Commuting On C&V
#1
Thread Starter
Extraordinary Magnitude


Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 14,087
Likes: 2,146
From: Waukesha WI
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Commuting On C&V
Who's riding their bike to work?
What are you riding?
How many miles is it?
How long does it take you?
I used to ride to work somewhat regularly- it's about 16.5 miles, and a large chunk of it is bike/MUP.
I had been riding my 84 Specialized Stumpjumper, then my drop-barred 86 Schwinn High Sierra- and then my 85 Trek 620.
Although it takes pretty consistently an hour and fifteen minutes- I budget an hour and a half for the ride- and half an hour to shower/clean up/get ready. When I started at 0800, leaving the house at 0600 was no problem. Since I changed my tour to start at 0600, leaving the house at 0400 is an entirely different animal. I like starting and getting off work early, but I don't get to put as many miles on- and all my riding is "recreational" rather than commuting miles now.
What are you riding?
How many miles is it?
How long does it take you?
I used to ride to work somewhat regularly- it's about 16.5 miles, and a large chunk of it is bike/MUP.
I had been riding my 84 Specialized Stumpjumper, then my drop-barred 86 Schwinn High Sierra- and then my 85 Trek 620.
Although it takes pretty consistently an hour and fifteen minutes- I budget an hour and a half for the ride- and half an hour to shower/clean up/get ready. When I started at 0800, leaving the house at 0600 was no problem. Since I changed my tour to start at 0600, leaving the house at 0400 is an entirely different animal. I like starting and getting off work early, but I don't get to put as many miles on- and all my riding is "recreational" rather than commuting miles now.
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
#2
Senior Member




Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 21,848
Likes: 5,819
From: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
I'm lucky as I have a short commute; 3 miles each way. I'll often take a longer route home to add some miles on a bikepath. I have two vintage commuters: a 1988 stumpjumper comp and a 1990ish Bridgestone BB-1, both of which have been heavily modded, 


#3
My city bike / all rounder is my upgraded '66 Moulten... the ride to the south co-op (where I teach classes) is only 8km while the commute to my shop is 32 steps. The north shop (co-op) is only a few minutes away from me and is not even a warm up.

I also ride a 2001 bikeE CT which is a great city bike... and quite nice for rambling through the river valley.
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These have been my go to bikes for the season, sometimes they get a break when I decide I want to change it up and yesterday used my 1954 Raleigh Sports.
I also ride a 2001 bikeE CT which is a great city bike... and quite nice for rambling through the river valley.
These have been my go to bikes for the season, sometimes they get a break when I decide I want to change it up and yesterday used my 1954 Raleigh Sports.
#5
I've been commuting to work by bike off and on for the past few years. I live close - 5.5mi with one heck of a short, steep New England hill in between. Commute time varies based on weather and how much of a mess I intend to be when I arrive. We do have showers on site, so that helps. 15-18min is pretty standard depending on the day. My CAAD9 is the daily driver, but I'll ride others depending on what I feel like any given morning. Energy levels are higher throughout the days that I bike commute, and I then have the ride home to look forward to.
Commuting adds significant base miles and I certainly feel stronger on recreational rides when I've been keeping up with and pushing on the commutes.
Commuting adds significant base miles and I certainly feel stronger on recreational rides when I've been keeping up with and pushing on the commutes.
#6
Senior Member


Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,106
Likes: 2,762
From: Fredericksburg, Va
Bikes: ? Proteous, '65 Frejus TDF, '73 Bottecchia Giro d'Italia, '83 Colnago Superissimo, '84 Trek 610, '84 Trek 760, '88 Pinarello Veneto, '88 De Rosa Pro, '89 Pinarello Montello, 'Litespeed Catalyst'94 Burley Duet, 97 Specialized RockHopper, 2010 Langster
Not C&V by 3 years but when one of two projects are completed the commute will be by C&V.
Ride:
[IMG]
Commuter RockHopper by superissimo_83, on Flickr[/IMG]
Distance: 10.6 miles - I only ride one way, home. No showers available at work. Celebrating over 900 miles so far this year just commuting.
Time: between 38 and 45 min. Mostly MUP
Modified the bike with a Marzocchi SL 2005 this last week end to absorb the bumps from tree roots. Curious to see how much the time varies due to the extra lb from the fork.
Once this is painted and assembled, this will be the ride:
[IMG]
104_PaTrek. by superissimo_83, on Flickr[/IMG]
Ride:
[IMG]
Commuter RockHopper by superissimo_83, on Flickr[/IMG]Distance: 10.6 miles - I only ride one way, home. No showers available at work. Celebrating over 900 miles so far this year just commuting.
Time: between 38 and 45 min. Mostly MUP
Modified the bike with a Marzocchi SL 2005 this last week end to absorb the bumps from tree roots. Curious to see how much the time varies due to the extra lb from the fork.
Once this is painted and assembled, this will be the ride:
[IMG]
104_PaTrek. by superissimo_83, on Flickr[/IMG]
Last edited by SJX426; 09-05-14 at 08:41 AM.
#7
You gonna eat that?
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,917
Likes: 543
From: Fort Worth, Texas Church of Hopeful Uncertainty
Bikes: 1966 Raleigh DL-1 Tourist, 1973 Schwinn Varsity, 1983 Raleigh Marathon, 1994 Nishiki Sport XRS
#8
Thread Starter
Extraordinary Magnitude


Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 14,087
Likes: 2,146
From: Waukesha WI
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Having showers and a locker room is a HUGE plus.
I'm IT support, so being at someone's desk and "ripe" isn't a good thing. That "winning is the best deodorant" thing doesn't fly in that situation.
I'm IT support, so being at someone's desk and "ripe" isn't a good thing. That "winning is the best deodorant" thing doesn't fly in that situation.
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
#9
I'm an engineer, so "Winning is the best deodorant" does not apply.
#10
Old fart



Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26,411
Likes: 5,350
From: Appleton WI
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
I commute on my 1972 Raleigh Superbe, about 7 miles each way. Takes about half an hour, depending on wind. I leave home at 4:30AM, so the Dynohub and lights are necessary.
#11
currently commuting on a 1980ish Mairag (switzerland) with 2001 Campagnolo 10 speed DT, TA Carmina Cranks, 1970s record sidepulls, syncro ti post and nitto bar/stem, VO fenders. Will be switching to Dura-ace hubs soon.
I also commute on my 1991 rocky mountain hammer, my 2014 Salsa Mukluk and my 2013 custom "monster cross"/tour machine.
I also commute on my 1991 rocky mountain hammer, my 2014 Salsa Mukluk and my 2013 custom "monster cross"/tour machine.
__________________
1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
#13
Senior Member



Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 18,841
Likes: 11,748
I only bike commute and do it all year round, but it's a really short ride (~2.5 miles each way). Most of my commuting is done on a '71 Raleigh International:

I'll also take somewhat regularly my 1950 Raleigh Lenton Tourist:

Those two see most of the action though I'm often building up other bikes just to commute on for a while and see how they feel.

I'll also take somewhat regularly my 1950 Raleigh Lenton Tourist:
Those two see most of the action though I'm often building up other bikes just to commute on for a while and see how they feel.
#14
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 22,676
Likes: 2,643
From: CID
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
C&V bikes (to the extent that the "Cosby Show" era is included in the definition
) are all I ride, including to work. It's about 13.5 miles round-trip, but I will do a little extra sometimes.
I've been favoring these two as of late. The '91 Bianchi when the weather forecast looks nice and I don't have to carry anything:

And the '88 Diamondback FG when it's winter, if rain threatens, or I need to schlep loads of clothing back and forth (I try to group it into one batch a week):
) are all I ride, including to work. It's about 13.5 miles round-trip, but I will do a little extra sometimes.I've been favoring these two as of late. The '91 Bianchi when the weather forecast looks nice and I don't have to carry anything:

And the '88 Diamondback FG when it's winter, if rain threatens, or I need to schlep loads of clothing back and forth (I try to group it into one batch a week):
#15
Cyclotouriste


Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,795
Likes: 7,023
From: South Holland, NL
Bikes: Yes, please.
I live 30 miles from my office and regularly need a car for work-related trips, so commuting by bike is not the best choice. Did it once, though, just for fun. Took the then just acquired Austro-Daimler Inter 10. This is about halfway, near Leiden:
#16
Full Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 467
Likes: 43
From: San Antonio, Texas
Bikes: 84 Coppi - 94 Hujsak - 82 Colnago Superissimo - 78 Ciöcc - 70's Galmozzi - 73 Lambert - 78 Motobecane Grand Record - 87 Peugeot Triathlon - 66 Peugeot H-40 - 78 Peugeot U08 - 85 Raleigh C-40 - 82 miyata 310 - 82 Univega - 85 Sterling SIS Mixte
Every weekday for the last 3 years. Work is close but every day I take the 25mi long way to work, If I can get out earlier I can go longer. It really gets my head in the right place. Monday & Friday I'll take the Austro with panniers & now fenders so I can take cloths for the week. In between I'll take a lighter bike. I ride in a kit and take a pretty good splash bath in the sink. Weekend rides are just not possible for me except when the girls visit and I get to chase after their husbands on long rides.
78 Austro-Daimer

86 Peugeot Triathlon
78 Austro-Daimer

86 Peugeot Triathlon
#17
Senior Member


Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 7,726
Likes: 4,191
From: Berkeley, CA
Bikes: 72 Cilo Pacer, 72 Gitane GT, 72 Peugeot PX10, 73 Speedwell Ti,l, 75 Peugeot PR-10L, 80 Colnago Super, 81 Zinn, 85 ALAN Cross, 85 De Rosa Pro, 86 Look 753, 86 Look KG86, 89 Parkpre Team, 90 Parkpre Team MTB, 90 Merlin
I commute on my '72 Cilo Pacer. I also pick up my daughter from school after work most days. So, I wind up adding a Piccolo trail-a-bike for the first part of the commute, lock it up on my way into the office, then commute the rest of the way from Berkeley to my office in Oakland. Then on the way home, I grab the trailer, head up a small hill to my daughter's after care, then we ride the last 1.5 miles home together. Total round trip distance is about 16-18 miles depending on whether I'm also picking up and/or dropping off my daughter. From home to office, I've done it in 20 minutes (and was a sweaty mess), but it's usually closer to 25 minutes of bike time, plus another 5 minutes or so dealing with all the locks & stops.


If it's raining, I'll take my Nishiki Competition with fenders.


If it's raining, I'll take my Nishiki Competition with fenders.
#18
Senior Member


Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 7,726
Likes: 4,191
From: Berkeley, CA
Bikes: 72 Cilo Pacer, 72 Gitane GT, 72 Peugeot PX10, 73 Speedwell Ti,l, 75 Peugeot PR-10L, 80 Colnago Super, 81 Zinn, 85 ALAN Cross, 85 De Rosa Pro, 86 Look 753, 86 Look KG86, 89 Parkpre Team, 90 Parkpre Team MTB, 90 Merlin
#19
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 22,676
Likes: 2,643
From: CID
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Haha, it never fails to provoke comment! I was riding on a hot and tiring day of RAGBRAI in 2010, and there was a stretch of new cement that had had the center groove cut, but not yet filled with tar. A surprising number of us got our <25mm tires caught while crossing the center at too shallow an angle. Before I knew it, I was skidding on my left side, watching my bike bounce and flip in front of me. 
I sustained a partially torn AC and a dislocated right thumb, but my bike was relatively fine -- the rear tire was wasted, and that end of the brake lever apparently took all the rest of the hits! Since aluminum doesn't handle bending all that well, I figure it's best to leave it as-is rather than try to bend it back. It works just fine.

I sustained a partially torn AC and a dislocated right thumb, but my bike was relatively fine -- the rear tire was wasted, and that end of the brake lever apparently took all the rest of the hits! Since aluminum doesn't handle bending all that well, I figure it's best to leave it as-is rather than try to bend it back. It works just fine.
#20
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,338
Likes: 6,640
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
1975-or-so Viscount with S3X fixed gear three-speed hub.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#21
Full Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 467
Likes: 43
From: San Antonio, Texas
Bikes: 84 Coppi - 94 Hujsak - 82 Colnago Superissimo - 78 Ciöcc - 70's Galmozzi - 73 Lambert - 78 Motobecane Grand Record - 87 Peugeot Triathlon - 66 Peugeot H-40 - 78 Peugeot U08 - 85 Raleigh C-40 - 82 miyata 310 - 82 Univega - 85 Sterling SIS Mixte
#23
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,036
Likes: 550
From: Pacific Northwest
Bikes: ‘87 Marinoni SLX Sports Tourer, ‘79 Miyata 912 by Gugificazione
Commute is 18+ miles each way. Mostly flat MUP, but the last few miles before home require climbing 350' on moderate to steep hills, so a shower is only needed at home. (Wet Ones wipes work great for the morning arrival.) I hadn't bike-commuted in years, but the desire to get back in "century shape" gives me reason to get up an hour early, and my wife usually rides down in the afternoon, so we have a great ride home together, even if it often features a headwind.
My nice day commuter bike is this Marinoni SLX Sports Tourer. I really need to take an up-to-date photo against a better background with the current wheels and Gilles Berthoud saddle.

I'm not so obsessed that I ride when its raining or likely to do so, but sometimes the roads/trails are wet from the previous night, so here's my wet road commuter bike, now with fenders. (No, Mt. Rainier is not on my commuting route):
My nice day commuter bike is this Marinoni SLX Sports Tourer. I really need to take an up-to-date photo against a better background with the current wheels and Gilles Berthoud saddle.

I'm not so obsessed that I ride when its raining or likely to do so, but sometimes the roads/trails are wet from the previous night, so here's my wet road commuter bike, now with fenders. (No, Mt. Rainier is not on my commuting route):
#24
Thread Starter
Extraordinary Magnitude


Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 14,087
Likes: 2,146
From: Waukesha WI
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Here's my Stumpjumper packed up for the commute- really not a good way to roll- I hated having the backpack on me- the weight and the sweat.. The bungees didn't hold all that well.
Bullmoose bars look cool, but not so good after 8 or so miles.

Bullmoose bars look cool, but not so good after 8 or so miles.

__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
#25
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,338
Likes: 6,640
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
It's the second version with the steel dowel inside the steerer tube. I'm told that's OK by both Frank the Welder and [MENTION=158672]FBinNY[/MENTION].
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.






