Hybrid Commuting

[Melalvai]

Mountain bike is fine, eventually you could put hybrid tires on it but try it for a while first.

Your bike is probably safer in your cubicle than it would be in a bike rack anyway. Certainly less exposed to the elements.

Shower: Everyone has their own routine, but the one trick I discovered that makes a big difference is wait about 10 minutes before changing. If I change right away, I continue to sweat a while. Some days, if I don't have an important meeting, I don't change, since I just wear regular jeans or shorts & a tshirt, not a biking outfit.

[Torrilin]

My utility bike is a mountain bike, which I'm grateful for every time I hit the potholes on the way home from the grocery store. The only reason I'm not doing longer trips than 6 miles right now are my saddle woes. So yes, 3 miles on a mountain bike is very doable. I've done around 12 on mine, and would like to be able to do 16 mile trips reliably (Target and REI are about 8 miles from home for me). I can't stay totally unsweaty on a typical run of errands right now, because we've been running high 80s and high humidity. When it's less humid, if I want to be less sweaty I just ride less aggressively. Lower gears, no racing myself. Some of it is conditioning tho. The better shape I'm in, the less I overheat.

Depending on your usual distances and local road conditions, you may be able to ditch the car entirely. Use your judgment tho. If 3 miles feels like a long ride to you, planning on an 18 mile day is not smart. And if the best way to the bus stop involves dangerous traffic, go for safety.

[uforgot]

I've noticed that there are quite a few older Specialized Rockhoppers and Raleigh M30s and such on Craigslist. They are from the 90s and 80s and usually list for around $60. The best part is that they don't have any suspension, which you don't need on a commute. Some slick tires and you would have a bike that wouldn't be a big deal if it got scratches, or should I say any more scratches?

[Trek420]

I've noticed that there are quite a few older Specialized Rockhoppers and Raleigh M30s and such on Craigslist. They are from the 90s and 80s and usually list for around $60. The best part is that they don't have any suspension, which you don't need on a commute. Some slick tires and you would have a bike that wouldn't be a big deal if it got scratches, or should I say any more scratches?

I have a 1985-6 GT Outpost Trail as my commuter. No suspension, don't need it, don't want it on a commuter.

I upgraded the wheels. If scratches get beyond being able to paint them with touch up paint, fingernail polish .... you powdercoat the bike! I'm doing that now and it's going to be like a new bike.

[Melalvai]

And if the best way to the bus stop involves dangerous traffic, go for safety.

Or take the League of American Bicyclists' Road I course and learn the skills you need to comfortably handle that traffic! http://www.bikeleague.org