acidfast7

I notice some wear on the saddle today ... will be interesting to see how much use I can get out of it

edit: i seem to ride lopsided or it's how I mount and dismount the bike :/

CrankyOne

Enjoyment cost? Do you think you would have enjoyed riding a different/better bike much more? Worth the money?

acidfast7

Not at all. I'm still digging the SS action.

I rode th 3x9 MTB while in Germany and it was fun as it was different. The SS for commuting is quite nice IMHO.

acidfast7

Another way to answer your question is that I'm not convinced that a more expensive bike would be better. In reality, I doubt that it would roll better and be more comfortable on my daily 20km RT commute. Perhaps it might last a little longer, but after 3500km, I'm not sure that I need more longevity.

CrankyOne

That's good to hear. And interesting. I'm sure Trek and Specialized would like to promote your findings. Perhaps in your new job you'll need a multi-speed. May I suggest for your next 3500 miles: Buy Col De Turini Bellano from our All Road Bikes range - Tesco.com

acidfast7

Why would Trek and Specialized promote my findings.

(Un)fortunately, it's looking like I'll live right at the seaside but only have a less than 2 mile commute ... so I'll probably jog to work with a backpack ... not sure how much usage the bike will get ... but we'll see Also, it looks to be exceedingly flat so SS should be OK for now.

CrankyOne

Unfortunately indeed. Ah, I'm jealous. A friend has a restaurant and inn in Lyme Regis that we enjoy visiting. My wife and I have hiked many bits of the coast from Bournemouth to Barnstable. Very slow going due to my photos. Many miles of coastline yet to hike to fill in bits we've missed.

CrankyOne

That was a joke. Sorry.

acidfast7

I'm hoping to find a place with a view of the Solent, so I'll be a little more East. I'd rather be a little more West but my gf is working in the biotech/pharma area north of London, so I need reasonable access to London. Let's see how it is ... also, the position is quite OK.

And, I'll also be able resume sailing lessons that I stopped after leaving Stockholm

Maybe, I'll just fit a 3-speed IGH to be a little more British

CrankyOne

You'll be in the right place. I've sailed around there a few times (in one and two person racing dinghys, nothing larger). I think you'll love living there. Well, I would anyway.

acidfast7

I'll probably stay put until something in a continental metropolis comes along

acidfast7

episode 189

stats:

3605km/2240mi
£547/$870 total
£0.15/km
€0.21/km
$0.39/mi
money saved on bus fare (after recovering cost of bike): £369.30/$547.55
maintenance (after recovering the cost of the bike): £29/$43.03 (three bicycle tubes and one 23-622 Schwalbe Marathon)
net money saved on the bike: £340.30/$504.70

photos:

Phil_gretz

Acidfast,
I was skeptical when you began your thread about this bike. But you've more than proved your point, that a fairly entry-level bike can be used and maintained for commuting. You've shown persistence and humor. Well done.

I hope that you enjoy your new environs. Perhaps it's time for that 3-speed IGH...

Phil G.

acidfast7

Thanks man!

Aside from the original green tires, I haven't been disappointed, except getting the flu and losing out on the cycling time

Still looking at flats and will check them out this weekend! Looks like the commute will do down to between 400 and 2000m, which is kind of sad. Seems that I'll be jogging into work.

acidfast7

episode 190

stats:

3605km/2240mi
£547/$870 total
£0.15/km
€0.21/km
$0.39/mi
money saved on bus fare (after recovering cost of bike): £375.00/$560.19
maintenance (after recovering the cost of the bike): £29/$43.03 (three bicycle tubes and one 23-622 Schwalbe Marathon)
net money saved on the bike: £346/$516.87

photos:

Phil_gretz

Unicycle or push-scooter!

I-Like-To-Bike

Who wudda thunk it?

acidfast7

Just signed a lease: 800m from the office and 100m from the water Let the adventure begin.

Interestingly, I'll have a garage now but no car ... so I'll at least have safe storage for the bike and could consider getting another

Seems that the local pub is next to the water as well ... good in the summer/not so good in the winter:

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/uv?hl=...d=0CIABEKIqMA8

acidfast7

I am quite sad that it will harder to rack up the miles being so close to work

Phil_gretz

You could simply extend your rides to a few miles before and after work. Maybe some new route along the water that's scenic and refreshing? On the worst weather days, you could simply walk in.

Alternatives: paddle to work in a canoe, get a giant trike with a basket in the back and ride in, jump on a pogo stick... Any/all of these could add interest.

acidfast7

episode 191

stats:

3641km/2262mi
£547/$870 total
£0.15/km
€0.21/km
$0.38/mi
money saved on bus fare (after recovering cost of bike): £379.70/$566.74
maintenance (after recovering the cost of the bike): £29/$43.03 (three bicycle tubes and one 23-622 Schwalbe Marathon)
net money saved on the bike: £350.70/$523.46

photos:

noglider 

Do you still ride to work, being so close?

acidfast7

I haven't moved yet. That will happen middle of next month. Then I'm off for two weeks in Tuscany, so I don't know how it's going to work out yet. I think I'll probably jog into work, which is good for my fitness but not so good for bike commuting 😕

acidfast7

new track for the Southern coast with my glasses:

#t=20m00s

acidfast7

episode 193

stats:

3679km/2286mi
£547/$870 total
£0.14/km
€0.21/km
$0.38/mi
money saved on bus fare (after recovering cost of bike): £389.10/$598.60
maintenance (after recovering the cost of the bike): £29/$44.54 (three bicycle tubes and one 23-622 Schwalbe Marathon)
net money saved on the bike: £360.10/$553.48

photos: