Ode to the commuter bikes

[assassin__x]

We have talked about our road bikes and mountain bikes that we're getting, posting links to show off our new joys, but what about our work horses, our commuter bang around the block bikes. What does everyone ride? Do you take car of her well, or is she just something to use and abuse.

Right now I'm riding an old cromo bike that I picked up cheap when I got into Ontario. I tend to be cruel, leaving her outside, not cleaning and lubing her often. She's not very comfy or fast, but I've used her for a few months and I'll be taking her to the pawnshop in the next few days (I feel like I'm taking a neglected dog to the SPCA, I just hope that someone who the bike will better fit finds her).

And next week I'll be heading home to Halifax where my green beauty will be waiting for me. She was my first mountain bike (was replaced last winter), and I used her for trails, road and commuting for the last few years. She has slowly developed into a commuter with light mounts and fenders. The last step was putting the slicks on her. I still lover her though, she was a good entry level mtn bike, and still has a solid aluminum frame and feels better to ride than most commuters that I could get out there (though she was never particularly aggressive on the trail). When I get home I'll take her out, lube her up, and maybe even change out all the cables to get her ready for the mucky riding in the fall.

[Veronica]

I commute on my road bike. This a link to a picture that the local paper took. I got profiled in their commuter section last week.

Veronica

http://www.tandemhearts.com/v-with-bike.jpg

[cat-on-wheels]

That's a great photo, Veronica!

assassin__x:
Last month I bought a new Trek 7100 (hybrid), blue & grey, just like in this picture at trekbikes.com click here (http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2003/citybike/7100.jsp#largerview), which replaced my beloved red Trek 700 (also a hybrid) that I rode into the ground for five years and then all last winter in the slush, snow, and mud. I didn't take very good care of the 700, which pretty much just fell apart, but I'm trying to be better with this new baby!

[Terry]

Hey Veronica,
Is that one of those Terry Skorts? Great picture!

We are in a gas crisis down here (phoenix) and I hope the powers to be will realize that it's time to add more bike routes. Tucson is fantastic in comparison to Phoenix.

It is VERY dangerous to commute here as we are one of the worse cities for accidents. You ain't seen crazy until you've driven around here! It's lawless at times...people here run red lights at intersections if they feel like it, butt in line for gas as if they own the station and ignore turn signals (better yet, what turn signal?).

I'm very envious of those of you who live in areas where you can actually commute in traffic...sigh...have fun.

Terry

[Veronica]

The skort is from LL bean. It's such a short ride to work that I don't bother with bike clothes at all. Sometimes I'll bring a lighter top for going home in, but that's it.

Veronica

[DoubleLori]

The last time I really commuted every day on a bike, I rode a Schwinn Breeze One-speed with chrome fenders. I lowered the stock gearing on it quite a bit by replacing the chainwheel with a smaller one (a BMX bike part) and the rear cog with a bigger one. I think it was 45 gear-inches as compared to the original 66 gear-inches, which made it quite pleasant, though slow to ride, but it did fine in nasty headwinds. I also put cute plastic toeclips on it so I could spin along in the lower gear. I never had to worry about it being stolen and it was extremely reliable.

[Barb]

I just got a new job where I may be able to commute. I think I am about 6 miles away ( I have to drive the riding route to see for sure. When I drive I take the eway). How far does everyone commute? Also, do you bring a complete change of clothes? I guess I am curious about the mechanics of getting this done! How do you think my studnets will react when I have my bike parked in the back of the room? I love her and would not leave her locked outside!

[Veronica]

My commute is short and nearly all downhill to work so I just wear my regular clothes. My fifth graders think it's really cool that THEIR teacher bikes to work. I keep my bike in the back of room too. No way am I locking it up outside - then I'd have to lug all my teacher stuff to my room instead of just unpacking my saddlebag when I get there.

Veronica

[adkoch]

Hi Barb,

When I was preparing for my first commute, this spring, I got lots of great ideas/feedback in the following thread:

Bike Commuting - Encouragement?

I think you will find the tips in there very helpful for starting out! Best of luck and be sure to report back!

Angie

[newfsmith]

My commuter bike is actually my favorite, maybe just because we spend so much time together, but her fit is also "just right". She is on her second headset, second cassette, third set of cables, 2nd idler pulley, 4th chain and I've lost track of how many brake pads. My favorite long week-end task is taking her brake arms off to clean the grit out, pulling her wheels off for a good scrub down, soaking the chain clean, polishing her frame, putting her back together, relubing everything so that the next workday she will ride like new. I did retire her from the worst of winter riding here in the Boston area. She gets to rest from Dec. to Mar. when I ride my MTB. Here's to my commuter bike, the best part of my work day.

[Barb]

Ok I read all the encouragement about commuting. My ride is 11 miles in heavy traffic. My school does not have showers so I will have to bird bath when I get there. I can realistically do this only on Tuesdays cuz I have to run other errands on the way home every other day of the week! Those miles would simply be too much.

I think I have a great commuter...Giant Sedona DX. She is comfy and sturdy. Wish me luck.

[Joan]

Hi,

I am contemplating communting to work a few days a week adn was wondering if folks would share with me their tips and tricks for the simple things: helmut hair, what to do if there's no shower, and so forth.

It makes so much sense, but becaues appaerance matters once I'm there, I'm in a bit of a conundrum. There's no shower and the building rules say we can't use hair dryers etc in the bathroom...any thoughts?

Thanks,
j

[Lise]

Hi, all. I've only commuted on my bike when it's not winter, but I can share my warm weather tips. I pick clothes for work that are light and easily pulled on, like a loose dress, because I'll be sweaty even after I wash up. I carry a hairbrush, sm. deoderant, and lotion in my pannier. I work in different clinics--I stash the bike in a safe place and lock it up. I take a "bird bath" in the bathroom, and put my hair up, in a braid or ponytail for the day. My problem is getting there early enough that the red/sweaty face phase is over before I start seeing patients!

A friend of mine said that you can use a disposable diaper--put some of your favorite soap on it, and put it in a ziplock bag. Then get it wet when you arrive, and wash up. They do hold a lot of liquid! It would be better than the thin little paper towels, or carrying around a wet handtowel all day.

My biggest problem with one clinic is that the only safe and appropriate place I've found to lock the bike is on the third floor. Means wheeling it into the building, on the elevator, around 1/2 the third floor, and into the lounge. This has made my decision not to ride there more than once! Next spring I'm going to figure out somewhere else to put it.

My only bike is a Marin Larkspur city bike. I got it two years ago, when I told the LBS that I wanted something I could ride to work and ride in triathlons. It's served me well in both. Now I'm more committed to long rides and triathlons, so this spring I'm going to get a "real" tri bike. This thread has made me think, though, that a road bike with knobbly tires (I don't know the right words for these things! :o ) would be good for riding around/commuting in Chicago in the winter. Hmmm...used, perhaps...ah, shopping! :p L.

[Dogmama]

When I commuted, I road a cheapie MTB so that I could dive off the side of the road if I needed too (I live in Tucson, BTW. Snowbirds and college kids...).

The price on that Trek is great!! I'm not sure that I'd want all aluminum again but it looks like the seat post, etc., has some "give" to it.

Veronica - is that a green stuffed animal behind you in the picture? My percoset-adled brain can't make out what it is. What a fantastic picture and a great role model for your students!!!

We're building a new building at the University. I've been lobbying for showers and a safe place for bikes. Totally deaf ears. So much for the progressive left!!!

[Veronica]

No, it's the bag I use to carry my books and papers to work.

V.

[Googlie Wooglie]

I'm really, really lucky ... I'm a mile from work and I commute on my single speed Nirve cruiser. I even get to ride home for lunch. Granted, it's not super flat and home is on the uphill but I have no right to complain at all. Besides, riding that cruiser makes me feel like a kid ... easily the best part of the work day.