Commuting - The Real Deal: Accountability Here

I've been talking for 3 weeks about starting to commute to work via bike (17 mi each way), but have been procrastinating biting the bullet and suffering through the first couple weeks until I can enjoy it. Well, the time has come where I MUST do this. I'm disappointed in myself everyday I get in my car, so tomorrow is the day. I will be driving in the morning, and biking back. Wednesday I will be biking in, and driving back, so on and so forth. I hope to keep you all posted, wish me luck.

Also, any tips?

Good way to start! Take it easy on the rides(I still need to learn this part). It is not a race. You don't wanna blow yourself apart on the first ride.

Grats on finally doing it. I thought of hanging a piece of my old chain on the mirror of my car as a reminder every time I am in the car that I could/should be riding.

Riding home the first day is a good move on your part. If anything happens/ takes longer than you think, etc, it won't make you late for work.

Tips:
1.I'd not make any plans for the first night & I'd also get to sleep early before your morning ride in. If you don't normally ride a lot, the first week or two can be rough as your body gets used to it.
2. pack everything that you need to take with you the night before (or at least lay it out).
3. Leave an extra change of work clothes at work (if you need to change when you get there). Nothing worse than getting to work & realizeing tht you forgot your work pants/ dress shirt, etc.
4. If you can, leave your work shoes at work (unless you ride in them).

Also, any tips?

Try pressing on the pedals in circular motion until your bicycle device begins rolling forward. Pull/push the alternate ends of the handle bar (above the main wheel) to change direction.

Godspeed!

Try pressing on the pedals in circular motion...

Which direction?

Take your time, be careful and make a list tonight of what you must have. About 2 months ago, I did none of these on my first 20 mile commute. I started too fast (got tired), wasn't careful (got lost) and forgot the basics (water and glasses).

You'll do great!

Thanks for all the support. I'm thinking that the ride in Wednesday morning is going to be more tiring and/or more important to make sure I pack up correctly. So far my list is as follows:

-work clothes
-extra tubes
-allen wrenches
-adjustable wrench
-epi pen
-tire levers
-lunch
-water
-written directions
-helmet
-bug spray
-rain jacket
-sunglasses
-gloves
-lock

Like ckaspar said, it's not a race, and you'll only wear yourself out early if you try to pedal too hard too fast. Take it easy at first and just enjoy the ride~

That looks like a good list for the Wednesday a.m. ride. My only other suggestion is to double-check anything mechanical before you load it up on Tuesday. Air, brakes, chain, whatever. Don't ask me how I know.

Hopefully you can leave some stuff at your workplace, such as shoes and toiletries. Heck, it took me 2 weeks to stop hauling a lock daily and just leaving it at work.

Ditch the car as soon as possible! ;)

good luck. I've been talking about at least trying it once for a couple of months, but there's always an excuse.

Thanks for all the support. I'm thinking that the ride in Wednesday morning is going to be more tiring and/or more important to make sure I pack up correctly. So far my list is as follows:

-work clothes
-extra tubes
-allen wrenches
-adjustable wrench
-epi pen
-tire levers
-lunch
-water
-written directions
-helmet
-bug spray
-rain jacket
-sunglasses
-gloves
-lock

PJ, since the car is at work (the destination), you can leave the work clothes, extra tools, bugspray, rain clothes etc in the car. It makes a difference, not carrying an extra load. In fact, you could ride with just and extra tube, patch kit (add that to your list) and tire levers. Leave the lock at work, locked to the rack.

If you have a refrigerator at work you can carry two lunches when you drive the car leg, and not have that to worry about. This way you don't even need a backpack or rack bag, and you can just ride.

PJ, since the car is at work (the destination), you can leave the work clothes, extra tools, bugspray, rain clothes etc in the car. It makes a difference, not carrying an extra load. In fact, you could ride with just and extra tube, patch kit (add that to your list) and tire levers. Leave the lock at work, locked to the rack.

If you have a refrigerator at work you can carry two lunches when you drive the car leg, and not have that to worry about. This way you don't even need a backpack or rack bag, and you can just ride.


This is a good point. It baffles me sometimes what I overlook. I don't have a bike rack at work, I think it's going to end up in my office. I'm hoping that after two weeks or so doing every other ride by bike I can upgrade to exclusively biking. My SUV is kicking my butt on gas. $500 a month (at least) on gas is starting to eat away at my soul...

any tips?

don't suck.
^can be applied to any situation not requiring a vacuum.

Well PJ!

The time has come...

Sell your car and get one of the following, instead:

The Transport Plus ~ $2820
www.trekbikes.com/us/en/collections/electric_assist/transport_plus/ (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/collections/electric_assist/transport_plus/)

The Trek FX Plus ~ $2680
www.trekbikes.com/us/en/collections/electric_assist/fx_plus/ (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/collections/electric_assist/fx_plus/)

One thing I have learned to do is to pack ALL my stuff the night before. I use a Camelbak and this is my packing procedure.

Sunscreen, wind breaker and shirt and under shirt in main compartment.
Wallet, Rx glasses(just in case), Contact Lens case(also just in case) in the front compartment.
My bag also has a "Helmet" compartment. I stuff my gloves, computer, light and GoPro in my helmet then stuff the helmet in the compartment.

I hang my chest heart rate monitor strap, my watch and the shirt I am going to wear in the morning on my bike as well.

I clip my keys in the clip that holds the helmet in. All I gotta do is stuff my water bladder in there in the morning as I get ready to head out and I am good to go.

I wake up, take a shower/handle toiletries, put on shorts and the rest is near or on my bike and I am ready to go. Makes the morning SO much easier when I am trying to get two little girls ready and it makes my wife morning a little easier because I am not running around line a banshee trying to get myself ready.

Makes for a nice morning.

Well PJ!

The time has come...

Sell your car and get one of the following, instead:

The Transport Plus ~ $2820
www.trekbikes.com/us/en/collections/electric_assist/transport_plus/ (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/collections/electric_assist/transport_plus/)

The Trek FX Plus ~ $2680
www.trekbikes.com/us/en/collections/electric_assist/fx_plus/ (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/collections/electric_assist/fx_plus/)



Haha, I can dream, right?

17 miles consistantly is a fair piece of real estate. My commutes have varied between 14-42 miles rt. The tips I've been able to collect over the years(25 in Feb)is to be able to do any emergency repairs. Learn how to replace your brake/deraileur cables on the road. Don't scrimp on your commuting equipment. Get the best bike stuff you can afford. Keep up w/routine maintenence. Drink more water than you're used to drinking. Eat like an athlete. Especially oats and brown rice. Fresh fruit and vegetables. Take a powdered protein supplement when you start riding 34 miles rt. If you find yourself w/a low frustration threshold take a day off. It's a marathon not a sprint. Read posts on the 'Touring' sub-forum regarding equipment as 135-170 miprwk is like being on tour.

Alot of this may sound cliche, but there's a reason. It's based on 200,000+ commuting/utility/touring miles almost all trial and error.

All of the advice on others' posts is solid. Especially the part about keeping clothes/shoes at work. My routine is to change clothes daily both upon arrival at work and again on the homeward leg. It's more comfortable and certainly more sanitary. I keep an array of deo, soap, talc, anti-fungal spray, toothbrush /paste and a towel along w/a week's worth of clothes brought in on Mondays. My lunch is brought in daily. My work clothes are taken home each night.

Anyway, good on you for taking on cycle-commuting. It isn't always easy, but it's never dull. All the best. :thumb:

17 miles consistantly is a fair piece of real estate. My commutes have varied between 14-42 miles rt. The tips I've been able to collect over the years(25 in Feb)is to be able to do any emergency repairs. Learn how to replace your brake/deraileur cables on the road. Don't scrimp on your commuting equipment. Get the best bike stuff you can afford. Keep up w/routine maintenence. Drink more water than you're used to drinking. Eat like an athlete. Especially oats and brown rice. Fresh fruit and vegetables. Take a powdered protein supplement when you start riding 34 miles rt. If you find yourself w/a low frustration threshold take a day off. It's a marathon not a sprint. Read posts on the 'Touring' sub-forum regarding equipment as 135-170 miprwk is like being on tour.

Alot of this may sound cliche, but there's a reason. It's based on 200,000+ commuting/utility/touring miles almost all trial and error.

All of the advice on others' posts is solid. Especially the part about keeping clothes/shoes at work. My routine is to change clothes daily both upon arrival at work and again on the homeward leg. It's more comfortable and certainly more sanitary. I keep an array of deo, soap, talc, anti-fungal spray, toothbrush /paste and a towel along w/a week's worth of clothes brought in on Mondays. My lunch is brought in daily. My work clothes are taken home each night.

Anyway, good on you for taking on cycle-commuting. It isn't always easy, but it's never dull. All the best. :thumb:


Thanks for all the solid advice. I'm pretty young, and have been a lifelong athlete, so I feel like my body will start to reward me for putting it to work again. I am buying my first pair of bike shorts this week, I've never used them before. Just bought a headlight and tail light and a bell. I am not used to having to abide by road laws, so I've been educating myself.

Lucky for me, I have an entire office to stash my commute gear. I plan to keep emergency clothes at work, along with anything else that doesn't end up necessary on the road.

I'm on a pretty strict budget, but I'm able to buy a little bit each week. Hopefully I'll be able to keep it up. I have to buy a new bladder for my camelback, but I'm concerned about BPA. You guys have any ideas?

17 miles is a lot. I would definitely pack as much stuff in the car as I could comfortably store at work (or leave in the car). I used to do this when I was in the Air Force since I didn't really want to work out a non-wrinkling way to carry uniforms. Worked really well.

17 miles is a lot. I would definitely pack as much stuff in the car as I could comfortably store at work (or leave in the car). I used to do this when I was in the Air Force since I didn't really want to work out a non-wrinkling way to carry uniforms. Worked really well.

Thankfully I have the benefit of a casual environment.

I started commuting a few weeks ago. It's 30 miles RT which was tough the first couple trips but now its not too bad. However, I've yet to do it back-to-back days. 2 to 3 days a week right now and I've not tried to do it in the elements (mainly because the wife forbids it!).

Good luck and enjoy!

I'd recommend a good headlight and taillight, even in the daytime. They don't have to be expensive, but they do need to be bright enough to be seen in the day. The classic Planet Bike Superflash is good on the rear.

I also recommend bright-colored clothing. Black and grey are popular but you want to stand out, especially as you approach intersections and have to deal with people turning right from your lane, and turning left against you.

And then... be gentle with yourself. Allow extra time on the first few runs. Also try some scouting runs to find alternative paths if there are any.

I retired before I got into bicycle commuting in a big way, but over the 16-mile route I used several times, my door-to-door time was quicker than taking a bus, even in the morning when traffic was light. The ride was about 1:15, bus about 1:25. Motorcycle was about 0:25 but when I noticed I was becoming careless I switched to the bus. Coming home, I always used the bus because any street available to me was heavily travelled, and the west wind was in my face.

I'd recommend a good headlight and taillight, even in the daytime. They don't have to be expensive, but they do need to be bright enough to be seen in the day. The classic Planet Bike Superflash is good on the rear.

I also recommend bright-colored clothing. Black and grey are popular but you want to stand out, especially as you approach intersections and have to deal with people turning right from your lane, and turning left against you.

And then... be gentle with yourself. Allow extra time on the first few runs. Also try some scouting runs to find alternative paths if there are any.

I retired before I got into bicycle commuting in a big way, but over the 16-mile route I used several times, my door-to-door time was quicker than taking a bus, even in the morning when traffic was light. The ride was about 1:15, bus about 1:25. Motorcycle was about 0:25 but when I noticed I was becoming careless I switched to the bus. Coming home, I always used the bus because any street available to me was heavily travelled, and the west wind was in my face.

Google estimates my route at about 1hr and 40mins, but I'm giving myself 2hrs to get there until I figure out just how fast I can get there without killing myself. Monday and Wednesday nights I have class, so I have yet to figure out the plan there.

Thanks for all the support. I'm thinking that the ride in Wednesday morning is going to be more tiring and/or more important to make sure I pack up correctly. So far my list is as follows:

-work clothes
-extra tubes
-allen wrenches
-adjustable wrench
-epi pen
-tire levers
-lunch
-water
-written directions
-helmet
-bug spray
-rain jacket
-sunglasses
-gloves
-lock

You need a pump or CO2. FWIW, I'm a belt-and-suspenders kind of guy when it comes to flats so I carry both CO2 and a pump, and both a spare tire and a patch kit. The first flat gets a new tube and CO2. The second and subsequent flats (yes, it's happened) get a patch and pump. If I've had multiple flats I'm probably going to be late anyway.

I can do my 11 mile ride in about 50 minutes or so. Half of the ride is on a bike path with no cross traffic and only sparse foot or bike traffic so I can book that section pretty fast so I am sure that takes some time off. Certainly leave yourself some extra time so you can take it easy the first few times. I am guessing before long you'll be doing the ride in 90 min. or so. But as had been stated several times. Take it easy at first. Otherwise you will burn yourself out and give up.

You need a pump or CO2. FWIW, I'm a belt-and-suspenders kind of guy when it comes to flats so I carry both CO2 and a pump, and both a spare tire and a patch kit. The first flat gets a new tube and CO2. The second and subsequent flats (yes, it's happened) get a patch and pump. If I've had multiple flats I'm probably going to be late anyway.

I'm looking to buy a compact pump, I'm not sure about the CO2. Luckily, most of my commute is near main roads/businesses so if the situation with a flat is dire enough, I can hoof it to a gas station. I also have a girlfriend who doesn't have to be into work until 10am and is very good to me, so emergencies could be remedied.

If I'm carrying less than 30lbs extra on my commute, do you think it's going to feel much different than if I were not carrying anything?

If I'm carrying less than 30lbs extra on my commute, do you think it's going to feel much different than if I were not carrying anything?

On hills and starting, for sure. Hills are probably going to be a bummer. You aren't time trialing though so kick it in an easier gear and cruise to the top. For starting, I would shift to an easier gear when approaching the stop to make it a little easier to get going too.

...tomorrow is the day...

Spoken like a true procrastinator. :thumb:

If you haven't already done so, you might want to try driving the route you intend to ride, paying particular attention to traffic patterns and road width. There's often a better alternative available a block or two away from the most obvious route. For instance on my commute I have a spot where I can choose between riding on Main Street or hopping two blocks over to Meadow Lane. The names, in this case, aren't misleading and I'm willing to give up the bike lane on Main Street to have Meadow Lane all to myself. Google Maps tends not to notice possibilities like this.

Good luck and have fun!

I'm looking to buy a compact pump, I'm not sure about the CO2. Luckily, most of my commute is near main roads/businesses so if the situation with a flat is dire enough, I can hoof it to a gas station. I also have a girlfriend who doesn't have to be into work until 10am and is very good to me, so emergencies could be remedied.

I highly recommend skipping compact pumps in favor of something like the Lezyne Micro Floor Drive or the Topeak Road Morph. A bigger (but still portable) pump with a flexible hose is much less frustrating to use, and many compact pumps (especially cheap ones) are nearly worthless. Until you get a pump you can leave the spare tube and patch kit behind. Although flats are more or less inevitable, they aren't really common so you can definitely ride a few days tempting fate.



If I'm carrying less than 30lbs extra on my commute, do you think it's going to feel much different than if I were not carrying anything?

The bike definitely feels different with a load, but expect on hills it isn't really and harder to ride with extra weight.

I highly recommend skipping compact pumps in favor of something like the Lezyne Micro Floor Drive or the Topeak Road Morph. A bigger (but still portable) pump with a flexible hose is much less frustrating to use, and many compact pumps (especially cheap ones) are nearly worthless. Until you get a pump you can leave the spare tube and patch kit behind. Although flats are more or less inevitable, they aren't really common so you can definitely ride a few days tempting fate.




The bike definitely feels different with a load, but expect on hills it isn't really and harder to ride with extra weight.

Good to know. My back rack is quite Fredly, outfit with a stolen milk crate to cart around the goods! I'm not to worried, since thankfully tomorrow's commute will be the trip home. I can take all the time I need to get adjusted.

And to Andy_K: Yes, procrastination is definitely one of the defining characteristics of my personality! Here's to hoping letting all you guys know will keep me from procrastinating any longer!

Is there any reason I shouldn't carry a floor pump?

Lots of good advice on these posts! I've been commuting 6 miles each way for a couple of months now. I started with doing it once, then when I experienced how much I liked it, I added more and more days per week. Been at 4 per week lately. Next week hopefully my first 5.

Add a cellphone to your list if it isn't already there. I actually keep mine in the back pocket of the sleeveless jerseys I ride with now. Haven't had to use it once, but it is a nice Plan C and security blanket.

You may get "butterflies" the night before or morning of, you are not the only one, it was my experience. Push past that, you can do it.

While you are doing part of your commutes by car, definitely use the car to haul in anything you can to lessen what you ride with, whether that be clothes, food, diet cokes, or whatever. I leave a lock at work, locked to the bike rack outside, but it sounds like you can park in your office, which is even better.

After 2 months, I finally feel like I am organized and systematic, so it can take a little while. Like others here, I pack the night before as much as possible. I use panniers, and within them I even use different-colored canvas bags to organize things like
- one for flat repair kit
- one for mail, meds, etc., that I am changing daily to bring in to the office
- one for my keys (while riding) and my 4 bike lights and bike computer (when in the office)

At my office, I keep a separate belt and pair of shoes. They were worth purchasing to leave there and not haul daily. I keep a full change of business-casual work attire in a bag, too, although it has gone unused so far.

I'm sure once you are in the groove, you will have a system that works for you. Getting the first one accomplished will be 80% of the fight, after that, if you like it, you will make it happen. That is my experience from 2 months in. Good luck!

I've been procrastinating myself, over 2 months now since I first got the idea to commute. The distance, time it will take, and the fact that 2-lane rural, hilly roads with fast traffic and no shoulder as my only road choice, are what's keeping me from starting. I have a wife and young son and I value my time with them, and I'd rather not take even 1.5 hours to go 14.4 miles each way.

I usually only average 11.x mph on my rides so it would likely be near 90 minutes each way. Not such a problem in the morning, but more of a problem in the afternoon as my wife goes to workout classes several times a week at 6 and needs me home by 5:45 at the latest. Then during the school year she also takes a boy to day care in the mornings T-F for a little extra cash, and isn't back home until 7:15a. Needless to say finding the time to commute will be a problem for me.

Is there any reason I shouldn't carry a floor pump?

Just so you don't have to lug the weight around.

I got one of these: http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1103762_-1___400167 and have yet to use it. I keep meaning to get more cartridges off Amazon but since I have yet to use my first one I am finding it hard to invest the $12 for a box of carts. See here for the carts: http://www.amazon.com/16-Gram-Threaded-CO2-Cartridge/dp/B002H9US7C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342474226&sr=8-1&keywords=co2+cartridges+16g+threaded

Good to know. My back rack is quite Fredly, outfit with a stolen milk crate to cart around the goods! I'm not to worried, since thankfully tomorrow's commute will be the trip home. I can take all the time I need to get adjusted.

And to Andy_K: Yes, procrastination is definitely one of the defining characteristics of my personality! Here's to hoping letting all you guys know will keep me from procrastinating any longer!

Is there any reason I shouldn't carry a floor pump?

So ah PJ...Can I get my milk crate back anytime soon? :D

Is there any reason I shouldn't carry a floor pump?

A spare wheel might be easier to carry. ;)

I keep a floor pump at work, mostly as a monument to the useless mini pumps I used to carry. The two pumps I mentioned above (I have both, but usually carry the Lezyne) are easy enough to use that I'm not sure I would even bother to lug the floor pump out to the parking lot if I did find my tire flat at work. It was definitely worth the effort with my old cheap pumps.

Cheap hand pumps suck. I was filling my tire once, just as practice with the cheap pump, and actually sawed a hole through the schraeder valve with it rubbing against the hole in the rim. I was SO pissed. NO more pumps like that for me. I have thought of getting a better hand pump as mentioned before but seeing as how I have yet to use my one CO2 cartridge I see no need for a hand pump.

Which direction?

My bad, I should have clarified; if you look at your bike from the side so that the front wheel points to the LEFT, then counter-clockwise.

A good indicator is the direction of the bikes movement. If you start pedaling and the bicycle moves forward, you are doing it correctly. If, on the other hand, the bicicle moves to the left or right and you fall on the ground, you are pedaling in the wrong direction. Alter your pedal stroke and try again!

My bad, I should have clarified; if you look at your bike from the side so that the front wheel points to the LEFT, then counter-clockwise.

A good indicator is the direction of the bikes movement. If you start pedaling and the bicycle moves forward, you are doing it correctly. If, on the other hand, the bicicle moves to the left or right and you fall on the ground, you are pedaling in the wrong direction. Alter your pedal stroke and try again!

ahhhh....got it. Makes sense now. No wonder you guys were able to ride so fast. I was only able to go as fast as I could push the bike and hop on until it stopped and I had to start over again. I was just pedaling backwards. Thanks for the help. :lol:

My recommendation is to first ride the route on a weekend. Go slow and learn the route, not only where you go, but all the obstacles, pot holes, glass fields etc.

17 miles each way is significant. I've only had that length commute once. It took me about an hour and a half each way. The time required turned out to be the biggest problem. Keep a complete change of clothes at work, just in case you have problems or forget something. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early. That gives you cool down time and also ensures that you will be on time if you have a flat that must be fixed.

My on-board pump is a Zefal-HpX. My first one lasted about 20 years until it was accidently run over by a truck. Now it's a handy back scratcher and I have a new one.

Good luck.

My recommendation is to first ride the route on a weekend. Go slow and learn the route, not only where you go, but all the obstacles, pot holes, glass fields etc.

17 miles each way is significant. I've only had that length commute once. It took me about an hour and a half each way. The time required turned out to be the biggest problem. Keep a complete change of clothes at work, just in case you have problems or forget something. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early. That gives you cool down time and also ensures that you will be on time if you have a flat that must be fixed.

My on-board pump is a Zefal-HpX. My first one lasted about 20 years until it was accidently run over by a truck. Now it's a handy back scratcher and I have a new one.

Good luck.


I did the trip once this weekend, it's going to take me about 1.5 hrs, if I have good timing. If not, I've calculated an extra half hour so I can be prepared. Like has been mentioned, I'm already getting butterflies about it, but I think it might be a good thing rather than bad. When I get home I have to outfit my crate with all the goods and load it into the car so I don't forget anything when it comes time to jump on and ride! I bought a headlamp today, thought if all else fails, I'll be able to see where I'm looking. As of right now, I leave work no later than 4:30, so I should be able to stay in the daylight for both my end-of-day commute and my morning commute (6am start).

Looks like a CO2 pump might be the best answer, and it wouldn't hurt to have one for casual rides, either.

And SlimRider: finder's keepers. Don't leave it next to the hot dog guy next time!

Looks like a CO2 pump might be the best answer, and it wouldn't hurt to have one for casual rides, either.

There are definite downsides to C02. In particular, you've got a finite number of chances to get it right. The first time I tried to use CO2 as my inflation method I screwed it up twice and had to make the call of shame. With a pump you can keep trying until you damage all your tubes beyond repair (which is less likely). That said, I rode in today with just a CO2 inflator and that's what I use for most of my recreational rides now.

Definitely +1 on the ride it on the weekend (which you have done) and giving yourself extra time until you're comfortable with the route. When I first started commuting a few years ago the weekend test ride helped me solve some trickier aspects of my original route plan and gave me an indication how it was going to affect my body to do the ride.
It always helps to add some extra time in case you have to stop and change a tube or make an adjustment on the bike.

The air cartridges can't hurt, but they're mostly a one shot deal. I have a Road Morph pump and it really is the closest thing you can get to having a floor pump. Here's a shot (http://www.flickr.com/photos/51507302@N02/7530744116/sizes/c/in/photostream/) of it mounted to one of my bikes. Not much bigger than one of the small, cheapie ones and much easier to use.

Another vote for the Topeak Road Morph. I have its earlier relative, something like 15 years old, and it still works perfectly. I figure if I need to carry both CO2 and a pump, why not skip the CO2? I know it's convenient, but the little pump does a remarkably quick job of pumping up tires. It's basically a one-third size floor pump. There's a stabilizer that folds out from the base to put your foot on, and the handle unlocks from the barrel and then pivots 90 degrees so you can push on it. I think the Lezyne one is basically the same design, but made better. The pump just goes into a pannier or backpack, along with the tool kit.

There are definite downsides to C02. In particular, you've got a finite number of chances to get it right. The first time I tried to use CO2 as my inflation method I screwed it up twice and had to make the call of shame. With a pump you can keep trying until you damage all your tubes beyond repair (which is less likely). That said, I rode in today with just a CO2 inflator and that's what I use for most of my recreational rides now.

Yep. I've been there too.

Well, now that this first-time commuter thread has gotten into pumps, Here's my commuter pump, a Topeak Pocket Rocket DX II. I've tested it and it works fine for emergency situations.

261901

Thanks for all the support. I'm thinking that the ride in Wednesday morning is going to be more tiring and/or more important to make sure I pack up correctly. So far my list is as follows:

-work clothes
-extra tubes
-allen wrenches
-adjustable wrench
-epi pen
-tire levers
-lunch
-water
-written directions
-helmet
-bug spray
-rain jacket
-sunglasses
-gloves
-lock


You are packing "extra tubes", but no pump? Having a tube is worthless extra weight if you have no way to inflate it.

I'd also say that you can leave the rain jacket at home as well. I'm trying to remember where I got this quote, it might have been The Art of War"...or it might have been a GI Joe cartoon, but "to sucsessfully fight in the rain, understand that you will be wet". My understanding of that, is that no matter what, you will be wet, so you might as well just accept that as a fact, and deal with it as a part of the conditions. The only time I would worry about getting wet is in the cold when it involves me not getting hypothermia.

Instead of brown bagging it, can you buy lunch there? That will save space and weight.

You are packing "extra tubes", but no pump? Having a tube is worthless extra weight if you have no way to inflate it.

I'd also say that you can leave the rain jacket at home as well. I'm trying to remember where I got this quote, it might have been The Art of War"...or it might have been a GI Joe cartoon, but "to sucsessfully fight in the rain, understand that you will be wet". My understanding of that, is that no matter what, you will be wet, so you might as well just accept that as a fact, and deal with it as a part of the conditions. The only time I would worry about getting wet is in the cold when it involves me not getting hypothermia.

Instead of brown bagging it, can you buy lunch there? That will save space and weight.


The pump is a work in progress! but there are gas stations littered around my route that have free air, at worst I'll have to hoof it for a few minutes to get it to an air source.

Thanks for the tip on the rain gear, makes a lot more sense.

I would buy lunch but strict dietary and budget guidelines prove otherwise. I'm not short on space, and I don't mind the extra weight (I used to mountain bike with weekend camping gear attached to me/my bike).