The Real Deal: Accountability Here
07-17-12 | 09:07 AM
#51
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
Likes: 13
From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
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.
07-17-12 | 09:48 AM
#52
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 821
Likes: 0
From: You have really nice furniture
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.
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.
07-17-12 | 09:52 AM
#53
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 418
Likes: 0
From: Northampton, MA
Bikes: 198? Sport Racing Frame of unknown origins, 1992 Marin Bear Valley, 1970 Raleigh Sport
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.
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.
07-17-12 | 10:08 AM
#54
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
*puts on a cape and rides away*
07-17-12 | 10:14 AM
#55
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 782
Likes: 0
I'm a fan of Co2 cartridges, but I get why some others aren't. They are faster & if you mess up with one, you have a backup. Pumps take longer, and if you break yours you have no backup at all. I'm not suggesting that all pumps break all the time, but they certainly do break on people (have a look back at any of the 'looking for a new pump' threads for confirmation). For me, the risk/reward calculation works in favor of the co2 cartridges. Not meant to try to change your mind, just putting out the other side of the argument.
If you are counting on using gas station air pumps, check on what type of vales your tires use. If they are Schraders (look like your car tires), you're good. If they are prestas, they won't work with gas station pumps directly. you can buy a tiny adapter for about $1 from any bike store that will make them work just fine.
If you are counting on using gas station air pumps, check on what type of vales your tires use. If they are Schraders (look like your car tires), you're good. If they are prestas, they won't work with gas station pumps directly. you can buy a tiny adapter for about $1 from any bike store that will make them work just fine.
07-17-12 | 10:17 AM
#56
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
Drive the bike route a few times, imagining the ride. You may find a need to select an alternate route. You should have an alternate route available for unforeseen road blocks.
Like everyone else said, just take it easy. It only becomes a race when you see a rider in front of you.
Like everyone else said, just take it easy. It only becomes a race when you see a rider in front of you.
07-17-12 | 10:48 AM
#59
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 418
Likes: 0
From: Northampton, MA
Bikes: 198? Sport Racing Frame of unknown origins, 1992 Marin Bear Valley, 1970 Raleigh Sport
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!
07-17-12 | 10:49 AM
#60
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 821
Likes: 0
From: You have really nice furniture
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!
07-17-12 | 10:50 AM
#61
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 40,863
Likes: 3,116
From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
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!
07-17-12 | 10:58 AM
#62
2 Fat 2 Furious
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,996
Likes: 2
From: England
Bikes: 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc, 2009 Specialized Tricross Sport RIP
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.
__________________
"For a list of ways technology has failed to improve quality of life, press three"
"For a list of ways technology has failed to improve quality of life, press three"
07-17-12 | 11:02 AM
#63
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 821
Likes: 0
From: You have really nice furniture
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.
07-17-12 | 11:12 AM
#64
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 418
Likes: 0
From: Northampton, MA
Bikes: 198? Sport Racing Frame of unknown origins, 1992 Marin Bear Valley, 1970 Raleigh Sport
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.
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!
07-17-12 | 11:44 AM
#66
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 6
From: Western Florida
Bikes: 2017 Kona TI, 2011 Mezzo D9, Gazelle Ultimate C380
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.
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.
-1 on the bug spray unless you are camping overnight - or riding terriby slow
Sounds very exciting though - good luck!
07-17-12 | 12:03 PM
#67
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 418
Likes: 0
From: Northampton, MA
Bikes: 198? Sport Racing Frame of unknown origins, 1992 Marin Bear Valley, 1970 Raleigh Sport
This is my bike all set up and ready to go tonight--everything I am carrying fits in a backpack so if my elaborate rack system fails, I can just leave the crate behind.
07-17-12 | 12:15 PM
#69
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 418
Likes: 0
From: Northampton, MA
Bikes: 198? Sport Racing Frame of unknown origins, 1992 Marin Bear Valley, 1970 Raleigh Sport
07-17-12 | 12:56 PM
#71
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 40,863
Likes: 3,116
From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
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!
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!
07-17-12 | 12:57 PM
#72
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 15,278
Likes: 342
From: Alpharetta, GA
Bikes: Nashbar Road
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.
07-17-12 | 01:04 PM
#73
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 418
Likes: 0
From: Northampton, MA
Bikes: 198? Sport Racing Frame of unknown origins, 1992 Marin Bear Valley, 1970 Raleigh Sport
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.
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.
07-17-12 | 01:06 PM
#74
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 821
Likes: 0
From: You have really nice furniture
Totally understandable. Get what you can when you can. No sense blowing all the saved gas $ on trinkets for the bike. It just defeats most of your purpose.