Starting to commute
#26
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Hello Karina,
I really like your bike. What would you estimate the cost to put that together? Are the tires you have good commuter tires? They look pretty sturdy, but not mountain tires? I also like the rear cargo rack and fenders
Did you purchase it used?
I really like your bike. What would you estimate the cost to put that together? Are the tires you have good commuter tires? They look pretty sturdy, but not mountain tires? I also like the rear cargo rack and fenders
Did you purchase it used?
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#27
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Hi Steph. I got the Princess in 2019 for $75; it looked like someone had ridden her hard and put her away wet in the garage, 25 years before. Everything was original, including the lubricants. I put too much money into her, partly because I took her straight to my local bike mechanic (I have a bad habit of flailing and saying "make it go!" rather than doing anything myself) and partly fumbling my way into the right fit for me; I think that's the third handlebar she's had. I'll admit it, it was over $800, but as I say to others, it's a better bike than I can buy new for the price. You can probably do better if you're willing to do some work yourself (and don't need new wheels).
The tires are Maxxis DTHs, which were originally for dirt jumpers, but they've become very popular with old mtb. enthusiasts. They have enough tread to handle some light dirt, but they're not knobby so they work really well on pavement.
The rack means she can carry all my stuff, and the fenders do a wonderful job of keeping my backside, feet, and drive train clean when going through puddles or mud.
The best thing, IMO, is the 26" wheels. I'm 5'4" and they make the bike feel proportional to me. I've ridden bikes with standard size wheels, and I always felt like a chihuahua on stilts. The smaller wheels also mean the mfr. didn't have to get weird with the geometry to get wheels in the small size frame.
The tires are Maxxis DTHs, which were originally for dirt jumpers, but they've become very popular with old mtb. enthusiasts. They have enough tread to handle some light dirt, but they're not knobby so they work really well on pavement.
The rack means she can carry all my stuff, and the fenders do a wonderful job of keeping my backside, feet, and drive train clean when going through puddles or mud.
The best thing, IMO, is the 26" wheels. I'm 5'4" and they make the bike feel proportional to me. I've ridden bikes with standard size wheels, and I always felt like a chihuahua on stilts. The smaller wheels also mean the mfr. didn't have to get weird with the geometry to get wheels in the small size frame.
#28
Newbie
Dance w/t one that bring yah.
Get some 1.50 or 1.75 26" Schwalbe Marathons. Get the Plus model for the rear. Also, muguards, too. Planet Bike 65mm are perfect. I rode a Specialized Hardrock for years. Keep it maintained and it'll be ridden by your gr grandchildren.
Last edited by Kiwisaver; 04-27-24 at 08:53 PM. Reason: Misspelling
#29
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I have not met anyone who feels safer on a drop bar bike than on an upright bar bike. I prefer drop bars for most riding, but I do feel a bit safer on an upright bike. There may be a few people who prefer drop bars. I tolerate drop bars because I like to pedal hard, and it's more rewarding to do when I'm leaning forward. I don't lean forward like young racers do; I'm too old for that, but I'm leaning more than you will on a flat or swept-back bar. Find what you like. There are many styles and a reason for each style to exist. I still haven't found a favorite and am still experimenting.
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#30
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Fair enough. But with any kind of bars, I recommend practicing that move. Look backwards and keep a straight line. I can never be perfect at it, so I practice it frequently. Speaking of practice, I also practice falling off the bike at least once a year. It pays off.
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#31
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You need to practice? I'm trying to imagine the scenario. Maybe a bean bag chair?
#32
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Well, I do fall, and I believe many others do, too. So I want the fall to injure me as little as possible. I do a "stage fall" which actors learn: ankle, knee, hip, elbow, shoulder. And when I do fall, I get up, and then I realize that it went pretty much according to my rehearsals, and it doesn't hurt much.
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Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
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Well, I do fall, and I believe many others do, too. So I want the fall to injure me as little as possible. I do a "stage fall" which actors learn: ankle, knee, hip, elbow, shoulder. And when I do fall, I get up, and then I realize that it went pretty much according to my rehearsals, and it doesn't hurt much.
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#34
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I also practice driving a car with ABS: I find a snowy spot where I can afford for the car to slip in any direction. I slam on the brakes. The pedal vibrates, and I fight my reflex to let off the pedal, and I keep my foot down. I didn't get a chance to do it this past winter because the climate changed, and we barely had snow.
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Well, I do fall, and I believe many others do, too. So I want the fall to injure me as little as possible. I do a "stage fall" which actors learn: ankle, knee, hip, elbow, shoulder. And when I do fall, I get up, and then I realize that it went pretty much according to my rehearsals, and it doesn't hurt much.
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#36
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I googled that and got weird results.
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“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
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#39
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Just here to say welcome from a fellow female commuter! (there's only a few of us on this board I think)
I combine riding the train with my biking for now since there's no easy path to my workplace...until the powers that be finish the trail network that's in planning.
I combine riding the train with my biking for now since there's no easy path to my workplace...until the powers that be finish the trail network that's in planning.
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Practicing falling? Where do you guys come up with this stuff? Are you trying to drive off customers?
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