Do we have any bicyclists in the forum?

[Vogel515]

I am looking to substitute my daily commute with a bike ride and I'd like your opinions or suggestions:

Everyday I think about how ridiculous it is that it takes 45 minutes for me to travel from one side of Boston to the other (4.5 miles). My current commute consists of a 0.6 mile walk to the T, 20 minutes on the T, then a 5 minute bus ride, and finally another .5 mile walk.

I am debating purchasing a bicycle. However, there are some factors to consider:

1. Work pays for my T pass. How much is a decent bicycle going to run me? Do I want a mountain bike or a road bike?

2. Time - how much time will I be saving? Is it safe to assume that a 4.5m bike ride will take 15-20 minutes?

3. Sweat factor. I work in a professional office and change into shorts before and after work however I do not shower at work, sometimes I do shower at the gym after work but if I start biking I do not want to be obligated to shower daily at the gym before work and once I get home.

 

[Kaido]

1. It depends on where you get your bike. My local bike shop starts at about $1,000 for a nice road bike, but you can get them between $500 - $700 for a starter bike. I picked up a used road bike from a buddy for $50, but then put about $400 into it (maintenance, new cassette, new chain, tape, water bottle, pedals with clips, bag, helmet, etc.). If you buy used, take it into a bike shop ASAP to get maintenance done on it - you want a reliable machine if you're going to be using it for work!

2. I would say a 4.5m ride would take about 20 minutes. I do a 3.5m ride a lot of mornings and it takes about 15 minutes. But you also have to factor in traffic, stop signs and stop lights, pedestrians, etc.

3. It depends on (1) how much you sweat normally, (2) how hard you're biking, and (3) how hot it is. I don't sweat a ton normally so it's not a big deal for me. If you keep a relaxed pace the whole trip, it might take you a little longer but you won't get sweaty vs. if you are riding hard and fast and really pumping away. The weather also plays a role - sitting on a bike pedaling under the hot sun while wearing a helmet makes most people sweat. I get my hair cut short so that I can just take a rag or paper towel and wipe the sides of my head and face off after a ride.

Also, don't forget to have a plan for alternative transportation in the event of bad weather or if you sprain your ankle or something!

 

[Vogel515]

Kaido: Thanks for the quick response!

I was hoping to pick up a bike for under $500. I guess I'll be looking used.

Traffic/Pedestrians will be a pain in some places, but for the most part I don't think it will be that bad.

Sweating may be an issue, I am in decent shape but I do sweat.

Alternative mode is there because I can always just take the T.

Any suggestions on where I might find a bike?

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Vogel515
Kaido: Thanks for the quick response!

I was hoping to pick up a bike for under $500. I guess I'll be looking used.

Traffic/Pedestrians will be a pain in some places, but for the most part I don't think it will be that bad.

Sweating may be an issue, I am in decent shape but I do sweat.

Alternative mode is there because I can always just take the T.

Any suggestions on where I might find a bike?

You can score some really nice deals by shopping used - check your local classifieds or Craigslist for some good deals. A LOT of people get into biking and dump tons of money into it, only to stop doing it after a week. Human nature makes it difficult to add new things that require effort into our routine, which translates out to a huge benefit for you because you can snag a killer deal on a bike! My bike was originally a $500 starter road bike which I picked up for $50. Granted I sunk about $400 into it, but you're going to need some equipment anyway so just expect to spend a few hundred no matter what. Here are some things I suggest:

1. Good road bike: Either get one in good working condition (new or used) or get one that can be repaired. iirc my repair bill on my $50 bike was $186 plus parts - expensive, but I still came out ahead compared to buying a brand-new bike.

2. Bike lock: So you can lock your bike up so it won't get stolen. I recommend the ones with the number dials on them so you don't ever misplace or forget the key.

3. Helmet: Just find one that fits.

4. Gloves: I like the gel-padded ones the best. Most of them are open-fingered so you can get a grip on your handlebars easily. These will keep your hands clean and make for a much more comfortable ride.

5. Water bottle: Even if it's a short 20-minute ride, it's still nice to have. Fill it with water, Gatorade, or whatever you use to keep you hydrated.

6. Pack: There are triangle frame packs or saddle bags that fit under your seat. These are handy to keep your wallet, keys, cell phone, etc. in, unless you're carrying a backpack and can store all that stuff in there instead.

7. Sunglasses: Not only to protect your eyes from the sun, but also from debris and bugs. Nothing like getting a bee or mosquito in your eye while cruising along at 15mph! The wrap-around kind are the best (as opposed to the reading-glasses style ones) because debris & bugs can't get behind the seal between the glasses and your face. If you wear glasses, sports stores sell sunglasses that fit over them.

8. Multi-tool: Good to have in your bike bag just in case you need to fix something on your bike.

9. Spare tube: This may not be a big issue for you, since if you break down it's only a 4.5m walk to work, but they're handy to have if you need a quick change in the street.

10. CO2 pump: This is a tiny pump that clips to your frame and uses a CO2 cartridge to pump up your tires. Good if you need an emergency pump, like if you have to change your tube during a ride.

You may also want a mirror (they sell ones that clip to the handlebars or to your helmet). They may look dorky, but if you're in the middle of traffic they can be a lifesaver! They also sell headlights and taillights that have beams and blink, which is handy if you're riding early in the morning or in the evening when it's dark out. This sounds like a lot of stuff, but once you get it all setup it's pretty easy - strap on your helmet, gloves, and sunglasses and pedal away!

 

[Vogel515]

Hey Kaido - thanks again for the response.

Another question I have is: what type of bike do I get?

I had a mountain bike growing up so I am somewhat familiar with those... but I am not so sure thats the best way to go to get to and from work efficiently.

How do I shop for a bike? Road bikes are obviously better for the street, but what if I am cutting through a park (grass / dirt, nothing crazy) ?

I am 210lbs and 6'2" do I need to take into any other considerations? I guess with a road bike I worry that if I hit a pothole its going to crumple the entire bike...

Is there a mixed use bike that would serve my purposes or would a road bike be fine?

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Vogel515
Hey Kaido - thanks again for the response.

Another question I have is: what type of bike do I get?

I had a mountain bike growing up so I am somewhat familiar with those... but I am not so sure thats the best way to go to get to and from work efficiently.

How do I shop for a bike? Road bikes are obviously better for the street, but what if I am cutting through a park (grass / dirt, nothing crazy) ?

I am 210lbs and 6'2" do I need to take into any other considerations? I guess with a road bike I worry that if I hit a pothole its going to crumple the entire bike...

Is there a mixed use bike that would serve my purposes or would a road bike be fine?

I would say either get a mountain bike or a cyclocross bike. A cyclocross bike is kind of a road bike with mountain bike features (mainly knobbier tires). However a mountain bike would work equally well because you're going to be going over curbs, cracks in the street, potholes, gutter ridges, manhole covers, etc. New mountain bikes have some seriously nice suspension systems that will give you a comfortable ride. Road bikes put you in a more relaxed position, but for 4.5m I don't think that it will be a big deal versus the benefit you'd get from having a mountain bike.

I was going to recommend pedals with clips, but for the city that's probably not the best idea if you need to dismount and re-mount quickly. The same goes for clipless pedals, plus you'd have to change shoes later on. So find a nice mountain bike with a good seat and suspension system. Oh and maybe add a basket in case you want to pick stuff up from a store on your way home. You might think it looks dorky, but no one cares

 

[MegaVovaN]

Forget road and mountain bikes. Road are not best for city (easy to over steer and no suspension on them), mountain are meh because their suspension sucks up energy instead of effectively transferring it to the ground.

What you want is a hybrid bike. New hybrid bike will easily fit in your budget (they start at 250-300). A hybrid bike is a cross between road bike and mountain bike. It has relatively thick but not knobby tires, maybe some suspension, and taller gears than MTB. A hybrid bike will take care of potholes and dirt, while being easy to maneuver and comfortable to sit on.

Go to local bike shops (LBS) and ride on few hybrid bikes they have, then pick best shop and bike. Make sure to buy from LBS that treats you well.
Reason to go for bike shop is because bike must FIT you well. A bike shop guy can estimate correct frame size for you and maybe take measurements of your body and recommend a particular bike. Be sure to mention than you are heavy. In bike community, rider over 200 LB or over 6 ft tall is called a Clydesdale and needs a rigid bike.

Kaido assembled a nice list of tools few posts up but he forgot tire levers. They are cheap, and you need 3 of them. You can buy them at (online) bike store such as Bike Nashbar: http://www.nashbar.com/

 

[Vogel515]

Kaido - thanks again for the tips

Megavovan - thanks for the response.

The more I've read the more I think the hybrid is the right way to go and the price sounds like it fits my budget.

I'm not sure what the difference is in rigidity for bikes, but I guess I'll find out at the store. I'll be sure to tell them I'm fat before buying the bike. haha

To buy:
- Bike
- Helmet
- Spare tube
- Levers

 

[irishScott]

Originally posted by: Kaido
]7. Sunglasses: Not only to protect your eyes from the sun, but also from debris and bugs. Nothing like getting a bee or mosquito in your eye while cruising along at 15mph! The wrap-around kind are the best (as opposed to the reading-glasses style ones) because debris & bugs can't get behind the seal between the glasses and your face. If you wear glasses, sports stores sell sunglasses that fit over them.
)

Only thing I'll add to this is make sure the seal isn't too tight, otherwise you'll get fogging if you sweat for more than a few minutes/if it's humid.

 

[GarfieldtheCat]

Originally posted by: Vogel515
Kaido - thanks again for the tips

Megavovan - thanks for the response.

The more I've read the more I think the hybrid is the right way to go and the price sounds like it fits my budget.

I'm not sure what the difference is in rigidity for bikes, but I guess I'll find out at the store. I'll be sure to tell them I'm fat before buying the bike. haha

To buy:
- Bike
- Helmet
- Spare tube
- Levers

Maybe I missed it, but is it even *safe* to bike to your job? I've seen Boston drivers, and I don't think I would want to risk it.

I live down in Atlanta, where traffic is bad and drivers are worse, and I think if I biked to work my life expectancy would be about 1 month.

I would make sure that it's safe first, no sense getting in shape to be hit by a car.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Living in Cambridge, I used to bike into downtown crossing when I worked in Boston. Unless, it was a hot day, I didn't really sweat. I would just towel myself off, shoot myself with a little body spray and change into my work clothes that I carried in a backpack.

Will you be locking-up your bike outside or are you able to bring it inside? If outside, I would personally buy a used beater bike b/c I'd hate to have a nice bike stolen or vandalized. Based on the distance, it doesn't matter if it's a hybrid, road or mountain bike. I would check out craigslist first.

Bike Shops:
Cambridge Bicycle carries used and new bikes - http://www.cambridgebicycle.com/
Broadway Bicycle School in Cambridge also carries used bikes I believe - http://broadwaybicycleschool.com/
REI at the Fenway
International Bike in Allston/Brighton
Belmont Wheellworks
Harris Cyclery in Newton

Based on lights and traffic, I would plan on 20-25 minutes in Boston.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: MegaVovaN
Forget road and mountain bikes. Road are not best for city (easy to over steer and no suspension on them), mountain are meh because their suspension sucks up energy instead of effectively transferring it to the ground.

What you want is a hybrid bike. New hybrid bike will easily fit in your budget (they start at 250-300). A hybrid bike is a cross between road bike and mountain bike. It has relatively thick but not knobby tires, maybe some suspension, and taller gears than MTB. A hybrid bike will take care of potholes and dirt, while being easy to maneuver and comfortable to sit on.

Go to local bike shops (LBS) and ride on few hybrid bikes they have, then pick best shop and bike. Make sure to buy from LBS that treats you well.
Reason to go for bike shop is because bike must FIT you well. A bike shop guy can estimate correct frame size for you and maybe take measurements of your body and recommend a particular bike. Be sure to mention than you are heavy. In bike community, rider over 200 LB or over 6 ft tall is called a Clydesdale and needs a rigid bike.

Kaido assembled a nice list of tools few posts up but he forgot tire levers. They are cheap, and you need 3 of them. You can buy them at (online) bike store such as Bike Nashbar: http://www.nashbar.com/

Oops yeah, you need tire irons. Nashbar is a great place to buy from, be sure to check out RetailMeNot.com because there's always a free shipping or 20% coupon floating around.

I've never heard of hybrid bikes, thanks for posting about those!

 

[gramboh]

Riding in traffic is a big death risk factor. My dad actually researched what his most likely cause of death would be (age 58, in great shape, did half ironman recently). Riding a bike in traffic was significantly above all other risk factors. Personally I just can't trust idiots driving huge SUVs talking on cellphone/typing on Blackberry, it's too scary to me.

 

[Megatomic]

Originally posted by: gramboh
Riding in traffic is a big death risk factor.

Agreed. I live in a smaller city (~30k) and our traffic can be challenging sometimes. But the drivers are very accommodating to cyclists so lucky me. But in larger cities it's often not the case. If you can take back roads to work then you may be able to do this, otherwise stick with mass transit.

I don't have any practical bike advice to give you other than make sure you get it fitted to you for best results. I just bought my first road bike (for triathlon racing) and have put less than 500 miles on it so far. It's the most fun I have in training, biking is awesome.

 

[DarrelSPowers]

Originally posted by: Vogel515
I am looking to substitute my daily commute with a bike ride and I'd like your opinions or suggestions:

Everyday I think about how ridiculous it is that it takes 45 minutes for me to travel from one side of Boston to the other (4.5 miles). My current commute consists of a 0.6 mile walk to the T, 20 minutes on the T, then a 5 minute bus ride, and finally another .5 mile walk.

I am debating purchasing a bicycle. However, there are some factors to consider:

1. Work pays for my T pass. How much is a decent bicycle going to run me? Do I want a mountain bike or a road bike?

2. Time - how much time will I be saving? Is it safe to assume that a 4.5m bike ride will take 15-20 minutes?

3. Sweat factor. I work in a professional office and change into shorts before and after work however I do not shower at work, sometimes I do shower at the gym after work but if I start biking I do not want to be obligated to shower daily at the gym before work and once I get home.

Okay, I apologize for not reading the entire thread, but as a fellow boston bike commuter hopefully I can help ya out.

1) You definetly want a road bike. I've been biking to various jobs around the boston area, started with your generic mountain bike, moved to a nicer mountain with front shocks, then threw on some smooth tires, and a few months ago my dad found his old Fuji ten speed road bike from the 70s when cleaning out his old basement. A few weeks ago I converted it to a fixed rear wheel since the gearshifts were starting to wear out, and I love it. I've never rode to charlestown, but my ride from brookline doesn't have any huge hills, so it works out very well.

2) 30 minute commute, absolute maximum, at a relaxed pace as well so you shouldn't be sweating too much

3) I'm an engineer, so my job might not be as formal as yours. I bike to work in jeans and a polo on days when I dont go to the gym before work, so clothes may be more of an issue for you.

Personally, if you want to get in the best shape of your life, I reccomend joining a gym near where you work, biking to the gym, working out then showering and changing for work there, then head to work. I started doing this a couple months ago, and I haven't been this fit since high school haha.

One thing to definetly be concerned with though is other drivers. Making yourself noticed on the road is hugely important, quite a few roads in boston don't have bike lanes, and everyone knows about massholes. I personally have been ran off the road by a lady in her SUV who didn't see me as she changed lanes.

But yeah... I personally reccomend buying a bike from Bikes not bombs in Jamaica Plain, which is a non profit bike shop that refurbishes old bikes and sells them/donates them. You can get an excellent road bike for $400, and feel good about where your money went!

http://www.bikesnotbombs.org/

Uh yeah, thats about all I can think of, hope it was helpful!

 

[sonambulo]

Bicycle Bill's in Allston does the best maintenance on bikes I've seen around the area but they are a little expensive.

I ride throughout Cambridge and Somerville on any given day and I'd estimate your commute between 25-30 minutes from what I've seen around the city.

If you can afford a road bike then go to town with it but I personally ride a heavily modified hybrid everywhere I go. Studded snows allow me to ride during the winter (fuck the slow T) and it's a fairly smooth ride. A road bike easily trumps it for summer riding but I prefer my hybrid for the daily commute.

Also, great tip on bikesnotbombs DSP. I will probably buy my next rig from them.

edit: one more thing. A rack trumps a basket any day of the week for carrying cargo.

 

[DarrelSPowers]

edit: one more thing. A rack trumps a basket any day of the week for carrying cargo.

unless you're mary poppins

 

[imported_Imp]

Originally posted by: gramboh
Riding in traffic is a big death risk factor. My dad actually researched what his most likely cause of death would be (age 58, in great shape, did half ironman recently). Riding a bike in traffic was significantly above all other risk factors. Personally I just can't trust idiots driving huge SUVs talking on cellphone/typing on Blackberry, it's too scary to me.

In my city, I think there have been about 4 bicycle related deaths in the past 3 years. Pretty low, but that doesn't factor in the injuries from retards opening doors on you or who "don't see you". I don't commute on a bike, but I go on some recreational, 4 mile rides once or twice a week on the road. I can do that distance in about 30 minutes on side streets. I don't take my bike onto the major raods specifically cause of the idiots, even with bike lanes that are usually blocked by parked cars. Funny thing though, if you look through statistics, I think biking is actually safer than car travel (google it).

One way not to be a statistic is to follow the rules of the road. On my regular route with pretty high cycling traffic, I don't think I've ever seen anyone else stop or even slow for a stop sign. Just remember car>bike. Also, don't go the wrong way on one ways. Once I stopped doing it, I felt a lot safer, and got in the way of cars a lot less.

Buy a cheap bike if you have to chain it up outside. Less heartbreak when it gets stolen.

 

[TanisHalfElven]

Originally posted by: Vogel515
Kaido: Thanks for the quick response!

I was hoping to pick up a bike for under $500. I guess I'll be looking used.

Traffic/Pedestrians will be a pain in some places, but for the most part I don't think it will be that bad.

Sweating may be an issue, I am in decent shape but I do sweat.

Alternative mode is there because I can always just take the T.

Any suggestions on where I might find a bike?

i recently got a FUJI odessa mountain bike for 299 +tax.
i'd recommend a mountain bike over a street bike since it can handle rough spots a lot better.
anyway the point was you can probably find a cheap bicycle for 299.

 

[funks]

I have a FORGE SAWBACK 5XX mountain bike that I got from Target.com per the reviews at MTBR.COM - http://forums.mtbr.com/showthr...ighlight=forge+sawback

http://www.target.com/Forge-Sa...forge%20sawback&page=1

I just changed the tires to something for the street, put a Mr. Tuffy tire liner on it (definitely do this), changed the seats (wanted more comfortable seats), and changed the handlebar. Been using it for 2 years now for commuting to the gym and I've been very happy.

 

[StageLeft]

I can tell you, and I own both a nice triathlon bike and a $250 mountain bike, you want a mountain bike for commuting and the first thing you'll do (my bike is fine; no need to spend more than that) is replace its knobby tires with road slicks, which will increase your speed by several miles per hour (no joke, I would never use a mountain bike with knobbies on the road ever again, it's absurdly slow by comparison).

Not only would I not commute on my race bike because of concerns about it being stolen, but it's not suitable at all to go over the occasional curb or over pot holes or grates in the road or whatever else and a mtn bike can do any of these.

I'm serious about the road slicks. Do not both with knobbies, they are SLOW SLOW SLOW.

When I've commuted to work I've averaged about 17 mph on my mountain with slicks, but I will arrive sweaty, so if a shower isn't available you'll need a bathroom in which you can towel off a lot. Main things affecting your speed will be hills and lights. A 20 mph average speed can be 15 if you're stuck sitting at reds all the time.

You could do hybrid, but slicks for a mtn bike are cheap and you'll still have your knobbies should you ever want to go mountain biking.

Riding a bike in traffic was significantly above all other risk factors.

It is a very high risk factor. Given gas costs and my desire to cycle for exercise anyway, it makes sense to commute for me, but in the interests of safety, when I've done it on my bike I turn my 7-mile-each-way journey into a 10 mile because I ride parallel to the main road on country roads. I've ridden a lot in heavy traffic but doing so really does distil things not to if but when you're going to be hit by a car. Even riding by farms I can have semi-close calls from time to time and in traffic the risk escalates massively.

 

[TheNiceGuy]

Hi Vogel515
Didn't read everyones' posts, so forgive me if there's repeats.
I got into biking again for commuting purposes a few years ago, and Im really glad I did. Felt great, got in great shape, saved money, enjoyed the commute more, best parking in town everywhere I went. I was in a smallish city with a lot of hills, and if I was gunning it, I could actualy beat someone in a car doing the same commute.
Through experience, I got a settup I really liked for several reasons. I bought a barely used 1 or 2 year old Specalized Rockhopper mountainbike at a sports shop that sold new and used bikes. It had some expensive after market stuff on it too. I paid $300, and it was originaly about $900 without the extras. I also really recommend slick or semi-slick tires ($10). Rain tire guards ($10). Back rack with pannier bags ($80+). Steel U-style lock ($5). Small tire change kit, extra intertube, chain link ($10).
Depending on if you want to stay with biking, I'd also reccommend getting padded bike shorts (the spandex type) ($30), gloves ($10), and SPD shoes/pedals ($100+). These made the ride a lot faster/comfortable. I got great running shoe type SPD shoes, and wore them even when I wasn't biking, 'cause they were comfortable. Oh ya, and a decent music player with earbuds. Music was a blast while riding.
You can get a lot of this stuff used for really cheap.
Cons were that my hair was messy after wearing a helmet. And where I lived, bikes were required to drive on the road, not sidewalk, which was impossible to follow at all times. I was hit once and knocked off my bike, and had several close calls. I became a very defensive driver, and regularly broke the rules in favor of safety. The road looks a lot different on a bike.

I would go with the mountain bike, especialy for your size. It's stronger, cheaper, more comfortable, better stability/handling, etc. I was constantly jumping curbs, potholes, etc. and broke so many spokes I ended up buying reinforced hand built rims, which solved the problem. I cracked my frame 3 times. Mind you, I was doing a lot of riding, hauling 100lbs in cargo sometimes, etc. I can only imagine thin road bike rims and frame. I never tried front shocks, but I think they would have cut down on sore wrists from sudden jarring.

Anyway, have fun!

 

[MegaVovaN]

There is a term for messy hair = "helmet hair". Solution = cut short, kinda like military cut.

small correction: Tires are $10 EACH.

As for bike shorts, subscribe and watch ads email from Nashbar, they have good sales. I bought my spandex shorts for $15 and won't ever ride long distances in regular clothes again. Gel seat is awesome as well (it is long, not wide).

 

[theeedude]

Originally posted by: Vogel515
I am looking to substitute my daily commute with a bike ride and I'd like your opinions or suggestions:

Everyday I think about how ridiculous it is that it takes 45 minutes for me to travel from one side of Boston to the other (4.5 miles). My current commute consists of a 0.6 mile walk to the T, 20 minutes on the T, then a 5 minute bus ride, and finally another .5 mile walk.

I am debating purchasing a bicycle. However, there are some factors to consider:

1. Work pays for my T pass. How much is a decent bicycle going to run me? Do I want a mountain bike or a road bike?

Road bike. I think $1000 is a good budget for a new bike you would want to keep for a while (105 class components), though you could probably get something cheaper as a starter, I don't recommend it, due to components not being as robust.
Exception being is if you plan on leaving the bike outside, in which case, don't get too expensive one due to extra exposure and risk of theft. If you don't have hills, you can also consider single speed bikes. Do get a good fit at a legit bike store.

2. Time - how much time will I be saving? Is it safe to assume that a 4.5m bike ride will take 15-20 minutes?

Yes 15-20mph is what you should expect in traffic.

3. Sweat factor. I work in a professional office and change into shorts before and after work however I do not shower at work, sometimes I do shower at the gym after work but if I start biking I do not want to be obligated to shower daily at the gym before work and once I get home.

It depends how humid it is, but 15 min exercise is not generally enough for me to break a sweat, especially with air blowing at you. I bike 7 miles to work, and don't shower unless I skip my morning shower and want to take it at work. BTW, in Japan, I saw a lot of people in professional attire (suits) riding commuter bikes to work, and they are obsessive about hygiene there.

 

[TheNiceGuy]

Most Japanese only commute by bike if they live very close to work. And they drive SLOW, so they don't sweat as much.