Unlike a car, it is very realistic to do most or all of your own maintenance on your bicycle. One book will teach you pretty much everything you need to know. Tools and replacement parts can be ordered online for delivery, so you don’t necessarily need a bike shop nearby. If you lack a car and don’t live in a city, this makes bicycle ownership a much more realistic and affordable option.
There are some tools which bike shops will have that are probably too expensive to own unless the nearest shop is more than a $100 taxi ride away. But these are only needed very infrequently.
Cycling in the Suburbs 