Commuting

[Scott O]

Looking for some commuting advice for the wife. We just moved into a new place a few mos ago allowing her a nice 9 mile ride one-way, mostly along the Charles River bike path, but with some roads, intersections involved. Currently she's on a pretty nice Klien roadbike, throwing all her gear in a backpack.

I'm thinking the road bike is too nice to subject to the rigors of daily city riding. I also think a rack would be better for handling than a backpack. I need to get her some lights, but wonder if I should try to find some that you can easily take off the bars when you lock it up. Anyone doing a similar type of commute that can offer some suggestions? And/or anyone know of a good website w/commuter info? Thanks.

[Ben-O]

Looking for some commuting advice for the wife. We just moved into a new place a few mos ago allowing her a nice 9 mile ride one-way, mostly along the Charles River bike path, but with some roads, intersections involved. Currently she's on a pretty nice Klien roadbike, throwing all her gear in a backpack.

I'm thinking the road bike is too nice to subject to the rigors of daily city riding. I also think a rack would be better for handling than a backpack. I need to get her some lights, but wonder if I should try to find some that you can easily take off the bars when you lock it up. Anyone doing a similar type of commute that can offer some suggestions? And/or anyone know of a good website w/commuter info? Thanks.


A lot of my commute is on the Charles too. It's nice to have that path in your ride to work. If my significant other were to be making the commute, here's what my two cents would be:
I'm thinking the road bike is too nice to subject to the rigors of daily city riding.
18miles/day will add up. If you have a nice bike, and a safe place to lock it up, then do the 18 miles on a nice bike.
I need to get her some lights, but wonder if I should try to find some that you can easily take off the bars when you lock it up.
There are two kinds of lights out there. One that let's you see, and one that just let's you be seen. I prefer the former. Check out Niterider--they have a couple low end commuter lights that will let you see the potholes and curbs and let you be seen by cars. They also sell this kickass rear light that is brighter than anything you've seen and it hooks up to the niterider battery. They come on and off okay.

Other advice? The bike bath isn't cleared very well during the winter. FYI. Also, get a bell--walkers on the bike path fail to grasp the concept of "stay to your right".

[C.P.]

Some other commuting threads:

http://www.nemba.org/yabbse/index.php?board=8;action=display;threadid=3407;sta rt=0

http://www.nemba.org/yabbse/index.php?board=15;action=display;threadid=6403;st art=0

If she's comfortable on the roadie, I say keep using it...

[bdee]

Athough they won't make an impact on the bike path get some small red blinky lights. I do a lot of road riding at night in Providence (in the residential areas) and attach one to my helmet webbing behind my ear and at least one other one to one of my jersey pockets - a backpack should allow for some good attachment area. I'd second getting a Niterider light for the front, maybe carry/attach a cheaper light as backup as well. Reflective tape's not a bad idea either. I mostly use my roadie, if it may rain I'll ride the 'cross bike for the traction.

I plan on commuting until the end of Oct. this year. I'm now doing a drive in/ride out, ride in/drive out approach which will limit the number of rides home in the dark. I'll be lit up like a Christmas tree for the rides home since I can only use a bike path for about 6 miles of the 23 miles home (that should be real dark). The roads range from Suburban to City (where I feel the safest due to lighting).

I'm jealous, I used to have an 18 mile round trip commute years ago and almost never drove anywhere except to ride my MTB.

[Z]

I try to commute in as much as possible, and it's about 12 miles each way, half on the bike path and half on the crazy streets of cambridge. I am always in a better mood the days I ride in (unless I get cut off, which also happens a bit!)

I agree, she should ride the nice bike as long as the roads aren't salted and she can bring the bike into a safe place. Make it as fun as possible! In the winter, I ride a beater one speed.

A super bright light on front and blinkie on back is key once it gets dark early (like now). Worth splurging for safety...

I stopped using a backpack when I started having back cramps. I really like the touring rack on the back.

I keep a separate wardrobe at work. It's easier to get into a habit if you don't always have to worry about bringing stuff in.

Hope that helps!

[Scott O]

"Also, get a bell--walkers on the bike path fail to grasp the concept of "stay to your right". - Yeah, she says she'll say, "on your left", which causes most people to then move to the left right in her path.

Thanks for the advice. I figure I spend a few bucks on a rack and lights for her and that will justify a new ti bb, fork, and wheels for me.

[Ben-O]

I figure I spend a few bucks on a rack and lights for her and that will justify a new ti bb, fork, and wheels for me.

Ahhh...the true motivations are revealed!!! ;)

[jh_on_the_cape]

rack and panniers for sure.
a good bike shop can put a rack on any bike. save your back.

fenders!!! especially on the rear. she doesnt want the brown butt stripe.

and what others said, lights, reflective tape, and a good jacket. i wear clear glasses, too.

I commuted this morning. but it's pouring now... i am getting a lift home.

i have the same length commute. i think it's good to start by not riding everyday or you will get burned out. do it a few days a week to start.

i feel so much better after riding in.

[Rych]

"Also, get a bell--walkers on the bike path fail to grasp the concept of "stay to your right". - Yeah, she says she'll say, "on your left", which causes most people to then move to the left right in her path.

Thanks for the advice. I figure I spend a few bucks on a rack and lights for her and that will justify a new ti bb, fork, and wheels for me.


Scotto, knowing you and your wife I don't feel comfortable telling you how much you should spend on your wife's rack.

It's not likely she'll ride to work 5 days a week. I'd say her best bet is to bring her work clothes for ride days on days she drives.

[Scott O]

Rych - she actually has been doing the commute 4-5 days a week. I think she's now in training for a re-match w/you at the Landmine. She'll ride to work, swim at the gym, then ride home. ::)

[minkhiller]

I bought this rack just for the lunch box. It will hold up to 20 pounds and is quick to clamp on the seatpost. I have added 2 small stick on reflectors to the seat stays and two small reflectors to the back of my helmet. I run the Niterider Classic on the front and a Planet Bike blinking light on the back.

I also wear a Camelback Hawg with clothes and all the normal bike tools. I like the singlespeed for my commute, it's simple and the terrain going to work is perfect for it. The commute home is a little harder.

[Ben-O]

The commute home is a little harder.

The commute home is always a little harder.... ;D ;D ;D

[minkhiller]

The commute home is a little harder.

The commute home is always a little harder.... ;D ;D ;D
It's ok until mile 8 on the shorter route home, then the 4 miles up hill starts. :P

[sizlinseagulsoup]

I wouldn't recommend using a nice bike, I snapped one frame after 4000 miles and my second road bike is in ruins.

Another recommendation, carry a ulock that you have instant access to, they do a marvelous job at smashing out car windows/breaking off mirrors if the driver starts ******* with you.

[jaime]

I ride that commute 3 or 4 times a week, on the Storrow Drive side of the river. Here's my .02:
-Full fenders, worth their weight in gold.
-Lake winter mtb shoes _or_ insulated duck boots with toe straps for cold weather. Feet are the toughest part of commuting from January-April.
-Really good cold weather gear, warm but still well vented. Windproof is better than heavy insulation.
-cheap rain shell that packs down small, carry at all times or pay the price (it's like insurance).
-Make sure she can change a tube in the dark, unassisted.
-If she's riding on the Storrow side, make sure she knows about that stupid wooden footbridge along the river by BU (the train track underpass). Whenever it's wet or cold, and especially when it's both, the western end of that thing is slicker than ice. The only place I've fallen on a commute in 4 years, and done it three times there (slow learner).

I love riding in to work, it ticks me off when I have to drive...

[Rych]

Rych - she actually has been doing the commute 4-5 days a week. I think she's now in training for a re-match w/you at the Landmine. She'll ride to work, swim at the gym, then ride home. ::)


I have no doubt she'll kick my ass at the muddlylace handicap race. I still remember when she destroyed me at Douglas SF last November.

[ArmOnFire]

One of my faves....
makes me wish I had a commute

Vanilla Bicycles Commuter

[Kent Brockman]

According to a guy I work with he recommends this: http://www.bacchettabikes.com/ ;D

[heckler]

Until this season I had a 10 mile ride to and from work. I always leave a bunch of clothes so I am able to ride with just a fanny pack or a small day pack. Yes packs are a pain in the back but if you put the weight on the bike it is much harder on the rear wheel. On your back you can get out of the saddle and save a ton of abuse to the wheel.

Fenders, lights etc.... all good.

[adam30k]

For lights, I use these when I go on night urban rides.

Cateye headlight (http://www.cateye.com/en/products/viewProduct.php?modelId=18&catId=7&subCatId=2) with blinking and solid mode with a very nicely designed switch. The light is good enough to use in a section without a street light. Flashing mode is great for riding with well-lit visibility. It's $35, has a very quick on/off strap that holds tight and it's waterproof. 3 AAA batteries.

On the back of my helmet I wear the Safety Light (http://www.funsourcellc.com/safety_light.htm). It has a belt clip so you can put it anywhere. It's very visible with only two AAA batteries and it has six different flashing modes. These are only $10 so you can get some for the saddle or have them side by side on your back.

[Chuckstey]

Hi Scott,

I go to my job at McDonalds on my trike with flowers on the basket!

It's fun and I meet lots of nice people along the way.

They like to point and laugh at me.

Hope that helps!