What first?
05-22-16, 06:22 AM
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SW Ohio
Posts: 3,509
Bikes: 3 good used ones
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 83 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
It's a commute, not a workout. 13-14 mph is pretty fast for utility cycling (which includes bicycle commuting). Slowing down a little bit will drastically reduce your required power output. Fast commutes are for prime bicycle season, i.e., winter.
I've lived and ridden in many states and cities in the southeastern quarter of the US, including spending ten years in Florida. I've never felt a need to change clothes after a commute. Nor have I ever received any indication from friends or coworkers, including office mates who would not have hesitated to say bring the matter to my attention if necessary, that I smelled odorous. A shower each morning before I leave (along with not treating the ride into work as an intensive workout) is all that's necessary. I'm no sweatier after a summer commute in 90º+, high humidity weather than I would be after a walk from the parking lot to the door. In either case, air conditioning makes quick work of the evaporation.
The only "bicycle commuters" I've known who don't simply ride in their regular clothes are the ones who use their commute as an excuse to get in a recreational ride; those folks tend to wear lycra costumes. That's a whole different matter. Regular commuters, the kind ride bikes because it's the most practical tool for the job, and who would fit in well in any city in which typical people typically cycle, all seem to wear their regular clothes on their bikes, providing no clue off the bike, visual, scented, or otherwise, that they arrived under their own power.
I've lived and ridden in many states and cities in the southeastern quarter of the US, including spending ten years in Florida. I've never felt a need to change clothes after a commute. Nor have I ever received any indication from friends or coworkers, including office mates who would not have hesitated to say bring the matter to my attention if necessary, that I smelled odorous. A shower each morning before I leave (along with not treating the ride into work as an intensive workout) is all that's necessary. I'm no sweatier after a summer commute in 90º+, high humidity weather than I would be after a walk from the parking lot to the door. In either case, air conditioning makes quick work of the evaporation.
The only "bicycle commuters" I've known who don't simply ride in their regular clothes are the ones who use their commute as an excuse to get in a recreational ride; those folks tend to wear lycra costumes. That's a whole different matter. Regular commuters, the kind ride bikes because it's the most practical tool for the job, and who would fit in well in any city in which typical people typically cycle, all seem to wear their regular clothes on their bikes, providing no clue off the bike, visual, scented, or otherwise, that they arrived under their own power.
05-22-16, 07:35 AM
#27
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 16
Bikes: 2014 Bianchi Lupo, 2017 Juiced CrossCurrent S
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
1 Post
The only "bicycle commuters" I've known who don't simply ride in their regular clothes are the ones who use their commute as an excuse to get in a recreational ride; those folks tend to wear lycra costumes. That's a whole different matter. Regular commuters, the kind ride bikes because it's the most practical tool for the job, and who would fit in well in any city in which typical people typically cycle, all seem to wear their regular clothes on their bikes, providing no clue off the bike, visual, scented, or otherwise, that they arrived under their own power.
I'm glad it works for you. It doesn't work for everyone, or in my observation, very many people at all when their commute is 8+ miles as the OP is asking about.
05-22-16, 08:21 AM
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 15,280
Bikes: Nashbar Road
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2934 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
228 Posts
Since you already have lights (and a tube repair kit or extra tube I hope), I recommend not buying anything first! There are so many ways to go about it, riding styles, types of routes, you really need to do it a bit first and then decide what's missing.
The only thing I might generalize is that over eight miles with hills it's highly likely that you'll perspire in warmer weather and need to change. Even there, cargo shorts and athletic tech shirts work fine for some people so I wouldn't go out and buy cycling attire either.
Personally I've collected jerseys and cycling shorts over the years (8-12 mile commutes each way) and for commutes I prefer the jerseys and MTB shorts. But I'll wear anything I have no problem, including blue jeans every once in awhile. It's just not as important as we sometimes make it out to be. Having a place to clean up and change is the important part. You're likely ready to go, right now. Depending on where you are and how you ride and who you can call, you might even get away with not concerning yourself with flats.
There are lots of ways to carry your stuff, with advantages and drawbacks. Start with a backpack, or whatever you have, and if after awhile you feel like a rack, or frame bag, or panniers or whatever would be better, only then spring for it. If you absolutely need a solution now, for the most general with least downsides I'd recommend a budget rear rack. Commuting isn't usually a big load (but for some people, it is) so a cheap light rack is absolutely sufficient. On one bike I have a "Ventura" rack that was $12 on Amazon.
The only thing I might generalize is that over eight miles with hills it's highly likely that you'll perspire in warmer weather and need to change. Even there, cargo shorts and athletic tech shirts work fine for some people so I wouldn't go out and buy cycling attire either.
Personally I've collected jerseys and cycling shorts over the years (8-12 mile commutes each way) and for commutes I prefer the jerseys and MTB shorts. But I'll wear anything I have no problem, including blue jeans every once in awhile. It's just not as important as we sometimes make it out to be. Having a place to clean up and change is the important part. You're likely ready to go, right now. Depending on where you are and how you ride and who you can call, you might even get away with not concerning yourself with flats.
There are lots of ways to carry your stuff, with advantages and drawbacks. Start with a backpack, or whatever you have, and if after awhile you feel like a rack, or frame bag, or panniers or whatever would be better, only then spring for it. If you absolutely need a solution now, for the most general with least downsides I'd recommend a budget rear rack. Commuting isn't usually a big load (but for some people, it is) so a cheap light rack is absolutely sufficient. On one bike I have a "Ventura" rack that was $12 on Amazon.
05-22-16, 08:30 AM
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SW Ohio
Posts: 3,509
Bikes: 3 good used ones
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 83 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
If he doesn't cycle commute everyday, then with a little planning he can bring in change of clothes and food and what-not on driving days. This allows for very light travel when cycling.
My commute is pretty long. So, I prefer not carrying anything that does not fit in my small frame and saddle bags. No racks, panniers or backpacks for me. I just drive once a week or, on weeks I ride 5 days, carry one or two things back and forth in the small bags.
I get a kick out of guys who haul 20 pounds of crap back and forth to work. One guy I meet on the commuter MUP hauls so much crap, the first time I saw him I thought he was on tour.
My commute is pretty long. So, I prefer not carrying anything that does not fit in my small frame and saddle bags. No racks, panniers or backpacks for me. I just drive once a week or, on weeks I ride 5 days, carry one or two things back and forth in the small bags.
I get a kick out of guys who haul 20 pounds of crap back and forth to work. One guy I meet on the commuter MUP hauls so much crap, the first time I saw him I thought he was on tour.
05-22-16, 08:59 AM
#30
curmudgineer
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Chicago SW burbs
Posts: 4,417
Bikes: 2 many 2 fit here
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 263 Post(s)
Liked 112 Times
in
70 Posts
Most breakdowns are rare enough that if you wait until a particular breakdown happens before you add necessary tool to your mobile kit, you will wait a long time to use it.
I learned this the hard way a few times, but I now have a tool and/or spare/repair on board for almost every foreseeable breakdown and adjustment:
patch kit, tire levers & pump (duh)
set of allen wrenches
open end wrenches including adjustable wrench
Phillips and flat screwdrivers
spoke wrench
chain rivet tool
emergency spoke kit
spare tube & spare tire
I learned this the hard way a few times, but I now have a tool and/or spare/repair on board for almost every foreseeable breakdown and adjustment:
patch kit, tire levers & pump (duh)
set of allen wrenches
open end wrenches including adjustable wrench
Phillips and flat screwdrivers
spoke wrench
chain rivet tool
emergency spoke kit
spare tube & spare tire
05-22-16, 10:31 AM
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,033
Bikes: I own N+1 bikes, where N=0.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Most commutes, including the OP's, aren't that long. But I agree, with such a long commute, the time difference between riding 11-12 mph and riding 15+ mph will be noticeable.
05-22-16, 10:33 AM
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,033
Bikes: I own N+1 bikes, where N=0.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
05-22-16, 10:35 AM
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 4,347
Bikes: Felt TK2, Felt Z5
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 943 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 20 Times
in
20 Posts
It's a commute, not a workout. 13-14 mph is pretty fast for utility cycling (which includes bicycle commuting). Slowing down a little bit will drastically reduce your required power output. Fast commutes are for prime bicycle season, i.e., winter.
I've lived and ridden in many states and cities in the southeastern quarter of the US, including spending ten years in Florida. I've never felt a need to change clothes after a commute. Nor have I ever received any indication from friends or coworkers, including office mates who would not have hesitated to say bring the matter to my attention if necessary, that I smelled odorous. A shower each morning before I leave (along with not treating the ride into work as an intensive workout) is all that's necessary. I'm no sweatier after a summer commute in 90º+, high humidity weather than I would be after a walk from the parking lot to the door. In either case, air conditioning makes quick work of the evaporation.
The only "bicycle commuters" I've known who don't simply ride in their regular clothes are the ones who use their commute as an excuse to get in a recreational ride; those folks tend to wear lycra costumes. That's a whole different matter. Regular commuters, the kind ride bikes because it's the most practical tool for the job, and who would fit in well in any city in which typical people typically cycle, all seem to wear their regular clothes on their bikes, providing no clue off the bike, visual, scented, or otherwise, that they arrived under their own power.
I've lived and ridden in many states and cities in the southeastern quarter of the US, including spending ten years in Florida. I've never felt a need to change clothes after a commute. Nor have I ever received any indication from friends or coworkers, including office mates who would not have hesitated to say bring the matter to my attention if necessary, that I smelled odorous. A shower each morning before I leave (along with not treating the ride into work as an intensive workout) is all that's necessary. I'm no sweatier after a summer commute in 90º+, high humidity weather than I would be after a walk from the parking lot to the door. In either case, air conditioning makes quick work of the evaporation.
The only "bicycle commuters" I've known who don't simply ride in their regular clothes are the ones who use their commute as an excuse to get in a recreational ride; those folks tend to wear lycra costumes. That's a whole different matter. Regular commuters, the kind ride bikes because it's the most practical tool for the job, and who would fit in well in any city in which typical people typically cycle, all seem to wear their regular clothes on their bikes, providing no clue off the bike, visual, scented, or otherwise, that they arrived under their own power.
And just to touch on one other point, the bike is the most practical tool for the job, and the proper clothing makes that a far more enjoyable experience. I don't want to get on the bike and dread the ride because I am uncomfortable. Riding in jeans is absolutely miserable for me, so I avoid that at all costs. Once a year I give it another shot and always immediately regret it. Oh, and aside from the fact that I am wearing a jersey, and carrying a helmet, you wouldn't know that I got to work under my own power. Most of my jerseys are single solid color, red or black usually and they are not skin tight.
05-22-16, 10:52 AM
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,033
Bikes: I own N+1 bikes, where N=0.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
There are utility commuters, and then there are the rest of us. I can't be a utility commuter, nothing about that appeals to me. My commute doesn't start at 6 am. I am a second shift worker, and my commute starts at about 1:45 in the afternoon. There is little to no shade on my commute, so the thought of riding slowly on a heavily packed down overweight bike in the middle of the summer in normal clothes would make me stop commuting all together and get in the air conditioned car. So I put on a jersey, a chamois with athletic shorts over it and ride my bike to work rather quickly. The breeze helps cool me off as I click the miles off.
And just to touch on one other point, the bike is the most practical tool for the job, and the proper clothing makes that a far more enjoyable experience. I don't want to get on the bike and dread the ride because I am uncomfortable. Riding in jeans is absolutely miserable for me, so I avoid that at all costs. Once a year I give it another shot and always immediately regret it. Oh, and aside from the fact that I am wearing a jersey, and carrying a helmet, you wouldn't know that I got to work under my own power. Most of my jerseys are single solid color, red or black usually and they are not skin tight.
And just to touch on one other point, the bike is the most practical tool for the job, and the proper clothing makes that a far more enjoyable experience. I don't want to get on the bike and dread the ride because I am uncomfortable. Riding in jeans is absolutely miserable for me, so I avoid that at all costs. Once a year I give it another shot and always immediately regret it. Oh, and aside from the fact that I am wearing a jersey, and carrying a helmet, you wouldn't know that I got to work under my own power. Most of my jerseys are single solid color, red or black usually and they are not skin tight.
I personally have no desire to ride a bike conducive to riding fast in the middle of a summer day. Riding fast on a hot summer day is miserable. In my experience, it's much more enjoyable to ride slowly, on a bike designed to be comfortable as it's ridden. I save riding fast for late nights in the summer, and fast day rides for late fall through early spring, when I can ride as fast as I want without getting sweaty.
I agree about riding in jeans. I wouldn't recommend it, either. I've been car-free for awhile, so nearly all of my wardrobe is bike friendly, but it also works well in other contexts.
Last edited by Jaywalk3r; 05-22-16 at 10:55 AM.
05-22-16, 12:43 PM
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SW Ohio
Posts: 3,509
Bikes: 3 good used ones
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 83 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
There are utility commuters, and then there are the rest of us. I can't be a utility commuter, nothing about that appeals to me. My commute doesn't start at 6 am. I am a second shift worker, and my commute starts at about 1:45 in the afternoon. There is little to no shade on my commute, so the thought of riding slowly on a heavily packed down overweight bike in the middle of the summer in normal clothes would make me stop commuting all together and get in the air conditioned car. So I put on a jersey, a chamois with athletic shorts over it and ride my bike to work rather quickly. The breeze helps cool me off as I click the miles off.
And just to touch on one other point, the bike is the most practical tool for the job, and the proper clothing makes that a far more enjoyable experience. I don't want to get on the bike and dread the ride because I am uncomfortable. Riding in jeans is absolutely miserable for me, so I avoid that at all costs. Once a year I give it another shot and always immediately regret it. Oh, and aside from the fact that I am wearing a jersey, and carrying a helmet, you wouldn't know that I got to work under my own power. Most of my jerseys are single solid color, red or black usually and they are not skin tight.
And just to touch on one other point, the bike is the most practical tool for the job, and the proper clothing makes that a far more enjoyable experience. I don't want to get on the bike and dread the ride because I am uncomfortable. Riding in jeans is absolutely miserable for me, so I avoid that at all costs. Once a year I give it another shot and always immediately regret it. Oh, and aside from the fact that I am wearing a jersey, and carrying a helmet, you wouldn't know that I got to work under my own power. Most of my jerseys are single solid color, red or black usually and they are not skin tight.
By dressing wisely, I can breeze through the 50 miles r/t to and from work in 100-degrees, if need be, given enough water and by taking in some electrolytes. No problem. I ride a bike that weighs somewhere around 20 lbs and carry next to nothing on it so that riding is as enjoyable and quick as is possible. I also shower before riding so that all I need do is wipe down and change into work clothes when I arrive at work. Throughout the day, I sit comfortably in fresh clothes with no worries about hygiene.
Last edited by baron von trail; 05-22-16 at 12:46 PM.
05-22-16, 01:30 PM
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 18,138
Bikes: 2 many
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1266 Post(s)
Liked 323 Times
in
169 Posts
These are the universal challenges. A lot of them are really the same as a car, when you think about it. There's an endless variety of solutions, in all styles and price levels. (My coworker has titanium tire levers!) You need to prepare, or have a backup plan, for...
- Being on time and being presentable
- Storage and lockup
- Hauling stuff
- Darkness
- Inclement weather
- Flats, adjustments, breakdowns
05-22-16, 02:06 PM
#38
Disco Infiltrator
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,457
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3130 Post(s)
Liked 2,111 Times
in
1,374 Posts
I guess. He's a bit of a retrogrouch and builds his own wheels, probably has double-thick super-hard rims that will last til the end of time, or at least the next supernova.
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
Genesis 49:16-17
05-22-16, 02:16 PM
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,033
Bikes: I own N+1 bikes, where N=0.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
05-22-16, 04:56 PM
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SW Ohio
Posts: 3,509
Bikes: 3 good used ones
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 83 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
3 miles each way at 10 mph may do that for ya. Me? I'm sweat-drenched upon arrival and use a fan to cool off even before changing clothes. At least, I will admit this much, my cycling clothes are dry by the time I get ready to ride home. They would not be if they were cotton though.
05-22-16, 05:16 PM
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,033
Bikes: I own N+1 bikes, where N=0.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
3 miles each way at 10 mph may do that for ya. Me? I'm sweat-drenched upon arrival and use a fan to cool off even before changing clothes. At least, I will admit this much, my cycling clothes are dry by the time I get ready to ride home. They would not be if they were cotton though.
People are posting as though it's impossible to dress for a bicycle commute similarly to how one would dress for a car commute without smelling offensive or being drenched in sweat for the rest of the day. It's very possible, and actually quite easy and practical. Bikes are an incredibly efficient means of locomotion, but air resistance is such that that efficiency falls off quickly as speeds increase. If one has the self control to refrain from attempting to beat personal records for speed every time they ride into work, then bicycle commuting requires very little in the way of physical exertion, and consequently, cooling down post-ride.
05-22-16, 06:00 PM
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 15,280
Bikes: Nashbar Road
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2934 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
228 Posts
This is why I said don't buy anything first. Lots of different styles of riding, different kinds of routes, differences in goals even. You have to figure out what your's is going to be, and you have to actually ride the commute first, a lot of times, before figuring that out. Start with the minimum (since you mentioned budget) and build up from there.
05-22-16, 06:52 PM
#43
Two H's!!! TWO!!!!!
I work with lots and lots of other regular bike commuters (a few dozen in my office) and not one with a commute 8+ miles wears regular clothes to do it. And several people with shorter commutes don't either. In fact, the two most committed "bicycle as primary transport" people I know at my office commute under 4 miles each way, and both prefer to change their clothes. And we work at a place where shoes are almost optional, so it's not like we have to dress nicely.
05-22-16, 07:46 PM
#44
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 16
Bikes: 2014 Bianchi Lupo, 2017 Juiced CrossCurrent S
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
1 Post
I couldn't care less if Jaywalk3r thinks I have on a silly costume (although a quick dry shirt, baggy biking shorts and sneakers doesn't strike me as silly or a costume), but I would hate for the OP to get discouraged because he tried his 8-mile commute in work clothes and it didn't work for him. If changing clothes is what gets him on his bike, we all win.
05-22-16, 07:47 PM
#45
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 11
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Wow. Thank you everyone for all of the information. Unfortunately the Schwinn feel through today, hoping to go see it Thursday or maybe another bike before then.
I really appreciate all of the advice, I like the idea of waiting to buy a lot of stuff and then buying what I need. I will just use a backpack for storage when I get started. Just hoping I can pick up a decent soon!
I really appreciate all of the advice, I like the idea of waiting to buy a lot of stuff and then buying what I need. I will just use a backpack for storage when I get started. Just hoping I can pick up a decent soon!
05-23-16, 12:32 AM
#46
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,033
Bikes: I own N+1 bikes, where N=0.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Nope. Just pointing out that it is indeed possible to ride a bike to work without needing to change clothes, and that many people (most bicycle commuters, actually) do just that without any problems. Some recreational commuters couldn't believe it possible, and argued as such.
05-23-16, 05:39 AM
#47
Zip tie Karen
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Posts: 7,004
Bikes: '13 Motobecane Fantom29 HT, '16 Motobecane Turino Pro Disc, '18 Velobuild VB-R-022, '21 Tsunami SNM-100
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1465 Post(s)
Liked 1,542 Times
in
806 Posts
Twice you've referred to bicycle specific clothing items as costume clothing. You realize that your word choice is provocative, I'm assuming. Is that how you discuss things among strangers?
05-23-16, 06:23 AM
#48
Banned
Flat resistant tires. My experience with Schwalbe Marathons has been excellent- 4 punctures in ~25,000 miles, YMMV.
Rear rack and panniers. My Axiom rear panniers are budget class, but have been surprisingly durable, outlasting a (supposedly) higher quality pair for the front, and still going strong. Panniers are much more comfortable than backpacks or messenger bags.
I can't say enough good things about my Brooks saddle. It remained comfortable even through high mileage days on tour. You'll know soon enough if replacing your saddle is a priority!
Rear rack and panniers. My Axiom rear panniers are budget class, but have been surprisingly durable, outlasting a (supposedly) higher quality pair for the front, and still going strong. Panniers are much more comfortable than backpacks or messenger bags.
I can't say enough good things about my Brooks saddle. It remained comfortable even through high mileage days on tour. You'll know soon enough if replacing your saddle is a priority!
05-23-16, 06:29 AM
#49
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SW Ohio
Posts: 3,509
Bikes: 3 good used ones
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 83 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Well, the poster I refer to above took issue with said suggestions. The gist of his stand was that he commuted 95 miles a day in South Florida wearing cargo shorts, sandals on top of platform pedals and only needed a tank top. I believe he also had strong opinions about not needing a helmet. Well, whatever the case, in the end it was revealed that he was a Marine.
So, my point is...everyone is different. Some of us really can pedal 100 miles in a few hours wearing cargo shorts and pedaling on platforms. The rest of us are a bit less super-human, and we need every advantage we can get. Cycling specific gear is definitely an advantage.
05-23-16, 06:33 AM
#50
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SW Ohio
Posts: 3,509
Bikes: 3 good used ones
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 83 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
We already agreed that your commute is unusually long, making higher speeds more time efficient. For a short eight mile commute, that isn't the case, and the time required to cool down and change exceeds the time saved by riding faster, making riding fast more time consuming and less practical than simply slowing down and riding at a relaxed pace.
People are posting as though it's impossible to dress for a bicycle commute similarly to how one would dress for a car commute without smelling offensive or being drenched in sweat for the rest of the day. It's very possible, and actually quite easy and practical. Bikes are an incredibly efficient means of locomotion, but air resistance is such that that efficiency falls off quickly as speeds increase. If one has the self control to refrain from attempting to beat personal records for speed every time they ride into work, then bicycle commuting requires very little in the way of physical exertion, and consequently, cooling down post-ride.
People are posting as though it's impossible to dress for a bicycle commute similarly to how one would dress for a car commute without smelling offensive or being drenched in sweat for the rest of the day. It's very possible, and actually quite easy and practical. Bikes are an incredibly efficient means of locomotion, but air resistance is such that that efficiency falls off quickly as speeds increase. If one has the self control to refrain from attempting to beat personal records for speed every time they ride into work, then bicycle commuting requires very little in the way of physical exertion, and consequently, cooling down post-ride.