Commuter

[Jet]

I'm glad I've found this place!

SO, I'm planning to cycle as a form of commuting. The distance one way is going to be approximately 15.62673 km (9.71 miles), since I would also have to return, that would be 31.25 km (19.42 miles).

I know how to ride a bike, but I don't know what type of bike would be best. I don't know what parts, materials, etc that I will need. So basically, I need help as a new cyclist. I'm going to need advice for what I'll need to get a hold of.

Thanks for your attention, I'll be waiting for replies!

[bob_summers]

welcome to the board jet - a 20m round trip is about perfect for cycle commuting. it's long enough to get warmed up and into it, but not so long it takes ages to get home!

the bike you need will depend largely on the terrain - urban/country? flat/hilly? paved/unpaved?

if your commute is anything like mine (30m r/t, urban, hilly in places but mainly flat), you might want to keep things simple with a single-speed bike. shops will often try to sell you a 27-speed hybrid, but you might find you only use 2 or 3 gears...extra weight, extra maintenance...

remember to factor in the cost of a good lock (some say buy a lock costing 10% of the bike cost), padded shorts, a helmet if you're so inclined, and try and pick up a copy of 'cyclecraft' by john frankiln http://www.cyclecraft.co.uk/

[Man On Bike.]

bob, can you post a picture of your bike for my delectation please?

[bob_summers]

should be some here: http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2007/feb/Bob.htm

[Jet]

the bike you need will depend largely on the terrain - urban/country? flat/hilly? paved/unpaved?

urban, hilly in places but mainly flat <<--- That's pretty much what it is like here. Although it's mainly flat, when it gets steep, it gets VERY steep and for a while.

single-speed bike <<--- would this be a road bike? Sorry for asking such novice questions, but I really don't know much about bikes and parts and stuff.

Also, for locks, I went downtown Toronto to a place called "Mountain Equipment Co-op", and I got the most secure u-lock they had. It was roughly $40 can. (tax included). Depending on how expensive the bike I'm going to get, I might get the most secure lock they had. It's this two-way thick metal chain and it's the hardest to clamp off. The problem with that is that it's $50-60 can (tax included) and it weighs quite a bit. If I'm going to be carrying books and other things to my university, it'll be tough. However, if that's what it takes, I could work at it for the next few months.

Another thing on my mind is whether or not I should do this throughout the year, or if it's only good weather (meaning no rain, snow, ice). I looked into bikes a bit and found out there were snow tires and such. What do you guys suggest? What are your opinions? Thanks for your time.

[fredrikw]

on the other hand, gears is quite handy when commuting, somtimes you feel strong, sometimes you want to take it easy, sometimes it's snowing, raining, head wind, tailwind, sunshine etc.

and the maintenance isn't that big deal really, it's just something the singlespeed/fixie cabal has made up

[bob_summers]

i'm well familiar with MEC, their stuff is way cheaper than you can get it here, even with postage added. i'm quite envious of canadians, 'outdoorsy' stuff seems much better value over there

frederik's right, gears are useful, the hill on your commute might be one instance.
i rarely use my geared bikes for work, but time-trialling home on a friday evening on my old 16 spd racer, bombing muswell hill at 50mph, hanging off the back of the saddle like a fat marco pantani... there is no finer way to travel

single-speed bike <<--- would this be a road bike? Sorry for asking such novice questions, but I really don't know much about bikes and parts and stuff.

s/s bikes can be road bikes, off-road, whatever. having only one gear, you tend to just 'get on with it' to get over hills - you'll likely find you go over short, sharp hills faster than you would on a geared bike

if you're carrying books n stuff to uni, you might want a bike with a rear rack, or at least the mounting holes for one. it's generally better to keep loads as low down on the bike as possible.

[127.0.0.1]

hi Jet

I'm a newb at cycling too, and I've been commuting to university with my bike for six weeks now. If you're a beginner and it gets very steep and for a while as you said, don't torture yourself with a single-speed bike! I'm very happy mine has 24 speeds, when I'm tired. My legs are still hurting too... Most important in my opinion is security and practical use. The bike should have mudguards (mine has none, when it's raining I look like as if I had pissed into my pants ), and a rear rack for your books and stuff. Maybe you're going to sweat a lot, or you'll arrive totally wet because of rain, then you'll have to carry clothes to change. Carrying everything on your back is damned heavy. My bike is a mountainbike, but I don't think it's the right bike to commute. For a beginner a city bike is more sensible. Here in Germany they call it "crossrad", that's like those bikes in Holland, but with bigger tires (not as big as of a mountainbike). The bigger tires are more secure when it's raining. It's a comfortable, very simple city bike with practical accessories, perfect to commute!

Have a lot of fun commuting! I love it.
[/img]

[127.0.0.1]

i meant something like that one :
http://www.raddiscount.de/images/shop/P04013_BILD1GROSS.jpg

[the crazyest vegan]

if your cycling to work often then you could explain to your manager about the price of your bike and they might let you keep it somewhere out the way, alternatively here in the UK you can rent cycle lockers for £20 for 3 months, these are situated in train stations and are very secure usually with your own choice of padlock and CCTV covering them at all times.

personally for 20 miles i would pick a full road bike, you can pick up a nice 14 speed one for under £200 and i think its well worth it, i started on a mountain bike and it just isnt the same.

[the crazyest vegan]

and with a cycle locker you dont have to carry everything with you, i leave my shoes and a set of clothing in my locker.