Bike Forums - Sticky Idea-What New Commuters Should Carry

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

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

- - Sticky Idea-What New Commuters Should Carry (https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/90042-sticky-idea-what-new-commuters-should-carry.html)

What do y'all think about asking the mods to create a sticky to discuss suggestions to new commuters about what to carry? It's a recurring question, and a fair one. We can't reasonably expect new forum members to fully grasp the search function. Having it at the top would give new and prospective commuters an easy overview. They could then add their specific questions.

On the other hand, we already have THREE stickies. We have to guard against Sticky Creep.

No, the search feature is your friend.

What the hell is a stickie

A stickie is a thread that is permanently attached to the top of the page. As to the search function, I don't think most new forum users understand the search feature because, by definition, they're new (we were all there once). Having a sticky may decrease the number of what-should-I-carry threads.

Yes, it is a good idea to have basic advice where new folks can find it. Otherwise there will be many unnecessary repeated questions. This thread is particularly good to start now, as the weather warms up and more people decide to commute to work (we'll get them going all winter next year).

I think its a good idea. especially concerning tire repair and basic maintenance items
but how 'bout a stiky on how to use the search feature? evryody yells to use the search,but I for one didnt even know about a "search" when I was new here. just plying devels advocate here

I can't see any threads attached to the top of the page. Where exactly should I look? Am I a stickie free zone, or just stickie blind.

Maybe not a specific "what should I carry" sticky, but perhaps just a general F.A.Q. sticky... a grab-bag nOOb zone.

I like the idea of a sticky aimed at noobies... and I do not see why it should not contain BOTH how to use search AND what a new commuter needs to know/carry.

I agree that it would reduce repeat questions from noobies.

Is a FAQ possible???

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigmikepowell

I can't see any threads attached to the top of the page. Where exactly should I look? Am I a stickie free zone, or just stickie blind.

The top three threads in the commiting section say "sticky" before them. That means that they are stuck at the top of the page. Other threads drop down when people stop posting to them.

For those who said the thread should be more broad, think about this for the opening post:

I'm just starting out commuting. What kind of bike works best for commuting? How should I equip it? What should I carry with me? What should I wear? Have I missed any important questions?

The thread title could be: "Basic Commuting Questions."

What do you think?

I like the idea. Your list of questions seems good. I would also include: What lighting should I get?

My thought is that a sticky/FAQ would give general information, as well as a link to some threads already on these topics that might have more specific details, such as brands and preferences. And the questions would likely still continue, since there are always new developments that need discussing, e.g. new models, new techniques.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daily Commute

<snip>What kind of bike works best for commuting? How should I equip it? What should I carry with me? What should I wear?<snip>

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnbacon

I would also include: What lighting should I get?

beautiful.

As a newbie it would be a big help. A few other forums I'm on offer one or more FAQs depending upon the breadth of subject matter. I think the suggested questions and organization are a good start with links to already existing threads to fill in the answers. It would really streamline the quest for information for newbies.

We should address the age-old questions on clothing and washing up.

My opinion is no. I think there are too many stickies right now. I think that if there are stickies, they should be locked topics that only contain information that has been compiled and filtered by someone. THAT would be really helpful. I think the daily commute thread is a good sticky. The lighting one, though, 650 posts? You're still gonna have to search to find something in it.

My 2 cents.

I think there should indeed be a sticky of that sort.

I also think that the questions mentioned by Daily Commute, jnbacon, and Caloso should go in the first post.

The first post should also have a concise answer to each of those questions. Ideas to be elaborated upon/edited:

Quote:

What kind of bike works best for commuting? [Durable; wheels that can support your weight over road bumps; not an expensive theft-target; more reliable than a Wal-Mart bike; gears should be appropriate for your fitness level, for going uphill while you're tired] How should I equip it? [fenders are 99% necessary for commuting in or after rain; reflectors and lights are necessary in the dark; toe clips are optional; rack with panniers or milk crate or backpack; use trash bags or other method to keep stuff dry if necessary] What should I carry with me? [water; trail mix or candy bar or breakfast bar or; adjustable wrench+allen keys+spare tube+patch kit+portable pump; work clothes and shoes unless you ride in 'em] What should I wear? [wear something comfy and be prepared for the nastiest weather in your area at your time of year]

Quote:

What are the best ways to look/smell clean after the commute?[shower after rather than before the commute, or shower directly before commute and use moist wipes after; roll your work clothes so they don't wrinkle]

Quote:

What lighting should I get?[on lit streets, use be-seen lighting such as Cateye LED blinkies front and back at minimum; unlit streets at high speeds mean you need high-powered lights like niterider]

P.S.-I agree that stickies other than "how was the commute today" should be locked; and that the moderators should keep the information limited to the most important stuff.

A thread has to be on a subject. FAQ isnt a subject, but a basketful of subjects. Therefore 'Noobie FAQs' should be a separate forum, maybe with subforums for road, MTB, touring etc. Then the moderators can move threads to the FAQ forum when they notice that a suitable discussion arises.

I don't think we should call it a "FAQ." People would think it was something organized by the moderators. It would also make people think there's one correct answer. The debates are not as hot as the bike lane debates, but we have different perspectives on what lighting is available, what tires to use, etc.

Having a single thread at the top would also make sure the Newbie got to see a variety of perspectives, instead of just the few people who chose to respond to the Newbie's new thread.