New to Commuting
02-26-14 | 08:31 PM
#26
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Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 687
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Bikes: 50+/-
IMO the best investment is high quality lights, front and rear-as bright as you can afford. I run 3 headlights(2 on the bike, 1 on the helmet) and 2 Niterider Solas taillights. Most important thing in the dark is to be seen.
02-26-14 | 09:00 PM
#27
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 495
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From: Los Angeles, CA
You chose well. That bike will serve you well for a long time. 10 miles to work will come quick. Maybe not so quick if you're part of SoCal is in the hills, but you will get there. The way to get good on hills is to ride hills. It's said that training on hill is like wrestling a gorilla.............the fight ain't over 'til the gorillas done.
No you don't. Get lights, especially rear. A weekend's worth of reading to do searching light threads.
Mirrors....another day's worth of reading. Some do, some don't, there's only one way to find out.
If you haven't, look here.
Don't worry about speed. Ride at the speed of fun.
No you don't. Get lights, especially rear. A weekend's worth of reading to do searching light threads.
Mirrors....another day's worth of reading. Some do, some don't, there's only one way to find out.
If you haven't, look here.
Don't worry about speed. Ride at the speed of fun.
. They are those blinky LED ones in the front and back. Although, I need to get something brighter. Agreed I need to get mirrors asap - it's a annoying to look back all the time.
02-26-14 | 09:01 PM
#28
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 495
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Agreed I need better lights because I will probably ride at night!
02-26-14 | 09:02 PM
#29
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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 recommend a helmet-mounted mirror. That way you can turn your head slightly to scan from side-to-side behind you, and you can also wear various eye protection without having to swap the mirror between them.
02-26-14 | 09:03 PM
#30
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 495
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From: Los Angeles, CA
All you actually need is everything necessary to fix a flat on the road (which I say is tube, patches, pump and tools), vigilance and practice. Regular maintenance on the bike, the first step of which is checking before you leave: Air, brakes, cables, quick releases (abc-quick).
A rack is extremely convenient, or other more creative ways to get the backpack off your back. I'd recommend eye protection: sunglasses or goggles as you prefer.
Everything else mentioned here is good advice, in my opinion optional. I agree with not spending much money on equipment or clothes just yet; it's true that it can become a habit and get away from you. It can also be extremely cheap if you just refuse to buy anything unless you actually need it.
Beyond that, I'd just say be consistent with it. You might already be in great shape, or maybe you'll have to start slowly, but either way you'll improve quickly and it gets easier. If you keep at it. Eventually it's just easy, that 10 miles to work becomes routine.
A rack is extremely convenient, or other more creative ways to get the backpack off your back. I'd recommend eye protection: sunglasses or goggles as you prefer.
Everything else mentioned here is good advice, in my opinion optional. I agree with not spending much money on equipment or clothes just yet; it's true that it can become a habit and get away from you. It can also be extremely cheap if you just refuse to buy anything unless you actually need it.
Beyond that, I'd just say be consistent with it. You might already be in great shape, or maybe you'll have to start slowly, but either way you'll improve quickly and it gets easier. If you keep at it. Eventually it's just easy, that 10 miles to work becomes routine.
02-26-14 | 09:04 PM
#31
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 495
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From: Los Angeles, CA
02-26-14 | 09:33 PM
#32
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,664
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From: North County San Diego
It's not hard. Just make sure you know how to do it by running through the motions at home. I carry a patch kit and spare tube but my first choice is to replace the tube and patch the punctured one at home.
02-26-14 | 10:25 PM
#33
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,977
Likes: 191
From: Washington, DC
Is this post seriously meant as good advice?...a bell instead of a mirror? 
....ride as fast as you can?
Use of a mirror may be a contentious item on various threads, but the preponderance of replies favor a mirror, and to categorically dismiss its utility, especially to a beginner seeking advice is pretty irresponsible IMO:
....ride as fast as you can? Use of a mirror may be a contentious item on various threads, but the preponderance of replies favor a mirror, and to categorically dismiss its utility, especially to a beginner seeking advice is pretty irresponsible IMO:
02-26-14 | 10:40 PM
#34
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)
Some people (like me) can't ride fast all the time, unless it's downhill. And some people (like me) ride in traffic that is ALWAYS faster, no matter how fast you're able to ride, i.e. 35-45 MPH speed limits. And then there's wind that can make it quite difficult to hear approaching traffic behind you. A mirror makes me much more aware of my surroundings than simply focusing on what's ahead.
02-26-14 | 11:14 PM
#35
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,977
Likes: 191
From: Washington, DC
Some people (like me) can't ride fast all the time, unless it's downhill. And some people (like me) ride in traffic that is ALWAYS faster, no matter how fast you're able to ride, i.e. 35-45 MPH speed limits. And then there's wind that can make it quite difficult to hear approaching traffic behind you. A mirror makes me much more aware of my surroundings than simply focusing on what's ahead.
02-27-14 | 04:39 AM
#36
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,381
Likes: 219
...I think these disputes [like using a rearview mirror] that so often arise on BF may occur because the subscribers only relate to their own cycling circumstances. I can understand why someone riding rural, lightly-traveled and perhaps well-paved roads might not feel the need for a mirror, and rely on their hearing and rearward glances. On my urban commute where auto traffic may be heavy, bike lanes narrow, and hazards frequent and sudden, my mirror is the best bet...
ADDENDUM: Actually I do note that my fellow BF correspondent does advocate for a rearview mirror for the activies of daily living:
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 02-27-14 at 08:03 AM. Reason: Add ADDENDUM
02-27-14 | 05:01 AM
#37
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Surrey, UK
Bikes: Carrera TDF (Road) Carrera X-Fire 2 (Hybrid)
I commute 20 miles one way and these are the things I wont go without.
The list:
Decent lights, 2 rear on seat post and one on helmet. Very bright cree headlight + cheap backup headlight, both from Amazon.
Rack and pannier bags.
Fenders.
Small pump.
Spare inner tube.
Tyre levers.
Bright over jacket and padded shorts.
Helmet.
Also practice changing your tyres and taking your wheels off, it can save you energy and save you being late for school/work. Nothing worse than changing a flat in the dark by the side of a road, so make sure you have the hang of it.
Last of all enjoy it, you will be fine.
The list:
Decent lights, 2 rear on seat post and one on helmet. Very bright cree headlight + cheap backup headlight, both from Amazon.
Rack and pannier bags.
Fenders.
Small pump.
Spare inner tube.
Tyre levers.
Bright over jacket and padded shorts.
Helmet.
Also practice changing your tyres and taking your wheels off, it can save you energy and save you being late for school/work. Nothing worse than changing a flat in the dark by the side of a road, so make sure you have the hang of it.
Last of all enjoy it, you will be fine.
02-27-14 | 09:17 AM
#38
The Flying Scot
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,904
Likes: 0
From: North Queensferry Scotland and London (and France)
Bikes: Custom (Colin Laing) 531c fast tourer/audax, 1964 Flying Scot Continental, 1995 Cinelli Supercorsa, Holdsworth Mistral single speed, Dahon Speed 6 (folder), Micmo Sirocco and a few more
I commute 20 miles one way and these are the things I wont go without.
The list:
Decent lights, 2 rear on seat post and one on helmet. Very bright cree headlight + cheap backup headlight, both from Amazon.
Rack and pannier bags.
Fenders.
Small pump.
Spare inner tube.
Tyre levers.
Bright over jacket and padded shorts.
Helmet.
Also practice changing your tyres and taking your wheels off, it can save you energy and save you being late for school/work. Nothing worse than changing a flat in the dark by the side of a road, so make sure you have the hang of it.
Last of all enjoy it, you will be fine.
The list:
Decent lights, 2 rear on seat post and one on helmet. Very bright cree headlight + cheap backup headlight, both from Amazon.
Rack and pannier bags.
Fenders.
Small pump.
Spare inner tube.
Tyre levers.
Bright over jacket and padded shorts.
Helmet.
Also practice changing your tyres and taking your wheels off, it can save you energy and save you being late for school/work. Nothing worse than changing a flat in the dark by the side of a road, so make sure you have the hang of it.
Last of all enjoy it, you will be fine.
My commute used to be 26 miles round trip but I now work from home so try to go out out every day for 20 ish miles. Only need lights rarely now.
__________________
plus je vois les hommes, plus j'admire les chiens
1985 Sandy Gilchrist-Colin Laing built 531c Audax/fast tourer.
1964 Flying Scot Continental (531)
1995 Cinelli Supercorsa (Columbus SLX)
1980s Holdsworth Mistral fixed (531)
2005 Dahon Speed 6 (folder)
(YES I LIKE STEEL)
2008 Viking Saratoga tandem
2008 Micmo Sirocco Hybrid (aluminium!)
2012 BTwin Rockrider 8.1
plus je vois les hommes, plus j'admire les chiens
1985 Sandy Gilchrist-Colin Laing built 531c Audax/fast tourer.
1964 Flying Scot Continental (531)
1995 Cinelli Supercorsa (Columbus SLX)
1980s Holdsworth Mistral fixed (531)
2005 Dahon Speed 6 (folder)
(YES I LIKE STEEL)
2008 Viking Saratoga tandem
2008 Micmo Sirocco Hybrid (aluminium!)
2012 BTwin Rockrider 8.1
02-27-14 | 09:55 AM
#39
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,828
Likes: 1
From: West Georgia
Bikes: K2 Mod 5.0 Roadie, Fuji Commuter
I did see. You're new here, you'll pick up on personalities in time. An advanced lesson is that I am basically an opinionated, sarcastic smartass.
Toobs are easy!! There's plenty of learning stuff:
Old school learning method.
New school learning method.
I didn't go through the videos to pick the best, I just picked one--other's should show up in a list. Bookmark the Park Tool repair page, it has good instruction for everything about your bike.
There's only four things to remember about fixing tubes:
1. Pedro's tire levers
2. Rema patch kits
3. Road Morph Pump
4. Levers take tires off, thumbs put tires on.
There's tons of threads about tires, tubes, pumps vs. CO, levers and brands every section of BF.
Old school learning method.
New school learning method.
I didn't go through the videos to pick the best, I just picked one--other's should show up in a list. Bookmark the Park Tool repair page, it has good instruction for everything about your bike.
There's only four things to remember about fixing tubes:
1. Pedro's tire levers
2. Rema patch kits
3. Road Morph Pump
4. Levers take tires off, thumbs put tires on.
There's tons of threads about tires, tubes, pumps vs. CO, levers and brands every section of BF.
02-27-14 | 09:57 AM
#40
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,828
Likes: 1
From: West Georgia
Bikes: K2 Mod 5.0 Roadie, Fuji Commuter
02-27-14 | 10:12 AM
#41
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,828
Likes: 1
From: West Georgia
Bikes: K2 Mod 5.0 Roadie, Fuji Commuter
Tons of threads to search concerning headlights, including quite a few concerning the Cree lights in particular----good and bad, depending on the posters experience.
02-27-14 | 10:15 AM
#42
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,977
Likes: 191
From: Washington, DC
02-27-14 | 10:23 AM
#43
Hooray for most things!
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Central Utah
Bikes: Motobecane Fantom Cross Pro
When I first started commuting I would sweat like mad, no matter my speed, and I needed a change of clothes at work. After a few months my body adjusted and the commute became very routine. I wasted a lot of money on cold weather cycling gear. I would beat myself up for it except that I use most of it running. Now I commute in a shirt and tie - sweaters on cold days.
Just ride. Everything changes throughout the first year anyway, as seasons change and your body adapts. You'll figure it out.
Instead of rolling up my pants, I tuck them into my socks. It looks really cool.
Just ride. Everything changes throughout the first year anyway, as seasons change and your body adapts. You'll figure it out.
Instead of rolling up my pants, I tuck them into my socks. It looks really cool.
02-27-14 | 11:01 AM
#44
aka Tom Reingold
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,141
Likes: 6,366
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
There was a thread a few months ago called something like "what's in your tool roll?" There were tons of inspiring answers.
My answer depends on how far I'm riding. I save weight and trouble on short rides. I equip myself for things that are more likely to be a problem on long rides.
Rather than telling you WHAT I bring, I'll tell you what I prepare for.
0-3 miles: possibly nothing. I can walk or take the subway back home.
3-6 miles: water, enough to fix two flats and to adjust the seat and handlebars.
6-25 miles: same as above but enough to fix three flats, plus food and tools to adjust brakes and gears.
25-100 miles: same as above, plus tools for truing wheels.
If I'm going over six miles and there are no convenient places to buy food, I carry food, because cycling can be vigorous, and running out of fuel on a bike is about as serious as running out of fuel with a motor vehicle.
My answer depends on how far I'm riding. I save weight and trouble on short rides. I equip myself for things that are more likely to be a problem on long rides.
Rather than telling you WHAT I bring, I'll tell you what I prepare for.
0-3 miles: possibly nothing. I can walk or take the subway back home.
3-6 miles: water, enough to fix two flats and to adjust the seat and handlebars.
6-25 miles: same as above but enough to fix three flats, plus food and tools to adjust brakes and gears.
25-100 miles: same as above, plus tools for truing wheels.
If I'm going over six miles and there are no convenient places to buy food, I carry food, because cycling can be vigorous, and running out of fuel on a bike is about as serious as running out of fuel with a motor vehicle.
__________________
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.
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.
02-27-14 | 11:56 AM
#45
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,977
Likes: 191
From: Washington, DC
02-28-14 | 05:11 AM
#46
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Surrey, UK
Bikes: Carrera TDF (Road) Carrera X-Fire 2 (Hybrid)
The Cree headlights are good enough to be more than decent and are now cheap enough to have one for a backup. Forty bucks for two---less than one of anything else with it's lighting ability.
Tons of threads to search concerning headlights, including quite a few concerning the Cree lights in particular----good and bad, depending on the posters experience.
Tons of threads to search concerning headlights, including quite a few concerning the Cree lights in particular----good and bad, depending on the posters experience.
My backup is actually a £6 AAA powered light, that thing is still very bright just about as bright as my main beam when its on low. The only reason I have a backup is in case my main beam runs out of juice, but this has only happened once or twice.
02-28-14 | 05:13 AM
#47
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Surrey, UK
Bikes: Carrera TDF (Road) Carrera X-Fire 2 (Hybrid)
+1. Very sound advice and almost identical bike lights to mine (though I have up to 4 back lights - rack, seatpost, leg, helmet)
My commute used to be 26 miles round trip but I now work from home so try to go out out every day for 20 ish miles. Only need lights rarely now.
My commute used to be 26 miles round trip but I now work from home so try to go out out every day for 20 ish miles. Only need lights rarely now.
Adam
02-28-14 | 05:57 AM
#48
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,381
Likes: 219
A bike mechanic suggested to me that in a pinch you could even use some tree leaves as a temporary patch.
02-28-14 | 11:46 AM
#49
The Flying Scot
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,904
Likes: 0
From: North Queensferry Scotland and London (and France)
Bikes: Custom (Colin Laing) 531c fast tourer/audax, 1964 Flying Scot Continental, 1995 Cinelli Supercorsa, Holdsworth Mistral single speed, Dahon Speed 6 (folder), Micmo Sirocco and a few more
It's a hi viz band with about six flashing led's on it. It velcros round my ankle. I can't remember if I bought it as a cycling light or a winter dog collar (as I use them for both).
On the rack, I wrap a strip of rubber inner tube around the back of the rack to increase the diameter and then use a seatpost clip. It's very secure and doesn't rattle. I use a cateye LD 600 at the end of the rack.
BTW despite having 4 back lights I did get whacked in a hit and run!
__________________
plus je vois les hommes, plus j'admire les chiens
1985 Sandy Gilchrist-Colin Laing built 531c Audax/fast tourer.
1964 Flying Scot Continental (531)
1995 Cinelli Supercorsa (Columbus SLX)
1980s Holdsworth Mistral fixed (531)
2005 Dahon Speed 6 (folder)
(YES I LIKE STEEL)
2008 Viking Saratoga tandem
2008 Micmo Sirocco Hybrid (aluminium!)
2012 BTwin Rockrider 8.1
plus je vois les hommes, plus j'admire les chiens
1985 Sandy Gilchrist-Colin Laing built 531c Audax/fast tourer.
1964 Flying Scot Continental (531)
1995 Cinelli Supercorsa (Columbus SLX)
1980s Holdsworth Mistral fixed (531)
2005 Dahon Speed 6 (folder)
(YES I LIKE STEEL)
2008 Viking Saratoga tandem
2008 Micmo Sirocco Hybrid (aluminium!)
2012 BTwin Rockrider 8.1
02-28-14 | 12:30 PM
#50
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 596
Likes: 0
I hadn't fixed a flat in years when I started commuting, so fixing my first flat while commuting wasn't so smooth. I have since gotten much faster this.
I also recommend some good flat resistant tires. Opinions vary on what are best - Marathon Plus/Supreeme, Gatorskins, etc. You need to decide on tradeoffs of puncture resistance, weight, and grip