Feature Request: Commuting/Utility bike forum

[Rob]

Thought it would be pretty cool to have a sub forum about commuting and using the bike as transportation/hauling.

Anyone else think it might be a good idea? Might get more people to use the bike instead of their car...

[kanga]

Since I'm already doing it.... yes!

Tomorrow will be the first time I've driven my car in six weeks (heading to downieville!)

[bjammin]

As someone who commutes 150+ miles a week, I think this would be an excellent idea. I would love to here everyones commuting stories as well as ideas for "difficult" weather modifications.

[Burner]

I would agree, I just built up a new commuter... and that doesn't make me a roadie

[springrubber]

I love the idea! Lets keep this site bike related as much as possible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[hellboundheroic]

I'm moving close enough to my work where I'll be riding back and forth every day. I'm looking in to a single speed road bike, something cheap and easy like a Kona Paddy Wagon or Giant Bowery. Has anyone ridden either of these or have any other suggestions?

[Rob]

Check out a Bianchi San Jose! I miss mine

[LBmtb]

I've also had some comments about a vintage bike forum. Thoughts?

[Jman]

I didn't realize the work it takes to bike commute. I mean you really have to plan out what your going to do, how you're going to take what you need, where to lock it it..etc. It's not just get on your mountain/road bike and ride to work. I'm super impressed by those who do it though.

What would be considered a 'vinatage' bike? I have a 96 Rockhopper with a Manitou Mars front fork...is that considered vintage?...Or does have to be even older?

[bikeadict]

No opinion on a vintage bike forum..

However, I'm a struggling commuter (meaning I try to commute as much as possible but only do it one or two times a week) and I would find more talk of commuting inspiring and encouraging possibly resulting in more days!!!

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by bikeadict

No opinion on a vintage bike forum..

However, I'm a struggling commuter (meaning I try to commute as much as possible but only do it one or two times a week) and I would find more talk of commuting inspiring and encouraging possibly resulting in more days!!!

I really want to look into doing this...... especially in the Summer when I am not coaching youth sports.

Purchased a trail map.......figured out a route....have access to a shower at work......

No bike so far and no place to store it!Is 17 miles one way too far to ride on a road bike I know nothing about road bikes

[tkblazer]

Originally Posted by hellboundheroic

I'm moving close enough to my work where I'll be riding back and forth every day. I'm looking in to a single speed road bike, something cheap and easy like a Kona Paddy Wagon or Giant Bowery. Has anyone ridden either of these or have any other suggestions?

performance has the schwinn madison for $449 and its pretty dope

http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/...ail.php?id=923

i think i'm gonna end up getting a salsa though

http://www.salsacycles.com/casserollCompSS08.html

for an errand bike i really like this KHS i think it retails for under $300

http://www.khsbicycles.com/09_green_08.htm

[duke777]

Commute to work on bikes is awesome!

I ride to train station and lock it up there. I just leave my U lock there locked to the rack.

Here are some of the things I got/do for bike commuting

A large Timbuk2 bag really does haul a lot of stuff(i even bring my lunch) and the straps does keep it secure enough for road riding.

I keep arm warmers and change of bike shorts and jersey for the way home.

2 pairs of glasses, clear for darker condition

bought a air horn from path and it's very loud.

I leave my work shoe at work and change when I get there

I'll bring lights and jacket for winter time

I plan my route with more side streets to cut down on car traffic


There isn't that much to do though, just pedal!

[bikeadict]

Originally Posted by tkblazer

...
i think i'm gonna end up getting a salsa though

http://www.salsacycles.com/casserollCompSS08.html
...

Get the Salsa It will not disappoint. i currently have a casseroll set up geared with panieers for my commuter / road bike. It is very comfortable and pretty darn fast.

My commute when I do it is about 12 miles each way.

[tkblazer]

Originally Posted by bikeadict

Get the Salsa It will not disappoint. i currently have a casseroll set up geared with panieers for my commuter / road bike. It is very comfortable and pretty darn fast.

My commute when I do it is about 12 miles each way.

thanks for the review! i gotta save my pennies but i really want one.. its gonna

[riderofbikes]

Originally Posted by bikeadict

...However, I'm a struggling commuter (meaning I try to commute as much as possible but only do it one or two times a week) and I would find more talk of commuting inspiring and encouraging possibly resulting in more days!!!

1 or 2 times a week is still great! I've been doing 3 or 4 for about 1.5 yrs now. I always seem to have at least one day each week with a meeting, dinner, or something to get to right after work. So I use that "car-day" for bringing towels and t-shirts to stash in my desk. It keeps the load a little lighter when I ride in. The point is, if you keep at it, you'll fall into a schedule that's right for you.

It's good to see so many trail riders are doing this too! Great forum/thread idea Rob!

[pitmang1]

Originally Posted by hellboundheroic

I'm moving close enough to my work where I'll be riding back and forth every day. I'm looking in to a single speed road bike, something cheap and easy like a Kona Paddy Wagon or Giant Bowery. Has anyone ridden either of these or have any other suggestions?

I love my Paddy Wagon. It is tough enough to take the daily abuse I throw at it. It comes with a flip-flop hub if you want to ride fixed. It is comfortable enough for long rides (100+), even though it has a straight fork. Haven't ridden the Giant.

[Burner]

Plus we need a forum to post our commuter pr0n...

my newest build (shots out to Donkey and Aosty)



+2 for the casseroll... love that thing.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by Burner

Plus we need a forum to post our commuter pr0n...

my newest build (shots out to Donkey and Aosty)



+2 for the casseroll... love that thing.

Mat that thing is bad a$$. May pm you later to pick your brain.........