Originally Posted by
JeremyZ
Sounds like she's looking for an excuse to bike; GREAT! Why don't you take the 15 mile route that you feel comfortable with, and when you're running late, go over the interstate?
It doesn't look like you're going on the expressway, just crossing over the bridge that spans it. Just be alert when you do and look for the safest route, like akohekohe suggested.
Did you decide what to do with regards to the bike yet?
Am I truely that transparent? ;-) I really enjoyed biking when I was a kid, but quit doing it in college since I wasn't in a very bike friendly area and didn't have the experience of all you awesome people here to navigate the rough patches. I haven't picked a bike as of yet since the car situation's been tricky and I haven't had a chance to visit the local bike shop. I work weekends and walking there after my shift would get me there after business hours. I will defenitely post when I make the decision, though!
Originally Posted by
MichaelW
15 miles (is this x2) is a fair way so you need an efficient, practical bike, the basic all-rounder.
Some of the sportier hybrids or flat-bar road bikes are good.
If road style drop-bars dont scare you off, there are some viable commuter road bikes.
A few pointers:
1. Avoid any suspension, you really dont need it and it adds weight and complication.
2. Have an idea of the largest tyre width you will use. On normal road, this is probably 32mm but in winter or on tracks and trails, it could be wider. Road-bike style commuters do it on 25 or 28mm with no problems. On MTB wheels, 1.5" is a good width for the road. Many bikes have limits to the widest tyre they can take.
3. Make sure the bike has threaded eyelets to accept luggage rack and fenders.
4. Pick a bike shop that can help you get the correct size in a suitable style.
Yes, it would be a total of 30 miles - 15 both ways. I have to admit that I had always been a tad intimidated by drop-bars, but after reading a bit more about them, I have to say I'm open to the idea. In my area we don't have too much in the way of snow aside from the occasional freak winter every 8 years or so, but we can get buckets of rain, so I'll defenitely see what the local bike shop guys have to reccomend tire-wise. Regarding suspension, is that primarily for bikes who have a lot of rough areas, like unpaved roads or paths?