CBBaron

Like has been mentioned just get a bike you are comfortable with. For that short of commute anything is going to work. Because you are not interested in working on your bike I'd suggest a single speed or hub gear bike. You could get a SS or hub gear with coaster brake but I suggest make sure it also has a good V or canti brake on the front wheel.
You will really appreciate fenders if the road is wet or you get caught in the rain. Make sure the bike can easily mount a pair.
A backpack or messenger bag is the simplest way to carry a laptop and other stuff. That way you don't need a rack and it comes with you by default.
In NYC you are going to want a very good lock no matter what the bike. You may want to buy one of the top rated Kryptonite or Onguard U-locks or chains to leave where you lock up at work. And then carry a little bit lighter lock like a mini-U lock and cable for locking up for a short while at other destinations. Also make sure you use the lock correctly. An inexpensive bike locked well is a less desirable target for thieves.
Craig

nycm'er

And so it is true...

You don't need a helmet in NYC, I have dented enough of them, I wear one all the time. You need blinkies in NYC, but not lights to see by. You can read the paper almost anywhere in Manhattan and most everywhere else in the City, i.e. lights to be seen, not to see by.

To be blunt, we lost 4 cyclists last week in NYC. Two kids and two messengers. But like you said there are 100k others out there.

I have a real beater, and it was a little more ridable I would lend it to you. lett me know if you want to borrow it.

One last bit from me, if you want to move quick, get a road bike, you dont have to be all hunched over though surprisingly, that is most comfortable. If you want to lope along, not worrying about potholes etc, get a mountain bike.
Good luck

jyossarian

Oh, one thing about mtbs, you don't need a front suspension fork for the city. It sounds like a good idea for potholes, but they're heavy and you can actually make do w/ a rigid fork which is lighter.

As for cyclists deaths, it's an unavoidable fact for the city. Ride safe and exercise common sense and caution and you should be fine.

carless

Now thats good.

h00ligan

i was looking at the bike map - but it seems to be almost 2 years old now. I heard today that the east river is now one continuous stretch with no street riding necessary on the greenway from 70th to 18th. On the map it looked like there was a street breakout at about 62nd or so - then a southbound type 3 path 9signed only no lane) until maybe 14 blocks later. If in fact there's a straight run down with no street detour as i was told today - this would be both a relatively safe and fast commute.

Any manhattanites kow if they did in fact bridge that gap by the bucket of bolts in the last year? Apparently there's a cafe for cyclists and joggers in the middle of the new stretch - if that helps orient.

Couple blocks east to the river - off at 20th-18 and over to 5th.. should be WICKED fast.

I went to look at bikes today at 6th and 15th. The guy there (dan) was super helpful. He shoed me the trek 7000 and the ermm other one that is like the commuter series but with bigger wheels (7.2 fx). He said the 100 and 200 are unavailable due to popularity and a short production run - which stinks.

He showed me the diamondback transporter too.. any thoughts on that bike?

Also, the fenders recommended in here are clip on? bad for theft, i need some permanent mounted i think..?

jyossarian

The East River MUP extends south to 62nd St. where it dumps you onto York Ave. The MUP doesn't start back up until E38th St. and from there it extends south to South St. Seaport. From E62nd to E38th, you have to ride on the streets. You can pick up a new bike map at any LBS or go to nyc.gov and look for biking links and have them mail you one.

As for fenders, get full coverage fenders that bolt onto the fender eyelets on the fork and rear dropouts. Clip ons don't provide enough coverage and will throw water and mud onto your pants and drivetrain. Freddy fenders are good, but the included mud guards need to be a bit longer to further reduce crap being thrown onto your feet and drivetrain.

h00ligan

thanks for the info jy - damn, i was hoping it extended more.

I"m going to rent a bike on saturday and take a ride a few different ways.

What streets do you think would best fit a southbound morning commute on the east side... the 5th ave bike lane is a joke.

jyossarian

5th Ave. doesn't have a bike lane. Depending on where you live, I'd try 2nd Ave., Lex, Park and 5th. None of them have bike lanes and each has their +/-. 2nd Ave. gets snarled around the entrance to the Q'boro bridge, but isn't bad after that. Lex is jam packed until about 42nd and the roadway is pretty rough from around E47 to E42. Park Ave. is 2-way so the lights aren't synchronized and you have to watch out for traffic making a left in front of you. It also has the Helmsley & GCT in the way at around 46th. 5th is bumpy in the bus lane and the buses don't play. They're in a hurry. It also gets jam packed from about 59th to 42nd. Take your pick.

BTW, riding it on a Saturday is no indication of what traffic is like during the weekday.

nycm'er

One style choice: Try riding on the left side of one way streets. It is legal in NYC on roads that are wider than 40 feet. I do it everywhere regardless. I find it improves my visibility to drivers immensely. No "Right"(left) Hooks and no buses to cut you off. etc etc

jyossarian

I do that, but left hooks are still a possibility. The safest place to ride seems to be in the middle when you can flow w/ traffic. BTW, I don't advocate anyone doing this unless they can move the same speed as traffic.