Commuting - Portland max line

I live and normaly work in S.E but occasionally have to work out in Hillsoboro. I am so tired of the Sunset moving parking lot routine. I am planning on riding down to the Max station at the convention center and using the train to get out west next time I have to work there. The tri-met web sites makes it look pretty easy. I was just wondering if anyone had any experience using Max with there bike. Is it normally easy to find space?

at rush hour it can be a little crowded, but you should be fine.

Right on, I see you are from Oak Grove, thats where I work. Sorry, haven't ridden the max much can't help. Just though I would jump in a say hi.

This is not to turn you off the idea but, watch your bike. Bikes that hang have been known to get stolen off the train. It wouldn't be a bad idea to lock it to where it is hanging. I think MAX bike thefts are oppurtunistic ones. Then there's what happened to me last month. I had my bike hanging from SW 158th/Merlo all the way to Hollywood Transit Center, about a 45 minute ride. As you know, there are no seats that directly face the bikes, so you either have to stand the whole way or sit and not have a clear view of your bike. It had been a long day, I was tired, it was that time of the month, I had locked my bike, and so I decided to sit. Not the smartest thing I've ever done. The train was crowded and I lost sight of my bike at times. Someone loosened the brake adjustment barrel on my rear brake. I know it had to be deliberate because whoever did it had to reach for it, as the bike hangs from the front wheel. I was lucky that I noticed the problem later that evening, it wasn't raining, I brake with generous stopping distance, and I use my front brake more when I'm stopping at lights.

I don't care how tired I am or how much pain I am in, it's standing with my bike the whole way from now on.

Have no fears about taking your bike on MAX or Tri-Met. In the many years I used both, I never had an issue except as stated above. Rush hour can be a bit crowded. As far as having your bike stolen, the people who are typically the victim are mostly to blame. They board MAX, hang their bike and then don't bother to sit or stand near it.

Thanks for the info. I have to head out that way middle of next week and will give the Max a try. I am always pretty cautious about keeping an eye on my bike so that should not be a problem.