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Old 11-23-07 | 12:55 PM
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cerewa
put our Heads Together
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: southeast pennsylvania

Bikes: a mountain bike with a cargo box on the back and aero bars on the front. an old well-worn dahon folding bike

No, you're not crazy and out of your mind. But I recommend you have a backup plan. If you take a train, bus or car a couple days a week and bike the rest, you'll be able to learn how feasible it is for you to get used to biking every day.

Being able to go that distance obviously depends partly on how physically fit you are. Aside from that, it makes a difference how hilly and windy your area is, and whether you're careful to avoid dehydration, get enough sleep, and to eat healthy food.

I felt like my hilly 17 mile one-way commute was too much of a challenge for me so I bought an electric bicycle motor kit from taiwan (and battery from china) to make it easier. Depending on your budget and other circumstances, a regular bike or an electric bike might be much more feasible than the alternatives.

Rigid mountain bikes also have a number of advantages for commuters. If you ride on bumpy pavement, their wider tires will help cushion you. Slick tires (or knobbies) are available which have thick enough tread to completely prevent flats from small pieces of glass and wire.

They also convert easily to electric bikes.

Regular MTB handlebars aren't very good for long on-road rides in terms of comfort or aerodynamics, so that's why I don't use MTB handlebars on my MTB.

Last edited by cerewa; 11-23-07 at 01:05 PM.
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