Originally Posted by MKRG
Many of you know that I'm jobless and have been for some time. I just recieved word that it will take $1500 to get my car back together. It will run but leak constantly for much less. If I had $1500 I would not spend it on the car because the car isn't worth that much. I would rather get that Olympic that I've been craving for some time if I had the money but I don't, so i won't. Rather I'm contemplating going car free. Surely this will be a challenge as this city is not known to be cycling friendly. I've heard that it turns cycle commuters into Hummer drivers. We've got a few really big hills here in town, actually 7, just like Rome. If I do this it will hurt. If I do this I will question it every day. If i do this I will get stronger. If I do this I will be able to whip all of your asses in a race.
I've been car free for a while. I got rid of my old mustang in january. It sucks having to rent a car when i want to go to the track to just mess around though...and race car rental is COSTLY...even without hiring a crew for the day
I think renting the itb mustang I rented was about $380 for the day....then the fuel costs...it was pretty nasty...I might just buy an 86 4-banger stang to turn into an ITB class car and rent a truck and car trailer for the days I wnat to run...it would be far cheaper.
EDIT: back on topic....rack and panniers...they will be your best friend on this..buy them, hug them, cuddle then, name them george....seriously...without panniers things like groceries is either a few days at once or a painful trip. Make sure your heels can clear them though. I have to add a couple inches to my rack for mine to fit right...might just make a special mount bracket out of billet or something that uses both frame mounts to keep it stable...that should allow me to back the rack up by a few inches, as well as make it sit higher, since I like turning lean, and i'm afraid loaded they might touch ground.
Then get a good comfy saddle...I mean it..and grips. On those daily commutes, you will feel it if you made a bad choice.