Commuting - Riding to school

I am in the process of getting a new Mountain Bike to do some riding on... I will also be riding back and forth to campus here @ ETSU. I live about 1 mile or 2 from the school... So instead of driving my Civic there and back all day everyday, I am going to be riding my bike on this route immensely. What are some good tips or advice you guys can give? I know this may sound stupid, but the tagline on this forum says "tips" so I was wondering... Thanks in advance.:)

Get a good lock or two. College campuses are bicycle thief magnets. A mile or two should be a cakewalk. I don't think you'll have to worry about changing clothes or anything.

Get a good lock or two. College campuses are bicycle thief magnets. A mile or two should be a cakewalk. I don't think you'll have to worry about changing clothes or anything.


Very good idea, I completely forgot!!! This is uber important. You are right. Thanks for the tip, or should I say, reminder!:eek:

Buy two locks, one U-lock to lock the wheel to the frame and a Krypto or Abus chain lock to lock the other wheel and frame to whatever you're locking to. Replace all the QR skewers w/ regular nuts & bolts. Lock the saddle to the rear triangle w/ some old bike chain wrapped in innertube (free from any LBS). Superglue some ball bearings into every allen head screw.

Fenders and a rack if needed. Chainguard to keep your pants from fouling the chain and chainring or secure them w/ a strap/rubberband. Make sure the mtb you get has eyelets for a rack and fenders.

It's been a long time since I rode to school. This was back in my JHS/HS days. Definately source out a good lock. Half the battle IMHO is won if you lock your bike in a good area. The other half is locking it up good. No lock is undefeatable. Remember that. It's all about how long it would take to defeat the lock. I'm seeing more and most portable power tools by cheap brands (I'm Canadian, eh :) so it'll be in CDN fundage) for around $60-70ish CDN for an angle grinder which would cut your locks off faster then you blinking 5 times. Then again it makes a lot of noise so the hacksaw may be used thus allowing more time to defeat the lock.

As mentioned by other people on the forum about locks, it's best to have two different locking systems on the lock so the theif has to use different tools. A backrack would be rather useful to carry books or to offload your backpack if you're traveling around during the day afterwards. A step up on that backrack is you could add a folding pannier and do light grocery/shopping on the bike which would save you more in petrol and get you more beer or pizza. :beer: :lol:

The QR Skewer kit is around $50 CDN (was at the local LBS today and was shown it) and recommended so you don't have to worry as much as coming back to missing a wheel or something. Fenders are nice if you plan on going hard and riding in all weather especially rain. If you only ride on clear dry days then you don't really need the fenders tho you would appreciate it after a rainstorm and riding then. Chainguard IMHO is not worth it. Elasticbands can be found everywhere. You being that close to the school could easily ask the library for a few elasticbands if you forget them one day. I tend to keep a habit of keeping at least one on my wrist. When you use the elasticbands on the pants it won't catch in the cogs and when you're done using it don't take them off the foot (unless at home) but just leave them on the socks and when it's time to ride again you'll have the elasticbands ready. Always carry 3 elasticbands. They're cheap and who knows, one may break.

This is a personal choice here if you wish to use it or not. I recommend a helmet. Any cheap helmet is better then nothing. You can lock your helmet up with your bike through the Ulock if the top is wide enough so you don't have to carry it around with you everywhere. Check your area. See how the road traffic is if you ride on the road. See how the sidewalks are if you're allowed to use the sidewalks. Check for dogs and such and see if they're aggressive or friendly. After you've got your data then see if you need a helmet or not. Just remember, you only have one head. Without it you can't do anything. Assess the situation wisely.

Putting a plastic bag over the seat helps keep the rain/snow off the seat so you don't look like you peed yourself. :lol:

A bottle of h20 isn't bad if it's hot. I never ride without h20 myself be it short or long trips. FYI, Powerade waterbottle caps fit on a Gatorade 591 mL bottle. Useful if you're short on space but want to carry some h2o that will hold in the water bottle cage. Those 500mL bottles while slim and small they don't hold in the waterbottle cage.

If you're really worried about your bike getting taken you might want to hire Mr.T :roflmao: . Last I heard he's looking for action. :)


Zero_Enigma

more beer and pizza... damn you got me down to a T brother...



milwaukees best light and papa johns...