epicycle

Hello All,

I am beginning the process of researching a commute to work and would like some pointers/help if you wouldn't mind ... thanks ....

I live in a western suburb of Chicago called Itasca which is approximately 20-25 miles from downtown where I work. I live approximately 200 yards from the mass transit system which will get me to work in 35 minutes. I am looking at commuting via bike those 25 miles because I am like the rest of you, addicted to the feel of the bike and the utter joy and happiness I feel when I ride.

I think when I start I will likely ride to work, train home, train next day ride home in order to get into the groove. Once I am used to it more I will likely just ride both ways each day. Also, I have access to a shower at work so it shouldn't be to bad. Now on to the questions ...

As someone starting out who wants to invest in a bike "for" commuting instead of using my pricey MTB I was looking for some input as to recommended bikes to start with. Price isn't an issue but since as you all know and have stated in previous posts I want a bike I can "not care" if I lose. So I figured in the sub $800 for a full bike or maybe some recommendations on building one (i.e. recommended components that can handle the wear and tear, tires, etc). I might be able to get a frame from my parents house from an old italian road bike I used to have (forgot the name .. sorry, wasn't as into bikes when I was younger) so I may be able to build that up. Any suggestions here ...

Now on to safety ... lighting systems? racks? I was reading the thread on panniers and will look into the options suggested there, hopefully even getting a look at some at my LBS. Any other suggestions ... like Locks? Shock or no shock? Where to put reflective tape etc? Feel free to tell me to RTFM and point me at a webpage or book .... I don't mind it.

And finally ... personal safety ... my GF is concerned about the commute because it goes through a few spots in Chicago which aren't known for being all that safe. Any recommendations for situations like these? Is it better to go 5 miles out of the way (if I can) or would you suggest something else?

Any comments, suggestions, or questions on the above please ask ... will fill in the details if you need more. Thanks for the help everyone ... look forward to many good posts here.

epicycle

RainmanP

Epicycle,
Welcome to BikeForums! You have come to the right place! I will try to answer a few of your questions and I know others will jump in, too. I may not cover everything, but I will hit on a few.

Your place sounds like a good one if you are already riding enough for 20 miles to be pretty comfortable. You can certainly start off with the understanding that if you feel like you are riding more than you are ready for and just not ride if you don't feel like it. My philosophy is to not force anything as you start out. Better to skip a ride and REALLY be anxious for the next one than to force it, get sore, and cringe at the next ride.

Headlight - If you will be riding in the dark you really should get a nice headlight. You can get little 2.4-3 watt lights for $20-30 that are marginal. They do OK on well lighted city streets. More to be seen than to see. I rode with one for several months before recently upgrading to a Vistalite CODE-15 which is a dual with 10W and 5W. I really only wanted the 10, but they don't offer a single 10. Now I am kind of glad. I use the 10W all the time and have the 5W as a backup if the 10W bulb goes out on a ride.

Taillight - I like the inexpensive 5 LED blinkies that Performancebike.com and nashbar.com both sell regularly for $9.99 and put on sale for $6.99 often. One or the other has them on sale right now. I put one on the back of my helmet with one of those reflective velcro straps bike shops sell to keep your pants leg out of the chain. Threaded snugly through a couple of vents on the lower back of the helmet, the blinkie faces pretty much straight back as you ride. I like having it on the helmet because I will have it with me all the time. I also clip on on my seat bag or other bag with a place to clip it. I have used as many as three but pretty much always have 2. If you ride in the dark, the most important thing is to be visible.

Reflective vest - I wear one of those orange mesh vests with reflective strips only in the morning when it is dark. As you can tell, I don't give a damn about style or what anyone else thinks. I have four reasons at home to make sure I get back there safely every day.

Bike - This gets into personal taste to some extent. Any bike will do. A touring bike or cyclocross bike is probably the best commuter. Both are designed for durability and can carry a load. If you do plan to install a rack, the bike needs to have threaded eyelets on the dropouts to attache the rack. Your mtb would do for a starter though I understand your reluctance to use an expensive bike. If the road bike can be fixed up as is, give it a try. Some older road bikes had rack eyelets. My old Bianchi does, but it is only 12-14 years old. Unless the bike is trashed you probably only need to
1. Replace tires and tubes. 25mm tires will probably fit on the rims; 28s would be better if they will fit.
2. Retape the handlebar.
3. Service (disassemble, clean, repack with grease) the four bearing groups - front and rear hub, headset, bottom bracket.
4. Replace brake pads.
5. Clean, adjust, lubricate derailleur and brake assemblies.
6. Replace cables if necessary. Probably a good idea anyway.

With a good repair book and the right tools you could do this yourself, but to get started, a bike shop probably would do it for a fairly reasonable price, $100-150 depending on parts. You may have a jewel right there under your nose. Unless there is something wrong with the old components, run 'em. Since hanging out around here, I have been getting into old bikes. If you hang around here you will find others are, too. Right, Mike? Then if you really get into it you can take your time doing some research and get something else later.

Reflective tape - I have a couple of strips on my rear fender. Any bags - panniers, seat bag, rack trunk, will have some reflective material, also. If you don't use fenders, you could put little strips on rear-facing surfaces that don't get covered up by bags.

Shock - my regular commuter has a suspension fork (it started life as a "comfort" bike, Giant Cypress) It is nice for my rough urban street commuting, but I am not sure if I would spend the extra money for it if I were doing it now. My old Bianchi has a nice steel fork that absorbs enough shock. If you use your old road bike you will probably be fine.

Panniers/bags and racks- none of the bike shops here are big enough to carry a selection of panniers though they can order them. I am partial to Arkel (arkel-od.com). Ortliebs are very good and waterproof (ortliebusa.com). Some others that are well-respected include Lone Peak, Brule Mountain Gear, Jandd, and Carradice. Blackburn makes very good, reasonably priced racks. I have an Expedition 2. Very sturdy. The very best are probably Tubus, but they are overkill for commuting. I, personally, would avoid the clamp on racks with no supports though I am considering one for times when I want to ride my Bianchi and just have to carry a little something besides a backpack.

Personal safety - if there are areas known to be dangerous, I would avoid them. Make a realistic assessment.

It would be helpful to get street maps and figure out your route. Then go drive it to see if it is practical

Here are some websites with suggestions on commuting:
biketowork.com
https://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/
https://faughnan.com/touringbike.html...ike%20Features
https://www.bicyclinglife.com/

OK, I have done enough damage for one day. I'll let someone else have a say.
Regards,
Raymond

RonH

epicycle,
Welcome to BF.
Rainman is one of our resident EXPERTS on commuting.
I agree with his recommendation of finding the best route(s).

Before I started commuting last month, I looked at the map and drove that route in the morning and evening to see what the traffic would be like during the hours I would be riding. I also took notice of the terrain, number of potholes, and potential problems (road narrowing, turn lanes, etc.).
I tried several different routes until I had what looked like the best one. Then I rode it a day or two.
I've made changes until I'm happy with my routes. The morning route is slightly different from the evening route because of different traffic patterns and hills.

Good luck and let us know about your commute.

nebill

WHEW! Not often you will find me speachless, but you did a good job Rainman!

Yeah, Epicycle, what rainman said!

I would love to try and rebuild the old road bike myself...that sounds like it would be a lot of fun, and you would get to enjoy your labors twice a day when you go and come from work! Of course, then you might get attached to the bike...that sometimes happens!

Best of luck to you!

Chris L

Rainman covered it pretty well. Just one thing about the panniers though, most of the "waterproof" ones won't stand up to a proper torrential downpour (I discovered that a few months back). What you need to do is put your stuff in plastic bags inside the panniers if this is a common feature of your climate.

Chris

MichaelW

How far into winter do you want to cycle? That will determine how much tyre clearance you need on your bike. For winter tips see www.icebike.com

The Bianchi Volpe is a good model to copy, it has most of the features a commuter needs, and you can run it on 28mm tyres for speed. I prefer the toughest kevlar belted tyres I can find rather than the fastest. (currently use Vredenstein 28mm) My Silca floor pump allows me to put 90-psi into my tyres with ease, and you can feel the diference.

Pick your gearing for the conditions. There is no point carrying a small granny gear in flatlands, or a large 52 ring if you never get into it. You can ride with a lower ratio double (cyclo-cross style) or a single with 8/9 cogs in the back if you like.

Components dont matter too much. I like mid-range Shimano stuff (STX/105) it lasts long enough and does the job OK. I prefer 8 speed to 9, the cogs and chains are thicker and last longer.
Get a good bottom bracket, these take a beating, and use a Sachs chain rather than Shimano. (cheaper, better, more fixable). On a route your distance, you will probably benefit from clipless pedals, but you can add them to your bike later.

Pick your route carefully, and test it out early on a Sunday. I find it takes a week or 2 to tune my route, so get a good map.

With lighting, I use a home assembled system of dynamo style lamp, batter and charger. I would suggest a charger and battery at each end of the journey.
Leave a heavy duty lock at work, so you can carry a lighter one.
Quick release axles may pose a security problem. Dont be afraid to swap them for solid axles and track nuts.

Enough already....

RainmanP

You make me blush, guys. I am just trying to pass along knowledge I received from the real experts like Cambronne (my personal bicycle commuting guru), Pete Clark, JonR, Mike, Steve, Pat and a bunch of others.

Every new bicycle commuter is a victory for sanity in a world gone mad.

ViciousCycle

epicycle,

If you have access to the free "Chicago Bike Map: Streets for Cycling", I offer the following corrections/additions:

1. Despite what the map says, North Avenue is a much better road to bicycle through west side Chicago than Washington Blvd. My wife and I have taken North Avenue many times and feel safe on it. On the other hand, I did a rare thing and bicycled through Washington Blvd at about 9 or 10 am on a recent morning, and saw someone waving a knife at someone else. Washington Blvd is fine in Oak Park, but not in west side Chicago.

2. Irving Park Road is a useful east-west artery for getting between the suburbs such as Schaumburg, Itasca, etc. into the city. Although I refuse on princple to ride on sidewalks in the city of Chicago itself, the [often wide] sidewalks on Irving Park Road in the suburbs are rarely used by pedestrians and thus can almost be used as a bike lane.

3. The Great Western Trail and the Illinois Prairie Path can be used for part of the commute, but parts of these trails go through forest preserves, which means you can only legally use them during certain hours.

epicycle

ViciousCycle,

What about Broadview/Cermak ... The map I have shows that I can take a trail/road pretty safely till about 1st ave, job south a mile and catch Cermak. Is this reasonable? The map has it labeles as having a Bike Route/Bike Lane. Not sure what areas this goes through as this is even further south of Washington so it may not be that great.

As far as Irving Park goes, that will bring me into the city yes, but way far north of where I want to be and I think if I can get south more farther out in the burbs and catch an artery into the city on a more direct route then that may save me some pain downtown. But then again I can take Irving to Elston which is labels as having a bike lane ... any ideas there? I am not against making a one way ride 30 miles instead of 25 if it make it safer ... I am against making it 40 though ... just trying to find the best route.

Is there a latest and greatest map? The one I got is copyright 1999 and is the Illinois Official Bicycle Map ... got it for free at a bike show. Any other pointers would be appreciate.

Thanks

ViciousCycle

epicycle,

The map you're referring is not a good one for planning routes, because the Illinois Department of Transportation uses standards for judging roads that's different than bicyclists use to judge roads.

The free Chicago bike map (put out by the City of Chicago) is available by calling 312-742-2453 or by visiting www.cityofchicago.org/Transportation/Bikes.

The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation also sells a map covers the 'burbs as well. The map is about $6.95. The CDF can be reached at the 312-427-3325. Or www.biketraffic.org.

In the city of Chicago, Cermak has Chinatown on one end and a Hispanic community at the other, which are both OK, but there's a ghetto area inbetween that I wouldn't bike through.

I live in the Oak Park/Berwyn area, and if I'm biking to the loop, I do one of three things:
1. Take North to Grand, and take Grand to the Loop. (During the daytime, this route seems to be fine.)
2. Take North all the way in. The only stretch that may look a little dicey is between Austin and Cicero; however, since North Avenue is such a major through-road, it's well travelled, and I've never seen any violence or anything on it that makes me feel unsafe.
3. I may travel a little bit out of my way up north and take a cozy residential road such as Wrightwood on in.

By the way, the single most commuter-oriented bikeshop that I know of is Rapid Transit Cycleshop at 1900 W. North Avenue in Chicago. Its number is 773-227-2288. (Chris Wallace, who works at the shop on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays periodically offers maintenance classes that are geared towards the commuter cyclist.)

HillaryRose

Epicycle- if that map you have is the one put out by the dept. of transportation and is the free one, I don't think it's worth the paper it was printed on. Definitely spring for the $7 for the bicycle federation one.

If the bike trail that you're thinking of taking in from the 'burbs is the Prairie Path, beware, the last section, from about Mannheim east to first avenue is liberally coated with broken glass. It seems like the locals favorite hobby is drinking and smashing bottles on the trail. I don't ride this section anymore because it's just an invitation to a flat tire. Maybe tire liners would help, but slime sure doesn't. What I do when heading to and from the prairie path is Washington blvd. to the Oak Park area. You could jog north just a little bit and then catch Lake into the city. I've heard people say they like taking Lake in, but I've never done it myself.

If you take something further north, like Irving Park Road, then Elston or Milwaukee which travel southeast diagonally into the city are quite reasonable. I think Elston has bike lanes for longer but I've taken Milwaukee plenty of times and felt quite comfortable. Also, riding in the Loop isn't anywhere near as scary as I'd thought it'd be when i first started doing it. There are tons of bicycle lanes or bus lanes (oddly, I almost never see buses in these bus lanes).

Anyway, what will feel comfortable and a good route for you to take will be up to you and your comfort level. There are areas that I go through at night on my bike quite happily that a friend of mine won't go through during the daytime with her big SUV and cell phone. Also, something to keep in mind, is that I've noticed that an area which might seem "threatening" when you drive through it in your car with the windows rolled up and doors locked, with an attitude of fear in your heart, is far, far less frightening when you bike through it. I don't know what it is, but I'm much, much less afraid of the city on my bike than I ever was in my car.

LittleBigMan

Cool.

Be creative. Mix cycling, bus, and walking as much as you want.
Overall, the freedom from motoring is like, heaven. :angel:

When I ride the bus/train, I get to walk as much as I want, and even nap a little, too! I just love the way my cares go out the window when I'm cycling or walking (or napping ). I never felt that way when driving to work.

It's a whole new universe, man (George Carlin did not say that, or then again, maybe he did.)

RainmanP

This post just to bring the thread to the top of the heap.
Regards,
Raymond