Is 12 miles too far to ride to work?
01-19-12 | 12:26 PM
#77
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,832
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From: Copenhagen
Bikes: A load of ancient, old and semi-vintage bikes of divers sorts
Yeah, I think so, and I'm not getting into that here, other than to say that I always wear my helmet. Road, woods, rail trail, run around the corner to the store. It doesn't take much of a fall to wreck your head, and as far as not wearing it on a leirsurely ride, I think it's possible the brain bucket will do you more good in just such a situation. You get hit by a car at 35 mph, you clearly want a helmet, but it might be inadequate to save you, and other internal injuries might do you in. You fall off your bike at 13 mpg and bang it against a root or a curbstone, and that helmet could be the difference between bruised ribs and road rash and being a vegetable. Doesn't matter to me what the law says: I'm wearing my helmet.
01-19-12 | 06:23 PM
#78
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 169
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From: Pittsburgh, PA USA
Bikes: 2012 Jamis Xenith Race, 2009 Jamis Aurora, 1993 Bianchi Ibex, 1964 Schwinn Traveler 3-Speed
01-19-12 | 06:50 PM
#79
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 292
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From: Ottawa, ON, Canada
Bikes: Diamondback Copperhead (hardtail, winter bike), 2014 Giant Rapid 2, 2015 Kona Big Rove ST
On the contrary, that's when it's the most fun.
All you need is the right gear, and that does not necessarily mean bike-specific gear. Wool sweaters, long underwear under jeans, wool hiking socks, off the shelf flashlights, etc., work fine for me. And my winter bike is a hybrid I got for $95 through craigslist.
All you need is the right gear, and that does not necessarily mean bike-specific gear. Wool sweaters, long underwear under jeans, wool hiking socks, off the shelf flashlights, etc., work fine for me. And my winter bike is a hybrid I got for $95 through craigslist.
Now riding in traffic with icy patches, poorly cleared roads, 3 feet high snow banks and drivers that buzz by you even after I take the lane because there's no shoulder left to ride on... Not so pleasant.
