Bike Forums - new to commuting

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Quote:

Originally Posted by wphamilton (Post 15318698)

My two cents in no particular order:

Aside from the big seat bags that Tarwheel shows you can simply roll up a bundle and bungie it in the same place behind the seat. In practice that's a little inconvenient but works in a pinch. You can also purchase or DIY a frame bag that hangs in the front triangle. I did this, and it works very well if you fashion it for quick attachment and release. It won't be big enough for the work boots so you have to work something else out for that (can you leave them at work?). I'd consider a seatpost rack just for the shoes.

You should get a frame pump or tiny CO2 pump. That's the one thing that I don't consider optional, along with patches and/or tubes. I carry all of the above, all of the time.

Just leave the lock at work. There's no reason to carry it around if you go to the same place every day.

Biking shorts, chamois padding et al are entirely optional for a 10 mile commute.

Don't worry about going the 10 miles in 85°, you can adapt easily and it will eventually become routine. I don't even bother with water for that distance, in sometimes considerably warmer temperatures in our summers. Just get on your bike and ride, take a backpack if you have to - it's not that bad.

this was an extremely helpful post, thank you
dont think ill do a frame bag just cause im worried about getting blown around.

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also thanks RGNY im probably going to go with that thing, and some co2 cartridges instead of that heavy-lookin pump.

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those are some pretty sweet bags, tarwheel. i think i've got everything figured out though, plus im on a smallish budget.

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THANKS EVERYONE THAT POSTED YALL ARE VERY HELPFUL!!!

as far as how many CO2 cartridges, a 12gr cartridge can take my 700x32 tire up to around 80psi. plenty to roll on (max is 85psi) and i've got more if need be.

i don't carry a pressure gauge. "firm to the squeeze" sidewalls are enough for me until i get back to my garage.

i carry three cartridges with me. mainly in case of a dud cartridge (happens once in a great while) or a second flat.

if you get a flat on the morning commute and fill it with CO2, then work 8hrs, i'd check it before i headed home in case it needed a top off, but it should be fine. just make sure you bleed/fill it with a regular pump when you get home. it would lose about half the pressure in 24hrs.

there are a -ton- of "chamois creme" options out there. i use Bag Balm because i can always grab it at the local pharmacy or grocery store and it works fine.

word thank you so much. i think im gonna go with panaracer pasela tourguard tires, and a black leather 'gyes' saddle. probably not going to get cycling shoes unless i find a cheap deal on some vintage ones, probably just gonna wear sneakers.

you will probably laugh, but I have a couple of "bell" bags that I got from walmart, one is a handlebar bag and the other is a wedge style bag. I carry a couple of tubes, patch kit, multi tool, tire levers and have room for wallet, keys, and miscellania like moist towelettes for cleaning oil, chain breaker, spoke wrench... these bags are lightweight, low cost, durable, hang using velcro. never had a problem with them. You can fit what you need (my list) in only the handlebar bag (as its got nice amount of room) but I had the wedge bag before I found the handlebar bag...