. Typically, they would break after the first few rides, so I was always disappointed. Like anything else, you can spend a ridiculous amounts of money on glasses. My goals was not to buy expensive one, but to instead get cycling-specific ones that had interchangeable lenses. Erik’s carried Tifosi brand, which seemed to be a good balance of price and features. We’ll see how long they last.

All of this adds up to some real money spent. But, that is the curse of a hobby. Or, in my case, an obsession.