No1 problem for commuters
10-23-12, 05:28 PM
#101
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My number 1 problem (even though it happens only 1/4 of the year) is poorly plowed streets in the winter. Making it throw snow and slush on streets can sometimes put a hard stop on my bike commuting. Nothing else will.
10-23-12, 07:26 PM
#102
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I'd love to have a small low-weight device for the handlebars. It would have several modes:
* Change red lights to green on my behalf
* Vaporize debris on the road in my path
* Jam cellphones and interrupt texting. Make earbuds emit a loud noise so wearers take them off
* Dry up puddles or wet pavement in my path
* Provide "see" and "be seen" lighting
* Stun setting for squirrels about to run into my wheel, dogs chasing after me, kids running around on the MUP, pedestrians who refuse to share the MUP.
* Auto-vaporize to avoid getting hit by a motorized vehicle (unless it is my fault).
Seriously, the impediments I have to commuting include unpredictable weather, long hours at work, long distances made worse with construction detours, slow intersections, extra layers of clothes to dress for different am/pm conditions, extreme summer heat, and lack of storage at my desk for cycling clothes/gear. 10 hours at desk and 4 hours commuting+transition is just too long of a day.
* Change red lights to green on my behalf
* Vaporize debris on the road in my path
* Jam cellphones and interrupt texting. Make earbuds emit a loud noise so wearers take them off
* Dry up puddles or wet pavement in my path
* Provide "see" and "be seen" lighting
* Stun setting for squirrels about to run into my wheel, dogs chasing after me, kids running around on the MUP, pedestrians who refuse to share the MUP.
* Auto-vaporize to avoid getting hit by a motorized vehicle (unless it is my fault).
Seriously, the impediments I have to commuting include unpredictable weather, long hours at work, long distances made worse with construction detours, slow intersections, extra layers of clothes to dress for different am/pm conditions, extreme summer heat, and lack of storage at my desk for cycling clothes/gear. 10 hours at desk and 4 hours commuting+transition is just too long of a day.
10-23-12, 09:19 PM
#103
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Can you invent thumb warmers? I use mittens, so my fingers are OK. But my thumbs don't like when it dips below 20 degrees F.
10-24-12, 04:54 AM
#104
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10-24-12, 07:32 AM
#105
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Why can't more light manufacturers design blinkies/taillights that are designed to mount to something other than a seatpost or seatbag strap? Most commuters can't mount lights to their seatposts because they use seatbags that block the posts. Likewise, many of straps on seatbags are too flimsy to adequately hold a light or angle the light in the wrong direction. You can buy a few lights that will mount to chain stays but they are few and far between.
10-24-12, 07:39 AM
#106
Still learning
My number 1-5 problems:
1. Honda Odysseys piloted by multi tasking moms.
2. Toyota Previas piloted by multi-tasking moms.
3. Honda CRVs piloted by multi-tasking moms.
4. Nissan Altimas piloted by multi-tasking women.
5. Chrysler/Dodge minivans piloted by multi-tasking moms and seniors.
All my close encounters have been by the above vehicles. Is there a common theme here?
Maybe it's the iPhone causing the problems, but for the seniors!
1. Honda Odysseys piloted by multi tasking moms.
2. Toyota Previas piloted by multi-tasking moms.
3. Honda CRVs piloted by multi-tasking moms.
4. Nissan Altimas piloted by multi-tasking women.
5. Chrysler/Dodge minivans piloted by multi-tasking moms and seniors.
All my close encounters have been by the above vehicles. Is there a common theme here?
Maybe it's the iPhone causing the problems, but for the seniors!
10-24-12, 08:23 AM
#107
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I've considered carrying a cell phone jammer in my handlebar bag, but the reality is that, if people's cells suddenly drop signal when they get close to me, they'll try to reconnect rather than set the phone down and drive.
10-24-12, 08:45 AM
#108
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Multi-tasking men are no better than multi-tasking women.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
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Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
10-24-12, 08:54 AM
#109
In the right lane
10-24-12, 09:06 AM
#110
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food, I can't seem to eat enought to have energy to ride harder and faster, but I eat to much to loose weight
10-24-12, 09:22 AM
#111
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One more: I own a RoadID and I love the company. I suggested the idea of GPS tracker like device that the buyer can install anywhere on or in their bike. I am not sure how this would work but the idea would be to be able to track your bike anywhere if it got stolen. Again, only a suggestion.
https://www.integratedtrackers.com/GPSTrack/Products.jsp
Has anyone used one of these before?
10-24-12, 09:32 AM
#112
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my $.02
As for something that's likely fixable, I'd say that my biggest complaint is that my wet clothes don't dry unless I put them on display during the day, and no one wants to see the business side of my chamois when they drop by my cubicle. The office provides lockers, but they have no ventilation.
the clip is a great idea. simple solutions to problems are often the best. It could also help you focus as i have slightly impaired eyesight and any fast moving objects around my field of view often distract me.
the one piece helmet also sounds great. does it have the ability to change lenses too? if you flip them up on a hot day do they fog up faster than if they were resting on your nose? Perhaps the if you use hair products they could ruin the coating on the lenses?
do you guys consider the brand of sunglasses a fashion statement or any pair will do?
the one piece helmet also sounds great. does it have the ability to change lenses too? if you flip them up on a hot day do they fog up faster than if they were resting on your nose? Perhaps the if you use hair products they could ruin the coating on the lenses?
do you guys consider the brand of sunglasses a fashion statement or any pair will do?
I ride more mornings to work in my regular RX glasses with Fredly mirror attached. I wish that i coudl wear my polarized sunglasses but it is too dark. I dislike the wind that goes around my regular glasses when i ride. the wind this morning made my eyes water.
Why can't more light manufacturers design blinkies/taillights that are designed to mount to something other than a seatpost or seatbag strap? Most commuters can't mount lights to their seatposts because they use seatbags that block the posts. Likewise, many of straps on seatbags are too flimsy to adequately hold a light or angle the light in the wrong direction. You can buy a few lights that will mount to chain stays but they are few and far between.
YES make more functional mounting lights. I like the knog blinder but i wish i could mount lights on my rack and front and rear stays/ fork.
Last edited by RidingMatthew; 10-24-12 at 09:35 AM. Reason: add another thought.
10-24-12, 09:54 AM
#113
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Automobiles are indeed the number 1 problem for all commuting/touring/grocery-getting cyclists. If I had one wish I could be granted by a big blue bottle-bound busybody, it would be for a complete bicycle traffic infrastucture entirely separated from both motor-vehicle and pedestrian infrastructure. Preferably underground (in urban areas, at least), to keep off the elements and control temps all year 'round.
10-24-12, 10:31 AM
#114
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Why can't more light manufacturers design blinkies/taillights that are designed to mount to something other than a seatpost or seatbag strap? Most commuters can't mount lights to their seatposts because they use seatbags that block the posts. Likewise, many of straps on seatbags are too flimsy to adequately hold a light or angle the light in the wrong direction. You can buy a few lights that will mount to chain stays but they are few and far between.
10-25-12, 03:27 PM
#115
Idealistic Troublemaker
Thanks for the knee-jerk reaction! The point is to be connected without being distracted by fiddly electronics. Or maybe you think that talking to your companions should also be considered an epic fail?
10-25-12, 05:34 PM
#116
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I found this,
https://www.integratedtrackers.com/GPSTrack/Products.jsp
Has anyone used one of these before?
https://www.integratedtrackers.com/GPSTrack/Products.jsp
Has anyone used one of these before?
10-25-12, 06:01 PM
#117
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hy can't more light manufacturers design blinkies/taillights that are designed to mount to something other than a seatpost or seatbag strap? Most commuters can't mount lights to their seatposts because they use seatbags that block the posts. Likewise, many of straps on seatbags are too flimsy to adequately hold a light or angle the light in the wrong direction. You can buy a few lights that will mount to chain stays but they are few and far between.YES
10-26-12, 03:30 AM
#118
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I love the Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires; never had a flat in all sorts of city riding in two years. https://www.schwalbetires.com/node/1323. I have the 700c x 25 version.
