So I thought I'd drop by and say howdy to everybody here.

It's been a while since I commuted by bike and had a recent reality start to hit me.

I've got two more years down here in Brownsville. Average temperature: hot with no sign of relief from hot. I've been using a demonseed longboard for fun to get back and forth between work and grad school (about 2-3 miles round trip each way - think a triangle from my home) and it's been a blast.

Recently, I started really settling into the English/Communication departments and really getting to know some of the fine professors here. Also, I am a TA this semester, so it is my first experience teaching.

What has transpired is that I'm seeing the direction my career is going to be taking me, and that direction requires not only a suit (for obvious reasons) but also a wardrobe change. At 38, I've never bothered to have to wear dress clothing due to my career choice. Working on a copy desk at a newspaper isn't the place you expect to find well-groomed and dressed young lads and ladies. Generally.

Regardless, I need to start wearing "the symbols of success" within the next six months and start planning on my families' move to the Pacific Northwest.

So I'm looking at my mountain bike, and saying no. And I'm looking at my race bike and saying not even close. And now I'm realizing that, for the first time ever, I'm going to have to buy something with platform pedals, fenders and an upright riding position that isn't "performance" oriented as much as "keep me clean oriented.

I was looking at the Globe Daily 1 in green.

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/glo...5&scname=Globe

It looks like a fantastic bike for what I'm thinking and appears like it will work well in Portland in the future.

Anybody familiar with the bike? Suggestions? I don't really want to change and pack anymore for the near future. Obviously, we I get out to Portland I will be in a more bike friendly environment, but currently, my work and school are not the most bike-centric locations.

I intend to continue using my longboard on the weekends and 2 days during the week I'm off because its just a great workout and amazingly simple.

I've been good, thanks. How about you?

Nunya bizniz

I'm doing well, thanks.

You could find a real English 3-speed for much less, and it would have that "vintage cred" that I personally go for. Nothing wrong with buying new and moderner if that's what you like. Welcome back to commuting either way.

- Scott

+1 Thought the same thing as I looked at your prospective choice. I've got a Raleigh Sport given to me by my father-in-law before he passed. And though I don't ride it often when I do ride it I'm consistantly swept away to all those classic British B+W films like 'The Ghost and Mrs. Muir' or 'The Invisble Man'. There's always a classic English bicycle worked in the script somewhere...product placement?

My choice would be the Daily 3 w/t rack, IGH, etc. More fundage, but more gearage and versatility as well. One could get a one-piece pannier from Nashbar or Performance and waterproof it w/Thompson's for office attire. And use a zippered plastic garment hanging bag for a liner. They've got pockets for shoes as well. If you want to check one out put 'garment bag' in either site search engine.

Anyway, welcome back and all the best w/whatever you choose to ride. The worst day cycle-commuting is way better than the best day in the cage.