Official commuter thread

[LordOpie]

EDIT: Another good commuter discussion thread -- http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?t=202207


This thread will contain all commuter discussion for now. That includes bike recommendations to accessories for surviving a brutal winter to your daily commute.

If this thread gets large, we can ask the Roadie Moderator to split it into appropriate discussion!

Let's do this thing!

1. How long is your commute? Hills, etc?

I'd enjoy hearing the details about everyone's commute.

[LordOpie]

Here's my commuter...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/Opie_SS_loaded.jpg

I've since wrapped the coil cord tightly up against the head tube to keep the light and battery pack all up front. And I moved the pump to the seat tube.

I've ordered airfree tires and will post a review once I get them. Looking forward to not ever getting a flat while commuting.

I also purchased Planet Bike fenders this past weekend, but they weren't wide enough to accomodate the Specialized Armadillo tires -- which have been awesome! I'm keeping the fenders since the airfree tires are supposedly 20c and should fit easily.

I encourage commuters to go single speed for a variety of reasons:
1. simpler drivetrain, less to go wrong... when it comes to commuting, I'm all about maintainance-free whenever possible.
2. much better work out. It has forced me to spin better on the 'downhills' and climb better on the 'hills'. My legs feel noticeable stronger in just three weeks.


Eventually improvements, maybe:
-- dynohub for unlimited lighting without worrying about rechargeable batteries.
-- chainglider... encloses the drivetrain, but only works with 38t or 44t rings and 19-20t cogs. So I'd have to swap out the front crank, ugh. But it looks so very cool and having ring, chain, and cog all inside a case is very appealing.
-- windshield. just kiding.

[James]

Hot! Though I will admit that those bars really don't do it for me, but to each their own.
Couple of questions:
1. How long is your commute? Hills, etc?
2. What is the gearing? The next bike is going to be an SS, just not sure what gears are working best for around-town stuff.
3. Airfree huh? Hmm, I think that they have a bit more rolling resistance, but I certainly wouldn't want to get a flat in the winter.

Here's my current one, and yes I've since finished it. I was doing the commute in Monterey, so no real problems with horrible weather. New place I will have to deal with a bit more snow/cold, so will make some changes, esp. the front wheel.
I just have a Planet Bike 1-LED front light, and a 3-LED rear on there right now. I have a nice Marwi (I think) light, super-duper sweet, but honestly I'm not sure where all the charging plugs are. Hmm. My commute now is only about 5 miles each way, but it'll be a lot nicer come Nov. 1st.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d190/BikeNerd2453/Commuter1.jpg

Here's it before the couple of changes. Fork was waaaaay too flexy though.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d190/BikeNerd2453/Commute1.jpg

[LordOpie]

1. How long is your commute? Hills, etc?

Great question for everyone to answer!

My commute is seven miles each way. Almost none of it is flat. I'd say there is one steep hill, about 0.25mile, 7-8%, otherwise the rest of it is half 3% 'climb', the other half about the same 'downhill'.

Hot! Though I will admit that those bars really don't do it for me, but to each their own.
2. What is the gearing? The next bike is going to be an SS, just not sure what gears are working best for around-town stuff.
3. Airfree huh? Hmm, I think that they have a bit more rolling resistance, but I certainly wouldn't want to get a flat in the winter.
I like the bars. If I ever got back into mtb seriously, I'd have to do something different as I just don't like flatbars, even with bar ends.

2. 42-16... just tough enough to give me a good work-out.

3. All the claims about airfree tires seem to be outdated. I found so few reviews about the newer generation tires. The few I found said they found no noticeable difference in resistance or harshness. It seems that people are referencing outdated reviews, so I've ordered some.

My commute now is only about 5 miles each way, but it'll be a lot nicer come Nov. 1st.

Here's it before the couple of changes. Fork was waaaaay too flexy though.
How will it become nicer?

How as it flexy? Truth is, I'm not 100% sure what people mean by that or how it affects ride quality. All my roadies have been kind of burly steel.

[ire]

Why does JJ always have the most killer bikes?? My commute is two miles, completely flat. I normally ride my cross bike to work since it can handle most anything. We rarely get snow, mostly rain so its not too rough.

[James]

Great question for everyone to answer!

My commute is seven miles each way. Almost none of it is flat. I'd say there is one steep hill, about 0.25mile, 7-8%, otherwise the rest of it is half 3% 'climb', the other half about the same 'downhill'.


I like the bars. If I ever got back into mtb seriously, I'd have to do something different as I just don't like flatbars, even with bar ends.

2. 42-16... just tough enough to give me a good work-out.

3. All the claims about airfree tires seem to be outdated. I found so few reviews about the newer generation tires. The few I found said they found no noticeable difference in resistance or harshness. It seems that people are referencing outdated reviews, so I've ordered some.


How will it become nicer?

How as it flexy? Truth is, I'm not 100% sure what people mean by that or how it affects ride quality. All my roadies have been kind of burly steel.
Cool, I'm interested to see your experience with the tires. I will admit that it has been a long while since I've had any experience with them.
I currently have some Conti 'cross tires on there, but will be swapping them out for some of these (on different wheels):
http://vredesteinusa.com/large/doorsnede_Carratera.jpg
Vredestein Carraterra.
Wire bead, but great anti-flat resistance, great in not so perfect conditions.
Come Nov 1st the commute will be about 1.6 miles each way, maybe 2 if I take the "back way," so really no excuses.

The fork wasn't so bad, but when I really honked on the front brake, it was a little spooky to see the legs flex backwards. Not really under most conditions, but I wouldn't ride it offroad or anything. Then again, I'm a little bigger than the average rider. The Easton is rock solid though.



Why does JJ always have the most killer bikes?? My commute is two miles, completely flat. I normally ride my cross bike to work since it can handle most anything. We rarely get snow, mostly rain so its not too rough.
Hey man, I've been in the industry for pretty much my entire life, and you tend to collect a lot of nice stuff. You should've seen what I threw/gave away before moving about 2 years ago.
The pay isn't always the best, but you usually have a nice quiver of bikes. The downside is less time to ride. But at least I can sit in my garage and look at them, eh?

My commute now is a little under 5 miles, no "real" hills to speak of, but a pretty decent little false flat. The new one will be pretty flat for the most part.

[Heidi]

I don't have pics of any of my commuters - I'll have to get some up. What I ride depends on what I'm doing for lunch and after work, as well as what the weather is like or what way I'm riding to work. I am fortunate to have lots of options of bikes as well since I've kept everything I've has from my sponsorships. woohoo

[douglas]

20.5 miles, 1250 ft up & 950 down.

[Biscuit]

http://www.twowheelgear.com/

Saw this and thought of you guys. It's a pannier bag designed to carry "dress clothes".

[LordOpie]

http://www.twowheelgear.com/

Saw this and thought of you guys. It's a pannier bag designed to carry "dress clothes".

That's pretty cool!

Fortunately for me, I have space in my office to keep a week's worth of clothes. I drive Monday morning and Friday afternoon.

[Toshi]

my commute's 4 miles, mostly downhill on the way into the hospital. half of it is on the burke-gilman, and the half before that is a fun jaunt trading paint with the cars on a 30 mph limit arterial.

the only remarkable thing about my commuter (2000 klein quantum race) is that the rolf wheels have stood up to many bunnyhopped curbs, and that i run fenders since yes, it does rain in seattle:

http://tjclark.ath.cx/images/biking/bikes%20and%20parts/sks%20race%20blades%20-%20november%2015,%202004/Images/1.jpg

[SPINTECK]

my communte is 19.08 miles, rolling Pennsylvania with a few 3/4 mile hills.

I ride my BMC road bike because I've had multiple bikes in the past and find that I just need to get used to one and then I ride it into the ground.

I ride 700X20 Michelin Krylion tires and have had no flats, even at my portly weight of 160 (which fat for a 5' 4" roadie, I usually get down to 150 mid season). Skinny tires make me feel fast and are light. THe Krylion tires are great, but I do have a layer of velox.

I only commute 1 or 2 times at most because I work nights and it's hard for me to look forward to a 20mile midnight ride.

[LordOpie]

...and it's hard for me to look forward to a 20mile midnight ride.

Ouch! Which is a bigger danger, drunks at night or wildlife? Do you have deer on your route?

[SPINTECK]

Ouch! Which is a bigger danger, drunks at night or wildlife? Do you have deer on your route?


I don't ride on Friday nights and I only see about 10 cars- it's actually safer at night than during the day on the one busy road segment I take.

I see deer all the time- never hit one. My buddy just nailed a deer at night last week at what he claimed was 30mph. He's another short wrestler type, so he didn't break anything, but was very sore.

Hitting a deer was my worst fear when riding my motorcycle years back.now I rather ride my bike- must be maturing.

[SPINTECK]

One time I road in and thought I was going to work through a big storm. By midnight it should have easily passed through. Well, my plan didn't work and I couldn't justify having the wife drive with the baby to pick me up that late.

SO I sucked it up and road home in a July thundershower. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Like being baptised by warm rain under fire works skies. It was my fastest average this year 21.3mph. I'll never forget it.

[BurlyShirley]

Uh, here is my commuter bike...
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e42/BurlyShirley/Roadie.jpg
...you may notice that this is also my road bike. My ride in is about 12 miles and fairly hilly. The only real commuter-ish mods Ive made is to put on an MTB cassette, but Id maybe like to get some fenders.
Im considering getting a differnt bike altogether, like a Surly LHT, that way I can run some panniers and also use the bike for fishing trips.

[BikeMike]

The bike:
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s178/birdmacaronis/RM/IMG_1921Medium.jpg
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s178/birdmacaronis/RM/IMG_1922Medium.jpg

Highlights:

Bike cost $23.50
AirZound horn scares the crap out of me early in the morning. Sometimes it stops boneheads from running me over too.
Fenders!
Rebuilt the rear wheel after destroying the old rim hopping curbs and stairs at college. Though the college commute was always short, it claimed on average >1 rear wheel/year.
Kick @ss grocery bag pannier
the rack is pretty awesome
Special feature right pedal: extra short to prevent excessive ground buzzing
Doesn't look shiny

[BikeMike]

The project bike:

Not bad for a garage sale special:
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s178/birdmacaronis/RM/IMG_1926Medium.jpg

Still needs a few things, but it's looking decent:
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s178/birdmacaronis/RM/IMG_1924Medium.jpg
The new hoods had to be shaved to fit (thank you Shimano). Cork tape came from the same garage sale. Unfortunately no pics from before it was cleaned up.

[LordOpie]

Today's commute was brutal. An average of 14mph headwind with some serious gusts thrown in.

I hate wind more than hail, snow, rain, or brutal heat.

[James]

Today's commute was brutal. An average of 14mph headwind with some serious gusts thrown in.

I hate wind more than hail, snow, rain, or brutal heat.
Wind is the absolute worst! Like when you have to pedal to go down a hill, can't coast.

Rain I actually like. There is something perverse about riding your bike when everyone else is bundled up in their cars, trying to stay dry. One of the reasons I loved living in Monterey, you were bound to get at least some fog on your rides, knee/arm warmers were part of the usual kit.

Now I have some sweet-ass heated insoles for my shoes in the winter, heat the front of your foot (where it counts) to ~100 degrees. Now all I need is a wind booty for even the colder days, no more huge shoe covers. Best thing ever.
Hell, I've come back from rides with icicles sticking straight off the back of my shoes and my feet weren't uncomfortable.

[LordOpie]

Rain I actually like. There is something perverse about riding your bike when everyone else is bundled up in their cars, trying to stay dry.
Agreed! I have people look at me like I'm crazy, kind of fun.

Now I have some sweet-ass heated insoles for my shoes in the winter...
WTF?

you... must... post... details!

[James]

Agreed! I have people look at me like I'm crazy, kind of fun.


WTF?

you... must... post... details!
Soooooo great:
http://sidiusa.com/toaster.html
http://sidiusa.com/images/90Heat_Insole_blue.jpg

A little spendy, but they really pay for themselves as your feet don't become completely numb, and you don't have to bundle them with 2' of padding to make 'em work...

They're based on cellphone battery tech, so they have about a ~6 hour runtime, depending on temp. They will shut off when they reach 100 degrees, so your feet don't suffocate in the heat. Have a little wireless remote to turn them on and off, waterproof, really, really fantastic.
You'll get about 600 or so charges out of them too...

[LordOpie]

that is fockin' awesome!

Not sure I need that here in Denver, but if it stays cold long enough that I get sick of my neoprene boots, I'll be looking at that.

(that's the kind of gear that needs posting in our new sticky commuter thread :))

[James]

that is fockin' awesome!

Not sure I need that here in Denver, but if it stays cold long enough that I get sick of my neoprene boots, I'll be looking at that.

(that's the kind of gear that needs posting in our new sticky commuter thread :))

Isn't this the sticky commuter thread??? :huh:

Denver? Doesn't it get super cold there? They're soooo rad. I had to get some mega (wide) Sidis to fit them in properly, but that wasn't really a problem for me. Plus they're black, which is a lot better for the wetter conditions.

[LordOpie]

Isn't this the sticky commuter thread??? :huh:
sorry for my convolusions... :D

Yes, this is said thread.

Denver? Doesn't it get super cold there?
Not really. Maybe you're thinking of the ski resorts up in the mountains? I guess it depends upon your definitions of "super cold"?

Coldest month is typically January and the overnight lows get down to the high teens, with day time highs in mid-40s.

So typical morning commute is about 25*F? Is that super cold?

[James]

Not really. Maybe you're thinking of the ski resorts up in the mountains? I guess it depends upon your definitions of "super cold"?

Coldest month is typically January and the overnight lows get down to the high teens, with day time highs in mid-40s.

So typical morning commute is about 25*F? Is that super cold?

25* is pretty damn cold, but it depends on each person's view. I think that at 25* I would not really ride without them, but then again, I don't have some gnarly winter booties.
I was in SoCal for 10 years, so 50* was freezing there, but I grew up in the Northeast, Montreal area and NY, so I understand winter.

[LordOpie]

http://www.performancebike.com/product_images/250/10-0082-BLK-FORM.jpg

[James]

http://www.performancebike.com/product_images/250/10-0082-BLK-FORM.jpg

Yup yup!
Good stuff, and of course a ton cheaper. I'm just lucky enough to be in a position to be able to get them. I most likely wouldn't have purchased them, even on EP, would have just got some booties similar to those.

[LordOpie]

In my fantasy world, a dynohub could power those sidi insoles through a connection in the pedal via the cleat.

Oh, also heated hand grips :)

Basically, I want a motorcycle powered by me.

[SPINTECK]

Unlike the booties, if your crotch gets cold you could probably take and insole out and move to area needed most:)

[LordOpie]

Am I ever going to stop sweating?

This morning's commute: moderately windy, 45°F... In addition to my summer attire, I had leg warmers and a wind vest. That's it, not even a skull cap. Still got to work a bit sweaty.

[LordOpie]

26" road wheels?

I posted in the lounge, but I think the "road" part threw people for a loopie. I'm looking for a road wheel, but I'll also use the bike for commuting and long-distance rides, so help a monkey out? Thanks!

http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190239

[LordOpie]

First for everything... between traffic flows and the fact that I couldn't ride vehicularly due to 18 mph headwinds, I wound up riding through a construction zone... through recently poured concrete.

Oops.

Probably psychological, but boy did my tires feel heavy afterwards :D

[SilentJ]

My commuter:
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff238/SilentJ69/commuter.jpg

1998 Norco Bigfoot w/ original fork, headset, BB, front wheel, and seatpost. I've got close to 10,000kms on this unit. I keep looking at Kona's CX and road offerings to get on some big wheels, but if it ain't broke...

I used to run it SS with only a RH front brake, but since moving to the 'burbs I see way more road miles and a giant hill where I kept breaking chains.

Commute is either 8 miles or 20 miles each way. I do the 20 miler if I dont have anything going on in the evening and it's going to be my exercise for the day. I'll drive to the 8 miler parking lot and commute from there if I've got stuff going on or just generally have the laze. I rock the river pathway for the 8 miles either way and add 12 miles of road on the long commute.

I just throw my work clothes in a backpack. shirt, tie, etc... I shower at a gym downtown where I have a membership. The gym also provides parkade parking for people with bikes so they stay out of the weather and are generally secure. (my office building wont allow bikes)

Absolutely everyone on the pathway feels like it's their right to draft you without reciprocating...allows me to get 2-3 sprints in per trip. Maybe if I switched to the big wheels I'd just be faster than these douches and wouldnt have to be annoyed by it?

[LordOpie]

So my airfree tires came today. I put them on and rode home.

So far, I like 'em!

One tire feels out of true and I'm getting some wobble. Also, not sure if it's not round or if there's just a dead spot. I'm hoping that as I use them, they'll break in. But the issue isn't enough to bother exchanging them. Besides, I'm not sure how I'd even get them off :D

As for comments from people about harsh or squishy, wrong. If they are, you bought the wrong PSI tire.

...to get on some big wheels...
Why?

[SilentJ]

Why?

Do I really have to make up excuses to get a new bike? :busted:

It's really so that I have a more road oriented ride. The bigfoot works for commuting, but it isnt the most comfortable and probably not the greatest in the efficiency department. I'd like to get out and put some road miles in.

[LordOpie]

Do I really have to make up excuses to get a new bike? :busted:
amen!

When the insurance money came in for my stolen roadie, my wife said, "hey, you can get at least two new bikes with that!" (I love her so much)

Thing is, during my research in 26" vs 700c, well, if you get narrow enough 26" rims with 'road' tires, there isn't a difference in efficiency or speed.

[James]

Commuter frame idea?
So I had been planning on building up a Surly Steamroller with some Nitto 3spd bars, front basket, totally sweet grocery-getter/commuter. Singlespeed (not fixed) with Surly track hubs.
But...a set of wheels recently came into my life that I would much rather use, so my plan has changed somewhat. They're disc-hubbed, 700c rims, and (I'm pretty sure) they're 130mm spacing.
So, something like a cross frame, yes? I could probably get away with using my Sibex ti fork on that, since it wouldn't have too hard a life, though I'm not sure if I can mount a rack onto it.
Any ideas on frame? I'm thinking I'd still like to build it as an SS, for simplicity, but I suppose I could use a rear derailleur possibly.
Still like to keep the look of the bike simple

[splat]

Soooooo great:
http://sidiusa.com/toaster.html
http://sidiusa.com/images/90Heat_Insole_blue.jpg

A little spendy, but they really pay for themselves as your feet don't become completely numb, and you don't have to bundle them with 2' of padding to make 'em work...

They're based on cellphone battery tech, so they have about a ~6 hour runtime, depending on temp. They will shut off when they reach 100 degrees, so your feet don't suffocate in the heat. Have a little wireless remote to turn them on and off, waterproof, really, really fantastic.
You'll get about 600 or so charges out of them too...

Holy crap I have to get me some of those!!!! THat is my Big problem commuting in the winter when it ges below 15 F My toes get tooo cold.

wow they are a little pricey though

[laura]

So how do you like the air free tires today? I am interested in getting some. I have got to get fenders. I got away with not having them in Memphis but that won't fly here.

I don't have a commute yet but I am getting kind of nervous. In the city there are bike lanes everywhere but so far all the jobs I've been looking at are in the burbs, and the cycling isn't so friendly out that way. I need to do some more exploring to find some "back roads".

[LordOpie]

So how do you like the air free tires today? I am interested in getting some. I have got to get fenders. I got away with not having them in Memphis but that won't fly here.

Fenders (eg. Freddy Fenders): I say get the widest ones your bike can handle. Not just wide enough for whatever tires you have on your bike. That way, you can always put on wider tires if you want.

Airfree tires: I got the 20mm wide tires cuz I want fenders on my single-speed/commuter bike and the rear triangle looks rather tight, otherwise I would've gotten wider ones.

I like them a lot for the intended use -- zero chance of flat while commuting. I still don't understand the whole sluggish/harsh ride quality. The ride is plenty smooth, granted, I only ride steel so maybe it's different on AL?

I absolutely would not use these tires on a long road ride. My seven mile commute and tooling around town, perfect. I can take the pump off my bike, I can take patchkit/tubes out of my bags, I can leave the wrench at home (SS has bolts, not QR). As soon as I get around too it, I'll loctite the bolts down.

Commuting: I very much recommend 28-40mm airfree tires without hesistation. Do the 35-40mm tires if your bike can take them and fenders together. If I continue to commute through the winter, I'll splurge and re-evaluate (spend more money) :D

I wouldn't recommend them for any "serious" use.

[James]

Holy crap I have to get me some of those!!!! THat is my Big problem commuting in the winter when it ges below 15 F My toes get tooo cold.

wow they are a little pricey though

Yeah, they are spendy, but hot damn they work awesome. If I had to pay retail for them I probably wouldn't have bought them, but man am I happy I have them...

[LordOpie]

Do any of y'all work on your bikes at work?

I put fenders on today. Kind of a pain in the butt since none of the bolts supplied with the fenders worked with my current setup. I had to take the bottle cage bolts for use on the rear drop out with the fender bars and the rack. They were much longer than the bolts supplied, which I used on the cage.

I used zip ties on the chain stay and the fork crown in order to finish up.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/ssfenders.jpg

[BurlyShirley]

Do I spy a steerer tube extender? Weird. That bike is pretty sweet. I couldnt handle the SS on my ride, but it looks good.

[BikeMike]

LO, your bike is looking awesome. And related to the airless tires, when you say they're fine for your 7 mile commute, do you mean 7 miles each way, or 7 miles round trip?

[LordOpie]

Do I spy a steerer tube extender? Weird. That bike is pretty sweet. I couldnt handle the SS on my ride, but it looks good.

Four years ago I was spotting a student in a climbing/bouldering exercise, she fell, I saved her life and now I've got a fvcked spine at the C1.

I experimented with lower bars since I've been seeing a chiropractor over the past year that has been a huge help. Nothing she did could stop the migraines when the bars were that much lower than the saddle.

Yeah, steerer extender is ugly *shrugs*

LO, your bike is looking awesome. And related to the airless tires, when you say they're fine for your 7 mile commute, do you mean 7 miles each way, or 7 miles round trip?
Thanks! 7 each way. Even if my commute was 20 miles each way -- under non-aggressive city riding conditions -- I'd use them. I'm sacraficing a little performance through turns for the knowledge that I'll never get a flat. (our roads have way too much glass and debris on them)

[Biscuit]

Did you purposely pick the color to match the walls in your office?

[jasride]

Great thread.

This here is my Kona PHD. Had it for 2 years now. Good bike.
My work commute is 16miles each way, but mostly flat. I can
extend it to about 18 each way and add a few hills but I guess
I get lazy.

Commuting is good for the soul.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd313/jasride/bikes/kona001.jpg
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd313/jasride/bikes/kona002.jpg

[LordOpie]

Commuting is good for the soul.
amen!

Nice bike! No lights or anything?

[jasride]

I do have lights. I use a blackburn blinky on the rear and
a Niterider for the front. That seems to work just fine. My
work shift is 8:30 to 5:00 so I haven't needed the head lamp
yet. Once daylight savings time begins in a few weeks i guess
the lights will be needed.

[jasride]

opie,

your set up looks nice as well. Im diggin the bars, they look like they're right where they need to be for your commuting needs.

[splat]

Yeah, they are spendy, but hot damn they work awesome. If I had to pay retail for them I probably wouldn't have bought them, but man am I happy I have them...
I got these on ebay last year for $20 , I need to work on the power system , In other words Up the voltage, right now they are 3 Volts at 2/3 Amp ( 2 Watts ) they work OK , but they wee obviously designed to be in a aHnting boot or Ski boot , somehting that is insulated , not somethine thin like a Cycling shooe

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/jgoeller/Misc/afh.jpg

[splat]

Ouch! Which is a bigger danger, drunks at night or wildlife? Do you have deer on your route?

On night I was riding home and coming down a good down hill a 10 Point Buck was just standing in the middle of the road staring at me ( deer in the headlight ) I thought for sure I was going to hit him , was braching for an Impact and Yelled "oh Shi.t !" and with the sound of my voice he took off. I was probaly only missed him by about 10 Feet it was close and scared the bejebbies out of me . They Boy was BIG !!! Really Big!! I have seen other deer in that same spot since and now as soon asI see them I yell they run .

[LordOpie]

I do have lights. I use a blackburn blinky on the rear ...
Doh! Yeah, they're right there in the photo

[splat]

http://www.twowheelgear.com/

Saw this and thought of you guys. It's a pannier bag designed to carry "dress clothes".

I bought this about 15 years ago, and used it up till about 10 years ago. ( I can honestly say i havenot used it in that long!! ) back when I had to wear slacks , dress shirt and a tie every day. Now that I wear Jeans Its Back pack time

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/jgoeller/Misc/cbag1.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/jgoeller/Misc/cbag2.jpg

[LordOpie]

Who's ready for the end of Daylight Savings Time?

We lose an hour, yeah? So if you normally start riding at 7:30am, it'll feel and look like 6:30am... a lot darker and a lot colder.

[Wumpus]

Who's ready for the end of Daylight Savings Time?

We lose an hour, yeah? So if you normally start riding at 7:30am, it'll feel and look like 6:30am... a lot darker and a lot colder.

Ummmm... Maybe not warmer but definitely brighter.

[splat]

Who's ready for the end of Daylight Savings Time?

We lose an hour, yeah? So if you normally start riding at 7:30am, it'll feel and look like 6:30am... a lot darker and a lot colder.

You got it backwards , if you normally start at 7:30 am it is going to feel like 8:30 , But its going to get a whole lot darker for the ride home.

[LordOpie]

You got it backwards , if you normally start at 7:30 am it is going to feel like 8:30 , But its going to get a whole lot darker for the ride home.
Ah, good!


It's nice being dumb, cuz then you can be pleasantly surprised by such stuff :D

[Mr. Hankey]

I need to take some pics of my commuter pos for this thread. I just out fitted her with lights, and fenders, and racks are on the to do list. At least by the next time it sees rain.

[LordOpie]

Studded Tires

Anyone use them? Can you recommend some that are inexpensive? I heard Nashbar isn't carrying their version this year.

[James]

Studded Tires

Anyone use them? Can you recommend some that are inexpensive? I heard Nashbar isn't carrying their version this year.

Don't cheap out.
Nokian.
For sure.

[LordOpie]

Don't cheap out.
Nokian.
For sure.

Thank you. But why? What are the issues with cheaper studded tires? Do the studs fall out or something?

(I've never had them and only need them for my 7 mile commute)

EDIT: Just looked at one set of Nokians... are the studs long enough?

[James]

Thank you. But why? What are the issues with cheaper studded tires? Do the studs fall out or something?

(I've never had them and only need them for my 7 mile commute)

EDIT: Just looked at one set of Nokians... are the studs long enough?
You don't want the studs to be too long, or then they're gonna completely suck on non-snow and ice, like pavement.
My opinion is do.not.cheap.out.on.tires.
It just doesn't pay. Plus they'll last a lot longer, more seasons...

[splat]

Don't cheap out.
Nokian.
For sure.

what he said!!


However I have used the IRC Blizzards ( 20 years ago ) and the they were OK , and till recently the IRC Sno-mads whic h we good but the Nokians Just blow them away.

BUT !!!

yes the Studs do wear/fall out . and Most of all they are HEAVY and very slow on pavement. and they make a racket too!

[LordOpie]

Thanks guys!

I'm reading the 'article' by Peter at http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/studdedtires.asp -- great info. Seems like Peter has one of the best sites/stores around.

I'm thinking that the 26" Nokian Mount & Ground W160 is the best all-around tire for when you don't know exactly what the conditions will be.

And yes, I will not cheap out. Considering one ER visit would be a lot more money and take me off the bike :)

Any opinions on which Nokians or the M&G? Thanks.

[splat]

Thanks guys!

I'm reading the 'article' by Peter at http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/studdedtires.asp -- great info. Seems like Peter has one of the best sites/stores around.

I'm thinking that the 26" Nokian Mount & Ground W160 is the best all-around tire for when you don't know exactly what the conditions will be.

And yes, I will not cheap out. Considering one ER visit would be a lot more money and take me off the bike :)

Any opinions on which Nokians or the M&G? Thanks.

Peter's shop is awesome , and Peter Himself is a Good guy, I have ridden with him a few times.

well I use the 296's But my main purpose is for riding on Ice in the woods and on lakes. for commuting I would be temped with the 160's

[LordOpie]

well I use the 296's But my main purpose is for riding on Ice in the woods and on lakes. for commuting I would be temped with the 160's

Thanks!

It seems like from what I've read for city/urban commuting, 296 studs per tire would be overkill, definitely not fun on those days when there's no snow or ice, and possibly dangerous when no snow and ice?

Is that fair to say?

[James]

Thanks!

It seems like from what I've read for city/urban commuting, 296 studs per tire would be overkill, definitely not fun on those days when there's no snow or ice, and possibly dangerous when no snow and ice?

Is that fair to say?

I tend to agree. The 296 would be great if you're using it for mountain biking in the woods and on lakes, but commuting you're gonna be hurting.
What about a Moots snow bike? Not much heavier, and no chance of rust! :)
http://www.moots.com/news.php?News_ID=15

[LordOpie]

You buy me the Moots and I'll happily ride it :D

That thing does look great tho and if anyone can build a snow bike, it's a company that lives in a ski/snowboard resort town.

[LordOpie]

Anyone use battery powered heated socks?

http://away.com/gear/gearguy/images/20050128.jpg

more (http://www.google.com/products?q=Battery+Heated+Boot+Socks&btnG=Search&show=dd)

[LordOpie]

So I realized that a headlight isn't as important as a tail light.

Tonight was dark on my ride home and either people ignored my so-called taillight or maybe didn't see it. Makes me glad that over the weekend, I ordered the Dinotte tail light from Nashbar for $125.

http://www.dinottelighting.com/

[LordOpie]

This morning: slight headwind and 30°F.

In addition to what I've been wearing and feeling a chill and a serious performance loss, I wore another layer on my legs, a medium weight skull cap, and neoprene boots.

While my head was sweatier, my torso was less sweaty, so I'm gonna guess that my body was using less energy to keep me warm. My feet and legs were not more sweaty than typical.

However, my performance still sucked. I'm not sure if my legs simply need a rest from two months of SSing to work or if the weather is just such a factor.

My new geared bike should be finished by the weekend, got the last parts needed today. Next week should be a more enjoyable commute.

[Heidi]

wow, what's the point if you aren't having fun?

[splat]

Anyone use battery powered heated socks?
more (http://www.google.com/products?q=Battery+Heated+Boot+Socks&btnG=Search&show=dd)

I have a Pair of those ,while the Heater element doens't really do much ( they are deisined to be in a Ski/Hunting boot that has plenty of insulation , not a Bike shoe that is lightweight . any Way they are really very warm Heavy socks. but you will need a SHoe a Size larger then you normal bike shoe because they are that thick.

[splat]

wow, what's the point if you aren't having fun?

:stupid:

That is the main reason I commute by Bike , its fun.

[splat]

I switched over to my Hardtail Mt Bike as a commuter last night , and Put the Road Bike ( as a commuter ) away. with DST and it being Pitch Black at Night I can't see the pot holes, that Leads to flats , flats Make splat Cry. On the plus side now using he My Bike ,the last 2 Miles to the office and first 2 on the way Home ,are now on dirt.

[LordOpie]

I have a Pair of those ,while the Heater element doens't really do much ( they are deisined to be in a Ski/Hunting boot that has plenty of insulation , not a Bike shoe that is lightweight . any Way they are really very warm Heavy socks. but you will need a SHoe a Size larger then you normal bike shoe because they are that thick.

Good info, Thanks! If it got bad enough to need bigger shoes, those socks, and my neoprene boots, I think I'll just wear my snow boots and not be clipped in :)

[LordOpie]

What's everyone's top three dangers on your specific commute?

(soccer moms, taxis, pot holes, wildlife, teens texting, somthing else?)

[LordOpie]

My newest 'toy' :D

(not my photo. Borrowed from a bikeforums poster)

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/1005/blazevk1.jpg

Photo of the light, mount and the battery pack that I'm simply putting under the saddle.

clicky for large... http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/th_dinotail.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/dinotail.jpg)

[Cant Climb]

Nice thread.

I just started commuting 6 weeks ago.........just ordered some Panaracer T-Serv's, Conti's were flatting once a week.......anyone else have flatting issues......?.....

....i'm trying to stay away from the super heavy tires, my commute is prettty long....

Also, anyone know where i can get one of thoose little tool kit bags that go inside the corner of the top tube and down tube......?......would like to run another rear light but saddle bag is in the way.......

[LordOpie]

I just started commuting 6 weeks ago.........just ordered some Panaracer T-Serv's, Conti's were flatting once a week.......anyone else have flatting issues......?.
Not familiar with the T-Serv's, but I tried Specialized Armadillos and liked them a lot... only put 300 miles on them, didn't have a flat during that time, but decided that I really didn't want one so I went airfree.

Also, anyone know where i can get one of thoose little tool kit bags that go inside the corner of the top tube and down tube...
I'm sure Nashbar, performance, jenson all carry frame bags.

..would like to run another rear light but saddle bag is in the way.......
Instead of ANOTHER (since lumens are not cumulative) light, I'd recommend the Dinotte tail light. Yes, $125 (on sale) is a lot of money for a light, but if you need it, then it's that or your life. The focker is bright like a motorcycle brake light! You can be seen in fog, around curves, over hills.

[Cant Climb]

Not familiar with the T-Serv's, but I tried Specialized Armadillos and liked them a lot... only put 300 miles on them, didn't have a flat during that time, but decided that I really didn't want one so I went airfree. .

I am trying to stay away from the armadillos because of their weight. The T-Serv’s have
Reasonable weight…..my commute is fairly long as it is, don’t really want to make it any longer dragging 1280 grams of tire….how did you go tubeless….?….i’m new to this roadie stuff…


Instead of ANOTHER (since lumens are not cumulative) light, I'd recommend the Dinotte tail light. Yes, $125 (on sale) is a lot of money for a light, but if you need it, then it's that or your life. The focker is bright like a motorcycle brake light! You can be seen in fog, around curves, over hills.

Ok Lumens are not cumulative but something else flashing in a different spot makes me more noticeable…..i will look at that Dinotte light, going to have sell something first to buy that though…..

[splat]

Watch out for Ice patches !!! went down hard on the way this morning on one. landed on my right wrist pretty hard. I took my glove off so it would get cold riding the rest of the way in. it only hurt when I needed to down shift (grip shift ) . Icing it now.

[LordOpie]

I am trying to stay away from the armadillos because of their weight. The T-Serv’s have
Reasonable weight…..my commute is fairly long as it is, don’t really want to make it any longer dragging 1280 grams of tire….how did you go tubeless….?….i’m new to this roadie stuff…
How long is your commute?

I know extra weight is a sin for roadies, but let's just theorize that running a heavier tire makes your commute five minutes longer. Can you change a flat that fast? Is it cold where you are? Would changing a flat in bad weather ruin your day?

Here in Denver, the weather is usually nice, but it can get below freezing often enough that changing a flat just sucks.

If your commute if fairly flat and the wind is usually mellow, you can trade the extra tire weight by going single-speed.

As for the airfree tires, I only got them a couple of months ago and for my commute -- 7 miles each way, some what hilly -- they've been great. If you want a set from airfreetires.com, be prepared to wait upwards of a month to get them. It takes a while since they only make them twice a month as needed.

Get the widest ones you can fit on your rim considering fenders and frame clearance. I got the 20s and wished I had the 28s. Also, they are a little lighter than Armadillos, so that's nice.

[Cant Climb]

How long is your commute?

I know extra weight is a sin for roadies, but let's just theorize that running a heavier tire makes your commute five minutes longer. Can you change a flat that fast? Is it cold where you are? Would changing a flat in bad weather ruin your day?

Here in Denver, the weather is usually nice, but it can get below freezing often enough that changing a flat just sucks.

If your commute if fairly flat and the wind is usually mellow, you can trade the extra tire weight by going single-speed.

My commute is 24 miles each way. It has some short steep hills in it, especially at the end on the way to work but it also has along stretch of flattish road where i can crank up some nice speed....

I ran into to the changing flats in bad weather this past monday.It was rainy and in the high 30's....pretty miserable. Adding to the misery was a piece of crap CO2 inflator (that the bike shop was selling on clearance, instead of pulling off the shelf). First flat was bad then second had me calling the wife 6 miles from home.....only carry one tube.

Being new to the road i guess i'm not sure how the heavy armadillos would effect my speed. I still want to use this bike as my regualr road bike. So i guess i'm trying to find a balance between tire weight and dependability.....that's why i went with the t_servs (35mm). My commute has some ruff gravely areas, and some highly littered shoulders.....

[Cant Climb]

What's everyone's top three dangers on your specific commute?

1.) the parking lot at work here.....people brains seem to shut off when they are in it. Have 2 recent incidents of people nearly running me over, was like i was invisible...
2.) People wondering off the sidewalk to cross the street. Again they really don't pay much attention. Sometimes they are going to their car with their eyes looking in the purse or just yabbering on the phone staring into space...
3.) Trailers on the back of SUV's....people forget they are back there.....have had a couple close calls within inches......
4.) Me.....sometimes i get too aggressive.....

[Heidi]

In the winter...

1. slipping on the ice coming around a roundabout or down the hill by my house

2. having a car slide into me at a roundabout

3. freezing my eyeballs

[LordOpie]

My commute is 24 miles each way.

that's far for a commute! :)

Well, I've given all the opinions I will on tires, but will suggest that you pick a tire that maximizes safety over speed and purchase a second wheelset so you can have a safer, heavier, more durable wheelset and tires for commuting and a lighter, faster wheelset and tires for the weekend runs :)

[BikeMike]

Being new to the road i guess i'm not sure how the heavy armadillos would effect my speed. I still want to use this bike as my regualr road bike. So i guess i'm trying to find a balance between tire weight and dependability.....that's why i went with the t_servs (35mm). My commute has some ruff gravely areas, and some highly littered shoulders.....

Armadillos have come a long ways from four or five years ago. They have a pretty reasonable ride nowdays (used to ride like a brick, and blow off certain Mavic rims). Depends on how wide you want 'em, but the All Conditions Armadillos sit mostly a bit over 400g if I remember right. They make solid training tires.

Weight is mostly an issue with acceleration, so the flatter the route, the less the weight matters (unless you've got mad stop signs on your route). Really wide tires will have a larger impact on speed. Rough surfaces are hard...the inflation is often key, and optimal in a tricky range. You mostly puncture or pinch flat?

[Cant Climb]

Rough surfaces are hard...the inflation is often key, and optimal in a tricky range. You mostly puncture or pinch flat?

I pinched flatted once, just hit a small rock in the road. Other things that have caused flats are roofing nails, strands of wire, or just random pieces of metal.....other things have punctured and left no evidence.....i shyed away from the Armadillos because the wieghts are on the Spec site and are very heavy, i wil try them but only as a last resort.....

The commute sometimes does have alot of starting and stopping....just depends how that day goes....

My current set of tires are Conti's with the Gatorskins are 28's and running about 115 psi, they are about 6 weeks old and the rear has about 6-7 cuts/slits already........i weigh about 230 all geared up with my backpack....

[LordOpie]

if flats continue to be an issue, then ya might need to consider airfree.

[Cant Climb]

if flats continue to be an issue, then ya might need to consider airfree.

I will.......buying tires every month is kind of defeating ONE of the many purposes for commuting....but i'm still in the learning curve.

[LordOpie]

This morning's commute was fun and different!

First, thanks again to James for the Vredestein Carraterra tires! They rocked. Zero issues when going straight or easy turns. I wasn't very aggressive this morning since I needed to get to work :D I'll push 'em a little more tonight.

HELP!
At one point, my Ultegra STI was not shifting. I clicked it several times, nothing. It started working again at some point. Also, even tho I've got full-wrap fenders, all non-moving drivetrain parts froze up. Is this gonna be a problem. You can see from the photos below. That's not snow on them, that's ice and would not come off... it's melting in my office now :D Glad my boss is out of town :busted:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/th_LHT_frozenRearDerail.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/LHT_frozenRearDerail.jpg) | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/th_LHT_frozenFrontDerail.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/LHT_frozenFrontDerail.jpg)



Some more photos :)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/th_LHT_snow4.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/LHT_snow4.jpg) | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/th_LHT_snow3.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/LHT_snow3.jpg) | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/th_LHT_snow5.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/LHT_snow5.jpg) | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/th_LHT_snow2.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/LHT_snow2.jpg) | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/th_LHT_snow1.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/LHT_snow1.jpg)

[splat]

HELP!
At one point, my Ultegra STI was not shifting. I clicked it several times, nothing. It started working again at some point. Also, even tho I've got full-wrap fenders, all non-moving drivetrain parts froze up. Is this gonna be a problem. You can see from the photos below. That's not snow on them, that's ice and would not come off... it's melting in my office now

Welcome to the wunderful world of winter commuting !

That is one of the reasons I used to use a fixed gear in winter, simplicty of the drive train! what you can try , is spary your compnets with PAM. also do you cables route under the bottom bracket ? if they do spray that /cover them some how . other wise good luck , oh and watch out for rim brakes when they glaze with Ice!

[LordOpie]

Welcome to the wunderful world of winter commuting !
Thanks!

I'm already hardcore, but now I feel I'm a little closer to being Splatcore!

That is one of the reasons I used to use a fixed gear in winter, simplicty of the drive train!
I want to ride my SS, but my bike can't take wide enough tires. I already told my wife that if I continue to commute through the winter, that I'm going to build a dedicated winter commuter next year with internal geared hub or maybe a fixie with wide tires.

what you can try , is spary your compnets with PAM. also do you cables route under the bottom bracket ? if they do spray that /cover them some how . other wise good luck , oh and watch out for rim brakes when they glaze with Ice!
Cool! I'll try PAM.

Yes, cables do route under BB.

[Biscuit]

I've also heard that PAM keeps ice from sticking. Not hardcore enough to know for sure though.

I'd also recommend running continuous housing in the winter. That road grime is gnarly.

[G-Cracker]

Nice rides, everyone!

I don't have a designated commuter. I just use my road bike and throw a huge backpack on with all of my clothes, etc. Commute is 12.5 miles each way, with maybe 700 feet of elevation change. Thankfully going TO work it's downhill so I'm not quite as sweaty.

I used to commute 3-4 times per week but lately (last two months) I've commuted in maybe 3 or 4 times total. Yesterday was awesome though! If I hit this one light green, I can really crank down this long, gradual hill. I managed to hit and maintain 35mph yesterday along this stretch. I always enjoy the looks on people's faces as I slowly pass them in their cars. ;)

[splat]

Thanks!
that I'm going to build a dedicated winter commuter next year with internal geared hub or maybe a fixie with wide tires.


Yeah if you are riding with the snow and Ice and SALT ! you really want a Beater , the salt really plays hell with every thing, come spring you will see corrosion all over it.

A buddy of mine picks up a "new" Junker from the dump every fall fixes it up a bit then rides it all winter and come spring returns it to the dump.

I also have a couple of 3 Speed ( sturmey Archer ) 3 speed hubs I'm thinking of making a beater commuter with.

[LordOpie]

Yeah if you are riding with the snow and Ice and SALT ! you really want a Beater , the salt really plays hell with every thing, come spring you will see corrosion all over it.

A buddy of mine picks up a "new" Junker from the dump every fall fixes it up a bit then rides it all winter and come spring returns it to the dump.

I also have a couple of 3 Speed ( sturmey Archer ) 3 speed hubs I'm thinking of making a beater commuter with.

It seems to me that there is no such thing as a good winter bike?

Taking your advice, I decided to put my rarely used mtb to good use, even if it gets destroyed by a couple of Denver winters. We're expecting crappy weather later this week, so I'll be configuring my mtb for commuter use.

Since I don't like it anywhere as much as either road bikes, it's a little annoying to have to buy two sets of all commuter stuff -- racks, bags and lights -- just so I can ride one of my good road bikes on nicer days.

Thanks for your help bro, I'm sure you saved my roadie from the bike eating magenisium chloride ice salt.

[aktallguy]

I love this thread. Nice to know that there are others out there. I just biked home in 15mph gusts with slushy rain and still had a bigger smile on my face than all the others sitting in their cars. :disgust1:

So here goes my post to this thread. I don't know how to do multiple quotes so I'll just post some answers to various topics I've seen along the way.

a) My commute is 5.5 miles one way. Never really flat, but a nice mix of fairly shallow grade ups and downs. 4.75 miles if I stay on the main roads, but I prefer the side streets.

b) I used to ride up in Alaska and really liked having the studs. Don't remember what brand they were though.

c) I have the Armadillo tires. Yes they're heavy, but it's not much different than the weight I add on if I eat breakfast at home instead of work so I don't care much. I really like 'em. I was flatting just about once every other week before. Only one flat in the last 8 months with the Armadillos. I even ran over a construction staple that stuck into the tire and then bent over. Not even a slow leak! I've got about 1200 miles on them since I leave them on for all my training and weekend rides as well. I only really switch to lighter tires for when I'm doing triathlons or 40+ mi rides. (One bike gets to do it all.)

d) 3 Dangers on the Commute:
1) There's always 1 left hand turn across 4 lanes (2 each way) along my route. Unavoidable. If I'm cocky and it's light out I'll get in there with the cars as they turn across. If it's nasty and dark I use a crosswalk.
2) The ice that forms on the hill leading into my apt complex.
3) People who throw their cigarettes out the window which then land on you. Nothing like getting a nice lit cigarette but on your arm or neck. (It's happened twice now where it hit me.)

e) Funny story related to item 3: I was sitting at a stop light in the bike lane and someone chucked their cigarette but out going between my bike wheels and landing on the road. I bent over picked it up and knocked on the passengers window offering it back. They quickly rolled the window up the rest of the way and refused to look at me. I left it on their windshield wiper. :busted:

Lastly here's a pic of the bike:
2005 Trek 1500 (Last year they still had the full 105 group on the model standard.) Got a great deal on it too!
- Armadillo Tires
- Fenders
- Cateye Front Light (Works great for what I paid!)
- Blackburn Rear light
- Wireless bike computer.
- Kool new blue bar tape just put on last weekend!
- Not shown: super bright & reflective highway workers mesh vest for when it's dark.

93320

[LordOpie]

Great post aktallguy!

I've used and really like Armadillos too.

Nice job returning the cigarette!


I gotta ask... how fvcking long are your legs man! that saddle seems so much higher than your bars! Holy crap!

[aktallguy]

Haha, Yeah I'm 6'7" with a 6'10" wingspan and 39.5" inseam. (Read: I wear large sized shirts and have circus like long appendages.) I didn't have the cash to drop on a higher end better fitting bike so I got the largest frame I could find in my price range. It does the job though and considering bang for buck I have yet to have another bike that has worked as close as what I had hoped when I got it without modifications.

I'm jealous of the lights on your bike. I went to the site you posted. Nice stuff. Working on a new mtn bike at the moment. Maybe once that's done. :^)

[aktallguy]

Ok here's a question for fellow commuter monkeys:

Winter's here: cold, wet, and tons of road grime gathering on the bike. What's your maintenance/lube schedule and what do you use to clean/lube your bike?

[Toshi]

aktallguy, i was on the roads in seattle yesterday, too, so i feel your pain. i pussed out and slapped the bike on the front of the metro on the way back home. that was hellish.

my maintenance schedule is: none. some lube on the chain once a month or if i remember, from whatever bottle is on top in my toolbox. full fenders so not too much grime. i'm the part of the equation that needs the most maintenance...

[LordOpie]

Ok here's a question for fellow commuter monkeys:

Winter's here: cold, wet, and tons of road grime gathering on the bike. What's your maintenance/lube schedule and what do you use to clean/lube your bike?
Simple: I no longer care.

I'm going to use beater bikes on those days and let them be destroyed.

Otherwise, I'm hearing from people that you need to clean and re-lube your bike EVERY DAY! :(

Especially if your city used road salt, magnesium chloride or similar. That stuff is just too harsh.

[aktallguy]

Just what I need a reason to put yet another bike in my garage. :) My two wheeled concubines as my wife calls them.

Washington doesn't use any salt, but they don't sweep the streets or bike lanes again until spring. Leaving "Northwest Toothpaste" in the bike lanes all winter.

I've found that a gentle rising and re-lube after every 2-3 rides works well. With a every other week supercleaning.

Anyone have a favorite lube?

[aktallguy]

aktallguy, i was on the roads in seattle yesterday, too, so i feel your pain. i pussed out and slapped the bike on the front of the metro on the way back home. that was hellish.


With all the ice lately it has to be my bikes. (Mtn bike once it snows.) My other vehicle is a motorcycle; so I'd rather try to balance my lighter road bike on the ice than a 480lb moto. :disgust:

[Cant Climb]

With all the ice lately it has to be my bikes. (Mtn bike once it snows.) My other vehicle is a motorcycle; so I'd rather try to balance my lighter road bike on the ice than a 480lb moto. :disgust:

I'm not commuting in snow/ice this year.......i like using the full shoulder most of the time.....don't want my neck any further out in traffic than it has to be.....

[LordOpie]

With all the ice lately it has to be my bikes. (Mtn bike once it snows.) My other vehicle is a motorcycle; so I'd rather try to balance my lighter road bike on the ice than a 480lb moto. :disgust:
480#?! Dry or loaded?

My bmw k75 is about that, but loaded. What bike do you have?

And yeah, I'd much rather ride one of my bicycles than my moto in such conditions.

[aktallguy]

It's a 05 Yamaha FZ-1. 460 dry per the specs so I figured maybe 480 with everything.

[LordOpie]

Frozen boogers!

ugh.

So this morning didn't seem that cold, 20°F and I wasn't in the mood to wear my balaclava as it's annoying under the chin strap. Well, eventho I usually pull the chin/nose cover down to just under my chin since heat from the nose covering fogs my glasses... it seems that by keep my neck, cheeks, ears, etc. a little warmer helps keep everything warmer.

So, ice snot notso good.

[LordOpie]

Can you call yourself a commuter if you're invisible?

There was a guy riding tonight that I've seen before in the daylight, so I know that his bike must be 3x as much money as mine. He's got a messenger bag and rides in full kit. I've seen him probably a dozen times at the same time of day, so clearly he's commuting.

The dumb ass rides in a dark kit on a dark bike with a dark lid with NO reflectors, NO lights. I only saw him at the last minute on the other side of the street.

Why are people so dumb?

On a related side-note: My Dinotte Taillight is clearly more powerful than my other taillights as people have never changed lanes for me before and they are :)

[aktallguy]

I almost hit someone like that as they merged into the bike lane from a side street.

[LordOpie]

Last night's ride home SUCKED! I rode my single-speed yesterday as it was a nice day, except that I had ~20mph headwinds on the way home. I was over 90% of my max heartrate the entire way.

I forgot that I have exercise induced asthma :(

I still feel like sh1t right now. Flu like symptoms.

I thought I was having a heart attack last night, then remembered and used my inhaler which expired like a year ago.

Since my LHT is down for repairs, I had to take my mt.bike to work this morning. While the lower gearing and ability to ride it hard over obstacles was nice, I hate having suspension on pavement.

[Cant Climb]

Last night's ride home SUCKED! I rode my single-speed yesterday as it was a nice day, except that I had ~20mph headwinds on the way home. I was over 90% of my max heartrate the entire way.

Sorry to hear about your Flu_like symptoms but nice ride LO.

We had heavy winds all night here. My old house was creaking (i like that.) But off and on through my sleep i laid there a bit apprehensive about my planned morning commute. Well i got up, went down stairs, walked outside in my PJ's and stood there in the frigid and 20 mph winds for about 2 minutes. Finally decided most of the wind was up high in the trees.

Got on with the commute. Starting temp was 31, wind-chill was forecasted for 18 degrees. The ride was real nice. Had some nice wind at my back. Felt like a sail. Was real nice being out in the fresh air. The ride home will be a bear going headlong into the westerly wind but will be a nice workout....will tell the wife i'll be home later than usual though, the wind will tack 15-20 mins to my ride. Nothing wrong with that. :clapping:

[LordOpie]

Well i got up, went down stairs, walked outside in my PJ's and stood there in the frigid and 20 mph winds for about 2 minutes.

Ha! I did the same thing.

[Cant Climb]

Ha! I did the same thing.

Being fairly new to road riding i was a bit apprehensive about dealing with the wind on tight roads. Was concerned with Panel trucks and myself being pushed aroud by the wind. Wasn't too bad at all....made it more fun if anything. Also, the wind does a nice job off blowing the exhaust fumes away. :clapping:

[LordOpie]

Wind does suck on tight roads.

I never thought about the fact that when it's windy, I'm less likely to be sucking down pollution, cool.

[aktallguy]

We've had tons of rain, flooding, snow, and ice. So I gave up the road bike for my moto the last two days. Also working offsite and much further away this week. I'll take the label of wimp, but 30 mph winds, 6" of standing water just make the moto seem much more homey. I also went to the international motorcycle show on Sat so maybe that had something to do with it. :^)

Props to Opie though for sticking it out!

[LordOpie]

You rode a motorcycle in 30mph winds in 6" of water?

That's far more stupid, err, amazing than taking the road bike. :)

[aktallguy]

Haha, my wife and I only have one car. So for me it's either the bike or moto each day. Really wasn't a bad ride, but with the wind and an additional 8 miles on the commute.... :^)

[James]

Not sure if I should put this here, or in the image thread, but it's an image of my commuter, so I guess it's here...
Finally got her back up and running, new fork to replace the scary titanium one, new inner chainring, and swapped out the old Race Face/Titec stem/bar combo for Easton EA70 stuff.
I have some of the cheaper EggBeaters I'll slap on tonight, then hopefully back to the regimen...
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d190/BikeNerd2453/Commuter.jpg

One thing I did kinda mess up in putting it back together was the cable routing, just put the cockpit stuff back on the bar in the wrong order. Not a big deal, just a little thing that's going to annoy me until I snap and strip the bar to do it over. Or just forget about it. Either one.
Specs:
Older Specialized S-Works CX frame
Easton EC90X fork
EA70 bar/stem
Generic carbon post
Old-skooool Cook Bros cranks, 34/46 double
9.0 Grip Shift
7.0 rear derailleur
LX front
Old 105 9spd cassette
Old 9.0SL brake levers
Avid SD-5 v-brakes
Conti CX tires (for now)
Some super-old 105/Mavic rim rear wheel, and a loose carbon clincher front, for now...

[LordOpie]

No pictures in the discussion thread!


;)


Your commuter is nicer than most people's bikes :D

[James]

No pictures in the discussion thread!


;)


Your commuter is nicer than most people's bikes :D

You shut your mouth, before I shut it for you!

It's pretty cool, I like it. It's mostly pieced together, but it works pretty well.
Worked great on my way to/from the bar tonight!

[LordOpie]

So I've come to the conclusion that feels like it's going to snow is far more brutal than just snowing.

[Biscuit]

So I've come to the conclusion that feels like it's going to snow is far more brutal than just snowing.

I could turn that into a wonderfull fart joke.

[LordOpie]

I could turn that into a wonderfull fart joke.

umm, ok? go for it.



I'm looking forward to tomorrow's commute that's gonna be 10*F with icy roads.

Why you ask?

I just picked up and put on my Nokian Mount & Ground W160 tires. I'll take side streets as I'm afraid of idiots sliding into me on the main roads I normally take.

[Heidi]

Hovering somewhere below 30 when I headed home from work yesterday and I had a great ride home. It isn't icy out yet so I'm still rocking the cyclocross bike. I took the back way along the river and enjoyed the scenery. The bridge is all lit up and reflects beautifully off the water. Christmas lights are more enjoyable on a bike then a car because you can take in the smell of winter along the way. :)

Cheers and ride safely!

[LordOpie]

I took the back way along the river and enjoyed the scenery.

I wish I had such a route home. Sounds nice!

Christmas lights are more enjoyable on a bike then a car because you can take in the smell of winter along the way. :)
amen!

And it's true about most stuff.

Thanks again to Clifster5 for reminding me to enjoy the scenery on my first century ride. Made all the difference.

[LordOpie]

Love my Nokians! I hope it snows and ices like last winter :D

Taking advice from Splat and others, I decided to NOT use my new bike that I love so much and USE my five year old mtb for winter commuting, so here's pics of that.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/th_Iguana_wintercommuter.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/Iguana_wintercommuter.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/th_Iguana_studdedtire.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/Iguana_studdedtire.jpg)

[James]

Love my Nokians! I hope it snows and ices like last winter :D

Taking advice from Splat and others, I decided to NOT use my new bike that I love so much and USE my five year old mtb for winter commuting, so here's pics of that.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/th_Iguana_wintercommuter.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/Iguana_wintercommuter.jpg) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/th_Iguana_studdedtire.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/lordopie/Iguana_studdedtire.jpg)

That brings me back...

[LordOpie]

That brings me back...

To your days at G?

[James]

To your days at G?

Yeah, that bike, and when those cranks/stem came out, that little "scallop" design in the side.
Good times.

[LordOpie]

The Nokians are all that great in deep snow :eek:

Also, a light dusting on top of iceberg moguls are the worst. I'm sure people were wondering why I wasn't riding on the sidewalk.

[SuspectDevice]

Magical hidden rack mount on my new commuter frame.
http://www.spookybikes.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/rackmount2.gif

Waiting for the paint dry to finish building it up...

[LordOpie]

What bike? Hidden how? What build?

[SuspectDevice]

That rack mount is actually brazed on. My buddy Niall went a little overboard on the finishing and made the entire braze on disappear. There's a full water bottle braze on in there somewhere I'm taking pictures of the painted, built up frame right now. This one has a Sram Inter 3 coaster brake hub in the back, a King 'cross hub up front all wrapped up on Mavic open pro's and 32c Michelin Transworld City's. Thomson stem and bar, King headset and Soma 7075 3speed style bars. It's called a Kittenpaste, and we make them here (http://www.spookybikes.com/loot/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=9) at Spooky in track, club racer and internally geared flavors.

This one is a deep and lustrous gloss black, The next one out to dealers (this one in Gainesville Florida) will be bead blasted and then black oxide coated. It'll be a durable matte black finish. That frame has a lighter toptube spec and a deraileur hanger to make it a pretty killer do everything but win the Tour De France bike... I'll post up some pictures when it's done...

[SuspectDevice]

Finished the paint work just in time to have a bike to ride around when I visit my parents somewhere warm for Christmas.
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r277/SuspectDevice413/ghostwhide.gif

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r277/SuspectDevice413/newton.gif

I'm bringing a fixed wheel and a pair of drops with me as well for the times when I want to ride a little faster.

[MMcG]

I like the E.thirteen supercharger on it! :thumb:

[SuspectDevice]

Superchargers make great pants-guards. Single chainring bikes without some sort of guard are a recipe for disaster when you ride in pants.

[LordOpie]

Suspect, that bike is fockin' hot!

I love the bars, but I'd rather have bullhorns. Can you get the shifter onto bullhorns?

Are you running a 42-20? What's the range on the hub? I haven't ridden a coaster brake in like 30 years. Are you confident in it? Would you prefer a front brake too?

Gonna put fenders on it? At least a front one?

I'm gonna go check out your website.

[SuspectDevice]

The Imotion shifter would fit onto the bullhorns, no problem. It's geared 38-18 and the hub has a 186% ratio.

The 3Speed Imotion hub is also available in drum, disc or no brake configurations. Sram makes a super 9 speed hub as well that Swobo uses on a new bike. Unfortunately these hubs aren't available retail yet, but we get them OE for shops that want them.
We threw the coaster brake on there for simplicity and clean lines, but the frame has mounts for long-reach calipers.

This bike will probably end up spending it's life down in Savannah, Ga, and as such it won't need a front brake or fenders.

If I were to re-build this for more wintry climes I'd certainly throw on fenders, the frame has some sweet hidden mounts on the bridges and the inside of the drops. I'd also build it with the Sram Ibrake up front (it's a drum-type brake).

The rest of these we've built have had deraileur hangers on them, and they tend to get built up with a 2x10 drivetrain, full fenders and the EXCELLENT Paul Racer brakes http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-14044161843064_1980_1483952
The Paul's brakes have clearance for HUUGE tires, way bigger than the 38's our frame fits.

Start with a good heart of a frame with versatile geometry and you can achieve a few goals acceptably well, and few to perfection.

[LordOpie]

The Imotion shifter would fit onto the bullhorns, no problem. It's geared 38-18 and the hub has a 186% ratio.


holy crap, 186%? Isn't that much wider than typical 3-speeds? I think something like a 34-20 + that coaster hub would be awesome on my winter commuter.

Are these expensive? Are you allowed to sell the 9-speeds separate or just part of a wheel build?

I looked at your website and while I like your stuff, due to my long legs, I'd need something with a long head-tube or at least a lot of steerer tube.

[SirChomps-a-Lot]

Here's my beater. Scrounged from hard rubbish day.

It's got like a 25" seat tube and a 21" top tube. Sounds funky, but is nice and relaxed for riding around town.

http://www.kurtdiegert.com/images/stories/beater/beater1.jpg
http://www.kurtdiegert.com/images/stories/beater/beater2.jpg
http://www.kurtdiegert.com/images/stories/beater/beater3.jpg
http://www.kurtdiegert.com/images/stories/beater/beater4.jpg
http://www.kurtdiegert.com/images/stories/beater/beater5.jpg
http://www.kurtdiegert.com/images/stories/beater/beater6.jpg

[LordOpie]

Here's my beater. Scrounged from hard rubbish day.

Holy crap... a YETI in OZ?

I ride by Yeti offices on my regular rides. They make great stuff and that bike is a beauty!

[SirChomps-a-Lot]

Holy crap... a YETI in OZ?

I ride by Yeti offices on my regular rides. They make great stuff and that bike is a beauty!

Yep. Yeti special projects.

This one comes with a high-tech coating of iron-oxide, which has psycho-active properties. Basically, it makes people not want to steal it. Cutting-edge commuter innovation.

[LordOpie]

Yep. Yeti special projects.

This one comes with a high-tech coating of iron-oxide, which has psycho-active properties. Basically, it makes people not want to steal it. Cutting-edge commuter innovation.

I've thought about painting my bikes rusty colored to hopefully prevent theft.

[SuspectDevice]

holy crap, 186%? Isn't that much wider than typical 3-speeds? I think something like a 34-20 + that coaster hub would be awesome on my winter commuter.

Are these expensive? Are you allowed to sell the 9-speeds separate or just part of a wheel build?

I looked at your website and while I like your stuff, due to my long legs, I'd need something with a long head-tube or at least a lot of steerer tube.

I forgot that SWOBO was doing Imotion 3 bikes now. They've got a bunch of them. Including one that is similar to our Kittenpaste, but costs about half as much complete as our frame and fork...
If you want a longer headtube from us, that's no big deal. I buy headtube stock from TrueTemper in 4 foot lengths....

[MMcG]

Superchargers make great pants-guards. Single chainring bikes without some sort of guard are a recipe for disaster when you ride in pants.

I agree - smart move. :thumb:

[Cant Climb]

Commuted this morning.
First time in 2 weeks.
Last week was in flu recovery mode.
Temp at the bank was 20F.
Coldest roadish ride ever for me....so far...
My forehead was in pain after 4 minutes.
Rolled over a few ice patches.
Not a fan of the ice at all.
Was in the shower at work and feet were in pain thawing out.
Dressed too lite down low.
Never thought about putting heavy tights on.
Brain was still asleep i guess.....

Ride home mid 30's with sun.....should be nice....

[Heidi]

The only thing worse than the forehead is the little patch of skin under your eyes.

[LordOpie]

My forehead was in pain after 4 minutes.


Why?


Not a fan of the ice at all.

studded tires might be needed?


Was in the shower at work and feet were in pain thawing out.

neoprene boots?

[Cant Climb]

Why?
studded tires might be needed?
neoprene boots?

Not sure why, prob because of the cold :monkey:....i didn't care really. Just was surprised at how much i felt it so soon. Was kind of funny really....

Not sure about studded tires. I don't see that $$$ in my biking budget plus i really don't want to add any more time to my commute. It takes me 90-95 minutes one way now....studded tires just sound slow_rolling to me...

Got the Neoprene boots. I think heavier tights will keep my legs warm so my feet will have an easier time staying warm.....

:monkey:

[LordOpie]

oh right, you're one of them crazy long-distance commuters :)

[Cant Climb]

oh right, you're one of them crazy long-distance commuters :)

We talked about tires awhile back......ended up going with 32mm Panaracer T-Serv's. Haven't gotten a flat with them in 4-5 weeks now......got good grip too.

[LordOpie]

What do y'all do for your skin?

This is my first winter commuting and it feels like leather.


Too metrosexual?

[aktallguy]

Put in a 5-10 mile ride when it's raining without a jacket. :^) Actually I tend to get pretty dry and cracked hands; I have some vaseline moisturizer that works well for my hand.

BTW, just got back from a couple weeks in Europe. Copenhagen has their own bike "streets"! There's the road, a raised curb, 6 ft bike lane, and another raised curb before the sidewalk. The bike lane even had it's own stop lights to let bikes take turns across intersections before the cars could go. :-O Why can we do that over here!?

[Mike B.]

Coldest commute of the winter today at 2 deg F and a nice wind chill this morning. Burr! Good thing it's a short ride.

[LordOpie]

BTW, just got back from a couple weeks in Europe. Copenhagen has their own bike "streets"! There's the road, a raised curb, 6 ft bike lane, and another raised curb before the sidewalk. The bike lane even had it's own stop lights to let bikes take turns across intersections before the cars could go. :-O Why can we do that over here!?

that would be awesome!Coldest commute of the winter today at 2 deg F and a nice wind chill this morning. Burr! Good thing it's a short ride.
yikes!

[freerider890]

think about getting an old Fuji Palisade from my buddy as my first commuter. im getting it for only 140. could use some suggestions since this is my first road bike

[LordOpie]

think about getting an old Fuji Palisade from my buddy as my first commuter. im getting it for only 140. could use some suggestions since this is my first road bike
suggestions regarding?

[freerider890]

suggestions regarding?

the bike, am i getting ripped off

[LordOpie]

Can you post a link to the bike and your impression on it's condition?

[aktallguy]

2" of snow on the way in this morning so I opted for the mountain bike. The road bike tires are just a bit too narrow. :^)

[LordOpie]

2" of snow on the way in this morning so I opted for the mountain bike. The road bike tires are just a bit too narrow. :^)

What tires are you using on your mtb?

[aktallguy]

Nothing special. A 2.2 Specialized Enduro in the front and a 2.1 Panaracer Fire XC Pro in the rear.

No ice under the snow, just kinda compacted as I rode over it.

[aktallguy]

VERY Icy this morning so it was the mountain bike again. I was 2 miles from work when I hear a loud pop and my tire starts rubbing the frame. Snapped a spoke. Doh.... now to figure out how I get home without waiting until 6pm for my wife to get off work.

[Cant Climb]

VERY Icy this morning so it was the mountain bike again. I was 2 miles from work when I hear a loud pop and my tire starts rubbing the frame. Snapped a spoke. Doh.... now to figure out how I get home without waiting until 6pm for my wife to get off work.

I popped 2 spokes last week. One as i pulled into the parking lot on the way in, and one about 4 miles from home....got the wheels re-laced over the weekend. Trying them out the next 2 days. They started to pop about 3 months ago.....is very aggravating. Sorry to hear about your predicament: lesson learned though, pack a spoke wrench.

[OGRipper]

^^I recall (from back when I lived in the north east) busting spokes more often in winter, I guess the cold makes 'em more brittle. Maybe a corrosion issue from salt too, eh?

It was, um, a little foggy on my commute across SF today...

[Cant Climb]

^^I recall (from back when I lived in the north east) busting spokes more often in winter, I guess the cold makes 'em more brittle. Maybe a corrosion issue from salt too, eh?


According to the guys at the bikeshop the spokes i have were a bad batch. They are black wheelsmith spokes and 6-7 years ago they had alot of warranty issue with them. I got a cross bike for road riding in 2001.....never really rode it much. With baby at home now, rode it a ton this year, warranty is null and void at this point. :busted:

[Heidi]

14 degrees this morning!

[Cant Climb]

Got up a 5:34 am to look out the window.
Flurries were in the forecast last night.
Streets look good.
Tossed and turned all night with sore stomach from virus.
Felt Nauseas.
Finally get out on bike at 6:12.
Running 12 minutes late.
Roll by bank and temp is 27.
Good temp. Feel good. Air is good.
Air is making me feel better but not great.
Pace along for 60 minutes.
Come up to the river.
Tailwind is now in face.
River is always nice in the morning.
Ice is starting to form.
Roll through the urban redevelopment zone.
New houses looked cheapish when they were being put together.
The new little neighborhoods are nice though.
Get to work at 7:40.
In my cube at 8:05.
Hang glove liners, skull cap, base layer on recyle container to dry.

Ride home looking like 40 and Sunny.
Will hit some green tea before i leave for a nice jumpstart.

[aktallguy]

Ok, it's been in the 20's and my toes are getting cold. Recommendations on booties? I've seen the posts on the electric foot warmers.

[LordOpie]

neoprene boots work fine for me down to 20s.

[aktallguy]

So I got a pair of IQ AmFib bootties yesterday. I'll give them their first tryout today, but it'll only be 38 deg. Probably be below freezing tomorrow morning on the way to work. I look forward to warm & dryer feet. Especially since up until now I've just been brining an extra pair of socks to work since my feet are always soaked when it rains.

[aktallguy]

YAY! Success, nice warm toes at 31 degrees. A bit of a pain to get on and off. The tag says they should fit up to size 13 shoes, but my 12's are a tight squeeze.

[Cant Climb]

YAY! Success, nice warm toes at 31 degrees. A bit of a pain to get on and off. The tag says they should fit up to size 13 shoes, but my 12's are a tight squeeze.

Trek has some nice Booties. Very ez to get on and you can keep them on when you take your shoes off.....put mine on at Christmas and they stay on when i take my shoes off....then just slip my shoes back on before the next ride...

[LordOpie]

I'm continually shocked by how dumb some commuters are.

Lower visibility this morning due to light snow, less sun. Some idiot on a SS is wearing dark clothes, dark lid, dark bike, NO reflective anything, NO bright colors of any kind, NO taillight at all and a weak ass headlight.

[Toshi]

i've been in on the bike every day for the last two weeks. (one day i rode the bus, but i should get a pass for that since it was a commuter bus from mukilteo, ~20 mi and 1h away.)

:)

[Cant Climb]

I'm continually shocked by how dumb some commuters are.

Lower visibility this morning due to light snow, less sun. Some idiot on a SS is wearing dark clothes, dark lid, dark bike, NO reflective anything, NO bright colors of any kind, NO taillight at all and a weak ass headlight.

Was this guy a 'voluntary' commuter or some derelict/DUI criminal.....?.....i see thoose guys and they just don't even really care about their life IMO....miserable guys gripped by alcoholism....

[LordOpie]

Was this guy a 'voluntary' commuter or some derelict/DUI criminal.....?.....i see thoose guys and they just don't even really care about their life IMO....miserable guys gripped by alcoholism....
the idiots I'm refering to are cyclists. Today's idiot was going uphill on a SS at a good clip.

And the idiot who I ride past (going the other direction) regularly going home has an Orbea that clearly costs as much as our five bikes combined, in full lycra with a messenger bag.


Yeah, the people who use a bike, not ride a bike, I don't count.

EDIT: And there's another one on a Redline monocog who works at the hospital... also nearly invisible.

[Cant Climb]

the idiots I'm refering to are cyclists. Today's idiot was going uphill on a SS at a good clip.

And the idiot who I ride past (going the other direction) regularly going home has an Orbea that clearly costs as much as our five bikes combined, in full lycra with a messenger bag.


Yeah, the people who use a bike, not ride a bike, I don't count.

EDIT: And there's another one on a Redline monocog who works at the hospital... also nearly invisible.

WOW. Too cool for reflectors i guess.....?

Around here i see a couple real commuters...most of them over-dressed looking like giant reflectors from head to toe and looking like they should be over-heated within 2-3 pedal strokes.....

BTW.
Here is a great tail-light i found...others probably know about it but was new to me. Very bright for the $$$.

http://ecom1.planetbike.com/3034.html

[LordOpie]

Around here i see a couple real commuters...most of them over-dressed looking like giant reflectors from head to toe and looking like they should be over-heated within 2-3 pedal strokes.....

That's me, except for the over-heating part... yellow jacket, yellow lid cover with reflective stripes. Dark bike with black fenders with yellow reflective tape on the sides and backs of the fenders. Bright flashing headlight with a Dinotte tail-light in pulse mode

I told my wife that if I'm ever hit to pursue full civil and criminal charges since I'm lit like Santa Claus :) (ok, slight exaggeration :D)


BTW.
Here is a great tail-light i found...others probably know about it but was new to me. Very bright for the $$$.

http://ecom1.planetbike.com/3034.html
That has a good reputation on bikeforums. From what I understand, the Dinotte is substantially brighter and I like the idea that it's bright enough to illuminate around curves that are blind from construction and buildings as well as over the hills that are around here.

[spylab]

I have been driving to work lately, because the weather has been crap and I am not into masochism; I'd rather enjoy the ride and just train at the gym when it is 12 degrees out.

Equipment: Surly Steamroller fixed gear / Crank Bros Acid pedals
Gearing: 44/17
Accessories: LED taillight / LED headlight (daylight savings time), Loius Garneau helmet, backpack with regular shoes, lunch, extra tube, tire levers, patch kit, 15mm wrench

Commute distance: 2 miles each way
Road conditions: Generally flat, a few risers, couple sets of train tracks and a highway crossing.
Spring/summer/fall frequency: 4-6 days per week
Winter frequency: 0-1 day per week (like I said, it's friggin' COLD out there)

[Toshi]

Cant[sic] Climb: $30 is expensive! i rock two $5 lights bought on clearance in tandem instead, one duct taped to my fender, another on the seatpost. those two lights blinking away + two reflective strips on my camelbak backpack will hopefully catch the attention of all but the most dense, who probably would hit me anyway.

thought of the day: do you guys ride out in the middle of the lane on climbs when you're substantially slower than prevailing car traffic? i try to stay at least 1/3 out so that the car drivers have to consciously slow down and pass me.

[LordOpie]

I have been driving to work lately, because the weather has been crap and I am not into masochism; I'd rather enjoy the ride and just train at the gym when it is 12 degrees out.

Equipment: Surly Steamroller fixed gear / Crank Bros Acid pedals
Gearing: 44/17
Accessories: LED taillight / LED headlight (daylight savings time), Loius Garneau helmet, backpack with regular shoes, lunch, extra tube, tire levers, patch kit, 15mm wrench

Commute distance: 2 miles each way
Road conditions: Generally flat, a few risers, couple sets of train tracks and a highway crossing.
Spring/summer/fall frequency: 4-6 days per week
Winter frequency: 0-1 day per week (like I said, it's friggin' COLD out there)
Great post!

...extra tube, tire levers, patch kit, 15mm wrench...
I decided that I didn't want the bother, so I went with solid rubber tires. The ride's just as good, but now I don't have to carry that stuff or be late due to a flat.

Unfortunately, this only works in the non-winter weather.

[LordOpie]

those two lights blinking away + two reflective strips on my camelbak backpack will hopefully catch the attention of all but the most dense, who probably would hit me anyway.

I'm not trying to push the Dinotte since it's expensive, but cars start going around me much further back, swing wider and return to the lane further ahead since I got a brighter tail light.

[Cant Climb]

Cant[sic] Climb: $30 is expensive! i rock two $5 lights bought on clearance in tandem instead, one duct taped to my fender, another on the seatpost. those two lights blinking away + two reflective strips on my camelbak backpack will hopefully catch the attention of all but the most dense, who probably would hit me anyway.

thought of the day: do you guys ride out in the middle of the lane on climbs when you're substantially slower than prevailing car traffic? i try to stay at least 1/3 out so that the car drivers have to consciously slow down and pass me.

That light i posted is really bright. Significantly brighter than the average 5-10$ light.....

As for riding out in the middle on slow climbs....it depends on the visiblity. You are making yourself visible so you must feel the need....sometimes i can tuck deep on the shoulder out of harms way. Sometimes i pray on blind corners like LO was talking about....even then i'm as far off the road as possble, there isn't always much room though. There are always risks.

[splat]

Snow storm today made for a Fun Commute

http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?t=197414


http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b227/jgoeller/comute/CMS7.jpg

[LordOpie]

Aaaack!

I'm so paranoid about my primary bike being stolen.

I stopped by the library on the way home from work to pick up some stuff on hold. It took longer to lock up my bike -- a keyed u-lock and a combination cable lock -- than it did to check out.

[lanman]

Hey there people,

I am an Industrial Design student in Boston, MA and I am currently working on my senior thesis project. I have chosen to focus my research on bicycle commuting, and I will be researching the whole spectrum of things associated for the next 2 months. I was wondering if anyone would be interested in helping in any way, whether it be an interview (if you are in my area), or filling out a survey or even just offering up some gripes with anything to do with commuting.

If you are interested you can reach me at commuter.bike@gmail.com

Thanks!

Ryan White

[LordOpie]

Hey there people,

I am an Industrial Design student in Boston, MA and I am currently working on my senior thesis project. I have chosen to focus my research on bicycle commuting, and I will be researching the whole spectrum of things associated for the next 2 months. I was wondering if anyone would be interested in helping in any way, whether it be an interview (if you are in my area), or filling out a survey or even just offering up some gripes with anything to do with commuting.

If you are interested you can reach me at commuter.bike@gmail.com

Thanks!

Ryan White

read this thread, lots of info. Also, try commuting yourself as that provides immediate insight.

Good luck with your project!

[LordOpie]

Well, today's commute should be interesting as I'm not prepared for this weather... it's 56°F!!

[Heidi]

Yes, it's "hot" here too! I'm heading out for a ride at lunch and I forgot my sunscreen.:poster_oops:

[Squeak]

So I will be moving shortly, and am working on getting my commuter bike up and going. :) Commute will include hopping the train. Its about 5 miles to the train station. If I decide to ride home without the train, I am guessing its about 25 miles, highline canal trail being what it is.

We will see how it goes!

[Mike B.]

-7F for this morning's commute.

Actually built a dedicated commuter recently with a Salsa El Mariachi frame, the wheels off my 29er mtb, and some 35c WTB All Terrainasaurus tires setup tubeless of course. Full fenders, air horn equipped, full rigid using 90% parts bin leftovers. The tires have handled the frequent snow/slush on the wide shouldered road I take to work everyday rather well. Bike commuting isn't too common here and I'm beginning to think from the looks I receive that everyone I pass by daily thinks I've lost my license for DUI.

[Secret Squirrel]

:rant: Stupid Seattle weather...

17 miles to go
6:30am
42 Deg.
Rain.
I don't do full-on rain gear.
Gutted out my first commute of the year.
I hate that under-the-skin-itch-burn-dealie when warm water hits the feet for the first few minutes...
0 miles to go
No, I'm not getting booties.
I'm gonna suck it up.
Hopefully all mah crap is reasonably dry by 5.
Rest of the week is gonna be good weather.
I don't know how my body is going to react to going from 0 miles a week to 150....but I suppose I'm going to find out.