bluegill

So, the family has invested in a few bikes for mostly recreation. However, I've decided to try some bicycle commuting this summer. I work about 30 miles from home across the Chesapeake Bay in VA. So, I'll have to take a bus to cover that span and then ride to/from the bus stop on both ends. My concern is that it looks like the only bicycle racks the busses have are located on the front of the bus. I'm a little nervous of my nice and shiny new bicycle acting as a bumper on a bus traveling 60+ MPH. Does anyone else do this and if so, what's the chance of my nice and shiny new bicycle getting beat up by road debris.

My initial thinking is that I'd be better served to spend $100 on a decent CL find and use that instead. Saving the new bike for family rides and local grocery getter type stuff.

richardmasoner

Front mounted bike racks are the norm. I've been doing bike + bus + train + bike commute for six years now in California with no incidents.

Still, a beater bike might be worth it just for peace of mind.

rnorris

I've multi-moded this way for quite a few years. I agree with the idea of the beater bike, given the hours of road spray and rain at 60mph the bike will be subjected to. Also put a cover on the seat if the roads are wet, this will keep you riding in comfort even if the rest of the bike is soaked. I carry a shower cap for this, but a bread bag tied at the bottom works too.

El Gigante

You have good reason for concern. I had my bike in a front loaded rack on a bus a while back,the bus had to brake suddenly to avoid hitting someone who cut them off, and my bike pitched forward due to the bus braking. The bike did stay on the rack, but bent one of my rims pretty badly. If the rack seems secure, (i.e. the arm that goes over the tire isn't loose), you'll probably be fine. If it looks broken or poorly maintained, its probably better to wait for a bus with a better rack

panic66

i was a skeptic at first, but havent had any problems with the bus racks..

Lalato

The only downside to those racks is what do you do when they're full? My solution was to get a folding bike. No worries about the front rack, just bring it onboard.

Boozerguyzer

Had this very problem today, luckily didn't have to be anywhere important so I just went and got some lunch to kill the hour before the next cycle. Depending on where you're getting on/off, this is something to think about but today was the first time and it was on a bus leaving downtown Minneapolis and heading out to the suburbs

Max C.

If you have a subway you can try that as well. I just take mine on board as they have a section on each car for wheelchairs, bikes, and luggage. Some of the new double length busses (jointed like two train cars) also allow people to take bikes on board.

commo_soulja

Nuther suggestion for a beater or folding bike for a commuter.

I bought a folder to multi-mode commute by bus and train. The buses here in Germany do not have bike racks and the folder allowed me to bring it on both the bus and train.

phillybill

I went with the folding bike option as I use either the bus train or subway.
But my longest distance I have to cover is 4 miles

bluegill

Thanks for the replies, I've found a few bikes on CL I'm gonna take a look at. The only problem with the bike racks on the buses filling up is on the ones headed to the beach. Otherwise, it's a non-issue.