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Main
Date: 23 Jun 2007 17:29:16
From: ufatbastehd
Subject: Bike to work
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Decided I'm going to bike to and from work aboujt 8 mi each way.
I live in NYC and have a Trek "Mountain Trek" bike that I'll use as my
commuter bike.
Just changed the tubes, bought a pump and bottle holder and seat pack
for tools and spare tires.
Have a chain lock and a u lock. BIke has a rack over the rear tire to
carry clean clothes.
Plan on removing the seat/pump/waterbottle when the bike is locked for
the day.
I don't have a light yet but will be home before dark
Any city bike commuters have any insight as to what I'm missing or
what to look out for?
Thinking about getting one of those rear view mirrors that hook up to
the helmet but other than that I think I have it all covered
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Date: 27 Jun 2007 09:54:52
From: thejen12
Subject: Re: Bike to work
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On Jun 23, 5:29 pm, ufatbastehd <ufatbas...@gmail.com > wrote:
> Decided I'm going to bike to and from work aboujt 8 mi each way.
> I live in NYC and have a Trek "Mountain Trek" bike that I'll use as my
> commuter bike.
>
> Just changed the tubes, bought a pump and bottle holder and seat pack
> for tools and spare tires.
> Have a chain lock and a u lock. BIke has a rack over the rear tire to
> carry clean clothes.
>
> Plan on removing the seat/pump/waterbottle when the bike is locked for
> the day.
>
> I don't have a light yet but will be home before dark
>
> Any city bike commuters have any insight as to what I'm missing or
> what to look out for?
>
> Thinking about getting one of those rear view mirrors that hook up to
> the helmet but other than that I think I have it all covered
One suggestion - see if you can keep some clothes in a gym bag at
work, so you don't need to bring clothes in every day. Shoes,
especially. Also, if you can't bring your bike into the office, can
you bring in the front wheel? That's another theft deterrent.
Good luck!
Jenn
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Date: 26 Jun 2007 23:27:56
From: Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman
Subject: Re: Bike to work
|
On Jun 26, 10:44 am, dgk? wrote:
> ...
> You'll need to replace the chain every 1400 to 1600 miles or so. There
> is a cheap gauge you can get that will show you how it is stretching....
Yes, this gauge is call an inch scale ruler or yardstick, and can
often be obtained gratis as a promotional item. When 12 links are
12-1/16-inch or longer replace the chain. See <http://sheldonbrown.com/
chains.html >.
--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
The weather is here, wish you were beautiful
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Date: 27 Jun 2007 08:00:43
From: dgk
Subject: Re: Bike to work
|
On Tue, 26 Jun 2007 23:27:56 -0700, Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman
<sunsetss0003@yahoo.com > wrote:
>On Jun 26, 10:44 am, dgk? wrote:
>> ...
>> You'll need to replace the chain every 1400 to 1600 miles or so. There
>> is a cheap gauge you can get that will show you how it is stretching....
>
>Yes, this gauge is call an inch scale ruler or yardstick, and can
>often be obtained gratis as a promotional item. When 12 links are
>12-1/16-inch or longer replace the chain. See <http://sheldonbrown.com/
>chains.html>.
I do like the actual gauge with the pins though. Unfortunately I went
a little long on this last chain and the new chain has not really
settled in all that well yet. There are a few skips when I press hard.
I hope I don't need to replace the cassette. I'll give it some time to
see if it gets happy.
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Date: 27 Jun 2007 13:26:12
From: Grand Poobah
Subject: Re: Bike to work
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"dgk" <dgk@somewhere.com > wrote in message
news:38k483l3vvldn97qm8oieab3s6dtfhpbis@4ax.com...
> On Tue, 26 Jun 2007 23:27:56 -0700, Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman
> <sunsetss0003@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>>On Jun 26, 10:44 am, dgk? wrote:
>>> ...
>>> You'll need to replace the chain every 1400 to 1600 miles or so. There
>>> is a cheap gauge you can get that will show you how it is stretching....
>>
>>Yes, this gauge is call an inch scale ruler or yardstick, and can
>>often be obtained gratis as a promotional item. When 12 links are
>>12-1/16-inch or longer replace the chain. See <http://sheldonbrown.com/
>>chains.html>.
>
> I do like the actual gauge with the pins though. Unfortunately I went
> a little long on this last chain and the new chain has not really
> settled in all that well yet. There are a few skips when I press hard.
> I hope I don't need to replace the cassette. I'll give it some time to
> see if it gets happy.
If a new chain skips on the existing cassette, this means the cassette is
worn. The chain will not settle in. The only solution is to replace the
cassette. You could also replace only the worn cogs, but the easiest and
fastest repair is to replace the entire cassette. Sheldon will tell you all
about it in the above link. The new chain is riding up high on the cog
teeth, not in the heart of the valley where it should be.
Bike Commuter Jay
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Date: 29 Jun 2007 07:53:42
From: dgk
Subject: Re: Bike to work
|
On Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:26:12 -0500, "Grand Poobah" <jbollyn@gmail.com >
wrote:
>
>"dgk" <dgk@somewhere.com> wrote in message
>news:38k483l3vvldn97qm8oieab3s6dtfhpbis@4ax.com...
>> On Tue, 26 Jun 2007 23:27:56 -0700, Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman
>> <sunsetss0003@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>
>>>On Jun 26, 10:44 am, dgk? wrote:
>>>> ...
>>>> You'll need to replace the chain every 1400 to 1600 miles or so. There
>>>> is a cheap gauge you can get that will show you how it is stretching....
>>>
>>>Yes, this gauge is call an inch scale ruler or yardstick, and can
>>>often be obtained gratis as a promotional item. When 12 links are
>>>12-1/16-inch or longer replace the chain. See <http://sheldonbrown.com/
>>>chains.html>.
>>
>> I do like the actual gauge with the pins though. Unfortunately I went
>> a little long on this last chain and the new chain has not really
>> settled in all that well yet. There are a few skips when I press hard.
>> I hope I don't need to replace the cassette. I'll give it some time to
>> see if it gets happy.
>
>If a new chain skips on the existing cassette, this means the cassette is
>worn. The chain will not settle in. The only solution is to replace the
>cassette. You could also replace only the worn cogs, but the easiest and
>fastest repair is to replace the entire cassette. Sheldon will tell you all
>about it in the above link. The new chain is riding up high on the cog
>teeth, not in the heart of the valley where it should be.
>
>Bike Commuter Jay
>
It does seem to be getting better though. Today it only skipped once.
I think the cassette is fairly new. Well, a few more days will tell.
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Date: 26 Jun 2007 18:34:00
From: ufatbastehd
Subject: Re: Bike to work
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On Jun 26, 1:28 pm, dgk <d...@somewhere.com > wrote:
> On Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:00:04 +0000 (UTC), dj3va...@csclub.uwaterloo.ca
>
> (Dave Vandervies) wrote:
> >In article <vra283tj091f26e1bocmed27u4dcjhf...@4ax.com>,
> >dgk <d...@somewhere.com> wrote:
>
> >>Oh, make sure that you replace knobby tires with slicks. There is
> >>little more annoying than the rattling of knobby tires on asphalt.
>
> >Also, make sure they're properly inflated. There's no excuse for
> >commuting on anything less than 50psi; I ride a hybridized mountain
> >bike with fat slicks at 60-65psi, and it probably wouldn't hurt to go
> >even higher.
>
> Right. Mine are kept around 70 on the hybrid (32 x 700C) tires. The
> more pressure the harder the ride but also easier to pedal.
Yeah I got mine at 65 and plan to check and keep them there
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Date: 26 Jun 2007 18:33:12
From: ufatbastehd
Subject: Re: Bike to work
|
On Jun 26, 11:44 am, dgk <d...@somewhere.com > wrote:
> On Sat, 23 Jun 2007 17:29:16 -0700, ufatbastehd <ufatbas...@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>
>
> >Decided I'm going to bike to and from work aboujt 8 mi each way.
> >I live in NYC and have a Trek "Mountain Trek" bike that I'll use as my
> >commuter bike.
>
> >Just changed the tubes, bought a pump and bottle holder and seat pack
> >for tools and spare tires.
> >Have a chain lock and a u lock. BIke has a rack over the rear tire to
> >carry clean clothes.
>
> >Plan on removing the seat/pump/waterbottle when the bike is locked for
> >the day.
>
> >I don't have a light yet but will be home before dark
>
> >Any city bike commuters have any insight as to what I'm missing or
> >what to look out for?
>
> >Thinking about getting one of those rear view mirrors that hook up to
> >the helmet but other than that I think I have it all covered
>
> I commute from Flushing to Water Street most days. It's exactly 15
> miles each way and takes about 1:20 if I'm not moving quickly. But I
> don't have to go to the gym when I get home. Do remember to stretch
> the hamstrings however; they really need it after biking.
>
> Summer is pretty easy to do the commute but winter is a bit harder.
> We'll discuss that some time down the road if you stick with it,
> though the icebiking site has good info:http://www.icebike.org/.
> The only bad part of my commute is from the QB Bridge to 34th street
> where I cut over to the east side bike/ped route. Otherwise it's
> pretty easy.
>
> You likely don't need a water bottle; there are fountains in just
> about all the parks. I have my pump in the rear rack trunk and it just
> comes with me. I park the bike outside, but under an overhang, chained
> to a fence right outside a Staples. The chain and lock stays there
> year round since it's far too heavy to carry around. Over the last
> four years or so I've lost two chains. One was lost when the city
> removed the lamppost to which it was attached, the other was likely
> stolen.
>
> My bike, a Trek 7100 hybrid, has not been stolen. The cost was around
> $300 and it likely has around 18,000 miles on it. However, the rims
> have been replaced with quality wheels with double or triple butted
> spokes that won't break. I used to break a spoke every three months or
> so, now they don't break. Broken spokes are a pain in the butt.
>
> You'll need to replace the chain every 1400 to 1600 miles or so. There
> is a cheap gauge you can get that will show you how it is stretching.
> The chain has to stay in sync with the gears or they won't work well
> together.
>
> Times-Up New York (http://times-up.org/) is a bit more radical than
> Transportation Alternatives but offers free bike clinics that teach
> you how to do your own repairs. Both groups are well worth joining.
> The Five Boro Bike Club is also a good group, but I rarely attend
> rides anymore since I do so much biking during the week.
>
> I finally put slime tubes into both front and rear tires. I'm very
> good a changing flats but it gets annoying, and is a real drag in the
> winter. Since I put in the slime a few months back I've had no flats.
> I also find that I need to top off the tires much less than
> previously.
>
> Watch out for those double-length buses. They're really hard to get
> around. I feel like pulling out the giant cotter pin that must hold
> the two halves together.
>
> Oh, make sure that you replace knobby tires with slicks. There is
> little more annoying than the rattling of knobby tires on asphalt.
>
> As for lights, I use a Planet Bike 15w halogen with a NiMH battery
> that straps onto the frame. I've thought about a hub generator but
> that's too expensive to leave outside all day. I don't find that I
> forget to recharge the battery and it's easy to deal with.
>
> We're in the big city and there are really very few spots on my
> commute that are actually dark. Mostly it's a matter of being seen
> rather than lighting up the road. Use the Planet Bike SuperFlash for
> the rear. That thing is awesome.
>
> I actually use neon tubes (cold cathode) held onto the frame by velcro
> and powered by 10 AA rechargeables during the dark season. I'll admit
> that it's a bit hokey but I don't get hit:http://www.vibelights.com/bili.html
>
> I chain the bike through the frame and front wheel and that goes
> through the fence. I have a smaller cable that goes through the seat
> and the rear wheel. That seems pretty easy to cut but no one has
> bothered so far.
>
> Well, that's all I can think of right now. Have fun.
Hey fellow NYC rider thanks for the input. I'll look into the slime
tires(never heard of them) right now I have nobbies and they don't
seem to bother me.
yet
I'm not sure if I will keep it up or do it in the winter time will
tell.
I will say it was exhilarating. I loved the ride in. I ride in from
Middle Village Queens and my guess is its about 6 mi to my office near
grand central.
Took me 35 min. I was pumped when I got in loved it!
Had a close call with a moron who did'nt like the fact I took the lane
on a two lane(each way) road in queens. I didn't want to get pinched
to close to the sidewalk so I took the lane and the moron who had
plenty of time to see me and to move left got very close to my rear
and then moved left and got very close when he passed.
Other than that was smooth sailing!
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Date: 26 Jun 2007 11:44:14
From: dgk
Subject: Re: Bike to work
|
On Sat, 23 Jun 2007 17:29:16 -0700, ufatbastehd <ufatbasted@gmail.com >
wrote:
>Decided I'm going to bike to and from work aboujt 8 mi each way.
>I live in NYC and have a Trek "Mountain Trek" bike that I'll use as my
>commuter bike.
>
>Just changed the tubes, bought a pump and bottle holder and seat pack
>for tools and spare tires.
>Have a chain lock and a u lock. BIke has a rack over the rear tire to
>carry clean clothes.
>
>Plan on removing the seat/pump/waterbottle when the bike is locked for
>the day.
>
>I don't have a light yet but will be home before dark
>
>
>Any city bike commuters have any insight as to what I'm missing or
>what to look out for?
>
>Thinking about getting one of those rear view mirrors that hook up to
>the helmet but other than that I think I have it all covered
I commute from Flushing to Water Street most days. It's exactly 15
miles each way and takes about 1:20 if I'm not moving quickly. But I
don't have to go to the gym when I get home. Do remember to stretch
the hamstrings however; they really need it after biking.
Summer is pretty easy to do the commute but winter is a bit harder.
We'll discuss that some time down the road if you stick with it,
though the icebiking site has good info: http://www.icebike.org/ .
The only bad part of my commute is from the QB Bridge to 34th street
where I cut over to the east side bike/ped route. Otherwise it's
pretty easy.
You likely don't need a water bottle; there are fountains in just
about all the parks. I have my pump in the rear rack trunk and it just
comes with me. I park the bike outside, but under an overhang, chained
to a fence right outside a Staples. The chain and lock stays there
year round since it's far too heavy to carry around. Over the last
four years or so I've lost two chains. One was lost when the city
removed the lamppost to which it was attached, the other was likely
stolen.
My bike, a Trek 7100 hybrid, has not been stolen. The cost was around
$300 and it likely has around 18,000 miles on it. However, the rims
have been replaced with quality wheels with double or triple butted
spokes that won't break. I used to break a spoke every three months or
so, now they don't break. Broken spokes are a pain in the butt.
You'll need to replace the chain every 1400 to 1600 miles or so. There
is a cheap gauge you can get that will show you how it is stretching.
The chain has to stay in sync with the gears or they won't work well
together.
Times-Up New York (http://times-up.org/) is a bit more radical than
Transportation Alternatives but offers free bike clinics that teach
you how to do your own repairs. Both groups are well worth joining.
The Five Boro Bike Club is also a good group, but I rarely attend
rides anymore since I do so much biking during the week.
I finally put slime tubes into both front and rear tires. I'm very
good a changing flats but it gets annoying, and is a real drag in the
winter. Since I put in the slime a few months back I've had no flats.
I also find that I need to top off the tires much less than
previously.
Watch out for those double-length buses. They're really hard to get
around. I feel like pulling out the giant cotter pin that must hold
the two halves together.
Oh, make sure that you replace knobby tires with slicks. There is
little more annoying than the rattling of knobby tires on asphalt.
As for lights, I use a Planet Bike 15w halogen with a NiMH battery
that straps onto the frame. I've thought about a hub generator but
that's too expensive to leave outside all day. I don't find that I
forget to recharge the battery and it's easy to deal with.
We're in the big city and there are really very few spots on my
commute that are actually dark. Mostly it's a matter of being seen
rather than lighting up the road. Use the Planet Bike SuperFlash for
the rear. That thing is awesome.
I actually use neon tubes (cold cathode) held onto the frame by velcro
and powered by 10 AA rechargeables during the dark season. I'll admit
that it's a bit hokey but I don't get hit:
http://www.vibelights.com/bili.html
I chain the bike through the frame and front wheel and that goes
through the fence. I have a smaller cable that goes through the seat
and the rear wheel. That seems pretty easy to cut but no one has
bothered so far.
Well, that's all I can think of right now. Have fun.
|
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Date: 26 Jun 2007 16:00:04
From: Dave Vandervies
Subject: Re: Bike to work
|
In article <vra283tj091f26e1bocmed27u4dcjhfgpa@4ax.com >,
dgk <dgk@somewhere.com > wrote:
>Oh, make sure that you replace knobby tires with slicks. There is
>little more annoying than the rattling of knobby tires on asphalt.
Also, make sure they're properly inflated. There's no excuse for
commuting on anything less than 50psi; I ride a hybridized mountain
bike with fat slicks at 60-65psi, and it probably wouldn't hurt to go
even higher.
dave
--
Dave Vandervies dj3vande@csclub.uwaterloo.ca
I'm in need of an INTERCAL compiler written in SYNTAX-RULES,
seeing as you obviously have far too much time on your hands....
--Joe Marshall in comp.lang.scheme
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Date: 26 Jun 2007 13:28:25
From: dgk
Subject: Re: Bike to work
|
On Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:00:04 +0000 (UTC), dj3vande@csclub.uwaterloo.ca
(Dave Vandervies) wrote:
>In article <vra283tj091f26e1bocmed27u4dcjhfgpa@4ax.com>,
>dgk <dgk@somewhere.com> wrote:
>
>>Oh, make sure that you replace knobby tires with slicks. There is
>>little more annoying than the rattling of knobby tires on asphalt.
>
>Also, make sure they're properly inflated. There's no excuse for
>commuting on anything less than 50psi; I ride a hybridized mountain
>bike with fat slicks at 60-65psi, and it probably wouldn't hurt to go
>even higher.
>
>
Right. Mine are kept around 70 on the hybrid (32 x 700C) tires. The
more pressure the harder the ride but also easier to pedal.
|
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Date: 25 Jun 2007 21:06:32
From: Dennis P. Harris
Subject: Re: Bike to work
|
On Sat, 23 Jun 2007 17:29:16 -0700 in rec.bicycles.misc,
ufatbastehd <ufatbasted@gmail.com > wrote:
> Have a chain lock and a u lock.
forget about the u lock --- they can be broken in 5 seconds by
anyone with a 4 foot 2x4 (i saw a cannondale stolen that way in
full public view in seattle a few years ago).
if you can take the bike inside your building, do it.
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Date: 25 Jun 2007 05:30:47
From: David Bonnell
Subject: Re: Bike to work
|
> Just changed the tubes, bought a pump and bottle holder and seat pack
> for tools and spare tires.
Slicker, narrower tires on a MTB make for a great commuter.
> Have a chain lock and a u lock. BIke has a rack over the rear tire to
> carry clean clothes. Plan on removing the seat/pump/waterbottle when the bike is locked for the day.
I like using a backpack. Clothes, pump, lock, etc go in the pack,
which means I don't have to hassle putting it on/off the bike. I used
to use a rear rack, but found it less convenient than I originally
imagined. Removing the seat is a reasonable deterrence for theft
(make the bike unrideable).
>
> I don't have a light yet but will be home before dark
For evening/night city riding, a small red LED 'blinky' taillight is
usually 'adequate'. Reflective bands/clothing aren't a bad idea.
Bright white LED front lights are often enough to be seen (but not
necessarily to see....although in the city this should be less of a
problem).
>
> Any city bike commuters have any insight as to what I'm missing or
> what to look out for?
Don't forget your patch kit, spare inner tube, and mini multi-function
tool or set of allen keys. I personally *love* the Topeak Mini-6 and
it's only about $10.
For security, you may want to consider using bolt-on skewers
(available from Nashbar for $10 a set). This will not stop a would-be
thief from stealing your wheels, but it does require a bit more effort
than simple quick-release mechanisms.
One other option is the Pitlock, which is a locking skewer set.
They're expensive, but supposedly are very difficult to remove without
the key. They can be used to protect your wheels, seatpost, fork/
frontend, and brakes.
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Date: 26 Jun 2007 08:00:27
From: skaniusz
Subject: Re: Bike to work
|
David Bonnell napisał(a):
> I like using a backpack. Clothes, pump, lock, etc go in the pack,
> which means I don't have to hassle putting it on/off the bike. I used
> to use a rear rack, but found it less convenient than I originally
> imagined. Removing the seat is a reasonable deterrence for theft
> (make the bike unrideable).
>
I prefer a single pannier on the rear rack.
Backpack makes my back sweaty.
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Date: 24 Jun 2007 10:40:45
From: jbollyn@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Bike to work
|
On Jun 24, 10:24 am, Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman
<sunsetss0...@yahoo.com > wrote:
> On Jun 24, 8:20 am, Grand Poobah aka Jay Bollyn of the Great City of
>
> Chicaguh wrote:
> > ...
> > I have full ins coverage, as a civil servant. I never see a bill....
>
> Related to the Daley family or your alderman?
>
> --
> Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
> The weather is here, wish you were beautiful
Hey Tom,
Your quote is LOL; I was rolling on the floor laughing.
BTW; to answer your question: I own them both; lock, stock and barrel.
+++ BIKE PUNISHER +++
http://orion.neiu.edu/~jbollyn/
P.S. I saw this sign recently in front of my friend's house (mounted
on a Chicago street light pole). He is quite insane:
****** MARINES PARKING ONLY ******
****** ALL OTHERS TOWED ******
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Date: 24 Jun 2007 08:24:10
From: Johnny Sunset aka Tom Sherman
Subject: Re: Bike to work
|
On Jun 24, 8:20 am, Grand Poobah aka Jay Bollyn of the Great City of
Chicaguh wrote:
> ...
> I have full ins coverage, as a civil servant. I never see a bill....
Related to the Daley family or your alderman?
--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
The weather is here, wish you were beautiful
|
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Date: 24 Jun 2007 14:37:45
From: Mike A Schwab
Subject: Re: Bike to work
|
On Jun 23, 7:29 pm, ufatbastehd <ufatbas...@gmail.com > wrote:
> Decided I'm going to bike to and from work aboujt 8 mi each way.
> I live in NYC and have a Trek "Mountain Trek" bike that I'll use as my
> commuter bike.
>
> Just changed the tubes, bought a pump and bottle holder and seat pack
> for tools and spare tires.
> Have a chain lock and a u lock. BIke has a rack over the rear tire to
> carry clean clothes.
>
> Plan on removing the seat/pump/waterbottle when the bike is locked for
> the day.
>
> I don't have a light yet but will be home before dark
>
> Any city bike commuters have any insight as to what I'm missing or
> what to look out for?
>
> Thinking about getting one of those rear view mirrors that hook up to
> the helmet but other than that I think I have it all covered
May not help much in NYC, but Chicago recommends uglifying your bike.
Wrap electrical tape around the frame tubes under the cables. An area
of duct tape for emergency supply on top of the electric tape could
help when you need it (tire boot).
I use a cateye EL-530 as a headlight for commuting. http://eddys.com/page.cfm?PageID=493
compares various headlight.
|
| | |
Date: 24 Jun 2007 22:48:41
From:
Subject: Re: Bike to work
|
Mike A Schwab <mike.a.schwab@gmail.com > wrote:
> On Jun 23, 7:29 pm, ufatbastehd <ufatbas...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > Decided I'm going to bike to and from work aboujt 8 mi each way.
> > I live in NYC and have a Trek "Mountain Trek" bike that I'll use as my
> > commuter bike.
> >
> > Just changed the tubes, bought a pump and bottle holder and seat pack
> > for tools and spare tires.
> > Have a chain lock and a u lock. BIke has a rack over the rear tire to
> > carry clean clothes.
> >
> > Plan on removing the seat/pump/waterbottle when the bike is locked for
> > the day.
> >
> > I don't have a light yet but will be home before dark
> >
> > Any city bike commuters have any insight as to what I'm missing or
> > what to look out for?
> >
> > Thinking about getting one of those rear view mirrors that hook up to
> > the helmet but other than that I think I have it all covered
> May not help much in NYC, but Chicago recommends uglifying your bike.
> Wrap electrical tape around the frame tubes under the cables. An area
> of duct tape for emergency supply on top of the electric tape could
> help when you need it (tire boot).
> I use a cateye EL-530 as a headlight for commuting. http://eddys.com/page.cfm?PageID=493
> compares various headlight.
I have pre-loaded Slime tubes and heavy rubber "Mr. Tuffy" protective
strips inside the tires of my commuter. Flats can make you late for work.
And one thing that's worse than a flat is a flat in the dark or the rain,
or alongside some garshawrful road with crazy traffic and no decent place
to pull off and fix it.
Bill
__o
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Date: 27 Jun 2007 16:37:43
From: Grand Poobah
Subject: Re: Bike to work
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<D_Frumious_B@ndersnat.ch > wrote in message
news:f5msc9$a0f$1@news.xmission.com...
> Mike A Schwab <mike.a.schwab@gmail.com> wrote:
>> On Jun 23, 7:29 pm, ufatbastehd <ufatbas...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> > Decided I'm going to bike to and from work aboujt 8 mi each way.
>> > I live in NYC and have a Trek "Mountain Trek" bike that I'll use as my
>> > commuter bike.
>> >
>> > Just changed the tubes, bought a pump and bottle holder and seat pack
>> > for tools and spare tires.
>> > Have a chain lock and a u lock. BIke has a rack over the rear tire to
>> > carry clean clothes.
>> >
>> > Plan on removing the seat/pump/waterbottle when the bike is locked for
>> > the day.
>> >
>> > I don't have a light yet but will be home before dark
>> >
>> > Any city bike commuters have any insight as to what I'm missing or
>> > what to look out for?
>> >
>> > Thinking about getting one of those rear view mirrors that hook up to
>> > the helmet but other than that I think I have it all covered
>
>> May not help much in NYC, but Chicago recommends uglifying your bike.
>> Wrap electrical tape around the frame tubes under the cables. An area
>> of duct tape for emergency supply on top of the electric tape could
>> help when you need it (tire boot).
>
>> I use a cateye EL-530 as a headlight for commuting.
>> http://eddys.com/page.cfm?PageID=493
>> compares various headlight.
>
> I have pre-loaded Slime tubes and heavy rubber "Mr. Tuffy" protective
> strips inside the tires of my commuter. Flats can make you late for work.
> And one thing that's worse than a flat is a flat in the dark or the rain,
> or alongside some garshawrful road with crazy traffic and no decent place
> to pull off and fix it.
>
>
> Bill
>
> __o
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Date: 24 Jun 2007 12:22:18
From: Stephen Harding
Subject: Re: Bike to work
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ufatbastehd wrote:
> Any city bike commuters have any insight as to what I'm missing or
> what to look out for?
>
> Thinking about getting one of those rear view mirrors that hook up to
> the helmet but other than that I think I have it all covered
I think you've pretty much got it covered as well.
I'm not a city commuter, but do share the road with faster
moving traffic on some of my routes to/from work.
I'd recommend a decent rain suit as well as fenders.
Fenders in particular can make a world of difference
in keeping grundge off you during rides in less than
optimal weather. It's no accident most "work bikes"
come with fenders in commuting nations of Europe and
Asia.
I'd also recommend you put a head and tail light on
the bike despite your intentions not to be riding
when it is dark. You never know and even the cheap
opticubes can provide enough light to be seen by others
at intersections (which will be the most likely location
of negative interaction with the motored kind!
Get a couple blinkies for astern. Run one steady and
one flashing. Seems to catch motorists eyes better
for some reason.
Finally, since you're parking the bike outside, you may
want to consider a bike cover (depending on the likelihood
of it disappearing or not). Cover the bike and lock it
over the bike.
Not certain if a cover will slow a bike bandito or not.
It is certainly more effort disentangling a bike cover
from a locked bike than just hauling a bike off.
SMH
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Date: 24 Jun 2007 08:13:23
From: Gooserider
Subject: Re: Bike to work
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"ufatbastehd" <ufatbasted@gmail.com > wrote in message
news:1182644956.076081.38830@q75g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
> Decided I'm going to bike to and from work aboujt 8 mi each way.
> I live in NYC and have a Trek "Mountain Trek" bike that I'll use as my
> commuter bike.
>
> Just changed the tubes, bought a pump and bottle holder and seat pack
> for tools and spare tires.
> Have a chain lock and a u lock. BIke has a rack over the rear tire to
> carry clean clothes.
>
> Plan on removing the seat/pump/waterbottle when the bike is locked for
> the day.
>
> I don't have a light yet but will be home before dark
>
>
> Any city bike commuters have any insight as to what I'm missing or
> what to look out for?
>
> Thinking about getting one of those rear view mirrors that hook up to
> the helmet but other than that I think I have it all covered
Have you considered fenders? They are really nice for keeping the puddle
grime off.
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Date: 24 Jun 2007 05:05:02
From: ufatbastehd
Subject: Re: Bike to work
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Thanks for the replies
Bob my health insurance is good(Sounds like my wife)
I'll look into indoor parking no way I can bring the bike into my
office.
Also will look into the mirrors
Thanks again
It begins tomorrow!
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Date: 24 Jun 2007 08:20:16
From: Grand Poobah
Subject: Re: Bike to work
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You are welcome.
I have an enclosed office, with walls that go all the way to the ceiling,
and a very heavy security door.
I have a storeroom behind my office, which I use as a bike repair / storage
area. Fully equipped, all tools and repair stand.
I have full ins coverage, as a civil servant. I never see a bill.
Mirrors are for punks. Shoulder checks are the best. They tell everyone
around that you are paying attention to what is going around you. There is
no doubt about it. Mirrors can be misleading, and they distort. I don't like
them, and I have tried all of them at one time or another.
Also, get rid of the rear brake, if you have rim breaks. Front rim brake is
all one needs.
Schwalbe Marathon Plus for tires. Bullet-proof for wino glass.
I ride every single day in Chicago 15 miles daily, 364 days every year.
- BIKE PUNISHER
http://www.neiu.edu/~jbollyn/
+++++
"ufatbastehd" <ufatbasted@gmail.com > wrote in message
news:1182686702.779787.18260@p77g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
> Thanks for the replies
>
> Bob my health insurance is good(Sounds like my wife)
>
>
> I'll look into indoor parking no way I can bring the bike into my
> office.
>
> Also will look into the mirrors
>
> Thanks again
>
> It begins tomorrow!
>
>
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Date: 24 Jun 2007 09:31:56
From: Daryl Hunt
Subject: Re: Bike to work
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"Grand Poobah" <jbollyn@gmail.com > wrote in message
news:_NidnUOB9uEU8uPbnZ2dnUVZ_hWdnZ2d@comcast.com...
> You are welcome.
>
> I have an enclosed office, with walls that go all the way to the ceiling,
> and a very heavy security door.
>
> I have a storeroom behind my office, which I use as a bike repair /
storage
> area. Fully equipped, all tools and repair stand.
>
> I have full ins coverage, as a civil servant. I never see a bill.
>
> Mirrors are for punks. Shoulder checks are the best. They tell everyone
> around that you are paying attention to what is going around you. There is
> no doubt about it. Mirrors can be misleading, and they distort. I don't
like
> them, and I have tried all of them at one time or another.
I don't have them on my current bike and am going to install them. Not
those wimpy things you see on bikes but small motorcycle mirrors. Since I
have extensive MC experience it appears I don't have the same problem you
have with mirrors but I do not have any experience in cars running over me
from the rear when I change lanes either.
>
> Also, get rid of the rear brake, if you have rim breaks. Front rim brake
is
> all one needs.
And you need to continue using those drugs. Darwinism at work.
>
> Schwalbe Marathon Plus for tires. Bullet-proof for wino glass.
>
> I ride every single day in Chicago 15 miles daily, 364 days every year.
Yah, right. And I once raced Tommy Ivo using my rubber band powered
skateboard.
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Date: 27 Jun 2007 16:31:55
From: Grand Poobah
Subject: Re: Bike to work
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Daryl,
You are absolutely right. Small motorcycle mirrors are the way to go. Do you
have a particular favorite? I have not even started to shop yet.
Bike Commuter Jay
"Daryl Hunt" <dhunt@celticommnospam.com > wrote in message
news:467e8e84$1@i70west-jfxpus4....
>
> "Grand Poobah" <jbollyn@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:_NidnUOB9uEU8uPbnZ2dnUVZ_hWdnZ2d@comcast.com...
>> You are welcome.
>>
>> I have an enclosed office, with walls that go all the way to the ceiling,
>> and a very heavy security door.
>>
>> I have a storeroom behind my office, which I use as a bike repair /
> storage
>> area. Fully equipped, all tools and repair stand.
>>
>> I have full ins coverage, as a civil servant. I never see a bill.
>>
>> Mirrors are for punks. Shoulder checks are the best. They tell everyone
>> around that you are paying attention to what is going around you. There
>> is
>> no doubt about it. Mirrors can be misleading, and they distort. I don't
> like
>> them, and I have tried all of them at one time or another.
>
> I don't have them on my current bike and am going to install them. Not
> those wimpy things you see on bikes but small motorcycle mirrors. Since I
> have extensive MC experience it appears I don't have the same problem you
> have with mirrors but I do not have any experience in cars running over me
> from the rear when I change lanes either.
>
>
>
>>
>> Also, get rid of the rear brake, if you have rim breaks. Front rim brake
> is
>> all one needs.
>
> And you need to continue using those drugs. Darwinism at work.
>
>
>>
>> Schwalbe Marathon Plus for tires. Bullet-proof for wino glass.
>>
>> I ride every single day in Chicago 15 miles daily, 364 days every year.
>
> Yah, right. And I once raced Tommy Ivo using my rubber band powered
> skateboard.
>
>
>
>
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Date: 24 Jun 2007 07:52:46
From: Jeff Jackson
Subject: Re: Bike to work
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>>Mirrors are for punks. Shoulder checks are the best. They tell everyone
around that you are paying attention to what is going around you. There is
no doubt about it. Mirrors can be misleading, and they distort. I don't like
them, and I have tried all of them at one time or another.<<<
The pictures of your bike from your previous post tell a different story.
j
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Date: 27 Jun 2007 16:28:48
From: Grand Poobah
Subject: Re: Bike to work
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"Jeff Jackson @yahoo.com >" <xandood<remove> wrote in message
news:fzvfi.2$%e3.0@newsfe05.lga...
>>>Mirrors are for punks. Shoulder checks are the best. They tell everyone
> around that you are paying attention to what is going around you. There is
> no doubt about it. Mirrors can be misleading, and they distort. I don't
> like
> them, and I have tried all of them at one time or another.<<<
>
> The pictures of your bike from your previous post tell a different story.
>
> j
>
Please let me clarify my earlier comment. I have tried several different
bicycle mirror systems, including the one in the bike pic you are referring
to. I have not found a bicycle handlebar-mount mirror which does not
severely distort. I am going to check out motorcycle mirrors. They are of
course more $ and heavier than the typical bike mirrors, but I have not
found a bicycle mirror that I could stand to use for long.
The cheap junk mirror in the pic has been in the trash can for some weeks. I
am thinking of sending it back to China.
America First Jay
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Date: 24 Jun 2007 14:08:27
From: Ron Hardin
Subject: Re: Bike to work
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Grand Poobah wrote:
> Also, get rid of the rear brake, if you have rim breaks. Front rim brake is
> all one needs.
Use them both. One day your front brake cable will break, and the other one
is nice to have working (and not frozen up with gunk from disuse).
--
Ron Hardin
rhhardin@mindspring.com
On the internet, nobody knows you're a jerk.
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Date: 24 Jun 2007 08:33:39
From: Daryl Hunt
Subject: Re: Bike to work
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"Ron Hardin" <rhhardin@mindspring.com > wrote in message
news:467E6CB3.5A6@mindspring.com...
> Grand Poobah wrote:
> > Also, get rid of the rear brake, if you have rim breaks. Front rim brake
is
> > all one needs.
>
> Use them both. One day your front brake cable will break, and the other
one
> is nice to have working (and not frozen up with gunk from disuse).
Rule of thumb. 90% of your braking is from the front brake. Only 10% is
from your rear brake. But the day you need 100% is not the day to only have
90%.
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Date: 24 Jun 2007 06:39:41
From: Grand Poobah
Subject: Re: Bike to work
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Hey ufatbastard dude;
The very first thing any serious city bike commuter needs is a proper
jersey. I have a closet full of them. Germany is intimidating:
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=22763&subcategory_ID=1110
Italy is for lovers:
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=23930&subcategory_ID=1110
Ireland is multi-purpose; good if the cop who stops you is Irish:
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=23770&subcategory_ID=1110
If you are on a double-secret killer mission, Army or Marines would be good
choices:
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=22201&subcategory_ID=1110
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=16761&subcategory_ID=1110
Also, here are pics of my trusty steed, note the high-security Medeco lock:
http://www.neiu.edu/~jbollyn/bike/bike1.jpg
http://www.neiu.edu/~jbollyn/bike/dinotte-tail-light.jpg
Jay the Chicago Bike Commuter (who takes no crap from any motorist, big or
small)
+++++++++
"ufatbastehd" <ufatbasted@gmail.com > wrote in message
news:1182644956.076081.38830@q75g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
> Decided I'm going to bike to and from work aboujt 8 mi each way.
> I live in NYC and have a Trek "Mountain Trek" bike that I'll use as my
> commuter bike.
>
> Just changed the tubes, bought a pump and bottle holder and seat pack
> for tools and spare tires.
> Have a chain lock and a u lock. BIke has a rack over the rear tire to
> carry clean clothes.
>
> Plan on removing the seat/pump/waterbottle when the bike is locked for
> the day.
>
> I don't have a light yet but will be home before dark
>
>
> Any city bike commuters have any insight as to what I'm missing or
> what to look out for?
>
> Thinking about getting one of those rear view mirrors that hook up to
> the helmet but other than that I think I have it all covered
>
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Date: 23 Jun 2007 23:43:24
From: David L. Johnson
Subject: Re: Bike to work
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ufatbastehd wrote:
> Decided I'm going to bike to and from work aboujt 8 mi each way.
> I live in NYC and have a Trek "Mountain Trek" bike that I'll use as my
> commuter bike.
>
> Just changed the tubes, bought a pump and bottle holder and seat pack
> for tools and spare tires.
> Have a chain lock and a u lock. BIke has a rack over the rear tire to
> carry clean clothes.
Is there any inside, more secure place you can leave your bike? Even
with u-locks bikes in the city have a short lifespan before they walk
away.
Mine comes in the office with me, but you need a fairly tolerant office
for that to work.
>
> Plan on removing the seat/pump/waterbottle when the bike is locked for
> the day.
>
> I don't have a light yet but will be home before dark
You probably have some time before you have to worry about that.
>
>
> Any city bike commuters have any insight as to what I'm missing or
> what to look out for?
Thieves, taxis, buses. Buses can be tough.
--
David L. Johnson
I believe that the motion picture is destined to revolutionize our
educational system and that in a few years it will supplant largely,
if not entirely, the use of textbooks
-- Thomas Edison, 1922
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Date: 24 Jun 2007 02:53:57
From: bob prohaska's usenet account
Subject: Re: Bike to work
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ufatbastehd <ufatbasted@gmail.com > wrote:
> Decided I'm going to bike to and from work aboujt 8 mi each way.
> I live in NYC and have a Trek "Mountain Trek" bike that I'll use as my
> commuter bike.
You're a candidate for sainthood!
>
> Just changed the tubes, bought a pump and bottle holder and seat pack
> for tools and spare tires.
Reasonable preparation.
> Have a chain lock and a u lock. BIke has a rack over the rear tire to
> carry clean clothes.
Good, but baskets that fold might be handier
>
> Plan on removing the seat/pump/waterbottle when the bike is locked for
> the day.
>
Some places are like that, sadly.
> I don't have a light yet but will be home before dark
>
>
Look for a generator light. Unless you work short hours
one leg of your commute will soon be in the dark. Not
too many places offer genny/LED combos, but that's what
I'd look for. Here's my homebrew:
http://www.zefox.net/~bob/bicycle/
It's lightweight compared to a hub generator and cheaper
by far.
A Lumotec headlight combined with a Shimano hub generator
would be a good choice also, my dad's Breezer uses that
system and it works very, very well.
> Any city bike commuters have any insight as to what I'm missing or
> what to look out for?
How good is your health insurance? Ugly question, I realize,
but getting hurt is a real if small risk.
>
> Thinking about getting one of those rear view mirrors that hook up to
> the helmet but other than that I think I have it all covered
Excellent choice, but I'd add a pair of bar-end mirrors to cover
the times when the helmet mirror is absent.
bob prohaska
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