Cyclists

[rasczak]

I've just started using bike as a commuter to and from work. Any suggestions or tips I could use? I usually leave for work at 445am to be in by 5am.

So far here's what I've got:

Bike
Helmet
Bike trailer (I take the kids to school in the morning)
Kids helmets

Any suggestions would be terrific. I'm also looking for cycling forums.

Thanks!

Joe

 

[highland145]

Isn't it still dark?

 

[Fausto]

I got a rack and panniers recently and love them. Not only is it nice not to have all that weight on me in the form of backpack, the bike actually handles better with the weight down low.

I'd also suggest lots of lights and reflective stuff. Get a roll of the 3M tape and festoon your bike with it. The more visible you are, the more likely motorists will notice you and give you space on the road.

 

[BabaBooey]

Don't ride your bike in the driving lane and hold up everyone that drives.

 

[lxskllr]

Bike trailer (I take the kids to school in the morning)

Interesting. I like that.

In addition to the lights mentioned, you may want to get a safety vest with bright colors, reflective stuff. I'm sure something's made specifically for bikers, but you could get a cheaper construction type vest, and modify it so it doesn't flap around too much. Actually, the flapping would enhance visibility at the expense of wind drag.

 

[brainhulk]

Yeah, I'd be kind of weary taking kids when it's still low light

 

[rasczak]

Isn't it still dark?

Yes. So far I've been wearing bright clothing, but it has become much darker at this time.

I got a rack and panniers recently and love them. Not only is it nice not to have all that weight on me in the form of backpack, the bike actually handles better with the weight down low.

I'd also suggest lots of lights and reflective stuff. Get a roll of the 3M tape and festoon your bike with it. The more visible you are, the more likely motorists will notice you and give you space on the road.

Good points. I've been looking at getting a reflective vest. The rack wasn't something I considered as the only things that go in my pack are my clothes and lunch. I do admit the pack does get heavier near the end of the trip.

Don't ride your bike in the driving lane and hold up everyone that drives.

We have designated bike lanes. It's really neat as there are a lot of cyclists in this part of town. So even the drivers are more aware of them. What's also cool is most drivers, even if I'm in the bike lane are very careful especially when I have the trailer hitched up and I'm lugging the kids.

 

[rasczak]

Yeah, I'd be kind of weary taking kids when it's still low light

The logistics are kind of screwy for me, but I rather enjoy it. I leave, by myself, in the morning (Tues and Thurs). I take a really early lunch and go back home to pick up the kids for school, drop the trailer off at the bike rack and then ride back to work. It was really tiring at first, but it's been almost two weeks now and I feel better than ever physically.

 

[JulesMaximus]

www.bikeforums.net is a very active bike forum and has a dedicated commuter sub-forum.

Get a Planet Bike blinking light for the rear, these are super bright and allow you to be seen. I'd also recommend a headlight so cars ahead can see you as well. CA law requires bicycles ridden after dark to be equipped with lights but I never see this being enforced.

 

[7window]

I got a padded seat to add to my seat. My butt thanks me for it.

 

[highland145]

We have designated bike lanes. It's really neat as there are a lot of cyclists in this part of town. So even the drivers are more aware of them. What's also cool is most drivers, even if I'm in the bike lane are very careful especially when I have the trailer hitched up and I'm lugging the kids.

Sweet.

 

[rasczak]

www.bikeforums.net is a very active bike forum and has a dedicated commuter sub-forum.

Get a Planet Bike blinking light for the rear, these are super bright and allow you to be seen. I'd also recommend a headlight so cars ahead can see you as well. CA law requires bicycles ridden after dark to be equipped with lights but I never see this being enforced.

Thanks for the info Jules. I'll check the forum for sure. I didn't know that headlights were a requirement, however I could see the benefit of having them. Especially during the morning trip.

I got a padded seat to add to my seat. My butt thanks me for it.

That was next on my wish list. My butt is screaming at me right now.

 

[Capt Caveman]

I STRONGLY suggest that you add lighting to your bike, especially since you're riding with your kids.

I just ordered this to mount to my helmet - http://www.rei.com/product/826128/niterider-minewt600-cordless-bike-light

And have a more powerful version of this in back - http://www.rei.com/product/760344/cateye-tl-ld610-rear-bike-light

I also have these - http://www.rei.com/product/769615/planet-bike-spok-light-set

You want others to see you from a distance and not have to react b/c they just came up on you.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Make sure the trailer has lights; your read may be partially blocked by the trailer.

I do not know if there is a Fix-a-Flat for bikes, but having the kids with you; consider keeping a can in your gear.

Also, could you lock the trailer at school - that way you are not lugging it to work and back empty?

 

[rasczak]

I STRONGLY suggest that you add lighting to your bike, especially since you're riding with your kids.

I just ordered this to mount to my helmet - http://www.rei.com/product/826128/niterider-minewt600-cordless-bike-light

And have a more powerful version of this in back - http://www.rei.com/product/760344/cateye-tl-ld610-rear-bike-light

I also have these - http://www.rei.com/product/769615/planet-bike-spok-light-set

You want others to see you from a distance and not have to react b/c they just came up on you.

Oh nice! Thanks for the links and advice.

Make sure the trailer has lights; your read may be partially blocked by the trailer.

I do not know if there is a Fix-a-Flat for bikes, but having the kids with you; consider keeping a can in your gear.

Also, could you lock the trailer at school - that way you are not lugging it to work and back empty?

The fix a flat is a nice idea. As for the trailer, I lock it up at the school. Very convenient.

 

[Fausto]

The cycling version of fix a flat is to run Slime innertubes. They contain a goop that should seal most small punctures. Specialized makes some really durable tires called "Armadillos" you might also want to look into. I have always used these for winter training as the last thing you want to do when it's 40F outside is change a flat tube.

 

[7window]

I am not sure how fix a flat works but I would buy an extra tube to carry along in the back pack. Try and learn how to change tube. Its not that hard, my 16yo can do it. Oh bike rack too. It handy when you need to pick someone up like my 16yo hot dogging and fell in a ditch ..bent the rims. Lucky it is a cheap bike that he was using.

 

[coldmeat]

I just carry a spare tube and a hand pump with me, it only takes a couple of minutes to change a flat.

Your kids have school at 5am?

 

[rasczak]

I just carry a spare tube and a hand pump with me, it only takes a couple of minutes to change a flat.

Your kids have school at 5am?

I saw a kit like that online. I'll probably buy it.

As for the kids:

The logistics are kind of screwy for me, but I rather enjoy it. I leave, by myself, in the morning (Tues and Thurs). I take a really early lunch and go back home to pick up the kids for school, drop the trailer off at the bike rack and then ride back to work. It was really tiring at first, but it's been almost two weeks now and I feel better than ever physically.

 

[Drako]

You should also check out Nashbar for equipment - they are usually more reasonably priced than REI.

http://www.nashbar.com

For example:

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_529266_-1___

vs

http://www.rei.com/product/826128/niterider-minewt600-cordless-bike-light

 

[Rhoxed]

first off, make sure you have a quality tire. My commuter came with bontrager H2's (700 x 28c) on it (low end tires - ~$30 a pair) within 8 months I had 4 flats. I changed to a pair of Tioga Commodo's (700 x 30c) ~$65 and have not had a flat in 11 months *knocks on wood* same route to work, and I do about 5 miles daily.

having a spare tube/pump is great. I recommend one of these http://www.sportsauthority.com/produ...:referralID=NA if you have a decently high PSI tire compared to a hand pump. (my tires run 120psi)

as others have said, lights are a must.(they they also sell the over sized reflectors.)

 

[rasczak]

first off, make sure you have a quality tire. My commuter came with bontrager H2's (700 x 28c) on it (low end tires - ~$30 a pair) within 8 months I had 4 flats. I changed to a pair of Tioga Commodo's (700 x 30c) ~$65 and have not had a flat in 11 months *knocks on wood* same route to work, and I do about 5 miles daily.

having a spare tube/pump is great. I recommend one of these http://www.sportsauthority.com/produ...:referralID=NA if you have a decently high PSI tire compared to a hand pump. (my tires run 120psi)

as others have said, lights are a must.(they they also sell the over sized reflectors.)

Oh man, I need to get that pump. As for the tires, I'll look into it. I honestly never gave much though to this stuff. I'm glad I made this thread.

 

[JulesMaximus]

first off, make sure you have a quality tire. My commuter came with bontrager H2's (700 x 28c) on it (low end tires - ~$30 a pair) within 8 months I had 4 flats. I changed to a pair of Tioga Commodo's (700 x 30c) ~$65 and have not had a flat in 11 months *knocks on wood* same route to work, and I do about 5 miles daily.

having a spare tube/pump is great. I recommend one of these http://www.sportsauthority.com/produ...:referralID=NA if you have a decently high PSI tire compared to a hand pump. (my tires run 120psi)

as others have said, lights are a must.(they they also sell the over sized reflectors.)

Get a floor pump with gauge and check your tires frequently. Many times flats are caused by tires being underinflated (these are called pinch flats).

All tires lose air over time, some hold air better than others. The Continental GP4000 is what I usually run on my road bike, they lose very little air over the course of a week.

 

[highland145]

Oh man, I need to get that pump. As for the tires, I'll look into it. I honestly never gave much though to this stuff. I'm glad I made this thread.

Been doing the same route for 15+ years and have had 4 flats. 2 in the same week. Must have been an ass to the wrong person.

 

[Ns1]

almost got tagged today by some dumbass car who thought a stop sign didn't apply to him.

i was about 5 seconds away from breaking all his windows but refrained.