For those about to bike, I salute you.

[shakermaker113]

In terms of using a slide-off: I'm pretty lazy and often forgetful.

getting enough bike lights stolen will fix that.

[Courtney]

Kory, that's an awesome idea.

Gunz, sorry I don't have any genius suggestions.

[HowToDisappear]

kraftwerk cycling jersey



brooks catalogue

[HowToDisappear]

getting enough bike lights stolen will fix that.

Agreed. Bike lights are expensive. Get some that you can remove.

[insbordnat]

Cars are Coffins.




Anywho, maybe you all can help. Any gift ideas for a bike enthusiast who it seems has almost everything?

Cool headset caps, and they also make them with beer caps now. Tubes are always appreciated, a pair of Zipp wheels!, a cool jersey, if it's MTB a pair of Fox Commando shorts, if it's road some aerobars (if they're into Tris), a cool bike rack, panniers if they do the distance thing, new pedals, new shoes, etc. Also a cat eye or other computer if they don't have it.

Here's the headset cap: http://store.ninerbikes.com/Componen...D-Top-Cap-Item

[Courtney]

Any gift ideas for a bike enthusiast who it seems has almost everything?

Well, this is timely:

A Gift Guide for the Avid Cyclist

[Courtney]

So, my bicycle was stolen yesterday. On Christmas. I was really pissed off. And then really sad. But now I'm trying to think of it as a good opportunity to reevaluate my needs and get something that better suits my use.

I'd like to buy a replacement bike that is essentially a commuter bike -- something that I can ride to work and around town in regular work clothing, carrying things like work files and groceries. It does not need to be built for speed. It does not need to have a ton of gears. It does need to be comfortable. I would also like it to be attractive and under $1000.

I'm leaning towards perhaps a Linus or Public Bikes. Does anyone have any experience with commuter bikes, and/or suggestions?

[HandBanana]

Does anyone have any good online resources for a good way to size your new bike?
I got my sweetie one for the xmas and we need to size the handlebars and seat to the proper height.
Thanks!

[HowToDisappear]

This weekend in Sedona... it was a looooong way down if they'd slipped. All any of us down below could say was OH. SHIT.

[koryp]

So, my bicycle was stolen yesterday. On Christmas. I was really pissed off. And then really sad. But now I'm trying to think of it as a good opportunity to reevaluate my needs and get something that better suits my use.

I'd like to buy a replacement bike that is essentially a commuter bike -- something that I can ride to work and around town in regular work clothing, carrying things like work files and groceries. It does not need to be built for speed. It does not need to have a ton of gears. It does need to be comfortable. I would also like it to be attractive and under $1000.

I'm leaning towards perhaps a Linus or Public Bikes. Does anyone have any experience with commuter bikes, and/or suggestions?

First off I have to say I feel a significant amount of rage towards whatever iced out degenerate nipped your ride. That shit ain't right.

I am impressed with your chosen attitude towards the situation and would love to offer a few suggestions on a proper commuter. You've already identified what you need out of a bike so that really makes it easy to find the perfect bike if you're not in a huge hurry. I tried a few different types of bikes and found for short commutes (less than 3 miles) in a mixed urban environment nothing beats a properly modified lightweight mountain bike.

Some of the keys aspects are:

Properly fit bike - don't be afraid to go browse at the high end bike shop and get fitted for two or three brands. Take note of the frame size which will usually be in cm or in. Any bike sold in S/M/L frame instead of precise measurements will be hard to properly adjust unless you have a cookie cutter size and physique.

Light weight frame - after a properly fitted bike, the next most important aspect for me is light weight. When a bike fits well and isn't weighted down, it takes the feel, comfort, and performance of that bike from beat up cab level right to fine german compensation levels. When I feel in control of a bike, I can ride forever. When it feels sketchy, I drive instead.

Tires - These are my favorite commuter tires. They allow for traction when the street ends, but most of all they reduce resistance when the asphalt opens up. When I put them on my current commuter bike, they added 4 mph to my cruising speed over the off road raptors I use for trails.

Upgrade components - They next things I can not live without in city commutes are proper brakes. They give me that feeling that as long as I can see what that cell phone talking soccer mom is about to do, I can avoid her attempt to end my life. I prefer hydraulic discs like the juicy 5's. If I stop too fast with these, my sunglasses fly off my face. This impresses me.

After that it's about comfort and function. A good seat, functional storage, pretty lights, and a 10,000 volt emmiting tamper proof bike lock. If you can find a decent used bike that fits you, you can probaly have the upgrades installed and adjusted by a professional and be well under your budget.

[koryp]

Here's a pretty good video for both Courtney and Handbanana.



and for fitting a bike at home

[algunz]

This weekend in Sedona... it was a looooong way down if they'd slipped. All any of us down below could say was OH. SHIT.

[algunz]

It was such a beautiful day, but I have to admit I really don't like this trail.

[Courtney]

First off I have to say I feel a significant amount of rage towards whatever iced out degenerate nipped your ride. That shit ain't right.

I am impressed with your chosen attitude towards the situation and would love to offer a few suggestions on a proper commuter. You've already identified what you need out of a bike so that really makes it easy to find the perfect bike if you're not in a huge hurry. I tried a few different types of bikes and found for short commutes (less than 3 miles) in a mixed urban environment nothing beats a properly modified lightweight mountain bike.

Some of the keys aspects are:

Properly fit bike - don't be afraid to go browse at the high end bike shop and get fitted for two or three brands. Take note of the frame size which will usually be in cm or in. Any bike sold in S/M/L frame instead of precise measurements will be hard to properly adjust unless you have a cookie cutter size and physique.

Light weight frame - after a properly fitted bike, the next most important aspect for me is light weight. When a bike fits well and isn't weighted down, it takes the feel, comfort, and performance of that bike from beat up cab level right to fine german compensation levels. When I feel in control of a bike, I can ride forever. When it feels sketchy, I drive instead.

Tires - These are my favorite commuter tires. They allow for traction when the street ends, but most of all they reduce resistance when the asphalt opens up. When I put them on my current commuter bike, they added 4 mph to my cruising speed over the off road raptors I use for trails.

Upgrade components - They next things I can not live without in city commutes are proper brakes. They give me that feeling that as long as I can see what that cell phone talking soccer mom is about to do, I can avoid her attempt to end my life. I prefer hydraulic discs like the juicy 5's. If I stop too fast with these, my sunglasses fly off my face. This impresses me.

After that it's about comfort and function. A good seat, functional storage, pretty lights, and a 10,000 volt emmiting tamper proof bike lock. If you can find a decent used bike that fits you, you can probaly have the upgrades installed and adjusted by a professional and be well under your budget.

Thank you Kory! This is excellent info.

However, I actually have a very happy update: I found my bike!! It was ditched behind some bushes. The thieves took the front tire off, but it was otherwise in tact. So I went and bought a new tire, and now I'm back in business. Hurrah!

[algunz]

That's great news.

[Geno_g]

That's great you got your bike back and rolling...

Been riding to the farmers market on bike, it's been a blast. Can't wait to hit it up this saturday...

[koryp]

Happy day Courtney! I'm confused about the stealing the tire thing, but whatever, still great news.

[faxman75]

So i'm finally in the market for a bike and i've never purchased one before. It seems you already gave some very useful advice that I will take. My needs seem to be similiar to Courtney though my environment might be a little more urban. My commute is short and will be on the street. I plan on using it daily. My commute will be about 1.5 miles each way so at least 3 miles a day and sometimes closer to 5. Then I would also use it for more leisure activity on the weekends.

I'm a bigger fella. I'm 5'7 about 270. Is there a certain type or style that might be more comfortable? Do bikes have a weight limit?

My daily bike use would be on a road with moderate to heavy traffic. A basket might even be handy for carting around cargo but necessarily a requirement. I'm trying to keep costs down but i'm obviously i'm going to be heavily using this so reliablity and something that lasts are more important than price. Finally what accessories would say are a must have when getting started. Bike, helmet, water bottle and lock? I literally know nothing so whoever has advice talk to me like i'm 12 years old or so.

Thank you bikers in advance for your help. All comments and advice are welcome.

[Neighborhood Creep]

Just bought this off Craigslist for 325 this morning. I have it in the shop getting a free tune-up. Looking forward to giving it a trail run for an hour or so on Tuesday when I get it back. It's been a couple years.

[algunz]

[Neighborhood Creep]

Any suggestions on getting a rear bike rack for my car? I'd like one with 3 or 4 spots available on it but some reviews I have read say that the 4 holder really holds 2.

[algunz]

This Thule rack has been great & you can get an extension to add 2 more bikes.

[MiamiNate]

I began bike commuting today. Gas is just too much.
I have a 7-speed Schwinn Jaguar cruiser and it's 10 miles each way, 90% on sidewalks cause I don't trust the drivers down here.

[algunz]

That's great Nate. Be careful with the sidewalk though. They'll give you a ticket.

[MiamiNate]

3 cops drove by me this morning and didn't do anything. And I was the only bicyclist or pedestrian I saw. Many people ride on the sidewalk down here cause the roads are so dangerous. The cops know that and let it slide.

[algunz]

That's cool. Cops in Newport are not so forgiving.

[hippityhip]

A thread about biking how awesome. This summer will mark 2 years that I will be car and gasoline free. It all started in San Francisco for me and now in LA I continue to commute on bike and public transportation. There are days I miss having a car like when I gotta get to work on a mean ass hangover or when it's raining. But then I think about the few thousand dollars I have saved from not buying gas, car repair, insurance, and I get a smile on my face.

[algunz]

I'd still rather be on the polo fields, but this worked as a reasonable replacement. It was a beautiful day on the trail.

[romanticizer]

As soon as this cold is over, my hybrid is going to be the main form of transportation.

[Sleepingrock]

I think the Five Boroughs ride is in just over two weeks. Any folks going to be there?