Wow so many replies! Time for a mega response:
To do a blanket response to those involved in the walk-vs-bike argument, I am looking to bike more! I have been rocking my mom's old $50 girl junker bike for 5 years. I have taken this thing all over mountains that it had no business being on (my elbows are still numb from some of those trails). I have a huge interest in riding to work since I am so close as this will A) give me an excuse to ween myself back into biking, and B) I want something new now that I have a big-boy job and can buy myself something nice. Price is not really an issue, but I don't think I will be dropping $1000 on my first bike unless it will provide me with something a little extra like unconditional joy, or a wonderful girlfriend.
Onward to the replies!
Originally Posted by
acidfast7
I would look at a flat bar road bike if you're new to commuting. You can always switch it to drop bars, on the same bike later if you'd like.
I nice, inexpensive GIANT Escape would fit the bill. I think they run about $350 or so where you are ...
Escape 3 (2015) | Giant Bicycles | United States
I read about Giant last night and was becoming a bit curious so I am glad you recommend them. I read they are super heavy though. Is this a spec to consider?
Originally Posted by
chephy
Welcome! Always nice to see another commuter join the ranks!
You can do 1.5 miles on pretty much any bike. You can, in fact, do it reasonably quickly without a bike. So a few questions to help narrow things down a little bit:
1) Are you planning to do any other riding in addition to commuting?
2) What's your budget?
3) What's the parking situation like at your place of employment? Can you bring the bike inside?
4) Are you planning to ride only on nice days, or in bad weather as well?
Backpack will work fine at the beginning (just make sure it's waterproof if you do ride in the rain). It might be fine forever, for a commute that short. If you decide you want to switch to something else, you could always upgrade later (just be aware that some road/racing bikes might not have eyelets to attach a rack, which could limit your options).
1) Are you planning to do any other riding in addition to commuting?
Mountain biking is something I am very interested in, but will getting a nice mountain bike make it unsuitable as a 15 mile-a-week commuter?
2) What's your budget*?
Budget is whatever. If someone can sell me on something around $700 I would probably end up getting it. I want to really enjoy bike riding so I am going to be open-minded and just read what people suggest.
3) What's the parking situation like at your place of employment? Can you bring the bike inside?
Let's assume there is indoor parking. I don't know this for sure, but my office is really nice and has a bike pool for people who want to ride into downtown for lunch (haven't seen this area yet). I will update this if I find out this changes.
4) Are you planning to ride only on nice days, or in bad weather as well?
Haha your example for this one made me smile. I am open to riding in any weather, but if that limits me I will make this answer a "no." I like riding my bike in the rain as long as my hands are freezing. I may be weird, but it is fun battling the elements sometimes!
Originally Posted by
tarwheel
Unless you plan to do other recreational riding, touring, etc., I would simply walk to work for that distance. It would be just as much or more exercise, and much simpler and cheaper. A reasonably fit person should be able to walk 1.5 miles easily in 30 minutes. It probably would take almost that long to ride a bike when you factor in the time taken to get prepared and pack your gear in the morning, ride to work, and lock it up.
However, if you view commuting as an entry point -- or gateway drug -- to cycling, start commuting by all means. It's a great sport/hobby for overall fitness as well as fun.
I didn't plan on "gearing up" for this ride. Am I a misfit for the commuter section of this forum? Total newb here.
Originally Posted by
wphamilton
1.5 miles I'd use a backpack, and ride in whatever clothes I worked in. Maybe, without carrying clothes, not even a backpack. Keep a change at work, just in case.
Sure you could walk it, but I'd still ride. Depending on the overall hassle. It's not really logical to select your bike based on a really short commute in my opinion. I'd say choose one that you'll ride otherwise, recreation, sport, utility, or mountain trails or fixed gear if that's your thing, and use that bike for the commute. Any other equipment - I mean lights, pump, anything else - depends on specifics of your ride. If you don't mind walking your bike for a mile for example and have decent tires, you might find it more convenient to not carry patches and pump. For daylight commutes, lights aren't all that necessary or at most some cheap blinkies. I'd be inclined to just hop on the bike and ride it.
I do like mountain biking. So you are suggesting buy a bike for the trails and double it as a commute bike 5x a week? will 15 miles of road riding every week wear out a set of trail tires?
Originally Posted by
Darth Lefty
On a clear dry day, any bike, no problem. Get some lights.
In snow, are you still going to ride?
You might want to get a mountain bike, because come on, how could you not have a mountain bike in Colorado?
Trails | Boulder Mountainbike Alliance
YES I want a mountain bike too! Someone else said to buy whatever and then use it for the commute since the ride isn't that long. If people agree with this suggestion, I will take that approach.
Originally Posted by
jdswitters
https://boulder.craigslist.org/bik/4838492086.html
ride it into the ground until you figure out what you want and what your style is. At a150$ a 50 dolla tune up is a good investment also.
I am very on-board with buying a mid-grade bike right off the bat. Used is fine, but I have a sack of garbage already (not saying your link is to a bad one, but I have a bigger budget than that).
Originally Posted by
metz1295
I agree here. You'll spend more time getting ready to ride than riding. I used to live about that distance from my work and once I realized how healthy it would be to walk to work I did. If you're definitely wanting to ride, I would walk the commute distance, drop my gear off, fuel up, change and hit the road for 25 miles. I think you'll be more pleased with your results.
My 2 cents
Not bad advice. I am fairly healthy and lift weights (still skinny but on my way up!). My work has no dress code. I don't think I will be changing upon arrival (based on some of the people's responses so far).
If you read all that, thank you. I am impressed with the amount of people that replied to my open-ended question.