Bike Forums - Took the plunge...

Bike Forums (https://www.bikeforums.net/forum.php)

- Commuting (https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/)

- - Took the plunge... (https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/884414-took-plunge.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by cplager (Post 15581260)

They're not actually polka-dotted, but have some weird bird icon on them.

Hmmm from the close up it looks to me like Optimus Prime. I gotta admit, 2 separable bags for $20, I would be tempted too...

Quote:

Originally Posted by cplager (Post 15578904)

I have a quick release seatpost mounted rack that I use for panniers. When I commute, I put it on the bike. When I'm going to for a "fun" ride, I often take it off. I can't really tell the difference between riding with it there and not there.

(So, I wouldn't work too hard to avoid the rack and panniers... :D ).

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LITHrZhbM7...6/IMAG0777.jpg

While it's true that I don't really have a choice and can't wear a backpack, using a rack and panniers is just so much easier.

Cheers,
Charles

That bent bike is awesome! Full suspension?!?! Who knew?? Funny panniers be darned! LOL! On a more somber note, I only rode in two days this week... had a sick little girl to worry about picking up from school (and did have to) on one day, and errands involving boxes on another... Oh well, going to make up for it this weekend, and back on the Saddle on Monday...

Quote:

Originally Posted by cplager (Post 15581260)

...
(It's hard to tell from the pictures, but they aren't as ugly as they seem... :D)

CP, Your Jedi mind trick isn't working... These ARE the droids we're looking for... LOL!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatrickGSR94 (Post 15578805)

Do you purchase lunch out somewhere every day? Does it not get hot such that you get sweaty? Many of us can't afford buying lunch every day, and most don't have the luxury of a super-temperate climate where sweating doesn't happen on a commute.

I know the May snowfalls may make it seem like Minnesota never gets hot enough to sweat, my Southern friend, but mid summer brings very hot and humid commutes, so that even we phlegmatic Northerners have been known to sweat on occasion! Still, my point was not that everyone everywhere could avoid carrying stuff to and fro on their commutes, but that advance planning can minimize that for many, especially for a short commute like the OP.

While I usually purchase lunch most days regardless of whether I'm riding my bike or car, I also periodically bring lunch food on days that I commute by car that I leave in the fridge for days that I eat in. I also take the opportunity on such days to restock my supply of fresh clothes at work that I can change into when needed. That is where the advance planning comes into play.

I have a rack and a backpack that I use when needed, I just found that when I planned ahead a bit more I didn't need them quite as much as I otherwise would have. YMMV.

Rode my "new-used" road bike in today... the commute was significantly faster (even though I didn't feel great in the morning), and the bike rode surprisingly smooth (on Michelin Pro4 Endruance 700x25c tires). I love the bike, but it is very "serious" feeling, and I'm not sure I want to ride in on clipless pedals everyday (having to pack spare shoes, swapping out shoes before I come in the building, etc.).

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...ps63aac5fb.jpg

This is my new dedicated commuter:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...ps8d88eabf.jpg

It's a single speed steel-framed On-One Il Pompino. Very fun bike! I rode it in last week for the first time on "Bike to Work" day, and although I was concerned about riding in on a Single Speed, I had a blast! It is a very fun bike to ride, and coupled with the Avocet pedals and half-clips (no straps), it makes for a very "easy" commute. Just grab and go, with almost no care as to what type of shoes I'm in...