Rain Commuting

[buggy]

I'm new here and just wanted to say thanks for the useful thread. I've been in Pittsburgh for almost two years (I'm a native Floridian) and I was discouraged at first by the hills, traffic, inclement weather and poor road conditions. Gainesville had plenty of bike lanes and excellent weather. I finally fixed up my road bike with a rack and started riding to school quite a bit. I'm starting a new job downtown in a couple of months and I'm determined to bike. I've been a lazy rider and I want to step it up. I think all the suggestions and my new Surly Cross Check (which I am not so patiently waiting for) will help!

[VeganBikeChick]

Welcome! My family lives in PGH so I know how hilly it can be. Kudos to you. I keep wanting to move to FL for the great weather and flat roads . Post a pic of your bike when you get her.

[Grog]

Like Velocivixen, my first thought for a 2-mile commute was: "bike cape." And fenders. If I had a 2-mile commute, that's all I'd use.

[buggy]

I finally got my new Cross Check! I love it, but I'm concerned it's a bit too small for me. I'm about 5'6" with a short reach and got a 50 cm frame. I may end up with a black 52 if this one is too small. Anyone else ride a Cross Check? Any size advice would be much appreciated. Here she is on a short ride around the Southside!

[Velocivixen]

I test rode a 50 and a 52 and I felt more comfortable on the 52. Like my chest was more open (not splayed open like a fillet). I am 5'6" and have a 82.5 cm (32.5") inseam, 56 cm arms and 57.5 cm torso. The reach was not too long for me.
Personally I prefer the "Robin's Egg Blue" one.

[buggy]

Thanks! I like the blue too, but they only have black in 52 cm (at a different store than I got mine, unfortunately) and the blue ones are out of stock until June. I'm going to get sized and see if I can make it work.

[KnottedYet]

My Cross Check is a 52. I'm 5'8.