Commuting - New Commuter....my experience. (pics)

I've decided to commute on a bicycle to work to save some $, get into better shape, and help the environment. I read on this board and others for a couple of weeks absorbing as much info as possible to make an educated purchasing decision.

I had a difficult time deciding between a road bike and a hybrid bike (Cyclocross would of been best, but not in my price range) but opted for a road bike because of the less weight and efficiency of smaller tires. Other commuters on my path seem to go for road bikes as well even with some sidewalk riding.

I fully realize I'm not racing nor aiming to set a land speed record and with my 9.2 mile round trip commute with 34 traffic light (argh!) I did not believe a $1000+ bicycle would make much of a difference in the amount of time it took me to get to work. I did opt for the Dawes from bikesdirect.com as it gave my own personal balance of quality Shimano components for the right price. I'm a bang for buck kinda guy. :p I don't want to invest too much $ from the get-go only to revert to being a bag of sh_t taking the car into work after a month or two. :o I didn't see a whole lot of value add from an LBS for my particular situation so I opted for the cheaper internet route. I was a little bit worried about sizing, so we'll see how that works out.


Ebay ad for the Dawes Lightening 1000 from Chicabike:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=150274948726&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=005

Received UPS tracking info next business days and a couple of days later the bike arrived from Texas:

http://www.23hq.com/Bster13/photo/3345655/standard

http://www.23hq.com/Bster13/photo/3345656/standard

http://www.23hq.com/Bster13/photo/3345657/standard

http://www.23hq.com/Bster13/photo/3345658/standard

http://www.23hq.com/Bster13/photo/3345906/standard


I was a little worried about the bike because of the beat up packaging, but after inspecting inside all looks well. We'll see tonight when I get it assembled. The entire package came in at 32 lbs:

http://www.23hq.com/Bster13/photo/3345659/standard

As a motorcyclist who has worked on his own bikes over the years, I'm confident I can put this baby together myself with little trouble. The tons of videos on youtube should help as well. I picked up a helmet already. Now I need a lock. I'll start researching that on this board now. :p At the suggestion of a poster on this board I picked up the BELL Muti-tool at Walmart for $13 and change:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41TFBE9ZH9L._SS500_.jpg

I have covered parking garage and bike rack at work as well as a shower. I plan to drive to work on Mondays and drop off clothes, and bike the rest of the week. I still need to research fenders, LED lights, and I will be using a backpack first and see how that goes w/ the laptop as it's free. I have rain gear and need to pick up a spare tube and pump. (still researching ) If that bothers me I'll look into Racks and panniers. If I really get into this I will consider riding to the grocery store for food as well. We'll see. I'll post up how the assembly goes tonight!

Good luck! I hope that bike commuting is practical and enjoyable for you, and that your bike fits well.

jeeze, 34 lights?

Any chance of varying your commute to miss some lights? I think I would gladly tack on a few extra miles if it meant missing more than a few of those lights.

I am going to try the most direct first...it may be too much traffic for me and/or the lights may get to me. But I'm coming right through the heart of the city. My alternative routes may be limited. Heck I may be faster on the bicycle than the car provided I can get up on a sidewalk and bypass some lights that I'm stuck sitting in the car at. *shrugs*

Good luck on the commute. I've been riding everyday for over a month preparing myself for my commute (14 miles round trip), and plan on riding for the first time tomorrow morning. I've been really hesitant because of crossing 2 major highways, not because I don't think I can make the distance. I've been looking forward to it for some time, and it's time to do it!

Even with a lot of traffic lights, maybe it's possible to find the least populated route? Run a few of those lights? Not that I'm condoning light running. There's a section on my commute with a string of lights seeing very little traffic, so I'll run'em.

I do feel there are some lights where I can sneak into the cross walk and bike across the red light safely so long as there is no traffic. I'm hoping I can compensate for my slower bicycling speed vs. the car by sneaking by some lights or using a sidewalk or two where traffic builds up. It will be a learning experience, that's for sure. *gulp* haha. I brought in most of my clothes for the week today (forgot the socks, underwear, and other dress shoes). Now need to duplicate the toiletries I use at home for a set in the office as well.

In the end I'd like to progress to commuting by bicycle 5 days a week instead of driving the car in w/ clothes one day a week. Save even more $, environment and better exercise. But I'm still reading the various threads on packing clothes and keeping them wrinkle free. *cheers*

Come on man! It's been three and a half hours! Where's the finished bike! :lol:

Don't forget that partial bus/bike isn't a bad option either.

OK, everyone here knows I'm a sceptic when a newbie posts love for BD, so... a few questions...

Do you work in the mail room and had it delivered to work? If so, I guess I can believe you have a scale handy...

And you didn't post pics of the assembled bike, but lots of pics of just how well it was packaged? Why would you do this?

You did however post the name of the company, the ebay seller, a link to more available bikes, etc.

I will not use the "S" word in hopes I am wrong and that you will be a long time poster in these forums.

holy crap, who freaking cares. don't like it move on.

holy crap, who freaking cares. don't like it move on.

take your own advice

OK, everyone here knows I'm a sceptic when a newbie posts love for BD, so... a few questions...

Do you work in the mail room and had it delivered to work? If so, I guess I can believe you have a scale handy...

And you didn't post pics of the assembled bike, but lots of pics of just how well it was packaged? Why would you do this?

You did however post the name of the company, the ebay seller, a link to more available bikes, etc.

I will not use the "S" word in hopes I am wrong and that you will be a long time poster in these forums.

Here is what I think explains the picture sequence.
"Bster13" orders his bike on-line. When he collects it at Fedex/UPS? he sees that the package is damaged. Instead of just rejecting the package he whips out his Blackberry and takes some snapshots of the package before and after he has openend the package to inspect the content for damage. Usefull documentation if it comes to an insurance/complaint case etc. This happens the 4. Aug. at around 10:17*. At 10:23 he puts the package on the scale just for fun,
Later he remembers the web forum where he got some usefull advice and post the pics.

*Exif info
--
Regards

OK, everyone here knows I'm a sceptic when a newbie posts love for BD

OK, nobody knows I'm a bit of a jerk when forum members jump to conclusions w/out having a clue, and even more so when they can't spell. Please excuse my attitude towards 'kwrides,' people that get all 'sceptic' on me rub me the wrong way. :p If my initial post was displaying 'love' for BD then forgive me in advance for when I actually get the thing sorted and I've got a grin ear to ear after my first commute. :)

Anyway.... 'interested' u hit the nail on the head. I was worried about the bike's condition because of the packaging, but in the end everything was fine and there wasn't a mark on the bike. The bike is in the garage after an hour of lethargic assembly. I'll take some pics in a minute. (from reading the other BD posts I should of had pics ready for people like 'kwrides,' oh well.)

'JR97' good point, the bus would still be cheaper than taking the car, unfortunately (fortunately?) the bus stop is right around my corner.

Questions:

-I guess I don't have something sharp enough to trim the end of the front brake cable. I've never had trouble cutting other odds and ends, but I guess in my garage full of crud, I don't have the right tool. What does everyone else use? (I had tin snips and a pair of crimpers <has blade on it>) I can cut through it but I end up mangling the end. I may just try to glob on some solder or epoxy to keep it from fraying. haha.

-I need to read up on adjusting the dérailleurs. The chain is not going round the crank smoothly. About a quarter of the revolution is very tight and I need to apply a lot of pressure to the pedal. It worries me....if the dérailleurs are out of adjustment, then wouldn't it cause friction all he way through the revolution?

Other than these two issues, the bike is assembled. Just need to pump up the tires and assemble my gear (spares, tools, fenders etc.) I'll mess with it some more tomorrow night after the GF leaves.

OK, everyone here knows I'm a sceptic when a newbie posts love for BD, so... a few questions...

Do you work in the mail room and had it delivered to work? If so, I guess I can believe you have a scale handy...

And you didn't post pics of the assembled bike, but lots of pics of just how well it was packaged? Why would you do this?

You did however post the name of the company, the ebay seller, a link to more available bikes, etc.

I will not use the "S" word in hopes I am wrong and that you will be a long time poster in these forums.

Do you work for a competing website?

Do you work in the mail room and had it delivered to work? If so, I guess I can believe you have a scale handy...

I am an IT manager for my company and we receive a bunch of computer parts daily. My guys spend a decent amount of time in the mail room and are on a first name basis with the mail guy. He alerted me to the delivery. And yes our group has our own scale to weigh packages we receive. In order to keep our vendors honest we track the cost of shipping vs. the weight of each shipment. Sometimes vendors lower the price but jack the shipping costs. I weighed the package just for kicks, and I'll weight it again when I ride it to work fully assembled. *cheers*


And you didn't post pics of the assembled bike, but lots of pics of just how well it was packaged? Why would you do this?

Actually I was posting to show the damage to the package, not that it was packaged extremely well. I didn't know it came through unscathed until I got home and took it out of the box. I'm wondering how many new bicyclists to this forum have the time to put together an entire bicycle and take pics in one night, especially if they never did it before. *rolleyes*


You did however post the name of the company, the ebay seller, a link to more available bikes, etc. Yup I listed my closed ebay auction. *sigh*

Pic of the bike mostly assembled in my filthy garage:

http://www.23hq.com/Bster13/photo/3347041/standard

Here we go again..:popcorn

Questions:

-I guess I don't have something sharp enough to trim the end of the front brake cable. I've never had trouble cutting other odds and ends, but I guess in my garage full of crud, I don't have the right tool. What does everyone else use? (I had tin snips and a pair of crimpers <has blade on it>) I can cut through it but I end up mangling the end. I may just try to glob on some solder or epoxy to keep it from fraying. haha.

-I need to read up on adjusting the dérailleurs. The chain is not going round the crank smoothly. About a quarter of the revolution is very tight and I need to apply a lot of pressure to the pedal. It worries me....if the dérailleurs are out of adjustment, then wouldn't it cause friction all he way through the revolution?


1) Have a dremel? Makes the cleanest cuts IMHO.

2) bicycletutor.com is one of my favorites.

Thanks for the suggestions JAG410. I do have a dremel...now where did I put those cutting bits again? hehe...I'll run to Home Depot on the way home from work.

I'll check out the website, thx.

I bought the same bike a few weeks ago, i got my first flat tire the other day, the tubes and tires kinda suck. You might want to check the tubes are installed properly and carry a patch kit with you. The seat sucks too, i swapped for something a little more comfy. I installed a rear rack no problems and attached to the the v brake studs. I'm going to put some fenders on soon, should be no problem.

I bought the same bike a few weeks ago, i got my first flat tire the other day, the tubes and tires kinda suck. You might want to check the tubes are installed properly and carry a patch kit with you. The seat sucks too, i swapped for something a little more comfy. I installed a rear rack no problems and attached to the the v brake studs. I'm going to put some fenders on soon, should be no problem.

omg, you kind of hinted at something positive about BD. Are you a sh*ll?

I was actually looking at that bike earlier in the year before I bought what I have now. How bad do the tires, tubes, suck? I was thinking about one for my wife and I don't want to get too deep in swapping stuff out because at that point I'd rather go with a higher model or something different altogether.

omg, you kind of hinted at something positive about BD. Are you a sh*ll?

I was actually looking at that bike earlier in the year before I bought what I have now. How bad do the tires, tubes, suck? I was thinking about one for my wife and I don't want to get too deep in swapping stuff out because at that point I'd rather go with a higher model or something different altogether.

The rear tire blew after about 50 miles, i think it wasn't installed properly, i noticed part of the tube on the front tire was kinda popping out. I swapped the tube that blew and made sure it was all the way in there. The tires also seem to have an abnormal symmetry which doesn't really bother my handling that i know of. I'm going to change the tires soon for something a little wider, maybe a 28 with flat resistance.

I guess it can't hurt to unmount the tires and inspect the tubes and then remount. At worst it would serve as good practice for a newb.

Don't forget that partial bus/bike isn't a bad option either.

+1 I used to love that! Then I moved. The bus system takes an hour and a half from my current location. :(

OK, nobody knows I'm a bit of a jerk when forum members jump to conclusions w/out having a clue, and even more so when they can't spell. Please excuse my attitude towards 'kwrides,' people that get all 'sceptic' on me rub me the wrong way. :p If my initial post was displaying 'love' for BD then forgive me in advance for when I actually get the thing sorted and I've got a grin ear to ear after my first commute. :).

Ouch! I spelled a word wrong! What shall I do? :roflmao2:

I said I would withhold judgment, I guess not all of us do that.

Now, go back to flaming everyone who spells a word wrong and enjoy your bike :D

Do you work for a competing website?

Yes, the BBB :D

Before someone accuses me of being a liar, that was a joke. I do not work for the BBB.

One of these days I'm going to buy a bike from BD or chickabike just to see what the fuss is all about. I am able to do my own assembly and adjustments and have the knowledge to pick the components I need for my kind of riding heck I even have a park cable cutter:) nice tool by the way. Am I a shill for this? I'm thinking one of their touring style bikes just for the heck of it. I would then do a full report on the packing and the quality of the frame build complete with pictures of it all. Then take the thing to my pal at the LBS and have him look at it for obvious mistakes as I have done with every other build I have done I'm mechanical but not a fool. Please note this post is done with tongue semi firmly in cheek :D Cheers to all have a nice day and GETOUTANDRIDE its supposed to be fun isn't it?:lol:

^^^No, that would not make you a shill, that would make you an educated purchaser of a bike, just what we need more of! :beer:

Ouch! I spelled a word wrong! What shall I do?

I said I would withhold judgment, I guess not all of us do that.

Now, go back to flaming everyone who spells a word wrong and enjoy your bike

*yawn* "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." :thumb:

One of these days I'm going to buy a bike from BD or chickabike just to see what the fuss is all about. I am able to do my own assembly and adjustments and have the knowledge to pick the components I need for my kind of riding heck I even have a park cable cutter:) nice tool by the way. Am I a shill for this? I'm thinking one of their touring style bikes just for the heck of it. I would then do a full report on the packing and the quality of the frame build complete with pictures of it all. Then take the thing to my pal at the LBS and have him look at it for obvious mistakes as I have done with every other build I have done I'm mechanical but not a fool. Please note this post is done with tongue semi firmly in cheek :D Cheers to all have a nice day and GETOUTANDRIDE its supposed to be fun isn't it?:lol:

That would apply for any mail order bike. At least BD include a vid on assembly. At least last time I checked.

I ordered one from Performance that required quite a bit of assembly. It took a full day to get it ridable and parts of the next 2 days to get things adjusted and dialed in. Being my first assemble, some instructions might have helped out. I think there were quite a few things put on and wired up just to get them on there and not adjusted in any way which took quite a bit of trial and error to discover and adjust.

And no, I'm not a shill for Performance. :rolleyes:

OK, everyone here knows I'm a sceptic when a newbie posts love for BD, so... a few questions...

Do you work in the mail room and had it delivered to work? If so, I guess I can believe you have a scale handy...

And you didn't post pics of the assembled bike, but lots of pics of just how well it was packaged? Why would you do this?

You did however post the name of the company, the ebay seller, a link to more available bikes, etc.

I will not use the "S" word in hopes I am wrong and that you will be a long time poster in these forums.
2 years ago, I purchased a Dawes Lightning sport, her least expensive model I believe... cost me 240.00 with shipping. have about 1300 miles on it now.

things I did when I received the bike:
- I got a stem extender (made things much more comfortable...)
- got the bike derailer adjusted. (I was a noob and messed it up...)
- changed the seat... I got a bontrager seat normally used for hybrid... nice a comfy...


after 800 miles on the bike:
- tires needed to be replaced (started to get a bunch of flats and noticed "cuts" in the tires...)
I used bontrager "select" 23 mm tires and haven't had a problem...
- rear wheel axle started to bend due to my weight, so I bought a rear wheel from my LBS...
note that the rear wheel was still useable but I wanted a "cassette" rear wheel and the one I had
was a "freewheel".

things I found interesting:
- really don't remember having the wheels trued but I think I at least had it done once... so wheels
are pretty strong because I am an uber clyde (but trying to just be a clyde...)

A couple of comments I forgot to add:

e0richt reminded me...the packaging did come w/ Shimano documentation on front dérailleur, rear dérailleur and adjusting the entire shifting system including the levers, but I didn't look into that too much and found the Youtube type videos easier to understand. There was also a generic booklet on how to assemble the entire bike, but the documentation was very generic (talked about mountain bikes and Catilever brakes, but I have Dual-pivot caliper brake and a road bike) and didn't help much.

The website Bikesdirect lists after you complete your order...
http://www.bikesdirect.com/finish.htm

...links to youtube videos of one of their mechanics assembling a bike, but it's a bit misleading and may give false confidence that a newbie can assemble a bike in a jiffy. Yes he teaches you how to assemble the various parts of the bike (headset, front wheel, front brake, pedals etc.) but does not show how to adjust the bike at all. He mentions different steps gone over more in-depth in the BikeIsland.com DVD so it's not meant to be an end all be all. It definitely took me a little bit to adjust front and rear brakes just right and like mentioned above I have not gotten the bike to shift properly yet. There are many videos on the subject, but it definitely takes some tinkering and you should go over pre-assembled parts of the bike as nuts and bolts can be lose or not aligned properly.

No worries, eventually you'll have tinkered with it so much that you know the bike inside and out.

Bster13: is this a new bike? If so,I would highly recommend having a bike shop true/tension the wheels. Even if they seem straight when you spin them,if they aren't tensioned properly you can wind up breaking spokes. For adjusting derailleurs,Park Tools has alot of good info on their site:
http://parktool.com/repair/

Yes, new bike, and I've never assembled one before. I appreciate the advice to go to a LBS to check the wheels, but I think I'm going to give it a shot myself with help from websites like this:

http://www.jimlangley.net/wrench/wheelbuildfull.html

If my short test rides don't give me the proper amount of confidence in my setup, I have no trouble going to my LBS for some professional help. *cheers*

The best $60.00 or so bucks you will ever invest after you get that bike assembled is to have that bike gone over by a LBS you know and trust. When you are broke down 10 miles from home is when you will realize that. Learn all the adjustments and tune up techniques on an old bike not yer new steed it deserves to be in top form even if you didn't pay an arm and a leg it seems like a decent enough bike. Do it right