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Bicycle Commuters (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter wilked
- Start date
Dexter
Footballguy
I would LOVE to ride my bike to work. The problem is even though the law says I can ride in the streets idiot drivers who don't pay attention prevent me from doing it. Pretty much ever single person I know who rides their bike to work has been hit by a car and spent time in the hospital. The road is for cars.
I live in SE Michigan while we have top notch parks and mountain bike areas commuting to work by any means other than car is really hard. Since our infrastructure isn't made for anything else.
I live in SE Michigan while we have top notch parks and mountain bike areas commuting to work by any means other than car is really hard. Since our infrastructure isn't made for anything else.
wilked
Footballguy
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/548075_10150957308217515_713435205_n.jpg
My rig is above...an old steel Schwinn frame converted to single speed. It's only a couple miles each way for me, hardly enough to work up much of a sweat. I have a hairy intersection both ways, otherwise mostly a nice relaxing ride along the Charles River. Those tires do not hold up in ice at all so that is pretty much the main weather that will keep me off it, although a nasty rain storm usually dissuades me as well.
Accessories, I added a rear fender which is essential. Debated a front fender but decided against it. Of course good lights are critical, and I have a chime bell to encourage people to get the hell out of the way. I learned the hard way to wrap up my right pant leg, tore my nice dress pants all the way up, luckily along the seam
My rig is above...an old steel Schwinn frame converted to single speed. It's only a couple miles each way for me, hardly enough to work up much of a sweat. I have a hairy intersection both ways, otherwise mostly a nice relaxing ride along the Charles River. Those tires do not hold up in ice at all so that is pretty much the main weather that will keep me off it, although a nasty rain storm usually dissuades me as well.
Accessories, I added a rear fender which is essential. Debated a front fender but decided against it. Of course good lights are critical, and I have a chime bell to encourage people to get the hell out of the way. I learned the hard way to wrap up my right pant leg, tore my nice dress pants all the way up, luckily along the seam
wilked
Footballguy
I would get some signatures and write a letter to the mayor / whoever, get them to add a clearly marked bike line
the moops
Footballguy
Most days have a 7.5 mile roundtrip commute. I ride my Surly Cross Check which has been converted to a single speed. Lug a bunch of stuff in my panniers for that trip. Takes about 15-20 minutes each way. The entire trip, minus the first 1/4 mile is along the river on a dedicated bike trail.
Occasionally I teach in St Paul, and have a 22 mile round trip commute. I go a slightly longer route so I don't have to deal with ####ty traffic. This commute is also along the river in the opposite direction. About 1/2 of it is on a bike boulevard (wide bike lane on the road). Other 1/2 is on dedicated bike trail. I use this commute as a workout. Ride my carbon Trek and try to move as fast as possible. Takes 30 - 35 minutes depending on my dedication.
I bike year round. It gets cold as ####, but as long as I keep my toes and fingers and face covered I am good. I put studded tires on my bikes once the first of the year rolls around. Am looking to get another bike to do the 22 mile commute. Don't really want to beat up on my Trek in the winter. Found an older aluminum Cannondale with Shimano 600 components that I think I can get for about 250.
Minneapolis has a pretty nice bike commuting setup. Not too many places you can't get to on the greenways and bike paths.
Occasionally I teach in St Paul, and have a 22 mile round trip commute. I go a slightly longer route so I don't have to deal with ####ty traffic. This commute is also along the river in the opposite direction. About 1/2 of it is on a bike boulevard (wide bike lane on the road). Other 1/2 is on dedicated bike trail. I use this commute as a workout. Ride my carbon Trek and try to move as fast as possible. Takes 30 - 35 minutes depending on my dedication.
I bike year round. It gets cold as ####, but as long as I keep my toes and fingers and face covered I am good. I put studded tires on my bikes once the first of the year rolls around. Am looking to get another bike to do the 22 mile commute. Don't really want to beat up on my Trek in the winter. Found an older aluminum Cannondale with Shimano 600 components that I think I can get for about 250.
Minneapolis has a pretty nice bike commuting setup. Not too many places you can't get to on the greenways and bike paths.
wilked
Footballguy
Sounds pretty sweet...
Boston is making strides toward improving the city for bikes, but still has a good way to go. I think most importantly though, driver awareness continues to grow.
Had a driver altercation the other day... I live on a quiet side street. I just get started on my commute, 10 seconds in and hear a throaty engine coming from behind, glance back, see a sport-tuned BMW coming up pretty quickly. I get to the stop sign (busy cross street), am waiting for a traffic opening to take my left, and this guy is revving the engine behind me. I glared back, shaking my head, and the guy comes up on my right, clearly looking to go around me and cut me off. I was banging on his window, now vocal, what the #### pr###, etc. He started to make his left, I started out and cut him off sacrificial style, got out in front and went over to the curbside of the street, guy blasts around me, plenty of words being exchanged. About the most fired up I have been in a while.
Boston is making strides toward improving the city for bikes, but still has a good way to go. I think most importantly though, driver awareness continues to grow.
Had a driver altercation the other day... I live on a quiet side street. I just get started on my commute, 10 seconds in and hear a throaty engine coming from behind, glance back, see a sport-tuned BMW coming up pretty quickly. I get to the stop sign (busy cross street), am waiting for a traffic opening to take my left, and this guy is revving the engine behind me. I glared back, shaking my head, and the guy comes up on my right, clearly looking to go around me and cut me off. I was banging on his window, now vocal, what the #### pr###, etc. He started to make his left, I started out and cut him off sacrificial style, got out in front and went over to the curbside of the street, guy blasts around me, plenty of words being exchanged. About the most fired up I have been in a while.
urbanhack
Fight The Power!
What are you riding?
SE Lager
Distance?
8 miles round trip. Not that long, but it's busy Chicago streets all the way. Luckily, there are some decent bike paths for part of the way.
Any noteworthy run ins with drivers in last year?
Pretty much daily between cabs, buses and pedestrians. I was "doored" a few weeks ago, but thankfully I had almost come to a complete stop.
What weather conditions will stop you from getting on the bike?
I'll ride all winter as long as it's above 20 or 25 and no snow on the ground.
What accessory(ies) have you found to really come in handy?
the basics: front/back lights, riding glasses/goggles and layers
Cecil_Pooples
Footballguy
Ride my bike 11 mile roundtrip every day here to work in Phoenix. All paved and don't have a single interaction with traffic at all (goes underground at vehicle traffic points)
Probably the best part about where I work is location
Probably the best part about where I work is location
johnnycakes
Footballguy
Last edited by a moderator:
General Malaise
Footballguy
What are you riding? - Fuji Absolute 3.0, bought on Labor Day this year. Haven't owned a bike since I was 12 or so. This has been perfect for my needs so far.
Distance? - 15 miles total. In the morning, I bike a mile to the train station, hop on the train, exit at the stop about 1 mile from my office. Then I bike all the way home, about 70% of it is along the Fano Creek Trail, so no traffic at all. Takes me about 45 minutes to an hour. I'm not very fast.
Any noteworthy run ins with drivers in last year? - Been very lucky so far. Only one middle finger issued and received back. Oregon drivers very conscientious of bikers.But, I know my day of reckoning is coming.
What weather conditions will stop you from getting on the bike? - So far, nothing, but I hate torrential downpours. I'm not very equipped yet, so the few times I've ridden through them, I come home looking like a pissed off wet cat. I don't want to spend a fortune on rain gear. Snow and ice will keep me off for sure. I'm not trying to win a medal. Fortunately, below 32 is relatively rare in Portland.
What accessory(ies) have you found to really come in handy? - Head light, flashing red light for my backpack. Bought some running gloves at Costco, as well as a water proof shell that's pretty nice. I don't want to spend a bunch of money on gear. I think the tight fitting spandex stuff is overkill. I'm not Lance Armtstrong.
CletiusMaximus
Footballguy
My commuter bike is a Globe Haul2 - a bike I would not have been caught dead riding 10 years ago, but is perfect for me now. It is extremely durable, dependable - never get flats or have any mechanical problems. I swapped in a straight handlebar for better positioning and added spd pedals. My morning commute is about 30 minutes on city streets that have little traffic at 6 a.m. I usually take a longer route home - about 45 minutes, mostly on a bike path - to avoid evening traffic. I've not had a serious run-in with a motorist for many years. I will ride until it gets into the mid 20's. I don't mind light rain, but will usually drive if rain is forecast. The worst thing about winter for me is that it is pitch black by the time I leave my office. I hate that. I hate blustery windy days more than rainy days and will also avoid them. Snow is not a problem if its cold enough, but if the snow is slushy/wet, I'll drive. I use front and rear lights and wear a reflective vest. I use this garment bag/pannier and have a gym at my building to shower/change and occasionally work out.
Mister CIA
Footballguy
Ken wins.
proninja
Footballguy
Riding: Specialized Crux. I threw some pictures up in the other thread. Currently riding 28c road tires on it.Distance: 22 miles each way. While I was prideful when I first started bike commuting and insisted on doing the whole thing for six or eight months, these days I end up riding a good bit less that because I get the car a couple days a week, and I meet my wife halfway home another day or so.Run ins: The worst was getting buzzed by a truck with a horse trailer about a foot away from me who hit his horn as he came up on me. No idea why. I was well into the bike lane (and so was he.) I don't think there is a bike vs car problem. I think there are jerk drivers and jerk cyclists that make problems for everyone. All in all I probably have more problems with other drivers when I drive than when I ride. That's probably because the variable of me behind the wheel is taken out of the equation when I'm riding. Weather conditions: Deep snow. I've got studded tires for light snow and ice and they work great. But really, I work at a bike shop. If there's a foot of snow out there, it isn't essential for me to be at work. That's what my fireplace and bourbon is for. Accessories: I love my Shimano mw81 gore-tex shoes. I have really wimpy feet, and if I had to go ride with wet, cold feet I would not ride.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Sup.
The Z Machine
Footballguy
Ride: Lemond Poprad (2001), single speed (42x16) with cheapo tensioner off derailleur hanger. Ride on Continental TravelContact 32C tires. It's a Reynolds steel cyclocross frame with cantis. Has served me well for many years, although it's showing its age.Run-ins: Nothing major, other than a bus trying to cut me off and into a sewer grate (going the wrong way), which I narrowly avoided, but the guy trailing me flatted on when he cased it.'wilked said:
Weather: I tend not to ride when it's raining hard. I rode through all weather in Oakland, but here in Baltimore I shy away from the bike when I know it's going to pour. Last winter was really mild and there was no snow or ice on the ground. Something tells me I won't be so lucky this winter...
Accessories: I love my eggbeater pedals for ease of getting in/out. I wear a balaclava when it's below 40-45 F. I have a nice set of full finger gloves that I wear when it's below 60 F. My shoes will need an upgrade for winter.
I'm still debating when to retire the Poprad. I really like the looks of the Civilian Le Roi Le Veut, but I'm concerned it will be a) heavy and b) have squeally brakes. I'm sure they'll stop better than my Avid Shorty 4s, but I've never owned a disk braked bike before.
HellToupee
Footballguy
Instead of being a PIA why not just let the guy go past you. If its a busy street he can clearly get through much faster than having to wait for a bigger opening that you need
Mr. Pickles
Footballguy
Fixies? Really?
the moops
Footballguy
Not sure if anyone here rides one good buddy
the moops
Footballguy
This is totally false. Bikes can get through busy intersections with a much smaller opening.
HellToupee
Footballguy
whats the deal with the new breed of biker & riding in snowstorms. Seemed like last year during a storm or just post storm there were always bikes on the road.
Mr. Pickles
Footballguy
Possible. Okay, so what's the appeal of a single speed? Talk to me like I'm not trying to recreate scenes from Premium Rush.
Mr. Pickles
Footballguy
Possible. Okay, so what's the appeal of a single speed? Talk to me like I'm not trying to recreate scenes from Premium Rush.
HellToupee
Footballguy
I get behind some tools in Arlington blocking the way wile trying to cross Mass Ave. No way they can get across faster. Instead of being either far left or right they like to go right down the middle.
the moops
Footballguy
In ####ty weather, it is nice not having derailleurs to worry about. Far less maintenance.
It's a simple way to get around the city. Remember riding your bmx bike as a kid?
urbanhack
Fight The Power!
I ride a single speed. Low maintenance and it's great in the city. I don't need any speeds because there aren't a lot of hills. It's easy for me to start and I can maintain a pretty robust top speed. I only have about two or three stretches of a quarter to a 1/3 of mile where I don't have to stop.
the moops
Footballguy
42/16 for me
Mr. Pickles
Footballguy
I remember that sucking, yes.I have a Trek that I got when I was 18. There is basically no maintenance other than filling the tires and spraying some WD40 on the gears. I think this low maintenance argument is a little weak.In ####ty weather, it is nice not having derailleurs to worry about. Far less maintenance.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
Anyone ride a folding bike?
I walk to work most days, but I'm thinking of using a bike to save 15 to 20 minutes. I think a foldable would be the best because I have little room to store a bike right now and it would be nice to just bring it into the office or my apartment (and on the Metro).
I walk to work most days, but I'm thinking of using a bike to save 15 to 20 minutes. I think a foldable would be the best because I have little room to store a bike right now and it would be nice to just bring it into the office or my apartment (and on the Metro).
wilked
Footballguy
same here... debated the 17 in the back (the main bridge I do is a little steep) but decided to let the legs do the work
wilked
Footballguy
Taking youe line of thought a little farther, why don't I just get on the sidewalk and get out of his way altogether?Oh, because it is illegal to ride on the sidewalk. And the law states cars are to share the road with bikes. If the guy didn't rev his engine for no reason I probably let him go without issue, but the dude was clearly a straight ahole and no way was I going to let him get away with it
wilked
Footballguy
I've always felt like the folding bikes are either severely limited or severely overpriced. You can't keep the bike outside? Get something that no thief would look twice at, remove the quick release bars and bolt the tires on, and you are good to go
wilked
Footballguy
If there is no maintenance you likely did not ride it much. I have a geared mountain bike and road bike, both high end Shimano components, and I have to mess with both probably annually for tuning. I hate that 'chattering' you get when you are nnot perfectly aligned, drives me nuts. A better question for you - if the area you ride is mostly flat, why would you need 18-36 gears? Save the weight, save the maintenance, simplify...I remember that sucking, yes.I have a Trek that I got when I was 18. There is basically no maintenance other than filling the tires and spraying some WD40 on the gears. I think this low maintenance argument is a little weak.In ####ty weather, it is nice not having derailleurs to worry about. Far less maintenance.
Mr. Pickles
Footballguy
I ride it all the time. It's been bulletproof. The maintenance is trivial and I'm not thinking the "weight" is that big of a deal. What do you do when you want to cruise at a good clip on a flat surface? One gear seems to severely limit your top speed.I agree you don't need 36 speeds, but having only one seems silly to me.If there is no maintenance you likely did not ride it much. I have a geared mountain bike and road bike, both high end Shimano components, and I have to mess with both probably annually for tuning. I hate that 'chattering' you get when you are nnot perfectly aligned, drives me nuts. A better question for you - if the area you ride is mostly flat, why would you need 18-36 gears? Save the weight, save the maintenance, simplify...I remember that sucking, yes.I have a Trek that I got when I was 18. There is basically no maintenance other than filling the tires and spraying some WD40 on the gears. I think this low maintenance argument is a little weak.In ####ty weather, it is nice not having derailleurs to worry about. Far less maintenance.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
Let's assume I'm going to overpay anyway. If not on a foldable, then on a euro-style commuter bike. I'm insufferable that way.Finding a spot to chain up a bike is a pain in the ### in the city. Particularly in Georgetown (it's not too bad by my office).I wouldn't know how to select an undesirable bike if my life depended on it. I'm not interested in century rides or trail riding. I just need to commute. But Wisconsin Avenue is one big hill up to the Cathedral, so a fixie is probably out of the question.
Harris
Footballguy
I've got a Masi Speciale Commuter SS in the root beer color with a 44/16 ratio.....just mapped my commute and it's a little over two miles through the heart of the loop downtown Chicago. Going to try and ride all year this winter, can lock the bike up in our building parking garage indoors and change in the handicap bathroom on our floor.
HellToupee
Footballguy
There is some middle ground here. No doubt he was a jackass by reving the motor but it does take 2 to tango. I try to give ground if a cyclist is in front of me but I'll admit to getting a little chaffed by guys driving town the middle of streets. Sometimes even side by side right down the middleTaking youe line of thought a little farther, why don't I just get on the sidewalk and get out of his way altogether?Oh, because it is illegal to ride on the sidewalk. And the law states cars are to share the road with bikes. If the guy didn't rev his engine for no reason I probably let him go without issue, but the dude was clearly a straight ahole and no way was I going to let him get away with it
urbanhack
Fight The Power!
Let's race.What do you do when you want to cruise at a good clip on a flat surface? One gear seems to severely limit your top speed.If there is no maintenance you likely did not ride it much. I have a geared mountain bike and road bike, both high end Shimano components, and I have to mess with both probably annually for tuning. I hate that 'chattering' you get when you are nnot perfectly aligned, drives me nuts. A better question for you - if the area you ride is mostly flat, why would you need 18-36 gears? Save the weight, save the maintenance, simplify...I remember that sucking, yes.I have a Trek that I got when I was 18. There is basically no maintenance other than filling the tires and spraying some WD40 on the gears. I think this low maintenance argument is a little weak.In ####ty weather, it is nice not having derailleurs to worry about. Far less maintenance.
urbanhack
Fight The Power!
Which streets do you take through the loop?
belljr
Footballguy
I'm hoping to get a job closer to home that would be about 3.5 miles from home. The roads suck around here for biking but the thought of a single speed bigger bike intrigues me. My cheap mountain bike would be a tough ride.And most likely I would never ride in the rain or cold.
Mr. Pickles
Footballguy
Is this a joke?Let's race.What do you do when you want to cruise at a good clip on a flat surface? One gear seems to severely limit your top speed.If there is no maintenance you likely did not ride it much. I have a geared mountain bike and road bike, both high end Shimano components, and I have to mess with both probably annually for tuning. I hate that 'chattering' you get when you are nnot perfectly aligned, drives me nuts. A better question for you - if the area you ride is mostly flat, why would you need 18-36 gears? Save the weight, save the maintenance, simplify...I remember that sucking, yes.I have a Trek that I got when I was 18. There is basically no maintenance other than filling the tires and spraying some WD40 on the gears. I think this low maintenance argument is a little weak.In ####ty weather, it is nice not having derailleurs to worry about. Far less maintenance.
General Malaise
Footballguy
Not a pretty ride into the office today. It's 9:30am and it looks like permanent midnight outside. Windy, wet, dark and dreary. Might just take the train back today. :wuss:
General Malaise
Footballguy
Is this a joke?Let's race.What do you do when you want to cruise at a good clip on a flat surface? One gear seems to severely limit your top speed.If there is no maintenance you likely did not ride it much. I have a geared mountain bike and road bike, both high end Shimano components, and I have to mess with both probably annually for tuning. I hate that 'chattering' you get when you are nnot perfectly aligned, drives me nuts. A better question for you - if the area you ride is mostly flat, why would you need 18-36 gears? Save the weight, save the maintenance, simplify...I remember that sucking, yes.I have a Trek that I got when I was 18. There is basically no maintenance other than filling the tires and spraying some WD40 on the gears. I think this low maintenance argument is a little weak.In ####ty weather, it is nice not having derailleurs to worry about. Far less maintenance.
Sammy3469
Footballguy
Agreed...most important thing is keeping your chain clean which needs to be done on a single in crappy conditions anyway.I remember that sucking, yes.I have a Trek that I got when I was 18. There is basically no maintenance other than filling the tires and spraying some WD40 on the gears. I think this low maintenance argument is a little weak.In ####ty weather, it is nice not having derailleurs to worry about. Far less maintenance.
General Malaise
Footballguy
How often does the chain need cleaning and what is the best way to do this? I just bought some oil last week for bikes and applied it to the chain, gears or anything else that looked like it needed a good lubing (I don't really know my bike nomenclature at all, but I couldn't tell you very much about a car either)...how often should I be applying this stuff and is there any other routine maintenance that I should be doing to keep the bike in optimal shape? How often do I need to add air to the tires?Agreed...most important thing is keeping your chain clean which needs to be done on a single in crappy conditions anyway.I remember that sucking, yes.I have a Trek that I got when I was 18. There is basically no maintenance other than filling the tires and spraying some WD40 on the gears. I think this low maintenance argument is a little weak.In ####ty weather, it is nice not having derailleurs to worry about. Far less maintenance.
