eugene_b

Hi folks!

First of all, please don't bash me for all the questions below, I know they are super noobish and you are probably getting lots of them. I am new to all this and I need starting points, once I have them I'll be able to find further details.

I'll start with the most stupid question Do you need a license to ride a bicycle in US? I've never been to the US and I've heared funny stories about various "interesting" laws so just in case I'll better ask this question. Also I guess when driving on a road, even when it is a bike, I need to follow some driving rules. Do you by chance have a link to some quick manual where I can look into those rules?

How do you drive in hot weather? I've had a bike before and when I was riding it in hot weather, I was completely covered with sweat after around 5km. It wouldn't be nice to arrive at work in that condition. Actually that might be due to the fact that I was riding a mountain bike which was cheap, didn't fit me well and that place almost didn't have roads. Is this not a problem when you are riding a good bike on a good road?
Also to those who live in places like central NY. How is the weather there, especially winter? Are there such days when riding a bike is impossible? I live in a country which falls in the same climate zone as NY and here some days, weeks and sometimes even months are impossible for riding a bike. I read about special tyres and everything but I just can't imagine riding a bike in those amounts of snow. If that's the case with NY, how do you ride to work in those days? Bus?
And finally about rain, I looked up various clothes that don't let you get wet however what do people with glasses do? When I walk in the rain, especially heavy rain, my glasses get covered with drops and I almost don't see anything. Is there a way to fix that?

My other large concern is that I am big: approximately 6'3". At least in my country this was an issue, I actually wasn't able to find a bike that is comfortable to ride. When spinning the pedals, my legs were always in a very bent position which led to getting tired quickly. Also I couldn't sit on it normally, my back was always in an uncomfortable position. Is this an issue in US, will it be hard to find a bike for me?

And finally, what and where would you suggest to buy? What is a common good bike I can easily buy in a shop which I can use to go to work, groceries, etc.? What other common stuff do you buy with it? Like some maintenance tools and things, helmet, tyres, proper cloths, etc? Do you keep the same bike for these purposes or is it something like separate bikes for groceries, work, etc? Can this be bought in a single place or will I have to search for separate shops to gather all the items? Also can you suggest some reputable shop in NY (preferably around Albany but if needed I can get to other relatively close place) where I can physically see and test-drive all this stuff?
(I don't have any kind of budget, I am thinking of something around 2-3k for all bunch but if needed I can expand that)

1nterceptor

You don't need to have a driver's license to ride a bike. Most states require people to carry ID though.
For rules of the road, check the Dept. of Motor Vehicles website for the particular state you'll be staying in.

https://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/dmanual/default.html

Platy

Hi Eugene, and welcome. I think it's important to choose a good neighborhood for car free living. It should be close to your work. You need easy access to public transportation such as buses and trains. You should also live near a supermarket and of course a bike shop.

Neighborhoods near a university are often good for car free living.

A good idea is to search for the public transportation web page for a city. It's good to live near a transit center where several bus or train lines meet. You can also see if bicycles can be loaded on the buses or trains. If the buses don't have bike racks, you should consider a folding bike.

You can use the Street View feature of Google Maps to preview neighborhoods.

zeppinger

What country are you from? More than likely that actual driving rules are the same but the driving culture will be different. If you don't know what that means, then you will as soon as you get here

There is not one "good bike" that you can buy in the US. Stay away from big box stores like Wal-mart and buy from a bicycle shop. Simple bikes are best for car free. At 6'3" your just on the tall side in the US, hardly a giant! Any quality bicycle will come in your size. Beware of any bike that is one size fits all or only comes in a small number of sizes. Performance bikes is a great shop that is nation wide, I think, that sells good bikes and products.

eugene_b

Thanks for your replies! I am from Ukraine, and well, riding a bike on a road where cars drive would be a suicide here I do realize that driving culture is likely different in the US and that's why I've started looking into bikes. Also I have driver's license but will anyway need to look into road rules because I hardly know them (no-one really follows rules in Ukraine so knowing them doesn't help driving).

I've never used bike to travel normal roads, so I hardly can imagine how it feels to ride a normal bike on a normal road. What home<->work distance would you suggest to be considered as comfortable?

I know that I am a not a giant but I do experience certain amount of height-related troubles here. For example when choosing a bike, I just bought the largest I could find (within a reasonable price, it was a fun-only-bike that I used may be 20-30 times a year). That's partly why I don't know much about bikes: what types exist, which of them are good for what, etc.. What bike type would you suggest for my needs? I guess it's either road or hybrid bike? Which models are considered to have the best price/quality ratio? Does it perform well in snow? By the way, regarding snow, now that I think of it, this might not be a problem if the roads get appropriately cleaned. Does it happen in NY that roads are drowned in snow? Or they are always clean and it is generally always possible to comfortably ride a bike?

Fizzaly

Ive always tried to live within around 5mi/8km of the most important places like work and store. I don't think you will have a problem finding a bike to fit you in the US, and i would suggest starting out with somthing more like a hybrid bike.

roka

Hi Eugene and welcome to the USA!

You didn't say where in the US you will be living. I've lived in many different parts of the US and the "bike culture" can vary widely. Some cites are more "bike friendly" than others. For example, living and riding in the suburbs of Detroit was a nightmare. There aren't any bike lanes on the roads and the drivers are very aggressive. I now live in a suburb of Phoenix and it's a great place to ride. Bike lanes on almost every road and, in my experience, most drivers know how to share the road.

eugene_b

Hi! I haven't yet chosen an apartment but the approximate location will be Albany, NY. I still have to look in this matter: I am not sure where it is better and safer to live - Albany or some tiny town in the suburbs.

chewybrian 

Hey, Eugene.

You can easily get a bike to fit you; I'm 6'4". I'll just suggest the one I'd get if I was only getting one:

https://surlybikes.com/bikes/long_haul_trucker_complete/

You may not be able to test ride it. But, your local bike shop can help you order the right size. The bike is rugged and can handle a big load well, and do everything else well enough. The complete bike is about $1100, with everything but pedals. You can get pedals, racks, bags, lights and such and be ready to roll for about $1500. Most bike shops will be able to special order this bike for you and have it rolling in a week or two.

If that bike doesn't excite you, it may help you compare features/prices, at least. As long as you get something sturdy, you should be able to get around most places in the states, most of the time, by bike (though it's not always easy). Attitude is at least as important as equipment.

Accesories are easy to get. If you can't find any accessory that you need at the bike shop, it's very easy to order anything you need on line and have it delivered to your home at little cost.

Good luck to you.

Roody

I hope people who know Albany will reply here. You could also post in the regional forum for New York State. Put "Albany" in your thread title.

I do know that Albany gets lots of snow. It's a fairly large city, so there are many neighborhoods that will be very different from each other. One possibility when moving to a new city is to not sign a long lease on your first apartment. After you've lived there for a few months, you'll have a much better knowledge of which part of the city you want to live in, and you might want to relocate then.

There are many bicycle shops that sell both the bikes and all the equipment you will need. Cyclists call a shop like this an "LBS" for local bike shop. I think you should go to several local bike shops and explain your situation. You will probably find one or more that will do an excellent job of helping you to find what you need.

wahoonc

Hi Eugene,

I am a bit shorter than you at 6'-2 1/2" I can ride frames as short as 19"-21", but I buy extended seat posts and stems to get a better riding position. I even ride funny bikes with little wheels.

Aaron

gerv 

Nice bike, Aaron. Did you see the folder article in the latest Bicycle Times? These bike are definitely the answer to mixed transit/bicycle commuting.

folder fanatic

Hello Eugene and Welcome!
I do not think your questions are stupid in any way. Not to your questions: In my state of California, you do not need a driver's license to ride a bike-providing it does not have a electric motor or gas/petrol powered engine. Then you need one plus the bike must be street legal (lights, turn signals, and a helmet). Do make it a point to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles or the local law enforcement department for the rules that apply there.

Partly. But it also has to do if you are hill climbing, under mental/physical stress, or simply feel hot. I live in a rather hot during the summer semi arid city. So I learned to take it easy during times of high heat.

I will let someone from that area answer here.

I avoid it myself as I hate to get wet. I don't like to ride as people in cars are not very good at driving in the rain and the accident rate goes up very high around here (not a good time to be on a bikes). I use an umbrella, rain poncho, or a wool cap to protect myself in the event I must venture outside.

You are in luck here. 6 foot is rather common here as many people, male and female, are that tall. A good bike shop will have a wide range of bikes that will fit you.

There are many bikes shops that will get you going on the road. As far as I go, I have my World Of Folding Bicycles website series (see below for the links) that might answer some or all your questions about bikes in general.

wahoonc

Haven't seen my copy yet...maybe the mail "person" is still reading it...

Aaron

eugene_b

Thank you very much for all the helpful information! I am still looking into that as well as reading other interesting threads at this forum Also I guess I'll create a separate thread into regional forum branch to get detailed info on local weather.

Scheherezade 

It's not so much what you need, but what you can't have. =)

lbj

Hi Eugene,

If you're going to be biking and using public transportation, I think a folding bike is the way to go - most places let you take a folding bike on buses/trains etc.

crazybikerchick

Hi Eugene,
Welcome! Driving laws vary subtly from state to state, as a general rule in North America bicycles are considered vehicles and must follow the same rules as cars. Many states add on that bicycles must ride as far right as practicable - which is quite different from possible. Some states like Idaho have special rules for bicycles such as treating red lights as stop signs.

Some areas have mandatory helmet laws, some don't, generally a helmet is recommended if only to avoid harassment from motorists that think its the law when it is not. Specific bike requirements vary as well, but generally include having a bell or horn, and lights for riding after dark.

For hot weather, wear cool loose clothes and take it easy. Some people like to sponge bath after they get to work if they wind up a bit sweaty, and if you're really lucky your employer may have a shower.

For snow, you'll probably find that 90% of the time roads are bare from snowplows and salting and whatnot. Some people ride in anything, but if you aren't comfortable with that a bus is a good backup if you are in area with service.

For rain, a helmet visor will minimize the rain striking your glasses. I don't need glasses but I usually wear clear lenses to mount a take-a-look rearview mirror on. Yeah sometimes in heavy rain they get fogged up.

Accessory wise this would be my list of what I would buy with a bike, your needs may vary:
- helmet
- rearview mirror
- fenders
- rack to carry things
- kickstand (helpful when loading the bike)
- water bottle cages
- headlight and taillight
- padded gloves
- rain shell, rain pants, shoe covers, helmet cover
- panniers (preferably waterproof)
- bell
- sunglasses
- if you are going to a cold climate - balaclava, good windproof gloves or mitts.
- floor pump (for at home)
- pump for on the bike (I like Topeak road morph)
- tire levers
- patch kit
- spare tube
- multi tool with allen keys etc.
- bottle of lube

If you have a short commute you can wear just about anything if you have a longer commute merino wool layers are particularly lovely.

If you are going to do your own bike maintenance more tools and a repair stand will be on your wish list.

Depending on how you shop for groceries and if you have any pets etc. you may find a utility trailer useful.

My criteria for a bike for transportation is something that fits, does not have suspension, has slick tires, and the ability to mount rack and fenders. There's a wide variation for what works within that

cchristanis

Hey Eugene,

Im from Rochester Ny and I never used to ride at this time of year. I'm a roadie. I just bought a 29er though and I would recommend at least checking one out. I try to ride to work every day now. There were a couple days that I couldnt ride because the roads weren't plowed after a couple storms we had. Our tax dollars! I think I am one of the few people that will ride at this time of year in my area . If you know how to dress, youll be fine. I get a lot of "look at this nut" looks from people.The thing I hate the most is putting all the gear on. The temps have been down to -2 Far. One funny law here in NY: you have to have a headlight , taillight and horn (which they don't really enforce). You can take up a car lane and act as a car. But, you cant get a dwi on a bike!

cchristanis

By the way i have a car, but I wont be touching it once fuel hits $5 a gallon!!!

crazybikerchick

No but if you are intoxicated you can still get charged with dangerous or careless driving, which are still serious offences.

wahoonc

Depends on the state/country. In some US states you can be charged with DWI, in others they can only charge you with Public Intoxication.

Aaron

cchristanis

all i know is you cant be charged with dwi in ny. this is coming from a ny state dmv drinking driving program instructor

Dahon.Steve

Agreed.

There is a common belief in these forums that living car free requires a bicycle. Nothing can be further from the truth. The majority of those who are car free do not use a bicycle. The member on this forum are the exception to the rule.

As the poster said, public transit is the key to being car free the rest of your life. It does not mean you have to live in a big city like Chicago or Manhattan. Living within walking distance to a commuter rail line or light rail is all that's needed. Find a job at one end of the line and live on the other end.

There are those that say that living next to a rail or bus stop can be expensive and I agree. That's where the bicycle comes in and enables you to live one or two miles from the stop where you can find bargains in rental or private homes. This is exactly what I did.

As you get older, bicycling becomes much harder on the body and only the dedicated continue on for years. I used to bike commute but have given it up for the bus. I'm one of the few on the Car Free forum who only use the bicycle for entertainment and exercise. However, that's only because public transit allows that. The bicycle still gives me more freedom to go places the bus or trains do not.

eugene_b

Thanks for all the help!


lbj, yeah, I've already found folding bikes at the forum but I am still not sure about them, they look strange to me and I can't believe they perform well and are safe. I guess I'll need to see and test-ride them to make a realistic decision. So I guess I'll wait till I see them at a LBS

crazybikerchick, thank you very much, that's a very helpful post and list of things! It will be really handy to have it as a shopping list when I get to LBS.

As for DWI, I am not really worried about that since I don't drink that stuff anyway. I am a nerd who drinks tea only Also regarding age, yeah, I realize that 100% bike commuting will probably be getting harder and harder with age but I guess I'll think about that once the time comes. I am 20-something now and full of energy and plan to remain in that shape for the decades to come

And regarding temperatures, getting cold is not what worries me. While -2F is cold of course and I can't say that I deal with that temperature on daily basis, I've seen that temperature many times and actually has been through much worse conditions. So I am worried about physically being able to ride the bike. For example one of the favorite jokes of our weather is to quickly jump between +5C and -10 C. Such extreme jumps don't happen often but when they do, everything gets covered with perfect layers of ice and the only way to get anywhere on such days is to crawl Usually it's not so extreme, but anyway ice+road is a common thing and sharing such a road with cars is something that doesn't sound good in my mind. And well, a much more common thing is simple snow, no-one cares to clean it here, riding a bike is simply impossible (whatever tire you use, I believe the bike will simply get drowned in the snow).
In another thread I am getting lots of help from people living near Albany, NY and it seems that the place has a great network of country and town roads. That's exactly what I was hoping for so hopefully I'll be able to use bike for most of my journeys and I hope these roads won't me under thick layer of snow or ice in winter.