TenSpeedV2

To start with, 8 miles for a new rider is not a short distance. For those of us who have been doing this a few years, 8 miles is barely a warm up. For me, cotton clothes, or basically anything that is not cycling specific doesn't work on the bike. Cotton t-shirts to jeans to cargo shorts to khaki pants, none of it works for me. I have this whole thing down now, and since I have been riding to work more and more, you figure out what works and what doesn't. No one here needs to be berated because they choose to wear something that was made for being on the dang bike. I mean seriously, is this guy for real? It is no more of a costume than wearing a suit to a wedding. You wear what is appropriate for the situation.

Jim from Boston

Well said @Phil_gretz, ”Mr. Bike Commuter in training.” For me, I ride primarily for fitness, and nearly all my cycling is for the commute. During the nice weather I expand my usual routes, even as a long ride on a Saturday to work at my convenience for a few hours. In fact I am currently engaged in a three-month long Activity Challenge at work, through June. So I’m a bit provoked by the characterization of me as a ”recreational commuter.”

Some of us "recreational commuters (in training)" have to ride as determined by the work day, and other considerations.

A bit off topic, a few years ago I bookmarked this post about silly costumes for exercise, in the context of the American outlook of cyclists.

tarwheel 

Some of you guys are really paranoid about flat tires. I would much rather ride on lighter tires that provide a nice compliant ride and climb well than boat-anchers that feel like you're riding on cement and slow you down! My commuting route is very hilly and you pay the price for riding on extremely flat-resistant tires on every climb. That said, my tires are reasonably flat resistant, and I only get about one flat per year while commuting. It takes about 5 minutes to fix a flat. Big deal. I would lose that much time on every commute riding on crappy tires.

My advice is to learn how to fix a flat and always carry a spare tube, pump and other tire-repair gear. Anyone who says you don't need to carry tire-repair gear if you are riding Schwalb Marathons or some other flat-resistant tire is a dreamer. You can get a flat on the most bomb-proof tires under the right circumstances. I've gotten flats on very durable tires during the first few rides after installing them and then never got another one. I've got a set of very light weight, nice handling Torelli tires on my De Bernardi racing bike that have never flatted in probably 2,000 miles of use.

Your priorities for accumulating gear will likely be dictated by your greatest needs. Personally, I think a large seatbag, racktop bag or panniers would be one of the top priorities because you need something to carry your gear in while commuting. Fenders, although nice to have, are not a necessity. Lights are a necessity, IMHO, but you've already got that covered.

acidfast7

I argue that I cycle to exercise and a tiny bit of extra rolling resistance is negligible compared to my wind resistance. In addition, I would argue that getting a flat, while not a hassle, is a significant inconvenience for a bike only person, like me. It means that I have to get dirty/greasy which isn't so nice when I'm on my way somewhere.

bmthom.gis

I'll go in a slightly different direction than what's been said here so far. I'm not sure if you one already, perhaps for another bike, but get a nice floor pump. A lot of flats can be mitigated by running the right pressure. Personally, I don't bother with Schwalbe anything. There is a premium price tag attached to Schwalbe tires. I prefer Panaracers myself on my commuter. My tires have been holding up quite well, and only 1 flat that didn't go through the puncture guard all the way - meaning I didn't even know I had a puncture until the next day and was able to fix it in my garage instead of roadside. I would wager really any tire that advertises puncture resistance is more than enough. Panaracer Paselas are great, especially if you get the Schwinn and it has 27" wheels.

So, the first things you should get are a floor pump, a way to fix a flat on the road, and a quality lock. After that, ride a lot and you'll figure out what else you want/need. If getting a used bike, just be aware that you might very well need to service your bottom bracket, headset, and hubs. I recommend going to a bike co op or collective if you have one nearby, as maintenance will be a lot less and that sort of thing can be done on a weekend afternoon, instead of maybe a 2 week wait at a bike shop.

baron von trail 

When commuting, I run 120 PSi on 28 mm Gatorskins. They may have a bit of rolling resistance compared to 23mm racing slicks, but like someone above said, "So what?" I never get flats.

I throw the racers on when I plan to ride a century on clean pavement. I throw the puncture resistant Gators on when I roll into the crap experienced during my commutes.

Jaywalk3r

And I pointed out that, being very familiar with the climate, it is quite possible to rise eight miles without ending up drenched in sweat. A bicycle ride need not be a high exertion workout.

Darth Lefty 

Tell us your city! Some of us enjoy hunting and telling you what we'd buy with your money

DVC45

Besides the bike, a pair of Schwalbe Marathon plus tires, bike lock, tire repair kit and rear rack. As for bags, you can just bungy cord any small bag you find suitable and may already own.

Korina

Throwing in my two pennies, for what they're worth. I have a nice, flat 7.5 mile commute in a high humidity area, and I wear my bicycling clothes (cobbled together from Target's active wear dept.). I tried riding in jeans once, and while they were surprisingly comfortable, I had damp jeans when I got to work, and soggy undies, so back to bike clothes. As others have said, sweat doesn't smell, but it does get crusty, so when I'm changing in the bathroom, I just wipe down with a wet rag or paper towels, and use the deodorant I keep at work. No big deal.

I do use fenders, not for mud, but road debris. My route is mostly state highway, and there is gravel and glass everywhere. I used the tires that came with my shiny new Giant hybrid, until the third commute, when I got a flat. Bought some Specialized Hemisphere Armadillos on sale, and haven't had any problems since.

That said, ride your own ride. Find what works for you, and go with it. If you can stick it out that first week, it'll get easier.

Phil_gretz

So, I agree somewhat, but not completely with @tarwheel. He'll freely admit (I'm guessing) that fixing a flat can be more of a chore in the pouring rain, in the dark, or when temperatures are well below freezing. Once your dexterity is shot, or you're shivering, or you can't see very well, the task becomes worse.

In fine weather and daylight, go for the light fast bike. In the freezing slush, go for the reliable, sure footed, flatproof wheel. My two cents.

DVC45

Or when there's a swarm of mosquito's around you. Don't ask how I know....

Korina

That's called "sprinting".

Th3Pr1de

Hey Darth, that would be great! I live in Crossville, TN but don't mind a drive if needed. I'm only in about the $50-70 price range. I'm currently leaning toward the Peugeot here: Vintage Schwinn and Peugeot Road Bikes What do you think?

bmthom.gis

First off you need to know what size bike you need. I would probably pass on the Peugeot. Unless you know what you are getting yourself into with a French bike (different/non standard sizes, Simplex derailleurs where the clamps are plastic, hard to find parts due to french threading), what looks like a good deal could really end up being a flop. If you don't mind those, then go for it! Reference the C&V subforum and Sheldon Brown (might want to give his French Bike section a read before you make the trip).

Th3Pr1de

Yeah, good call there. I didn't think about the lack of parts that would fit it.

What do you guys think about this: Schwinn Prelude Road Bike 12 Speed It appears to be a 80's era Prelude, (I've read a lot of people don't like the newer ones that are in big box stores but this one looked pretty good. Plus the price is great!) What do you think?

Darth Lefty 

There are a ton of threads for this sort of thing in the Classic and Vintage: What's It Worth? subforum

Since that's a ways from you, I presume Nashville & Knoxville ok? Brand preference? Definitely want a road bike? Those are a large and XL, are you pretty tall?

80's lotus excell road bike
Fuji road bike .
1980's Fuji Monterey Men's Road Bike 10 Speed
Vintage Fuji Monterey Touring Bike
Trek 1000 aluminum bike

I've skipped a bunch that are medium or smaller, including an amazing deal on a Schwinn Prelude.

bmthom.gis

I had a Prelude and absolutely loved it. For $30, I would pick it up without even thinking about it. How tall are you? This is a vastly different size than the other bikes you linked to. It's a VERY small bike.

Th3Pr1de

Those look great, thanks! I'm like the Lotus but not really familiar with them.

I'm actually about 5'9 so the medium size bikes would probably be perfect for me.

I seen the Prelude and am talking to the guy about it right now, do you think it would be a pretty good bike?

Darth Lefty 

Prob too small! It's dinky. You should probably be looking for 22 inch, or 55-56cm-ish sizes. I'm also 5-9 and my two curly-handlebar bikes are 23" and 58 cm, and both maybe somewhat too big.

So ignore the list I sent you and maybe I'll have time later to click around some more if someone else doesn't first.

Th3Pr1de

I'm kind of short at about 5'9. A small bike would probably fit me, you think? I'm not familiar with the sizing, I'm guessing that's something I should definitely consider.

bmthom.gis

The Prelude is an awesome bike. That frame is way too small for you, however, if you didn't care of have to use drop bars, you could change it out with some mountain bike/riser bars instead and it would work for now (though don't get rid of the other bits!). I don't see you keeping it long term just because of it's size. Personally, I'd keep looking unless you want to buy it and try to flip it to increase your budget.

I know we have told you just to get the bare minimum to figure out what exactly you will want, but look for a bike that has the ability to mount fenders and a rack. There should be plenty that would fit the bill for <$100 with enough searching. Also, look around for a Bike Co Op. Usually you can find exactly what you need and almost always at a price you can afford and it will be completely tuned up and ready to ride. At least ours will work with someone on a price if they can't afford much, or give them a bike for free if they really can't afford to pay.

Darth Lefty 

1987 Nishiki Prestige Road Bike <- looks good to me!

chephy

All true. At the same time, it would be sad that OP got discouraged from commuting because he thought changing was the only option and it proved to be too much hassle. Just advocating for a balanced picture.

Th3Pr1de

I really liked that one, I talked with the guy and he has someone coming to look at it this week. He's supposed to get back with me if it doesn't sell.