Commuting - Newbie Commuter Question

I will be starting a 4 month co-op term (I'm a student) soon, and am considering commuting by bike to my new job. The distance is not bad - 4.6 miles (each way), but I have a few questions.

I'm riding a stock Trek 820, and have a limited (read student) budget. I'm wondering what the most useful upgrades/modifications would be.

1. Is it worthwhile to swap out my knobby mtn bike tires for more road-oriented tires?

2. Never having using clipless pedals, I'm wondering if they'd be a good thing to have? Why or why not?

3. What type of rack/pannier system do you recommend and why? I was thinking I may just get by with a small backpack. Comments?

4. Any other thoughts that you have that may help me?

Any and all help is much appreciated!

Darren

1. Is it worthwhile to swap out my knobby mtn bike tires for more road-oriented tires?
It depends on weather conditions the smoother the tread the faster you go I tend to use a tire with a slight tread during our rainy season and swap to smoother tire in the dry season. Off road knobbies are good for snow if you plan on ridding during the winter.

2. Never having using clipless pedals, I'm wondering if they'd be a good thing to have? Why or why not?
I just switched to clipless last year and I love them. It is a more efficient system you are getting use out of your full pedal motion (I am having a tough time trying to figure out the words to explain it I am sure one of the more eloquent writers out there will do a better job) They a really easy to get used to.

3. What type of rack/pannier system do you recommend and why? I was thinking I may just get by with a small backpack. Comments?
You could go either way on this one. I prefer a backpack just because I also run a lot of errands so I can have it with me (so no one steals it) when I go in and out of places. The biggest draw back to me is the wet spot that forms on your back from the sweat that forms where the pack sits. And if you use panniers you can take them inside with you when running into the store etc.

4. Any other thoughts that you have that may help me?
get lights a rear red one and a front one, if you ride after dark you should get a good halogen light for the front, but I also use my lights on low visibility days. don't get to busy with flashing lights they are a distraction I put reflective tape on my rack which helps. Wear light colored clothes, and a helmet try and wesr domething that reflects there are many products out there. Check the web for bicycle/traffic laws and try to obey them. Be seen when riding next to parked cars don't weave in and out of them chose a path that is straight and were the cars can see you at all times. Ride defensively, and be assertive. And this one is very important so do not forget to keep the rubber side down.

And the most important thing, smile and have fun. I think it is the best way to start your day. I arrive at work refreshed, awake, full of energy, and ready for work. And it is also a great way to wind down at the end of the day, and I am not tired or "beat" when I ge home. welcome to the ranks

Hi Darren, Welcome to the forums.


Originally posted by darrencope
I will be starting a 4 month co-op term (I'm a student) soon, and am considering commuting by bike to my new job. The distance is not bad - 4.6 miles (each way), but I have a few questions.

I'm riding a stock Trek 820, and have a limited (read student) budget. I'm wondering what the most useful upgrades/modifications would be.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by darrencope
[B]1. Is it worthwhile to swap out my knobby mtn bike tires for more road-oriented tires?

Yes it is. They aren't that expensive, but they will improve your speed by a constant 2km/h or so. I've also found them better to use on the road in wet conditions.


Originally posted by darrencope
2. Never having using clipless pedals, I'm wondering if they'd be a good thing to have? Why or why not?

I personally swear by my clipless pedals, but apparently not everyone shares my opinion here. Actually, the pedals I have allow me to clip in on one side and not the other. This means that I can basically clip in whenever I feel like it. But if I'm in a situation that makes it less than useful (i.e. between two close-together traffic lights), I can still pedal that short distance without clipping in. My own personal opinion is that such a set up is ideal for commuting.


Originally posted by darrencope
3. What type of rack/pannier system do you recommend and why? I was thinking I may just get by with a small backpack. Comments?

It depends how much you intend to carry. When I was a student a couple of years ago, I utilised a rack/pannier system with a rear rack (make sure it attaches to the frame, don't get a seat-post rack!) which basically allowed me to carry as many text-books and papers as I needed to. It's also easier on my back than a backpack. I have used a Blackburn MTN rack for the last five years of commuting and touring, and it's still going strong.

This will be a bit more expensive than a backpack, however, so if you won't be carrying much on the bike, go for the backpack.


Originally posted by darrencope
4. Any other thoughts that you have that may help me?

If you haven't already done so, practice some of the basic repairs that may crop up from time to time (i.e. changing a flat tyre). Also take the time to ride the route before hand so you know how much time to allow for your ride each day.

There is another thread dealing with some of the minor things you might consider carrying with you to solve minor problems that could crop up on a day-to-day basis. Ultimately you can decide how many of these things you feel the need for. Have a quick read of: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?threadid=23853

I agree with these two guys. When I used to commute to class, I rode my brother's old walmart mountain bike. It was about 4 miles each way. I used my backpack, and flat (normal) pedals. This worked out good. I wish I had switched to slick tires, it would have helped me with my speed.

Now that I am commuting a lot longer distance (15 miles each way with additional when time allows) I have time to work up quite a sweat. I have a rear rack with two pannier bags to bring a change of clothes. I far prefer this method over the backpack as I keep much cooler. But with the shorter distance you will be travelling, taking it easier, and keeping your heart rate a bit lower should keep you cool and get you there in a a reasonable amount of time.

Do your commute a few times, without dumping much money into it at all. Bring a backpack, and make sure you have your repair kit with you. After you do it a few times you will find which things you like and which you don't. Then you will be able to make adjustments in a manner that suits you.

On my current commute, I started doing it on my road bike, with a backpack a cheap rear light and normal clothes. Slowly over time it has migrated into me riding a Touring bike with full fenders, rear rack, panniers, headlight, nice taillight, and now I own two cycling jerseys, and several pairs of cycling shorts.

As you commute, be sure to post the progress and results, and how much fun you are having in the "How was your commute today?" thread!

All these other guys are right , take note flashing led lights front & back for use at night & dull days , very important, good advice:D
The other thing is going clipless, if your on a limeted budget, the price of these with the nessasary shoes can be high , you might be able to get them 2nd /hnd of e-bay ect. or you could fit toe clips , not as good but ok for your short commute + you can use the shoes you going to wear when you get there . (less to carry;) ) cycling shoes arn`t suitable for long periods of off bike use!
good luck, hope you enjoy commuting. If the traffic is heavy wear a helmet, wear one anyway:)
cheers.:beer: :beer:

Slick tyres are a real bonus for the road, kevlar banded ones will reduce punctures as well. Dont forget to carry a spare inner tube, pump and tube repair kit.
On the road, you should really use a helmet and gloves in case of a crash.

Clipless pedals are more useful on longer faster rides. On short commutes the advantage of arriving 30 secs earlier are small, and the $100+ cost of shoes and pedals can be high for a student. I regard these as racing/performance equipment. If you are using plain platform pedals, a £10 set of toe clips will improve your efficiency and safety, just dont cinch the straps tight. Its what I use.

A luggage rack bolted onto the frame makes carrying heavy loads so easy you will hardy notice. You can use them for shopping as well as carrying books. Its nice to have quality panniers with a quick-release mounting system. As a student I used a cheaper set and they sufficed, but my touring grade ones are a whole lot better.

Welcome, Darren - this forum is a great source of cheap advice for this stuff - It has really helped me over the past year with biking advice.


Originally posted by darrencope
1. Is it worthwhile to swap out my knobby mtn bike tires for more road-oriented tires?


You might be alright with the knobbies for a short ride, depending on how agressive the tires are. My Mtb I use for the commute had centre rib knobbies that weren't too bad, but I've found the cheap Kenda slicks make a big difference in pavement riding. If you still want to ride off road a lot, stay with the knobbies. (I have a different bike for trail riding.)


2. Never having using clipless pedals, I'm wondering if they'd be a good thing to have? Why or why not?

From my perspective, they cost a lot of money to make the commute a little easier. I don't have clipless pedals and don't miss them. For your short commute, save yourself a couple hundred bucks.


3. What type of rack/pannier system do you recommend and why? I was thinking I may just get by with a small backpack. Comments?

A backpack makes it difficult to stay cool in the summer and can be awkward if carrying lots of stuff. I have a cheap CTC rack ($20), a Bell rack bag from CTC on sale ($12) and pannier bags from Value Village ($5) - They've been working great for me for almost a year.


4. Any other thoughts that you have that may help me?

Fenders are the best $30 investment you can make. Breathable rainwear is something you can use for other things as well. Helmet, lights and reflectored clothing/vests are good ideas too.

1) Slicks.

2) Toe Clips work fine for urban commuting.

3) I use a backpack. Works fine for me. I find a top loading drop sack lasts far, far longer than the kind with a lot of zippers. Spend a few extra bucks here if necessary. A better pack is far cheaper than a cheap one in the long run-- my North Face top loader has now lasted through nearly ten years of daily use, and shows no sign of wearing out. I certainly can see the advantages to a rack, though. It's your call.

4) Yes to lights. Basic tools, tire irons, a patch kit, all good ideas. If you're not really familiar with the area you're commuting in, a street map can be a great aid in finding alternate routes. What works best in a car does not necessarily do so on a bike. If you can get a locker at school to store a few things (spare clothes, an extra tube) that can be a help.

slicks work wonders! I use platforms pedals all the time. tools are a must, tire changing tools that is. I carry saddle bag with a couple allen wrenches, spare tube, tire spoons, a co2 inflater, and a patch kit. Always a mirror! If you cannot see it coming how are you going to get out of the way. I used a rack for awhile, but decide a back pack was good enough for me. Fenders are another concern. Do you plan to be hard core and ride in any weather? if so then by all means add fenders, if not fenders are probably secondary. Taking time to know your route and detours if say traffic is insane at on corner or another. Also I have found cars watch better if you vary your route. Avoid becoming part of the back ground and you will be seen better. Ride aggressively if you are uncomfortable with having a car pass you in the lane, ride farther from the curb. this forces cars to pass in the other lane. As far as at your destination, having a place to store extra clothes towels etc is a good thing I keep an extra pair of thermal underware at work all winter in case the weather changes before i go home.

Originally posted by darrencope
I will be starting a 4 month co-op term (I'm a student) soon, and am considering commuting by bike to my new job. The distance is not bad - 4.6 miles (each way), but I have a few questions.

I'm riding a stock Trek 820, and have a limited (read student) budget. I'm wondering what the most useful upgrades/modifications would be.
First, welcome to the forums. Hope you find them beneficial and helpful. Second, welcome to the world of commuting. You may think you are just starting out with a short ride, but, as a few of us will tell you, it evolves into taking a side street one day on the way home, and then another, pretty soon that 4.6 miles is 10 miles that has some of your errands on the way, like a coffe house, the grocer/co-op, Target, school. You'll find getting there is actually pretty fun!


1. Is it worthwhile to swap out my knobby mtn bike tires for more road-oriented tires? Well, what sort of riding have you and your MTB been doing. Are you a regular on the trails and slicks would hamper your enjoyment of off roading? My solution was to get semis slicks, they have enough tred to do some mild single track while not having huge rubber welts fighting my speed on the road.


2. Never having using clipless pedals, I'm wondering if they'd be a good thing to have? Why or why not?
Okay, a lot is said about how it will improve your stroke, and power and all that. IT DOES. But consider you don't just buy the pedals which aren't cheap, but the shoes too. That also means you have to either stash shoes at school/work or haul them with you. I have a nice pair of shoes that are great, but I can't walk around work in them because I damage carpets and floors, not to mention occassional slips on tile. So before makin the leap consider the added expense.


3. What type of rack/pannier system do you recommend and why? I was thinking I may just get by with a small backpack. Comments?
Get a rack and a "trunk." You'll thank yourself later. I thought a back pack would work, but the sweat build up wasn't worth it. Besides some days you're going to be carrying a lot of extra stuff, so why not make the bike work for you. It's made to carry you as well as some extra weight.


4. Any other thoughts that you have that may help me?
Keep us posted, search the forums, they are a great source of information. As you get more into the commuting end you may find getting another bike beneficial. Search yard sales, and dumpsters for derilect bikes, and make a fixie, or just restore one, so you have a beater for rainy days, and winter weather. Find the local police auctions for unclaimed merchandise, like all those bikes the cut from light poles, street signs, and trees in the Spring. They can be had for a decent price that isn't going to bust your student budget.
I can only echo fenders, even if it is the detachable rear kind, you'll thank yourself the first rainy day you ride. You won't have a stripe down your back, and your clothes will stay a lot dryer.


Any and all help is much appreciated!

Darren

Assuming you are on a student budget, and right now you only need transportation for 4 months my order of priorities would be: 1) tires that are more road friendly. 2) Fenders, I would look at Planet Bike Freddys or other easily removed fenders. 3) A rear rack lets you get the load off your back. You can bungee quite a few different containers onto them ranging from a hard briefcase to coolers to biking specific bags. 4) Lighting and reflective products to make you visible. 5) Rain gear, the Rainshield, O2 rainwear is cheap and fairly cool for summer wear. 6) Clipless pedals and shoes are not needed unless you are looking for an excuse to get them. Like Chris L, I use the one-sided version so that I can use regular shoes or winter boots if I want to.

Have lots of fun. Be prepared for some ribbing, and some people thinking you are some athletic hero. Tell us about your commutes, you may have noticed we like to hear about them.