Originally Posted by
ckaspar
Well...just like the title says. I am getting started in commuting. It is 22 miles round trip. Half of the trip is on a bike trail in Los Angeles. The remainder is on streets. I am riding a MTB with street tires on it. I am also keeping any accessories to the bike to a minimum as I still want to use the bike for light mountain biking with a friend.
I am wondering 2 things.
1. What is a decent pace to keep? I understand this will vary based on my physical condition, weight of the bike etc but what should I be looking for? I am getting 10-11 miles per hour atm.
2. Essentials-I have a saddle bag full tools, tube, CO2 inflator. I got that bag because I will obviously need that on a trail as well. I still need to get a "you see me headlight and a rear light". Anything else I am missing that you can think of for the basics? I am not gonna be moving groceries or any clothes back and forth to the office so bags on the back aren't necessary.
TIA
What areas are you travel in? I also commute in LA. Regardless of light level outside, I always run my lights front and back. I have a NiteRider MiniNewt 600 on the front(daytime in blinking mode)and Cygolite Hotshot in the rear. Probably don't need the flashing front while on the trail during the day as it annoys some people. My commute is all streets.
10-11 ave MPH is not bad. When I first stated 7-8 months ago now mine was close to that. Now its a bit higher, but due to stop lights/traffic I max out at 15-16.