Awesome, awesome, awesome thread!!!! I just read all 26+ pages. I am using websites like bonktown, realcyclist, pricepoint, etc to slowly stockpile necessary equipment so I can begin to commute. I recently purchased a roadbike (a Rocky Mountain Prestige 30CR through realcyclist) and have had a Trek 7.2fx for about 2.5 years. I am trying to gauge what exactly I need for my commute as well as what bike would be better to take. It's a 6.9 mile back-road jaunt with only one real "hill" but I work as a teacher with a dress code requiring a shirt and tie 4 days a week (gosh I love casual fridays). Right now I have one under-seat bag that I pull off when I finish my ride. I have a roll-up tool kit that I have a folding allen multi-tool, two tire levers, a mini patch-kit, and wrenches sized 13-16 as well as a swiss army knife and flint. This stays in my under-seat bag and this bag goes on whatever bike I decide to pull out.
I just picked up Zinn's Road Bike book not even realizing that this was the one highly recommended by you all and I have to say I went from knowing the minimum on bikes only a couple weeks ago to giving my trek a full cleaning (including a full drivetrain cleaning) as well as putting on a new set of pedals on each bike all by myself. I know its not a lot but for me it was very rewarding. I have only read up through Chapter 3 too!
One question I have is what should I wear for the commute? Should I go in my standard bike jersey/bike jacket with padded shorts/bibshorts? I was thinking of picking up some of the mountain biking shorts or pants (theyre really shpants) with the padded chamois but I won't feel so awkward walking into the school looking like I'm smuggling plums. I'm thinking of riding 4 days a week and then on Fridays I drive in and take the dirty clothes home...this will limit the need for panniers (at least for the time being).
I still need to buy:
LEDs/flashers
Extra tubes/tires
Frame pump (had one but I think the seal went...now its just great at deflating my tires!)
XC mtb gloves? (This one was because I went for a road-bike ride this weekend and my fingerless gloves nearly led to frostbite and it was a balmy 37!)
My plan is to start commuting regularly once the snow finally stops until the end of the school year (those June rides are going to be fantastic!) Then, hopefully over the spring/summer/fall I will be able to get the cold weather gear I need (like a set of studded or kevlar-belted tires and panniers) to go commuting year-round. I just got a great deal on a Cutter Cyclical eVent jacket for 60 bucks (retail is 300) for those yucky new england mornings and I use an On-Guard U-Lock with a heavy duty cable. I live in a blue-collar suburb and work in a town that's much more affluent, but I love my bikes and dont trust anyone. I figure I have almost everything I need but only a few more things...what do you think?
Thanks you guys and gals; you all are an inspiration! I'm trying to get the biking club students to sponsor a day in the spring where we can get as many students/faculty/staff as possible to ride to work too!