Total noob asks: My commuting plan, what am I missing?
02-12-09, 08:23 AM
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Total noob asks: My commuting plan, what am I missing?
Plan to start commuting in another month, weather permitting. I live in MN and work 7a-5p, so my mornings would be dark, and afternoon will be twilight for a while. The ride is 14 moderately hilly miles, mostly wide shouldered, mix of lightly and heavily travelled roads. Some shoulders will have debris from road salting/sanding, but are in fairly decent shape. Temps will be as low as freezing, but I'll prolly hold off on the sub-zero riding for now.
Have been reading these forums for the last week, mostly at lighting and equipment threads, and this is my planned setup, using the Trek 1000 (now the "backup bike") I bought a few years back when first starting to ride.
Swap out slicks for 700x28 commuter tires. 2 x P7 lights mounted on handlebars, plus headlamp as backup and two flashy rear lights. Dorky safety vest. Booties, tights, gloves. Will get panniers eventually, but backpack for work clothes right now as I'm pretty much at my $200 budget for the bike conversion/gear.
Am I gonna die?
Have been reading these forums for the last week, mostly at lighting and equipment threads, and this is my planned setup, using the Trek 1000 (now the "backup bike") I bought a few years back when first starting to ride.
Swap out slicks for 700x28 commuter tires. 2 x P7 lights mounted on handlebars, plus headlamp as backup and two flashy rear lights. Dorky safety vest. Booties, tights, gloves. Will get panniers eventually, but backpack for work clothes right now as I'm pretty much at my $200 budget for the bike conversion/gear.
Am I gonna die?
02-12-09, 08:25 AM
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02-12-09, 08:29 AM
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We're all going to die, but biking won't be the cause!
I think you'll like the morning ride more than the evening one.
I don't like riding with a backpack; I prefer a messenger bag that rests against my lower back.
Have you ridden your route on the weekend? You probably should. Also, be on the lookout for alternate routes; it's always good to know your options.
I think you'll like the morning ride more than the evening one.
I don't like riding with a backpack; I prefer a messenger bag that rests against my lower back.
Have you ridden your route on the weekend? You probably should. Also, be on the lookout for alternate routes; it's always good to know your options.
02-12-09, 08:38 AM
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We're all going to die, but biking won't be the cause!
I think you'll like the morning ride more than the evening one.
I don't like riding with a backpack; I prefer a messenger bag that rests against my lower back.
Have you ridden your route on the weekend? You probably should. Also, be on the lookout for alternate routes; it's always good to know your options.
I think you'll like the morning ride more than the evening one.
I don't like riding with a backpack; I prefer a messenger bag that rests against my lower back.
Have you ridden your route on the weekend? You probably should. Also, be on the lookout for alternate routes; it's always good to know your options.
02-12-09, 08:40 AM
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You sound prepared. Brush up on your road user behaviour by reading either Cyclecraft or Effective Cycling.
Cyclecraft - https://www.cyclecraft.co.uk/
Effective Cycling - https://www.johnforester.com/
Also, practice your route on a quiet day to check timings, pinch points and lane changes/turnings.
Cyclecraft - https://www.cyclecraft.co.uk/
Effective Cycling - https://www.johnforester.com/
Also, practice your route on a quiet day to check timings, pinch points and lane changes/turnings.
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Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
02-12-09, 08:42 AM
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When I started commuting I took the way I had always gone with the car. It turns out there are at least 2 ways to go that are less hilly and have way less traffic. It's about a 2 blocks longer but I trim a few minutes off the commute and I don't have to deal with traffic as much.
On cold days, a neck warmer and 180s are great. I saw a guy commuting with ski goggles and that seems like a good idea.
Also, you are going to feel like a million bucks when you finish your ride. Make sure you eat enough.
On cold days, a neck warmer and 180s are great. I saw a guy commuting with ski goggles and that seems like a good idea.
Also, you are going to feel like a million bucks when you finish your ride. Make sure you eat enough.
02-12-09, 08:43 AM
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the morning ride will be cleansing-at least it is for me. i love riding thru sprinklers in the morning on the way to work. the afternoon ride will probably be tougher- at least it is here in Detroit. people are distracted wanting to rush home to get the evenings tv viewing in. just be more alert and i recommend riding out of your way a bit if it means a less traveled route
02-12-09, 08:46 AM
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Some things I've learned in two fun years of commuting:
1) You can't have too much light
2) You can't be too visible
3) You can't have too much traction
4) You can't be too careful - people are frigging idiots.
One thing to consider for winterish riding is that black ice can still be around when you're really not suspecting it. Drips from overpasses is probably my favorite. For that reason, I like commuting once the sun's up in the morning so I can see any dangerous areas, which I memorize for the ride home in the dark.
Your lighting situation sounds pretty good My only question would be whether you might want something with a little more throw - from my knowledge of P7s, they're great floods but don't put light as far as you might like.
As for your clothing - sounds pretty good for above-freezing temps. My only question is whether you plan on riding in rain? Particularly heavy rain, as that's the hardest thing to plan for. I've ridden in wind chills of 0F, and that's nothing compared to a heavy 33F rain.
All in all, you're way more prepared than I was when I started. Get out there and have some fun!
1) You can't have too much light
2) You can't be too visible
3) You can't have too much traction
4) You can't be too careful - people are frigging idiots.
One thing to consider for winterish riding is that black ice can still be around when you're really not suspecting it. Drips from overpasses is probably my favorite. For that reason, I like commuting once the sun's up in the morning so I can see any dangerous areas, which I memorize for the ride home in the dark.
Your lighting situation sounds pretty good My only question would be whether you might want something with a little more throw - from my knowledge of P7s, they're great floods but don't put light as far as you might like.
As for your clothing - sounds pretty good for above-freezing temps. My only question is whether you plan on riding in rain? Particularly heavy rain, as that's the hardest thing to plan for. I've ridden in wind chills of 0F, and that's nothing compared to a heavy 33F rain.
All in all, you're way more prepared than I was when I started. Get out there and have some fun!
Last edited by Mr. Underbridge; 02-12-09 at 08:47 AM. Reason: PC board software censored "ret*rded"
02-12-09, 08:48 AM
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We're all going to die, but biking won't be the cause!
I think you'll like the morning ride more than the evening one.
I don't like riding with a backpack; I prefer a messenger bag that rests against my lower back.
Have you ridden your route on the weekend? You probably should. Also, be on the lookout for alternate routes; it's always good to know your options.
I think you'll like the morning ride more than the evening one.
I don't like riding with a backpack; I prefer a messenger bag that rests against my lower back.
Have you ridden your route on the weekend? You probably should. Also, be on the lookout for alternate routes; it's always good to know your options.
02-12-09, 08:49 AM
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A quality helmet/glasses mirror will keep you from being surprised from behind and is handy for all sorts of reasons. Once you get used to it you can even judge how close someone is going to pass. It's easier to move into and out of traffic with it too. I find that mounted oh the glasses is more stable for me.
The "Take A Look" is a good quality one. It takes a few day of riding to get used to it. Don't give up on the first ride or two. It is much better than a bar mirror, it works no mater where your head is in relation to the bars, and, you can twist your head to scan anywhere behind you.
Postition it to the side, just out of your direct line of vision. Give it a few days of practice. Make it like a car mirror so you need to look to the side just a little to get it to work.
The "Take A Look" is a good quality one. It takes a few day of riding to get used to it. Don't give up on the first ride or two. It is much better than a bar mirror, it works no mater where your head is in relation to the bars, and, you can twist your head to scan anywhere behind you.
Postition it to the side, just out of your direct line of vision. Give it a few days of practice. Make it like a car mirror so you need to look to the side just a little to get it to work.
02-12-09, 09:16 AM
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+1 on the mirror. I have the Bell Citi helmet with purpose-built attached mirror that sticks out of the visor. The only complaint is the small size of the mirror, which requires some precise positioning at first, but once set, I absolutely love the thing. I still do over-the-shoulder confirmation looks as needed, but it's a great commuting tool. You can definitely judge a car's passing distance as noted above.
My biggest challenge in 3 months of commuting is getting the layers right. I am usually too hot by the end of the ride. Part of it is building my leg strength, so I am sweatier at this stage than perhaps I will be later, when the hills keep getting easier. You probably know this better than I do, but start out a little chilly, and usually you end up about the right temp. Good luck! These forum people are really helpful.
My biggest challenge in 3 months of commuting is getting the layers right. I am usually too hot by the end of the ride. Part of it is building my leg strength, so I am sweatier at this stage than perhaps I will be later, when the hills keep getting easier. You probably know this better than I do, but start out a little chilly, and usually you end up about the right temp. Good luck! These forum people are really helpful.
02-12-09, 09:58 AM
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Welcome fellow Minnesotan.
You state you've ridden this route recreationally and are familiar with it as well as alternative routes. Your equipment sounds adequate. No, you won't die.
As you gain more experience, you will acquire preferences as to what works best for you. e.g. most likely replace the backpack with panniers or a messenger bag.
In a month, sunrise will be about 40 minutes earlier and sunset equally later. Is this the reason you are waiting? Temperatures will not be significantly different in March. It may be nice to get used to your commute before the impending melt-mush of April.
My biggest adjustment when beginning commuting was organization - it was initially time consuming packing the proper work attire and everything I needed for work, plus deciding what to wear based on weather conditions.
Goodluck!
You state you've ridden this route recreationally and are familiar with it as well as alternative routes. Your equipment sounds adequate. No, you won't die.
As you gain more experience, you will acquire preferences as to what works best for you. e.g. most likely replace the backpack with panniers or a messenger bag.
In a month, sunrise will be about 40 minutes earlier and sunset equally later. Is this the reason you are waiting? Temperatures will not be significantly different in March. It may be nice to get used to your commute before the impending melt-mush of April.
My biggest adjustment when beginning commuting was organization - it was initially time consuming packing the proper work attire and everything I needed for work, plus deciding what to wear based on weather conditions.
Goodluck!
02-12-09, 10:05 AM
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Learn to fix a flat and repair a broken spoke. And make sure you have a chain tool.
02-12-09, 11:20 AM
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Welcome fellow Minnesotan.
You state you've ridden this route recreationally and are familiar with it as well as alternative routes. Your equipment sounds adequate. No, you won't die.
As you gain more experience, you will acquire preferences as to what works best for you. e.g. most likely replace the backpack with panniers or a messenger bag.
In a month, sunrise will be about 40 minutes earlier and sunset equally later. Is this the reason you are waiting? Temperatures will not be significantly different in March. It may be nice to get used to your commute before the impending melt-mush of April.
My biggest adjustment when beginning commuting was organization - it was initially time consuming packing the proper work attire and everything I needed for work, plus deciding what to wear based on weather conditions.
Goodluck!
You state you've ridden this route recreationally and are familiar with it as well as alternative routes. Your equipment sounds adequate. No, you won't die.
As you gain more experience, you will acquire preferences as to what works best for you. e.g. most likely replace the backpack with panniers or a messenger bag.
In a month, sunrise will be about 40 minutes earlier and sunset equally later. Is this the reason you are waiting? Temperatures will not be significantly different in March. It may be nice to get used to your commute before the impending melt-mush of April.
My biggest adjustment when beginning commuting was organization - it was initially time consuming packing the proper work attire and everything I needed for work, plus deciding what to wear based on weather conditions.
Goodluck!
Really looking forward to July commutes!
I'll be riding from Chaska to Shakopee and back, if you know the area, you know the hills.
02-12-09, 11:26 AM
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Allow for things to take longer than you think, and pack the night before if you can so you have more time to enjoy the trip the next morning.
02-12-09, 11:35 AM
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Having started commuting with a backpack, have you ridden with the backpack packed the way you will commute? Depending on what you are taking, it will raise your center of gravity and change the way the wind pushes/pulls when you are passed by other vehicles.
I've ridden with broken spokes (2 or 3) on the chain side of the rear wheel and didn't notice until I went to had it trued a week later. Depending on how many spokes your wheels have (my Fuji has about 32 in a similar pattern to the photos Google found of the Trek 1000) you should be able to make it home with 1 or 2 broken.
Make sure to fully charge your cell phone each night, I'm most nervous commuting when I forget to charge it and the weather (here it is usually the 20+ mph winds with gusts approaching my-god-what-the-L-was-I-thinking?!?!?!? mph) is questionable. A backup plan to get home is also good. My girlfriend will come get me if something bad happens or I am not comfortable riding in the rain in wet gear.
I've ridden with broken spokes (2 or 3) on the chain side of the rear wheel and didn't notice until I went to had it trued a week later. Depending on how many spokes your wheels have (my Fuji has about 32 in a similar pattern to the photos Google found of the Trek 1000) you should be able to make it home with 1 or 2 broken.
Make sure to fully charge your cell phone each night, I'm most nervous commuting when I forget to charge it and the weather (here it is usually the 20+ mph winds with gusts approaching my-god-what-the-L-was-I-thinking?!?!?!? mph) is questionable. A backup plan to get home is also good. My girlfriend will come get me if something bad happens or I am not comfortable riding in the rain in wet gear.
02-12-09, 11:42 AM
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I've been waiting for the temps to get a little warmer, or at least for the ice/snow to melt. I'll have to leave home about 5:30am, so the light won't be there for another few months. I started this job in the late fall, and wasn't sure about access to showers for a while, then the bitter cold set in.
Really looking forward to July commutes!
I'll be riding from Chaska to Shakopee and back, if you know the area, you know the hills.
Really looking forward to July commutes!
I'll be riding from Chaska to Shakopee and back, if you know the area, you know the hills.
Sounds like you have a great start. Congratulations on the new job and new commute!
02-12-09, 11:57 AM
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I know everyone is different but I started commuting with a backpack and I HATED it.... Not only did my back end up all sweaty, but the straps would dig into the sides of my pecs and cut off the circulation to my arms within a few miles my arms started going numb. I switched to a backpack that had a chest strap that held the shoulder straps in a bit and that helped some, but it still sucked after a while... I ended up buying messenger bag and that has eliminated the numbness problem, still get the sweaty bak but at least my arms still work... I want to try using panniers but since I just bought a new bike that will have to wait a little while or my wife will lose it.... Hope that helps..
02-12-09, 12:37 PM
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You may want to ride your commute route several times not during rush hour so that you can find out where the problem spots including dangerous interchanges or intersections so that you can find the best ways to pass through them or maybe bypass them.
Carry two spare tubes and two steel core plastic-covered levers as well as a tool with a chain tool and a spoke wrench that fits your spoke nipples. Carry a couple of extra chain pins.
Use the Topeak Road Morph pump.
Lots of stuff to carry but I've had rides where the cold weather caused one tail light to shut off, or my chain partially broke and I limped home that way because I didn't have a chain tool with me, or I got two flats in one day. My saddle bag weighs as much as a house pet but I can fix my bike and get home.
What tires do you plan to run? I've ridden on 700x35 Forte Cross K's and 700x28 Continental Gatorskins and the latter seem to roll a bit faster but otherwise, the ride quality is similar albeit the Cross K's are really cheap and the Gatorskins cost between $32-45 depending on if they're on sale or not.
Last edited by thirdin77; 02-12-09 at 12:44 PM.
02-12-09, 12:53 PM
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Does the Trek 1000 have clearance for 28mm + fenders? 28mm can vary in actual size tremendously. Suggest you try before you buy.
Beware of riding into or out of a low sun on a wet road, this is probably the most dangerous of conditions. Lights and fluorescent stuff mean diddly squat compared to a our nearest star.
Beware of riding into or out of a low sun on a wet road, this is probably the most dangerous of conditions. Lights and fluorescent stuff mean diddly squat compared to a our nearest star.
02-12-09, 01:13 PM
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02-12-09, 01:30 PM
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I've been waiting for the temps to get a little warmer, or at least for the ice/snow to melt. I'll have to leave home about 5:30am, so the light won't be there for another few months. I started this job in the late fall, and wasn't sure about access to showers for a while, then the bitter cold set in.
Really looking forward to July commutes!
I'll be riding from Chaska to Shakopee and back, if you know the area, you know the hills.
Really looking forward to July commutes!
I'll be riding from Chaska to Shakopee and back, if you know the area, you know the hills.
. If you want hills come up to D-town I show you some hills 
02-12-09, 03:51 PM
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Just start riding and see what happens. You'll find your preferences quickly enough, and then you can buy gear to match.
02-12-09, 04:15 PM
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Lots of great info here. I don't think anyone mentioned a pump. I carry a road morph AND co2. I've had a few flats during my commutes, and I bust out the CO2 first, but there was one time when I got two flats (morning and night), and having the road morph saved me. Get panniers when you can. I only carry clothes, shoes, lunch, and maybe a book. I don't mind the mess. bag in the winter, but when it warms up it's hell on your back.
+1 on riding the route on a weekend and finding other possible routes. I've got a few alternates off the main route which adds about 2.5 miles, but they're less travled and safer IMO.
+1 on riding the route on a weekend and finding other possible routes. I've got a few alternates off the main route which adds about 2.5 miles, but they're less travled and safer IMO.