Advice for a new biker

This summer I was selected by New Belgium Brewery to trade my car for everything I need to bike for the next year. I will not be driving, which is a big change for me.

I want to embrace this opportunity for a major change in my lifestyle, but I need help! There are people out there with LOTS more experience getting by without cars than I have, especially here, which is why I pose my question to all of you:

Help! How do I do it?!

What tips can you offer that helped you live without a car? What biking accessories are worth it and which are not?

As a start, here's what I've got as far as biking goes:

  • Bike
  • Helmet
  • Fenders
  • Rear rack
  • Panniers
  • Front Light
  • Rear Light
  • U-Lock
  • Cables for lock
  • Chain lube (wet and dry)
  • Degreaser
  • Tool kit
  • Reflective vest
  • Sunglasses
  • "Summer" and "winter" tires
  • Spare tube
  • Frame mounted pump

Let me know what you think. I'm looking for not just equipment suggestions, but anything that's helped you!

Please help me take the plunge into living car free!

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Liz on August 8, 2012 at 9:05am

I would add a breathable rainproof shell, gloves and rain pants to the list, it'll keep you comfortable and on the bike through rough weather. 

Also you may want to consider a trailer for hauling larger loads.  

Good luck! 

Permalink Reply by Paul on August 8, 2012 at 9:05am
Padded shorts or underwear. Make sure there is a tire boot in your tool kit. And a patch kit. Maybe a water bottle. Some coins or singles, it's nice to use a gas station air pump if you can (when you need to).
Permalink Reply by Fran Kondorf on August 8, 2012 at 9:09am

Hi, Bill-

 Congratulations and welcome.

 I recommend spending some time going through the forum archives here as there is a LOT of useful information to be had on just about every aspect of cycling. If you can think of it, there's probably a thread on it.

 Good luck and ride safely.

Permalink Reply by Blatherskate on August 8, 2012 at 9:09am

Know when to give in. Something I need to work on myself.

In short, pick your battles wisely. 

Welcome, by the way.

Permalink Reply by MK on August 8, 2012 at 9:20am

You'll also want some good winter gear, when that inevitably comes (sorry!). Layers, hopefully starting with some sort of wicking material. 

In the city I'd say learning how to throw your bike on a bus is a good thing to know, is Pace an option for you in Evanston? Do they have bike racks on the front? 

Permalink Reply by Leah Jone on August 8, 2012 at 9:23am

You might find that your relationship with food is going to change as it becomes the fuel that gets you to work. Figure out a high protein breakfast for your morning commute, get some snacks to keep at your desk and some emergency bars in your desk.

I would also learn how to use the bike racks on the front of PACE and CTA buses. Using bi-modal transportation isn't failing at bike commuting, it is surviving.

Finally, find a copy of The Art of Urban Cycling and read it.

Permalink Reply by spencewine on August 8, 2012 at 9:27am

Hand signals are your friends. And just get out their and do it....the hardest commute is the first commute. After that, it gets much easier.

Permalink Reply by in it to win it 8.0 mi on August 8, 2012 at 9:27am

fenders

 

Permalink Reply by Zoetrope on August 8, 2012 at 9:43am

This.  Feel like it needs to be stressed.  Starting out may be a shock to you for a variety of reasons, and feeling like you must bike all the time will put more pressure on yourself than it's worth.  Take it slow and have fun with it.  :)

Blatherskate said:

Know when to give in. Something I need to work on myself.

In short, pick your battles wisely. 

Welcome, by the way.

Permalink Reply by Duppie on August 8, 2012 at 9:48am

I wouldn't buy anything, but start riding instead. Like with any new hobby or activity, you can get lost in thinking that you need to buy all this stuff. Looks to me like you are very well set to commute.

Start riding and over time you will learn what things you are missing or are not working for you. Then come back and ask questions.

That is not to say that the other posters advise is not good, but a lot of that you will figure out over time (or not). And once you figure it out, there is plenty of time to buy it.

Good luck!

Permalink Reply by Chris Hainey on August 8, 2012 at 10:26am

Great idea. Get used to riding your bike in your neighborhood first and then start expanding your riding radius. All good ideas here, but also learn from watching experienced bikers on your rides. 99% of them are more than happy to give out free advice as well.

Duppie said:

I wouldn't buy anything, but start riding instead. Like with any new hobby or activity, you can get lost in thinking that you need to buy all this stuff. Looks to me like you are very well set to commute.

Start riding and over time you will learn what things you are missing or are not working for you. Then come back and ask questions.

That is not to say that the other posters advise is not good, but a lot of that you will figure out over time (or not). And once you figure it out, there is plenty of time to buy it.

Good luck!

Permalink Reply by Bill Bushnell on August 8, 2012 at 10:36am

Thanks for all the advice so far everyone! I really do appreciate it all.

Looks like some rain gear might be a wise investment, as well as some habit changes.

I've looked into trailers for hauling groceries and the like, but there are a number of options. Two wheels or one, and multiple brands for each. Any suggestions for trailers?

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