Originally Posted by snow_venture52

Hey Fib! I think it's great you're biking to school and back! Everyone here has great advice so don't let one or two negative comments set you back.

I didn't start really commuting by bike til I was 22 and I wish I'd started back in school before that. It's important to set healthy (and by extension, fun!)mental and physical standards for ourselves and exercising, particularly going anywhere under our own steam, is very empowering.

Do you ride anywhere with other people? I personally enjoy the solo rides as it gives you a guaranteed hour or more a day to unplug, work out, and the the world as it is. Having said that, biking with other people is it's own reward and I've had some great times going out with friends on our bikes. It's a tad safer too. Have you found any cool things or places while you were biking to school you never noticed before? Independently exploring your city and countryside alike is a great side effect of travelling by bike. I hope you see all kinds of funny and beautiful things!

I'd recommend getting a rear rack with panniers for your bike in case you ever wanted to haul more things. Front racks are certainly a thing too but im not fond of how they seem to interfere with steering, especially with a heavy load attached. I used to use a backpack(and still do if I know I'm not, say, getting groceries or things) but started having back issues bc if it. Not saying you will but something to think about as you continue your cycling. Let the bike bear the weight not your back!

I cannot recommend the Bell memory foam comfort seat highly enough. I've had one for nearly 8 years and it's still intact and sits as comfortably as the day I bought it. They even have some with lights attached for rear lighting!

In the summer I usually bring a small toiletry bag with face wash, deodorant, toothpaste (Id have to work early so just did the washing up at work ), etc you want. Same with a sports bra and change of clothes. Id hang out my bike clothes somewhere private to dry out. It can get pretty sweaty here where I live so I packed each morning like I was staying at a friend's. But the friend is your bike.

But yeah, everyone on here is pretty on point with the advice.Stay driven, pace yourself, have fun, and don't worry if your times vary, that could be due to traffic, headwinds, shoot, even being tired. Everything's allowed on a bike. It's a great therapy tool.

Good luck and ride safe!

Originally Posted by 52telecaster

its not doomed as long as your representing it. I'm proud to have met you fib.

Originally Posted by Fib

So what I'm wondering is about how long do you think it would take me to be able to go about 6 or 7 miles in at least 30 minutes if I keep riding my bike everyday for either the same distance, one mile, or as long as I can handle? Or does it depend on the person and how their body works or like how quickly they like develop muscle?

Originally Posted by Fib

Thank you, I don't really have any friends who have or ride a bike. I've got a few friends at school, but not many because most of them aren't the good kinda people you wanna be around. And the one person I do know who does ride his bike (he uses his bike to get to and from pretty much every where he goes including school. He was at one point actually going to give me a bike) for some reason doesn't like me anymore. Not sure why, but oh well. I would like to ride with some people, and I might ask that guy I mentioned in a while, after I can ride better.

Originally Posted by shelbyfv

There seem to be some pretty eager fellows here. I don't think you would have to ride by yourself if you post your location. In fact, I think a couple of guys would probably make a special trip. Just PM the ones you like best.

Originally Posted by Fib

Thanks but I really don't trust anybody on here that much. I'm not putting my location on the internet for everybody to see, or even one person in PM.

Originally Posted by rubiksoval

OP, since you're so keen on commuting to school, I caution you to be prudent in your cycling desires, lest something like this occur! Learn the error of his ways before it's too late.

My teacher wants to expel me because of cycling

Originally Posted by Fib

Thank you for the warning, but I wouldn't do that. I am smarter than that. I'm not trying to get kicked out of my school. I'm trying to get to my school so I can do my work and avoid getting kicked out.

Originally Posted by rubiksoval

But didn't you already do that? I thought you'd just gone back to England from the States and all, right?

Originally Posted by rubiksoval

But didn't you already do that? I thought you'd just gone back to England from the States and all, right?

Originally Posted by Fib

Oh wait, I didn't realize you're the same person who been posting the last few posts. Sorry if I was a bit rude, lots of trolls and stuff on the internet. But I'm still not sure why you think I'm in England.

Originally Posted by rubiksoval

What? No way, dude. Didn't I see you post that? Ah, maybe I'm getting you confused. Sorry!

But seriously, if you're looking for riding partners, check out the Cycles UK shop down the road. They can probably sort you out with some new pals.

Originally Posted by Fib

It's alright. I'm not in the UK though. I live in the US, but yeah, I'm not gonna put my location on the internet because 1. You never know who might find it and what they'll do. And 2. My mom would be really mad if I did that.

Originally Posted by rubiksoval

Very smart, very smart indeed.

But anyway, back to your original question: How are your handlebars in relation to your seat? Is there a drop? Can you increase that drop?

Originally Posted by Fib

What? When you say "original question" are you referring to my question for this thread? Because I was asking about how long people think it'll take me to be able to do 6-7 miles in 30 minutes. And what do you mean is there a drop?

Originally Posted by snow_venture52

Hey I understand the struggle with getting friends to ride. I've practically begged everyone I know to get a bicycle (my sweetheart custom builds them from the ground up it's amazing) and come riding with me. New year, new hobby, right? Not much luck. Only he and my roommate occasionally will go riding with me. So for now it's a mainly solo act.

Do you have a bicycle co-op near you? It's a really great way to casually meet fellow cyclists, swap tips/stories, and learn about bicycle repair. All for relatively cheap/free. A lot of them have a membership fee (mine's was $25, I believe) that includes discounted costs for tool and labor. I myself don't know much about repairs but I did things like organise and re-paint the interior over the summer-it's really refreshing to contribute to the community that way! So, if you've got a situation like that near you, definitely check it out.

Sorry guy randomly doesn't like you. His loss! You'll get stronger and better every time you ride so don't worry about it. The right kind of cycling buddies will be the ones who take the time to help and enjoy the ride with you.

Originally Posted by rubiksoval

Yes, your original question about getting to 6-7 miles in 30 minutes. I mean, that's speedy. And if you want speed, you have to get aero. And to get aero, you have to get low.

So I'm suggesting, as I have read on this forum, that you get low and aero by making sure you're really bent over the bike as much as possible. Putting your seat up high and your bars down low really helps you get bent over which means you're really not in the wind very much which means you're quite aero which means you're going to be able to ride really fast.

Because let's face it, sometimes there's a schedule to keep, and sometimes "you ain't on their schedule", so you gotta ride fast.

Originally Posted by Fib

So I don't really get how he can be getting to a high enough speed if he sits upright, and still get there in like 20 minutes.

Originally Posted by rubiksoval

He probably pushes like 250 watts. Don't worry, you'll get there soon enough.

Originally Posted by Fib

What does that mean? That he pushes 250 watts?

Originally Posted by shelbyfv

Being so new here, you may not be aware that there is a Women only section. You can ask a mod to give you access. The other women might be better able to help you with those issues you are having with your stepfather.