driveblind

I'm just getting excited about biking and actually using my hybrid I've had for a few years. I've started to bike the 13 miles (one way) to work once or twice a week. It's good to have some co-workers to ride with and show me the best roads!

AndrewP

That is a decent commute distance, provided the weather and traffic are cooperative. Is it all through city streets or do you get out into the country?

driveblind

Yeah, it is a pretty good commute. It's getting me in shape and losing weight, which was the point to begin with. It's a mix of city streets and some less-busy back roads. Other than the one train track crossing, it's paved the whole way.

Doohickie

Check out Boston Retro Wheelmen and Lovely Bicycle! blogs; the authors are in your local area.

driveblind

Thanks for the tips! I've been looking for all sorts of things to read about bikes. It's good to have some local flavor.

Siu Blue Wind

Welcome to Bike Forums! Did you know we have a hybrid section? I just got a hybrid myself not to long ago. I love that bike, it's the perfect 'tweener bike. I'm taking it to Tahoe on my vacation rather than the mtb this year.

bacarolle

Great to see another Somervillian on here. I joined recently also, but I haven't made a "formal" introduction.

I commute from Winter Hill to Cleveland Circle (Brighton) and I'm always looking for ways to extend the commute.

I started riding last year and it really changed how I experience the Boston area

Dannihilator

Welcome driveblind and bacarolle

Doohickie

Yeah, welcome!

Same advice as above.... check out those blogs. They are written by BF members Veloria and southpawboston (aka somervillain on the blog).

bacarolle

Thanks for the welcomes.
This forum has been an invaluable resource for any number of bike-related questions I've had.
It's also pretty entertaining to read the various debates, hurtling of insults, etc when I'm procrastinating at work...which is happening RIGHT NOW.

I'll check out those blogs.

driveblind

My commute starts off in Winter Hill, as well, but heads north to Wilmington. I did my first solo ride to work this morning and tried a new route through Medford instead of Arlington. The distance was slightly shorter, but the hills were also slightly larger.

driveblind

I have seen the hybrid section and read some good threads there. I am starting to think that a road bike might be a bit better for my commute because I don't really need the shocks and some of the extra weight my hybrid has. Still, it's a great bike and perfect when I put a seat on the back and carry my 18-month old son around. It's comfortable and I love the disc brakes. I'm also toying with the idea of getting a single-speed for riding around town on my own. I have my eye on a Redline 9-2-5, which I can get for a good price on last year's model. I don't need to spend money on a new bike, but it sure would be nice.

bacarolle

I actually went and bought a Redline 925 after using my hybridized MTB for a few months. It's basically an ideal city bike and a surprisingly comfortable ride. Phil at Simple Living Cycles in Framingham sells them for dirt cheap, but if you go there be sure to bring it to someone who knows bike mechanics before riding it, so that you can tighten everything and make sure it's all in "working order" -- he tends to sell bikes with loose parts, etc, etc.

But for me, nothing compares to a well-built steel road bike when on the pavement, especially in the rolling suburbs.

driveblind

I did end up getting my 925 at Simple Living. I must've been lucky - everything was tight and in great shape. I love the bike. It's great to have a steel single-speed for going around town.