Looking for your best advice

[Bike-a-Boo]

I am currently a semi-regular (60%) bike commuter, but want to be car-free / car-life in other aspects of life.

I've been pouring over the threads in this forum, but I am in need of some "back-to-basics" advice to get me going in the right direction.

For example, what type of bike do you like best for running errands, etc? I use a road bike to commute to work, but I imagine that a more upright bike might be a little better for errands (I don't quite know what makes me think this...I think I just visualize a less sweaty ride on an upright bike). Do you use clipless pedals? If so, do you find it awkward to walk around grocery stores, etc, in? If you use panniers, do you leave them on your bike, or bring them into stores with you? Do you wear street clothes or bike-specific clothes?

Any thoughts, advice, or input would be greatly appreciated.

[jeff-o]

- If you're planning to walk in your cycling shoes, get MTB shoes instead of road shoes. You'll be able to walk around normally even with the cleat on the bottom.

- If the panniers can be removed easily, then take them with you.

- Street clothes are fine, especially for short errands!

- If you don't want to get all sweaty on a ride, then go slower.

Other advice:

- Fenders are your friends! Install some and be happy. :)
- Make sure every component (lights, computer, etc) is waterproof
- Always bring a small repair kit with you, even for short rides.
- If it's raining on your commute, it may be easier to get soaked, and bring dry clothes with you.
- Don't let car drivers bug you, for any reason.
- You should be smug when talking about your decision to ride, not embarrassed!

[wahoonc]

Well let's see....

I ride mostly upright bikes anyway, I only own one with drop bars. My current grocery getter is a 24 speed city bike, with full fenders, racks and lights. I also have a heavy cruiser with a 2 speed kick back hub that when I get done with it will probably become the grocery getter. It is going to get the huge wald newspaper boy basket up front and the largest rear saddle baskets wald makes, no pannier to worry about, just drop the mesh shopping bags in the baskets and off we go:D I wear street clothes 99.9% of the time I ride anyway (an I am usually better dressed than 2/3rds of the general public:p ) Use what ever pedals are on the bike, cruiser has big rubber block pedals, city bike has alloy with toe clips. I use grocery getter panniers on that bike and they normally stay on the bike. FWIW my grocery store is 1.5 miles away, slight uphill going and a nice downhill coming back.

Aaron:)

[Bike-a-Boo]

Thanks very much for the replies!

So, if you wear street clothes, do you have a chain guard or do you clip your pants?

[wrafl]

If you wear pants while riding, try using a reflective ankle band such as this;

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=15148&subcategory_ID=1350

They are usually available in any of the LBS.

[pluc]

Thanks very much for the replies!

So, if you wear street clothes, do you have a chain guard or do you clip your pants?

Both are equally effective ways to make your pants purchase budget go down.

Chain guards are easier and you don't always have to put a band on your pants. Plus, some cuts or fabrics don't really hold well with the bands.

[jeff-o]

Thanks very much for the replies!

So, if you wear street clothes, do you have a chain guard or do you clip your pants?

I just tuck my pants into my socks. Dorky looking, but effective!

[wahoonc]

Thanks very much for the replies!

So, if you wear street clothes, do you have a chain guard or do you clip your pants?

Usually wear shorts most of the year and wool knickers for riding in the winter:eek: :D But either of those methods is effective.

Aaron:)

[cerewa]

I just tuck my pants into my socks. Dorky looking, but effective!

I usually roll up my pants, which is also dorky looking. An ankle band is just one more thing I could lose, or accidentally leave at home.

When it comes to a grocery-getter bike, my criteria are close to the same as for a commuter bike. Something that gives me a comfortable riding position and doesn't get flats much. (for me that means bullhorn bars and MTB tires.) I also value a bike that can carry my stuff, not on my back (that way more of my sweat will evaporate and I'll be less hot), so a rear rack is important whether I'm commuting or getting groceries. (but often for getting groceries i put stuff on my rear rack and in my backpack for lots of capacity-- and don't overexert on the way home to avoid getting too much sweat on my backpack).

Heavy duty grocery runs involve filling up my trailer, which is just a frame+wheels on a 45-gallon container, and possibly putting stuff on the rear rack too.

[littlewaywelt]

ankle bands are easy not to lose. As soon as you take them off you stick them in your cycling shoes. I keep a couple of spares in my bag just in case.

[vulpes]

I use an elastic band originally designed as a hair tie. It slips on over my foot and when I undo the trouser cuff, it just stays around my ankle until I need it again. That way I never have to worry about losing track of it. Before I started using this method, I had to tuck the cuff into my sock when I would go off without the regular detachable trouser clip.

[acroy]

I don't wear pants....
just shorts :)
except very occasionally when it's really cold. then i tuck the pants in the (black ! no white!) sock.

as far as the "beast of burden", an mtb (rigid or front suspension) with 1.5" or fatter slicks, plastic fenders, f&r lights, and a trailer hitch has proven to be danged useful. I use clipless at all times, most mtb shoes have little or no cleat grindage when walking around.

the mtb has a lower & wider gear range than a road bike, makes moving around a heavy trailer, or just cruising along at 8-12 mph with the wife, an easier task.

Cheers

[Artkansas]

For my commuting, I ride a 15 year old mountain bike converted for street use with slicks, fenders, lights, a bell and a rack. I usually ride in street clothes and tennis shoes. I keep meaning to get some toe clips. They help with the power but leave you free to wear regular shoes.

My rack is a pletcher style rack with a spring loaded claw. It's pretty good for holding all kinds of stuff.