Can i bike this commute safely?
 

Hi everyone, first post here! (looks like a nice busy forum to me)

I'm hoping to get in shape this year, to prepare for a long commute next year to university, instead of using the car.

The route is 23 miles or 35 kilometers long each way. There aren't many hills, and those there are fairly slight inclines. For the most part its flat.

My concern is that the road is a 70km country road for maybe 3/4ths of the ride. There is light to mild traffic. The style of road is pavement with no passing allowed, and shallow gravel shoulders, the road itself is fairly narrow as well.

Would it be safe to ride such a road?

I have thought about it, and my opinion is that as long as I wear something bright and visible, there shouldn't be problems. Any cars behind me will see me before they get to close, and can pass me when needed.

I'm going to get a mirror for seeing behind me just to be safe (considering the length of the ride, i think my neck might get sore otherwise).

Has any ridden roads at this speed, and do you have any advice?

Thanks! :)

That sounds okay, as long as you wear reflective clothing and whatnot. The only problem I can think of is people yelling at you as they pass cuz they don't like bikers.

Single lane road with no passing allowed? The problem with that is that people are going to get pissed off because they will believe you are slowing them down and there is no way around you except if they illegally move into the oncoming traffic for the pass, or try to squeeze past you and risk sending you flying into the shoulder similar to what happened in the TDF this year.

It is still doable though. Just try to develop sort of a thick skin as you will probably be honked at every single day.

Is the road so curvy that people can't see? They will probably pass, just like they would a tractor or some other slow vehicle. It sounds like most of my commuting except I have a lot of hills, which really slow me down. I like riding much better out in the country though.

First off 46 miles rt is a long commute. Eat lots of oats and brown rice. Drink loads of water. Think and eat like an athlete, because at this length of a commute that's what one becomes. My commute's 41 rt w/nice wide shoulders most of the way. Brace yourself for harrassment in the form of honking, yelling, etc. You're going to need really good, flat resistant, long wearing tires. There are several brand/makes to choose from. You'll need good lights as well as reflective, hi-viz clothing.

Carry your belongings on a rack/bag set up, not a backpack. Most of all get a bike w/a compact double crankset and 9 sp cassette max. 10 sp chains are too light for load bearing. Don't get a triple crank set as they're more trouble than doubles. Triples are for off road and touring. Here's the bike I recommend: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._cross_cx2.htm Or something similar. It's got braze-ons for a rack and is a very sturdy bike w/really good Alex 500 rims. The stock tires are too soft/slow for pavement and will flat within 2 weeks. Change them out asap. Also, get full coverage fenders for wet conditions...your drivetrain will thank you.

Btw, the top end of this bike is 29.9 mph @ 90 rpm. Plenty fast. Good luck and have fun. :thumb:

Thanks for the input guys.

The area might be more hilly than I realize. I've only driven it, not actually cycled.

That said, the road is pretty much 100% straight. there are two turns, both broad.

With this in mind, I think they would pass me like a tractor. There isn't much traffic, especially in the early morning and past 6pm when i would be on the roads.

My trip is to university, so I will have an 10 hour day to rest up before the return trip.
This is the bike I'm looking at:
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...01&scname=Road

Bikes direct seems a tonne cheaper though. Are they a reputable dealer? I can get it to Canada it seems with a forwarding service.

Thanks for all your help :)

Yes, bikesdirect is reputable.

If you can do it off-peak, maybe. During rush hour I would be pretty worried.

Yea its pretty much off peak.

Will be on the road from 6:30 to 7:30am, and from what I've seen driving at 7:30-8:00 there isn't much traffic at all.
And at night, 6:00 till 7:00. (of course thats if it takes an hour).

I think thats off peak, no?

Be visible, that's the #1 safety tip. Hi-vis shirt or jacket and lights when it's dark, including rainy or especially foggy. Also, if you are regular in terms of the times/days, the other regulars will begin to learn to expect you. I have found that that helps.

There will always be those who are put out by your presence on what they consider their road, but I just figure it's too bad for them. They won't run my life when they're so obviously having trouble running their own.

BD is fine, by my experience i.e. my son is still riding his Windsor Hour everyday that he got over a year ago.

BD is a good source. People have complained about service, but my experience was great.

60 min for a 23 mile loaded commute is not very realistic at this point. Better allow yourself at least 1:45 to start.

My 20.6 mi commute avg. is 82 mins in, loaded and 75 mins on my fg 'light bike'. I've got a 500 ft drop on the way in. Homeward my avg is 88 mins loaded and 79 mins on my fg. The biggest section of the climb is in the last 7 miles homeward. I've got some traffic lights to deals with that slow me down, but overall it's pretty unencumbered.

Btw, nice choice on the Specialized.

Thanks for the info nashcommguy,

I figure I can get it down to an hour. My load is quite light (pretty much just a laptop and lunch usually).
I have a locker and showers at the university, so I can store my stuff there.

The commute only includes one stop light, and two stop signs.
I plan to build up my stamina this year, and be ready by the fall.

So looking at Bikes Direct, I can also get this model:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._pro_rival.htm

It looks to have better quality parts, if I am not mistaken. Any impressions on choosing the Specialized over this? I don't really care about brand name, in fact the lesser known name might help with theft prevention.

Seems like a good commuter bike. Motobecanes are good bikes from what I've heard and cyclocross bikes are a good choice for commuting on sketchy single lane roads with gravel shoulders

Thanks for the input Road MTB.

And I plan to put some slicks on the cyclocross, because while the lanes are small, they are actually pretty well preserved, and the gravel is fairly fine. Then put the more nubby tires on later in the season when there is some snow. And finally if necessary I might grab some studded tires too.

I think i've settled on the Motobecane. Really all i need to start cycling is a water bottle, bottle rack, helmet and gloves. I'm hoping to pick these up from somewhere like Nashbar.com for cheap.

Try to ride the route at least two days back to back for practice. It will give you a sense of how long the ride will take and the traffic conditions.
Several things you probably should get before the commute starts - full coverage fenders (make sure that they will fit on the bike) even if it's not raining just running through one puddle can give you a skunk stripe up the back
A rear rack and at least one pannier (you might want to carry a laptop, spare clothes, jacket, (do they still use books) and whatever other supplies you need for class. A messenger bag would work, too - but it might get hot.
Lights - Front and Rear - the bigger and brighter the better! A headlight good enough to actually light the road (if the magicshine is still for sale it seems to be the best for the price). For the rear, possibly a Planetbike rack blinky 5 (has both rear reflector and a rear light) a PB Superflash, a Portland Design Works Radbot or Safetyzone. Check the electronics, lighting and gadgets forum for more.
A Big Lock - seriously, this is your means of transportation, you want it to be there when you show up to ride home.
You don't seem to mention where where your from, but if it gets cold, you should check out the winter cycling forum. If you plan to ride in snow and ice, you should look at getting your studded tires now - if you wait until late November, you may find them on back order. You might also find the same thing with higher end lights like those for dynamo lighting.

PS,like fenders, make sure you have enough room for studded tires on the new bike. A good reason to check out the bike in person at your LBS.

Hi randomgear,

This is the spec sheet for the bike I'm getting: http://www.motobecane.com/cross/fcxp.html#geo
What would I be looking at to determine if studded tires will fit?

I know I can attach a rear rack, and the site says I can attach fenders (I've also seen earlier models all decked out).

I live in Ontario, Canada. So I definitely will be dealing with snow, ice, etc.


As I mentioned though, I'll be using this for fitness for the moment, and not to commute. I think I can wait till next year for a lot of things, such as the back rack, and studded tires, unless I really get into cycling and feel it necessary to ride in the blizzards too lol.

Before purchasing gear check out http://www.bikeisland.com which has all the items mentioned in your post w/good prices and free shipping. http://www.pricepoint.com has some real nice front and rear lights that are the equal of lights costing 3x as much. Sette is the name brand. For example there's a rear blinkie for 9.00 that's every bit as good as the PB Superflash or the Portland Radbot. I know...I've got a half-dozen of them. Also, a real nice dual-mode HL called a 'Glo' for 9.00 as well. I've got 3 of those. You'll need more substantive front lighting for riding in the dark like the Niterider Mi-Newt 150, but there's plenty of time for those type of decisions. Mostly, get your bike and get out and ride. :)

Most likely you'll need to check out the clearance before getting studded tires. Nokia makes them in pretty narrow widths, so you can probably find a set to fit. Especially that you're getting a CX bike and not a roadie. CX configurations leave more latitude for things like that. Nokias are pricey, but worth it when it comes to safely negotiating snow and icey conditions. I started cycle-commuting in Chicago and didn't even know studded bicycle tires existed. Could've used them that's for sure. :p

Btw, I've got over 16,000 loaded commuter/utility miles on my Motobecane BD bike w/one overhaul(repacking bearings, etc,) and one minor retruing of the rear wheel. Got it in May of '08. Ordered it on Wednesday and received it by Saturday. Added 28mm Schwalbe Marathon Plus and have had 2 flats in 3+ years. It's a hoss. :thumb:

Thanks for the bikeisland tip, I will check them out.

I'll definitely measure for studded tires once I get the bike, I found Nasbar has a pair at 700x35, which seems big but the bike comes with 700x32 standard, so I bet they would fit.

I'm really happy to hear your BD Motobecane has held up so well, it's always a worry when getting deals like this I think. Now I'm more confident in the choice.

Which area of Ontario are you at ? Some parts can be very cold with a lot of snow during winter time. You definetly gona have to invest in some winter gear if you plan on riding through the winter. Make sure that whatever bike you choose has enough clearence for larger tires and full fenders.

LIGHTS! And reflective gear. Being strikingly visible is overwhelmingly the most important thing you can do to keep yourself safe.

Hi Wolfchild, I'm in southern ontario, about an hour south of Toronto.

Yes, in the winter commute I'll definitely need warm clothing and studded tires.
The bike I have my eye on can fit full fenders, has braze ons for a rear rack, and should fit studded tires.

An upside is that my university has showers, and the commute only has a few stops. Which means I should be able to keep warm just by cycling, and then shower after the ride.
They've also got a co-op on campus with free bike parts, mostly junk that you can stick on temporarily if something breaks. And of course free use of all the tools you might need.


Chasm54,

Yes, many lights and reflective gear seems to be the most important advice I've been given. I plan to get some really really good ones, if I can. Certainly something worth spending a pretty penny on.

I'm not sure about over-doing it with reflective gear. Lights seem a much better way to be visible.

Definitely on a country road where cars are moving at 70km/h, and by winter having reduced visibility and it being pitch dark out, I'll need to make sure I'm lit up.

For such a long commute invest in some puncture resistant tires, and lights that will last the 1(+) hour of commute. I recently started a new job that takes me on some country roads which are more scary than the city streets I used to ride. Like mentioned: Be Visible! I am not sure if people aren't used to cyclist, but they don't obey the 3 foot passing law as required on those narrow country roads.

I would also make sure you know alternative routes. Another thing I found out the hardway was also know the public bus system (if you have one). I got into work without issue, and when I was ready to leave my rear tire was flat and I had no spare or pump. So perhaps also learn how to change tires and maybe keep some tools in your locker at school.

Yes you will, but don't underestimate the need for reflective gear. It is just as important as lights and if it is good quality is going to grab the attention of drivers before your lights do. Seriously, get a hi-vis vest - they are cheap, light, and may save your life. And SOLAS marine-quality reflective tape is terrific, too. Stick it on panniers, if you're using them.

You mentioned a helmet as being an essential item. A helmet may be useful if you fall off, but will be of very limited value if you're hit by a car. Reflective gear, as well as lights, are in my view more important, especially if you're you're riding on unlit roads.

Hi Chasm54,

Have you read this? : http://sheldonbrown.com/reflectors.html

Thats what I am basing my bias for lights instead of reflectors. Don't get me wrong, I will still wear a hi-vis vest or jacket, but I won't be focusing on reflective material much further from that.

And yea, a helmet really doesn't do much good, but I haven't found much conclusive evidence for or against. If there was a paper detailing how they were harmful I would not wear one.