Living Car Free - Well, I guess I'm going car-free whether I want to or not...

It's always been something I'd thought about, but certain financial situations (um...my student loans are coming into repayment and the payments are much higher than I anticipated) have meant that I have to make serious budgetary cutbacks. Losing the car, the insurance, and the gas will save me about $550 a month. I currently commute by bicycle on a Trek 820. Not ideal, but I like it, and it does the job.

But selling the car, hopefully within the next month, will mean a serious lifestyle change. I am hoping that some of the money I make off the car can be used toward a new bike. I am researching various models, but I would just appreciate any feedback on what kind of bike you guys have found to generally be the best all-around bike to have. A touring bike? Maybe with a wider, semi-slick tire? A fair amount of my riding is on country roads that turn into gravel roads. Would that kind of set up be okay? Will I feel the difference between a steel and aluminum frame on that kind of road? I'm more concerned about cost than weight, so I don't have a problem getting a steel touring bike, since it should still be lighter than the behemoth I'm riding now. ;) Or should I be looking at a hybrid, maybe?

Also, I already have a rack and panniers, but am thinking about getting a trailer, too, so I can take my dog (a 94 lb Akita) on longer trips so I'm not overexerting her, and to carry larger groceries, etc.

Just wondering what has worked out for other car-free people...I looked for a thread on general advice but couldn't find one. If there is, and someone would kindly point it out to me, I'd certainly appreciate it so people aren't answering questions that have already been answered a million times before.

Becca

My favorite bike that I own is a my Novara Safari. Basically it is a Mtb set up for long distance riding. It's slighlty pricey to some but they do go on sale. I've put over 800 miles on it in the last six months and have no complaints. Almost all the miles are on the road and some on gravel and hard packed dirt. I bought a no name kid trailer and have pulled up to 100 pounds with it. HOpe this helps a little.

Mike

One of the things I did before I went car free was to move to an area that was better situated for my car free lifestyle, basically closer to town and work. As far as a bike goes I prefer a cyclocross, but that's just me. Whatever you get I would make rack and fender eyelets a must. One of my bikes doesn't have rack eyelets and the clamps work but are a pain to deal with. My favorite bike in my stable is my Soma Double Cross which is pricey because it must be built up. As far as tires go I switch them quite often depending on weather and type of riding. I have some 25c slicks for fast road riding, a couple sets of aggressive cross tires for playing offroad 32-35c, and some touring/urban tires 38c for bad weather and general use. Can't tell you much about the trailer, though last week I called a few of the lbs to ask about the burley flatbed and was told they were on backorder for 3 months.

I have the Jamis Coda, and I ride everywhere with it. Seriously, I've only used my car once since moving to town, and that was to go to Walmart (don't like crossing the four-lane on the bike). Basically, try a bunch of bikes and go with what fits you best. I'd recommend not investing in all sorts of gear people tell you to get until you actually discover a need for them. The only accessories on my bike are my U-lock, and that's just to save me from having to carry it in my backpack.

I use a Novara Randonee (steel framed touring bike) as my sole bike for everything... lots of clearance for wide tires and fenders, pretty good geometry, very rideable. I put over 7,500 miles on it last year and I'm approaching 4,000 so far this year. It does duty on everything from grocery runs to garage saleing to 380+ mile brevets. Picked it up used for $450 from a bike shop. :)

As far as the trailer... try to find one that does NOT have a spring as part of the connecting arm... they play like a yo-yo when you're hauling anything heavy (For me that would be my two lab mixes)... Really sucks. I think the Burley trailers have a better connection... Maybe try to find a used one on Craigslist?

For tires, slicks should do for 99% of the riding you do.... they work for everything but lots of loose sand or mud. Slicks or studded tires are the way to go if there's ice (You probably won't get much of that in Texas!)... knobby tires just reduce your contact area on ice and make you slide easier.

Personally, I use Forte GT2/k 25 mm for summer, and Forte Cross/k (35 mm) for winter... both are kevlar belted tires and hold up well for me, and both are $17 each but VERY frequently on sale cheaper.

The right bike depends on your body, your situation and your taste. For me, it turns out to be a Breezer Villager. Step through frame means if my legs are doing the stabbing pain thing, I can still get on and off the bike without hurting myself. Small wheels means the geometry is good for my short legs... and I don't have to worry if I'm hauling a big load because 36 spoke 26" wheels are pretty heavy duty. Upright posture is good for heavy city traffic. Long chainstays and low bottom bracket mean heavy loads are stable and I can come to a foot down stop easily.

Most everyone else in this forum has a different ideal bike :D. If there are specific things wrong with your current bike, we can give you ideas on how to fix 'em... you'll still get wildly varying opinions, but it'll be a little more specific to your needs.

I don't find trailers to be a real necessity. They're certainly handy, but I don't need one once a week or even once a month. Our household is only 2 people, so our most common big load is a 25lb bag of rice... and we go through 1 every 4-6 months. They *do* give you roughly the same cargo volume as a small sedan's trunk, which is convenient. Often, you can avoid using a trailer by arranging for large items to be delivered.

Most loads end up in my panniers or in my backpack tho. Panniers if I'm biking, backpack if I expect to do a lot of walking. We went for cheap panniers at first, and they're wearing out disgustingly quickly. When they're worn out, I'll be replacing them with something that's durable, so they'll last for more than a year or two.

I love having a touring bike for commuting. I load the panniers with all I need to carry (clothes, lunch, rain gear, and laptop sometimes). It's quite a bit heavier than my road bike, but I'm not in any big rush. The wider tires make it much gentler over the harsh roads, and it's quite comfortable. At least get a bike that you can add at least a rear rack (maybe front, too) and full fenders with wider tires. If you'll be living without a car, you still have to be able to carry stuff home and ride safely over any road, even in bad weather. Good luck with your plans.

Thanks for all the advice. It is appreciated. And the title of my thread should be "whether I'm ready or not"...that's more accurate. I'm actually pretty excited about the challenge. :)

If you can afford it, get a Big Dummy or get whatever bike you have X-ified.

Congrats on getting forced to - I think you are making a wise choice to let the car go and bike around. As for the type of bike - I'd look on CraigsList to find something there - just depends on where you are and how busy the "bike" section is. Take your time and don't "hurry" to buy something - make sure it fits and try it out - and always offer a much lower price then they are wanting - most will deal.

As for the trailer - I've got one to be able to haul my son when he gets older - maybe this fall, but most likely this next spring. I've used it to haul my laptop to work and it works, but wow - talk about a sail to pull - it will make you stronger against wind/hills. Another thing to think about - the trailer will be made for kids to sit in, not dogs - so they might find it hard to ride in - plus you mentioned the dog is 100lbs - which is the limit of most trailers. The dog might be too tall for the trailer. But hauling groceries is doable too.

I just need to get my wife into the idea of biking to the grocery store instead of driving...doubt she'll go for it though...

As for the trailer - I've got one to be able to haul my son when he gets older - maybe this fall, but most likely this next spring. I've used it to haul my laptop to work and it works, but wow - talk about a sail to pull - it will make you stronger against wind/hills. Another thing to think about - the trailer will be made for kids to sit in, not dogs - so they might find it hard to ride in - plus you mentioned the dog is 100lbs - which is the limit of most trailers. The dog might be too tall for the trailer. But hauling groceries is doable too.

There are trailers made specifically for dogs.

What about a bak?

You'll get much more bike for your money if you buy used. If it's your sole transportation (other than walking), durability should be of paramount consideration. The ability to do some hauling, too. You want a workhorse.

I'd get a vintage steel touring bike.

There are trailers made specifically for dogs.

What about a bak?

Hmm - didn't know that...

For example:

http://www.bicycletrailers.com/New-Trailers/Dog-Bike-Trailers/index.cat?sNav=0

(There are other companies/models as well; this was just the first site that came up.

I just need to get my wife into the idea of biking to the grocery store instead of driving...doubt she'll go for it though...

Start by weighing your grocery loads. Ours (for 2 hungry car free adults) range from as low as 10lbs to up over 75lbs. Average is 40ish in a week. Some of this is because I keep a stockpile of staples on hand so we have things to eat even if I'm sick and can't make it to the store. With the right gear, these kinds of weights aren't a big deal. Without the right gear, it's a giant pain in the ass.

If you have a family, the equation changes. I'm not very strong, but I can manage 85lbs of bike+groceries. If we had teenagers, I might need to do that most days out of the week. It's exhausting, and I wouldn't blame your wife for not wanting to do that.

It might be easier if you suggest going to the store together.

Hmm - didn't know that...

REI has a nice dog trailer on sale. http://www.rei.com/category/40003681 It's probably way better than a kid carrying one for dogs..no seat and a hard plastic floor..great for groceries too.

Just some thoughts:

If I were buying a bike, I would want one that was a name-brand (such as trek) mountain bike with no suspension (such as a trek 820).

The tires, rims, frames, and brakes on these sorts of bikes have excellent durability. Big tires will protect rims (even with a full load of groceries), they'll smooth out small bumps and won't get stuck in railroad tracks. The frames are designed to be able to accept racks and panniers. On the downside, the straight handlebars are un-aerodynamic and also uncomfortable if you do on-road riding for more than about 12 miles per day, but I replace the handlebars with something better.

I ride one of these plain-ol' durable "mountain bikes" that convert so well to utility bikes.

My basic bike is a 17+ year old Specialized Hard Rock. It gets me where I need to go and is able to carry just about everything if I include my backpack.

For big loads though, I bought a Bikes to Work trailer.

First you should find out what is wrong ith present bike. could a upgrade, refit make it better?

Trailer for dog is good, but heavy to pull. Hard floor in old kids trailer could be done. Look for a trailer that the dog can also pull, there is alot of pulling power in a dog that size, and most dogs I know of is bored stiff! Let him help you with the work and he is going to be soo proud!! Search yhe web for info.

I built a longtail bike (like the big dummy suggested) and my dog learned to ride in one of the anniers. Not all dogs would do that and you get all te weight on one side. Mine is 25 kg`, yours is almost twice that..

If you can fix your old bike, maybe look into a folder? That way you can take the bike easyer on a train or bus, or get a lift from a friend. Folders are at least as good as full size bikes, peopel go touring with them and pull trailers.

Spend some hours in the Folder threads in Bikeforums

Also spend some hours in the Utility threads. Alot about how to pull things by bike, modify bikes and building / modifying trailers. All car free peopl should visit those two in my opinion.

Personally i like baskets alot, also two rear baskets. Catch no wind when empty, panniers do. Easy to load and unload since they are fully open all the time. You could make raincowers or use waterproof bags innside. Thy protect what is innside better than panniers.Can be taken innside the shop, nobody will think "what is he/she hiding in there" since all can see. Of course I`we got panniers too for its special use.

Car free I think you need two bikes. In case of theft or need to repair. In my part of the world you could wait for months for a shop to find time to repair your bike. Also I think only with a folder you get a real "all in one bike".

We are purposely car light. Sometimes the car gets used once a week thanks to our bikes.. We have been car free for as much as a week when cars have been under repair.. I sort of enjoyed it.. Not to say there are not down sides. Often if you really need a car you can rent one..During the weeks we were w/o cars I rode every day. Loved that.. Among the negatives. Saturday night's . Buses are not always convenients. Dates don't like taxi cabs. If not for that, I'd missed a car, not at all. ... The way to make living w/o cars easier, live close to work and close to your needs such as stores , the cinema, transportation hubs, bars, etc.

To the OP...Are you sure you need a new bike? In your current situation you said you need to pay student loans. If your current bike works why not use it for now and use the money you may have spent on a new bike towards debt. I have an old rigid MTB that I modified for a utility/commuter bike. I changed the stem, saddle, added fenders, semi-slick road tires, already had a rack. The bike works great. Very reliable and comfortable.

To the OP...Are you sure you need a new bike? In your current situation you said you need to pay student loans. If your current bike works why not use it for now and use the money you may have spent on a new bike towards debt. I have an old rigid MTB that I modified for a utility/commuter bike. I changed the stem, saddle, added fenders, semi-slick road tires, already had a rack. The bike works great. Very reliable and comfortable.

Mostly because it's Christmas money and my dad would not like it if I used it to pay bills. He will want to see what I did with the money. So I'm really doing him a favor. ;)

Thanks everyone for your advice...you've given me lots to think about and consider. Hoping to get the car up for sale this weekend.

You should buy some foul weather clothes that are bike specific. Mainly rain-gear. You'll want
full fingered gloves for winter. Think about that stuff before you spend all the money on a new bike.

Mostly because it's Christmas money and my dad would not like it if I used it to pay bills. He will want to see what I did with the money. So I'm really doing him a favor. ;)

Thanks everyone for your advice...you've given me lots to think about and consider. Hoping to get the car up for sale this weekend.

How much do you want to spend?

If you have to go cheap, I'd go along with the suggestions for a mountain bike. They give you a lot of bike for the money. Aluminum or steel doesn't matter much, IMO. If vibration or handling is an issue, get one with a suspension fork. Also, don't throw out the knobbies until you've tried them for a while. A lot of people like them, especially on gravel.

If you have $800 or more, you can go with a very nice cyclocross or touring bike, or even one of the beautiful new commuting bikes that some of the smaller American companies are starting to make. You have a lot of choices here. It's probably best to find a shop you like, and try everything they have.

I would steer you away from the heavier utility bikes with the more upright seating positions. You don't want to be jockeying one of those around on country roads. It sounds like you need a sturdy bike, but not a heavy one.

Finally, make sure your dog likes the bike, and it's a good color for him/her. :)