Originally Posted by madman91
Hello,
This is a question directed at commuters who have to leave their bike outside. ( but anyone can answer
)
After a long time i have decided that i will be commuting by bike. However i have two major problems that most of you have already answered but mine are special.
-1-/Like most or some commuters have to think about is weather and theft. The answer to both is buy a beater. I dont know if any of you commuters feel it but i cant ride beaters anymore, when i got my hardrock my body just switched modes. Riding a beater will drive me insane. How do you handle riding a beater?\
-2-/Another problem we face is being able to get a dependable route. I have thourougly examined the area of my route of 5miles and not found one sidewalk. It runs along 2 of the busiest streets in the city. Between the fence and the road is about 2 feet space. ( weeds and shrubbery ) What should i do?\
thanks
madman
1. I guess I ride a beater. It's a Specialized Hardrock (like yours),but it was built in the 1990s. I bought it used, but "like new" for $100. It is a fantastic bike for commuting, but it is not real likely to be stolen, and it never complains about getting cold or wet (unlike me!).
If you commute regularly, your bike will look like a beater in six to twelve months. Guaranteed. If you maintain it, it will still run well. Obviously, any bike ridden every day for 5000 or 10000 miles a year will show more wear than a weekend special ridden 1000 miles a year. If you don't like this reality, you probably won't like commuting.
2. It is less safe to ride on the sidewalk, according to almost all who write about cycling safety. Find streets that you feel comfortable riding on. Please read more on this forum, especially the Advocacy and Safety section. Also, ask at you local bike shop about safety courses in your area. It is very important that you learn more about keeping yourself and others safe on the streets.