5 Mile commute.
#151
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As a rule of thumb, for a 1st commuter bike or a 1st bike in general, go to your local bike shop. As someone mentioned above, keep it smple.
Bike shops usually keep a range of sizes, also basic accessories like spare tubes, a little pump, patches and tyre levers. If required, buy a helmet.
I would start with a 90's rigid mtb with 26" tyres, rim brakes, mudguards and a rack, if possible. All independent bike shops sell them, more or less in this configuration.
These bikes are staples in the commuter world for a reason. Yes there thousands of options but this is the easiest/cheapest option for a ready to go bike without taking a big financial loss.
They are also not a priority for thiefs if you're in a high crime area, unless the bike is blinged out. If you find one that you like (oh yes there is such a thing here's some inspiration https://bikerebuilds.com/bikes) go for it, it will help you mentally as you will want to ride more.
Once you found a bike, commute for a few months as often as possible and leave the bike alone, don't change/upgrade anything. Clean it and lube the chain once a week. After a few months, your needs / requirements will surface as well, which is usually different gearing for the terrain you're riding, tyres, handlebars etc.
If you don't like it talk to your bike shop, most bikes shops will take back/trade in a commuter bike. Worst case scenario, you should recover some of your money or put it towards another bike.
Bike shops usually keep a range of sizes, also basic accessories like spare tubes, a little pump, patches and tyre levers. If required, buy a helmet.
I would start with a 90's rigid mtb with 26" tyres, rim brakes, mudguards and a rack, if possible. All independent bike shops sell them, more or less in this configuration.
These bikes are staples in the commuter world for a reason. Yes there thousands of options but this is the easiest/cheapest option for a ready to go bike without taking a big financial loss.
They are also not a priority for thiefs if you're in a high crime area, unless the bike is blinged out. If you find one that you like (oh yes there is such a thing here's some inspiration https://bikerebuilds.com/bikes) go for it, it will help you mentally as you will want to ride more.
Once you found a bike, commute for a few months as often as possible and leave the bike alone, don't change/upgrade anything. Clean it and lube the chain once a week. After a few months, your needs / requirements will surface as well, which is usually different gearing for the terrain you're riding, tyres, handlebars etc.
If you don't like it talk to your bike shop, most bikes shops will take back/trade in a commuter bike. Worst case scenario, you should recover some of your money or put it towards another bike.
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#152
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I'm 63 and still at my college weight. People guess I'm 20 years younger.
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I love this take on walking a bike!
Nothing wrong with walking a bike.
Personal anecdote - There was a hill on my way to work that I had to walk up at the beginning. Eventually, I got strong enough to make the hill without getting off, but it still was no fun. After a few months, I noticed that I was riding on "Great Notch Rd." and that there was a turn called "Lower Notch Rd.". Now I do much less of a climb.
Nothing wrong with walking a bike.
Personal anecdote - There was a hill on my way to work that I had to walk up at the beginning. Eventually, I got strong enough to make the hill without getting off, but it still was no fun. After a few months, I noticed that I was riding on "Great Notch Rd." and that there was a turn called "Lower Notch Rd.". Now I do much less of a climb.
Some are pretty straightforward: [fill in the blank] Hill Road, for example. Or Mountain Road.
Slightly are less obvious, but still often reliable, especially on the East Coast: [fill in the blank] Mill Road.
More devious: Providence Road. Seven Sisters Road.
Last edited by Trakhak; 03-26-24 at 10:15 AM.
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Grear Notch Road, Lower Notch Road: tellin' it like it is. In pre-GPS days, I often thought it would be interesting to poll Bike Forums people on which of their local road names are codes that, deciphered, signal tough climbs. There's a Notchcliff Road in Baltimore County that's a knee-breaker, for example.
Some are pretty straightforward: [fill in the blank] Hill Road, for example. Or Mountain Road.
Slightly are less obvious, but still often reliable, especially on the East Coast: [fill in the blank] Mill Road.
More devious: Providence Road. Seven Sisters Road.
Some are pretty straightforward: [fill in the blank] Hill Road, for example. Or Mountain Road.
Slightly are less obvious, but still often reliable, especially on the East Coast: [fill in the blank] Mill Road.
More devious: Providence Road. Seven Sisters Road.
ps - I don't mess with Rifle Camp Road - it looks like it goes straight up. I think there's a park at the top. I think the road name dates to the Revolutionary War.
Last edited by ScottCommutes; 03-24-24 at 10:07 AM.
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It's true. In fact, it's documented. In a very long term study by the NHS (of UK), people who bike commuted throughout their lives live longer and healthier, even if they pedal gently for 2 or 3 miles.
I'm 63 and still at my college weight. People guess I'm 20 years younger.
I'm 63 and still at my college weight. People guess I'm 20 years younger.
I also get the younger thing. I'm 49 but people figure me for about 38.
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Stopped for a swig of water, figured id snap a commute photo. I am improving with my ahifting and bike handleing and most importantly my Pacing...im starting to see i shouldnt strive for a consistant speed but a cosistent pace if i dont want to burn out...i made it to work today and felt like I had a lot more to give.Thanks for all the love and support.
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Association between active commuting and incident cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mortality: prospective cohort study
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@Strawbunyan, I've read that high intensity interval training (HIIT) has a wonderful effect on endurance. I find it counter-intuitive: why would going really hard for short intervals help me ride more intensely when I'm normally going at a steady pace? I don't know, but it does. So take one minute of going at an annoyingly tough effort. Don't worry about tiring yourself out. See if it helps.
On my long (13-mile one way) commute, I don't aim for a steady pace. I go hard when I want to and rest (going easily) when I want to. I don't measure my recovery time, but I believe it improves when I make an effort to build strength. Um, did I state that clearly?
On my long (13-mile one way) commute, I don't aim for a steady pace. I go hard when I want to and rest (going easily) when I want to. I don't measure my recovery time, but I believe it improves when I make an effort to build strength. Um, did I state that clearly?
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I searched a bit for you. I'm not sure this is it, but this one looks pretty good. The one I remember reading was about a study of people that goes back many decades.
Association between active commuting and incident cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mortality: prospective cohort study
Association between active commuting and incident cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mortality: prospective cohort study
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@ScottCommutes, I'm listening to the audiobook version of a book called Outlive. It's written by a doctor who specializes in longevity. He says that we can improve long term health while simultaneously prolonging life. I like the book so much that I bought the print version for my spouse. When we do things that we know reduce risk for cancer or diabetes or something else, it tends to reduce the risk of all the big things. And he explains how. He has inspired me to work more on strength, flexibility, and nutrition.
I saw a video about a college professor who is 87 and still teaching. And bike-commuting.
I saw a video about a college professor who is 87 and still teaching. And bike-commuting.
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Stopped for a swig of water, figured id snap a commute photo. I am improving with my ahifting and bike handleing and most importantly my Pacing...im starting to see i shouldnt strive for a consistant speed but a cosistent pace if i dont want to burn out...i made it to work today and felt like I had a lot more to give.Thanks for all the love and support.
@noglider, there's this study too.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/med...990b59f&ei=248
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Thanks, @Korina!
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@Strawbunyan, I've read that high intensity interval training (HIIT) has a wonderful effect on endurance. I find it counter-intuitive: why would going really hard for short intervals help me ride more intensely when I'm normally going at a steady pace? I don't know, but it does. So take one minute of going at an annoyingly tough effort. Don't worry about tiring yourself out. See if it helps.
On my long (13-mile one way) commute, I don't aim for a steady pace. I go hard when I want to and rest (going easily) when I want to. I don't measure my recovery time, but I believe it improves when I make an effort to build strength. Um, did I state that clearly?
On my long (13-mile one way) commute, I don't aim for a steady pace. I go hard when I want to and rest (going easily) when I want to. I don't measure my recovery time, but I believe it improves when I make an effort to build strength. Um, did I state that clearly?
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and one from the way home. Made it 2/3 the way up my nemisis before i had to walk...getting better everyday.
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Go you!!! And realize your style will change with practice and improvement. Just listen to your body, and you'll continue to get better.
@noglider, there's this study too.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/med...990b59f&ei=248
@noglider, there's this study too.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/med...990b59f&ei=248
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Thanks! That is a study of a quarter of a million people. Good for safety/advocacy but also highly pertinent to commuting. I have no idea how riding a bike reduces your risk of cancer. They even assert that the health benefits of cycling outweigh the risks of riding in traffic. Still seems possible, however, that healthier people self-select to do active commuting, which makes sense intuitively.
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But most of us who dislike exertion don't dislike it for that reason. We fall out of habit which makes the exertion unpleasant. Or maybe we never get into the habit. I think habit is key for most of us. It's best to form the habit when we're young, but that doesn't mean it's too late any any point. If you don't have the habit, you can still form it at any age. That's my theory, and I don't have any science to back it up. I hope a more qualified person will follow up. The truth may be more nuanced.
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Stopped for a swig of water, figured id snap a commute photo. I am improving with my ahifting and bike handleing and most importantly my Pacing...im starting to see i shouldnt strive for a consistant speed but a cosistent pace if i dont want to burn out...i made it to work today and felt like I had a lot more to give.Thanks for all the love and support.
I would suggest riding with the backpack for awhile and thinking about what you really need to carry,. Then, start looking at some of your options. One nice thing about the backpack is you can carry it easily, even without the bike.
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You do you, but I don't like the backpack. Taking that weight off of your shoulders and putting it anywhere on the frame of the bike makes a huge improvement in the comfort of your commute. I'm not talking like one kind of tires vs. another, I'm talking like a giant improvement.
I would suggest riding with the backpack for awhile and thinking about what you really need to carry,. Then, start looking at some of your options. One nice thing about the backpack is you can carry it easily, even without the bike.
I would suggest riding with the backpack for awhile and thinking about what you really need to carry,. Then, start looking at some of your options. One nice thing about the backpack is you can carry it easily, even without the bike.
#170
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A lot of cyclists say backpacks are the worst. I don't quite agree. I've commuted with one. Lately, I toss my backpack into a basket I've attached to my bike, and I do prefer not wearing it.
Panniers are great for when you're riding, but carrying them off the bike is awkward, and they don't stand up well, either.
Panniers are great for when you're riding, but carrying them off the bike is awkward, and they don't stand up well, either.
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A lot of cyclists say backpacks are the worst. I don't quite agree. I've commuted with one. Lately, I toss my backpack into a basket I've attached to my bike, and I do prefer not wearing it.
Panniers are great for when you're riding, but carrying them off the bike is awkward, and they don't stand up well, either.
Panniers are great for when you're riding, but carrying them off the bike is awkward, and they don't stand up well, either.
I second the backpack/basket combo. The backpack is super convenient to carry and put into the basket. All my tools live in a pocket of the backpack. Additionally, if I come home with something (today it happens to be some delicious bakery items), I can always put it in the basket and wear my backpack. The OP however, seems like he is travelling pretty light. I bring thermos of coffee, laptop, tools, lunch, every day.
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as for the lock, the bike is chained to a pole infront of a camera about 10 feet from the door of the secured facility that I work in and is visible through a window in my section. Anyone with bolt cutters that close to that building would get deleted pretty quickly. If anyone takes it, itll be a co-worker and I know where to find them...the lock is kind of a decoration to make me feel like a real commuter 😆😆😆😉
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Update: tried the commute in my denim because it is supposed to be cold tonight on the way home...never again. I have blisters forming on the backs of my knees and my jibbly bits got smashed.
I also did some HIIT yesterday and conquered my nemisis hill twice in a row and i rode extra hard into work today. Trying to get the fitness up.
Attempted indexing my deralier but it is still making some extra noise in some gears...gonna try again soon.
I also did some HIIT yesterday and conquered my nemisis hill twice in a row and i rode extra hard into work today. Trying to get the fitness up.
Attempted indexing my deralier but it is still making some extra noise in some gears...gonna try again soon.
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Update: tried the commute in my denim because it is supposed to be cold tonight on the way home...never again. I have blisters forming on the backs of my knees and my jibbly bits got smashed.
I also did some HIIT yesterday and conquered my nemisis hill twice in a row and i rode extra hard into work today. Trying to get the fitness up.
Attempted indexing my deralier but it is still making some extra noise in some gears...gonna try again soon.
I also did some HIIT yesterday and conquered my nemisis hill twice in a row and i rode extra hard into work today. Trying to get the fitness up.
Attempted indexing my deralier but it is still making some extra noise in some gears...gonna try again soon.
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Agreed about RJ the Bike Guy. Very good instructions. Park Tool also has excellent videos.
If your derailleur makes noise, it's possible that your derailleur hanger is bent. They get bent even when you can't figure out how. The problem is that there is a probability of it getting bent *in*, but it's virtually impossible to bend it *out*. So over time, it seems that they all get bent in. The alignment tool is expensive, so it's worth it to have a shop do it. Unless RJ tells you how to make a tool. The tool shows you if your hanger is bent, and it allows you to bend it back into alignment.
It's great that you're not only handling your commute but also doing intervals now. I don't do them often, but they help a lot. They're just so darned annoying. Lately, I've been doing pushups and a few weight lifting exercises before I head out. It helps me on my ride. I don't understand how that works, but maybe someone knows.
Agreed about denim. Some people ride in it; I don't know how. I'll wear ANYTHING but denim.
You may be amused to know that I commute wearing a dress shirt and tie. I'm the only one on my route who wears a tie. I probably look weird. I guess I have to admit, I like being weird.
If your derailleur makes noise, it's possible that your derailleur hanger is bent. They get bent even when you can't figure out how. The problem is that there is a probability of it getting bent *in*, but it's virtually impossible to bend it *out*. So over time, it seems that they all get bent in. The alignment tool is expensive, so it's worth it to have a shop do it. Unless RJ tells you how to make a tool. The tool shows you if your hanger is bent, and it allows you to bend it back into alignment.
It's great that you're not only handling your commute but also doing intervals now. I don't do them often, but they help a lot. They're just so darned annoying. Lately, I've been doing pushups and a few weight lifting exercises before I head out. It helps me on my ride. I don't understand how that works, but maybe someone knows.
Agreed about denim. Some people ride in it; I don't know how. I'll wear ANYTHING but denim.
You may be amused to know that I commute wearing a dress shirt and tie. I'm the only one on my route who wears a tie. I probably look weird. I guess I have to admit, I like being weird.
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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
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
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
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
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