Originally Posted by PJCB (Post 14491239)

The pump is a work in progress! but there are gas stations littered around my route that have free air, at worst I'll have to hoof it for a few minutes to get it to an air source.

Originally Posted by PatrickGSR94 (Post 14491951)

whaaaat they still have those?? Around here gas stations are charging upwards of 75 cents or more to turn on the air compressor.

I used to stop by a station near my parents' house in the 90's that just had an air hose laying outside near the service bay doors. Only problem with that was that the air was absolutely FULL of moisture.

Originally Posted by PatrickGSR94 (Post 14491951)

whaaaat they still have those?? Around here gas stations are charging upwards of 75 cents or more to turn on the air compressor.

I used to stop by a station near my parents' house in the 90's that just had an air hose laying outside near the service bay doors. Only problem with that was that the air was absolutely FULL of moisture.

Originally Posted by ckaspar (Post 14489242)

ahhhh....got it. Makes sense now. No wonder you guys were able to ride so fast. I was only able to go as fast as I could push the bike and hop on until it stopped and I had to start over again. I was just pedaling backwards. Thanks for the help. :lol:

Originally Posted by PJCB (Post 14492474)

Today is the day. Just finished my lunch time once-over and everything seems good! I've decided against google maps bike directions, however. They thought it would be a good idea to send me over a highway (bicyclists prohibited). So I've reestablished a better route and I will be posting ASAP when I get home tonight!

Originally Posted by PJCB (Post 14492474)

Today is the day. Just finished my lunch time once-over and everything seems good! I've decided against google maps bike directions, however. They thought it would be a good idea to send me over a highway (bicyclists prohibited). So I've reestablished a better route and I will be posting ASAP when I get home tonight!

Originally Posted by PJCB (Post 14488439)

I'm looking to buy a compact pump, I'm not sure about the CO2. Luckily, most of my commute is near main roads/businesses so if the situation with a flat is dire enough, I can hoof it to a gas station. I also have a girlfriend who doesn't have to be into work until 10am and is very good to me, so emergencies could be remedied.

Originally Posted by contango (Post 14492526)

Not sure how a gas station will help. If you're thinking of using their air pumps they will be designed for car tyres and will probably inflate a bike tyre enough to make it pop as fast as you can get it on and off again. I'd be surprised if they even support Presta valves at all so if you use those you could still be SOL.

Originally Posted by contango (Post 14492526)

Not sure how a gas station will help. If you're thinking of using their air pumps they will be designed for car tyres and will probably inflate a bike tyre enough to make it pop as fast as you can get it on and off again. I'd be surprised if they even support Presta valves at all so if you use those you could still be SOL.

Originally Posted by nashcommguy (Post 14488205)

17 miles consistantly is a fair piece of real estate. My commutes have varied between 14-42 miles rt. The tips I've been able to collect over the years(25 in Feb)is to be able to do any emergency repairs. Learn how to replace your brake/deraileur cables on the road. Don't scrimp on your commuting equipment. Get the best bike stuff you can afford. Keep up w/routine maintenence. Drink more water than you're used to drinking. Eat like an athlete. Especially oats and brown rice. Fresh fruit and vegetables. Take a powdered protein supplement when you start riding 34 miles rt. If you find yourself w/a low frustration threshold take a day off. It's a marathon not a sprint. Read posts on the 'Touring' sub-forum regarding equipment as 135-170 miprwk is like being on tour.

Alot of this may sound cliche, but there's a reason. It's based on 200,000+ commuting/utility/touring miles almost all trial and error.

All of the advice on others' posts is solid. Especially the part about keeping clothes/shoes at work. My routine is to change clothes daily both upon arrival at work and again on the homeward leg. It's more comfortable and certainly more sanitary. I keep an array of deo, soap, talc, anti-fungal spray, toothbrush /paste and a towel along w/a week's worth of clothes brought in on Mondays. My lunch is brought in daily. My work clothes are taken home each night.

Anyway, good on you for taking on cycle-commuting. It isn't always easy, but it's never dull. All the best. :thumb:

Originally Posted by Ridefreemc (Post 14492746)

+1

-1 on the bug spray unless you are camping overnight - or riding terriby slow:)

Sounds very exciting though - good luck!

Originally Posted by ckaspar (Post 14492923)

Doesn't that crate hit you in the back when you ride? I know it would hit me. Other than that. Looks good! Enjoy your ride.

Originally Posted by PJCB (Post 14492931)

Surprisingly, no. It does if I lean back, must be because I'm so small.

Originally Posted by PJCB (Post 14492587)

Yeah, I have a psi indicator and I've never had a problem. I don't have presta valves either. Universiality is my friend :)

caloso: how do I send them an email?! I've been trying to figure out how and I keep missing it! I do click the bike option, but its not always so accurate!

Originally Posted by wphamilton (Post 14493148)

Be cautious at first with that cargo! If those straps are rubber and you have a good bit of weight it could start swaying side to side - and if you get a harmonic swing that can throw you a foot or two to the side, if not throw you down altogether. If it's really tight, no worries.

Originally Posted by PJCB (Post 14493204)

I noticed that the first time I rigged it up to do some errand running, but this time I pulled the bungee's as tight as they'll go. BTW this is not the permanent solution, I just live on a tight budget and safety equipment is first priority.