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I'm elated--my first commuter bike commute!

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I'm elated--my first commuter bike commute!

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Old 12-13-12, 02:53 PM
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dcr
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I'm elated--my first commuter bike commute!

Took a bus to the bike shop and rode home on my new Raleigh Detour Deluxe-2010. (Got it for $600 less than the 2013--a different bike for sure, but also a different budget this month.) My road bike is certainly faster, but the more leisurely pace was quite nice, noticed more. The 44 degrees added a freshness and cool that I love. Tomorrow morning will be the first commute. And no more backpacks! This is going to be fun.

https://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/B...e#.UMpANo5wbnZ
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Old 12-13-12, 03:33 PM
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Excellent! Congratulations! Be safe out there.
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Old 12-13-12, 09:35 PM
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That looks like a good commuter bike, with lots of great city commuter features. Good pick, I hope you enjoy it for many miles. Post updates as you ride....
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Old 12-13-12, 09:53 PM
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Bike commuting is, simply, addictive. I wish we weren't headed into winter here in New York or I'd still be doing it every morning. Can't wait for spring, though. Have fun!
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Old 12-14-12, 08:55 AM
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buying bikes is fun. storing them is not. good luck.
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Old 12-14-12, 10:12 AM
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Originally Posted by dcr
Took a bus to the bike shop and rode home on my new Raleigh Detour Deluxe-2010. (Got it for $600 less than the 2013--a different bike for sure, but also a different budget this month.) My road bike is certainly faster, but the more leisurely pace was quite nice, noticed more. The 44 degrees added a freshness and cool that I love. Tomorrow morning will be the first commute. And no more backpacks! This is going to be fun.

https://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/B...e#.UMpANo5wbnZ
Great bike! The Detour Deluxe has always gotten great reviews. I'm a big fan of Raleigh's lineup of practical bikes.
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Old 12-14-12, 10:21 AM
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Originally Posted by Papa Tom
Bike commuting is, simply, addictive. I wish we weren't headed into winter here in New York or I'd still be doing it every morning. Can't wait for spring, though. Have fun!
The simple answer is don't stop for winter.
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Old 12-14-12, 02:52 PM
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You at least owe us an answer as to any upgraded tires or saddle you may have snagged.
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Old 12-15-12, 02:49 AM
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Originally Posted by Bluish Green
That looks like a good commuter bike, with lots of great city commuter features. Good pick, I hope you enjoy it for many miles. Post updates as you ride....
+1 Fenders, disk brakes, reflectors. Good choice!
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Old 12-15-12, 07:52 AM
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Good news and Congratulations! I look forward to hearing your stories and feedback in the commuter forum.

Ride safe,

Jeff
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Old 12-15-12, 08:20 AM
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Briiliant stuff! I very recently did the same - bought a commuter hybrid to replace the road bike during the winter months - full mudguards, (sorry, fenders), hub dynamo and 50 litre panniers. The 20 mile commute only takes about 10 minutes longer, my back doesnt ache from my rucksack, and when it rains I dont get nearly so soaked through - happy days!!
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Old 12-15-12, 09:36 AM
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Good work! I am hearing more and more "first commute" stories and is really is awesome.
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Old 12-15-12, 09:38 AM
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So dcr, how was the commute with the new bike?
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Old 12-15-12, 02:58 PM
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New bike much slower than my road bike, but felt better about biking on the wet sandy roads and paths. Gorgeous sunrise on lake bike path, crisp cool air, new purchase 'high,' vigorous exercise, few stops as repeatedly hit "WALK" lights, small carbon footprint---overall a fantastic first ride. What I learned: my 15 yr. panniers need replacing, layers will replace down coat, and the bike shop that sold the bike did not properly install front disc brake.

I carried my bike into my classroom (high school social studies teacher) and explained the environmental and health reasons I will be riding--power of the pulpit. Not self-righteous preachy, more this makes sense tone. (More on this later.)
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