Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Paul on August 8, 2012 at 10:45am

This one uses a full size wheel. Its a nice option. Spare tire/rim wherever you go.

http://www.extrawheel.com/en/4/


Bill Bushnell said:

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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Permalink Reply by Jason W on August 8, 2012 at 10:48am

My advise is to read this

http://bicyclesafe.com/

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Permalink Reply by Lanterne Rouge on August 8, 2012 at 10:49am

Hi Bill; welcome to the Chainlink. You're in some absolutely great company here.

I'm going to add another vote for rain gear; it becomes absolutely necessary when it's 33 degrees out and raining. Those are the worst times for riding, in my opinion. 

And I know many people dread it, but take consideration and plan for cycling this winter. If possible, start hitting up the resale shops for merino wool base and mid layers now. I found a great merino sweater for $3 at Village Discount. Otherwise, start looking into gloves and things that are windproof and still somewhat breathable. My big spend for bike winter this year is going to be thermal tights. I only used a thin pair of poly-blend long underwear last year, and had a rough go of it.

Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Paul on August 8, 2012 at 10:53am

+1 thermal tights. Worth the extra $$$ over farmer John type. Those with sweat pants and a top layer.

Jim S said:

Hi Bill; welcome to the Chainlink. You're in some absolutely great company here.

I'm going to add another vote for rain gear; it becomes absolutely necessary when it's 33 degrees out and raining. Those are the worst times for riding, in my opinion. 

And I know many people dread it, but take consideration and plan for cycling this winter. If possible, start hitting up the resale shops for merino wool base and mid layers now. I found a great merino sweater for $3 at Village Discount. Otherwise, start looking into gloves and things that are windproof and still somewhat breathable. My big spend for bike winter this year is going to be thermal tights. I only used a thin pair of poly-blend long underwear last year, and had a rough go of it.

Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on August 8, 2012 at 11:54am

Rain gear is good -especially a rain cover for your helmet (should you chose to wear one.)

Also, a rain cover for your saddle may keep your butt dry when you get back to the bike if you leave it outside. This may or may  not be important depending on your saddle type and material.   If you spring for a Brooks leather saddle it's pretty necessary.  But  you can get by with just using a plastic shopping bag most of the time. 

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Permalink Reply by Minh on August 8, 2012 at 7:23pm

Congratulations on your decision to live car free. It'll be tough at first and you seem to have collected good amount of "accessories", but the most important things are to learn to respect everyone on the road. Ride your bike as if none of the drivers can see you and don't let the idiotic drivers ruin your day.

The clothing and accessories needed will change as the seasons start to change and I wouldn't over prepare for the cold because you might end up purchasing all the wrong things. Take it a day at a time. The worst days are when it's 35-40 degrees and raining with 30 mph gusts (I dread riding in that weather and avoid it if possible). I'd rather have 20 degree days with a ton of snow on the ground and 5mph winds, but snow/ice/slush cycling is a beast of it's own.

During the fall and winter, new threads will pop up with many newbies asking about what clothing/accessories they should wear and what kind of stuff they'll need for their bike. Just subscribe to the threads and you'll find everything you'll need to know from this knowledgeable and at times overly argumentative extremely sensitive crybaby of a community. Ignore the arrogant pricks and welcome to the chainlink where you'll realize it's the same 10 guys yelling at each everyday.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Courtright on August 9, 2012 at 2:22am

Lots of good advice here.  We say, "there is no bad weather, only bad clothes."  So, get the right clothes/shoes.

 

I ride year round on a cyclocross style bike.  The wide cross tires handle just about anything, but are easier rolling than mountain bike tires.  IMO you don't need two sets of tires.

 

Also, if you are not a good mechanic already, you should bone up on bike maintenance.  Riding every day tends to make things break.

 

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Permalink Reply by in it to win it 8.0 mi on August 9, 2012 at 2:47am

Not sure how far you bike to work.  My commute is 8 miles one way, so I have to freshen up and change clothes. For this, I use:

Baby Wipes

Deodorant

Gold Bond Powder

Non-Offensive Body Spray

Also, I keep a pair of brown shoes and a pair of black shoes at work since we're semi-casual.  My change of clothes I bring with me daily.

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Permalink Reply by Bill Bushnell on August 9, 2012 at 3:44am

So much good advice! Thank you everyone! You have no idea how much this all helps, even if it's just my self confidence that I can do this!

I have started bringing baby wipes and deodorant to work, but the gold bond powder is new to me. What purpose does it serve?

in it to win it said:

Not sure how far you bike to work.  My commute is 8 miles one way, so I have to freshen up and change clothes. For this, I use:

Baby Wipes

Deodorant

Gold Bond Powder

Non-Offensive Body Spray

Also, I keep a pair of brown shoes and a pair of black shoes at work since we're semi-casual.  My change of clothes I bring with me daily.

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Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on August 9, 2012 at 3:51am

I just bought this trailer from someone and I love it!  

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Permalink Reply by Paul on August 9, 2012 at 3:55am

Nice! I've always liked the looks of that one. Good to hear its works for ya.

Julie Hochstadter said:

I just bought this trailer from someone and I love it!  

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Permalink Reply by Nançois on August 9, 2012 at 4:00am

Congratulations Bill!

I use almost every single piece of gear you have on your list, except maybe the "summer" and "winter" tires. Puncture-resistant tires have gotten me a lot farther without the need for the spare tube and toolkit. Sunglasses with photochromatic lenses are a big help too, since you can wear them well into dusk, which is when you would otherwise get gnats in your eyes once you take the sunglasses off. But I agree with previous posters that you are better off just riding and accumulating your own experience. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the Bikewinter website a href="http://bikewinter.org/>" target="_blank">http://bikewinter.org/>; for great tips and inspiration. Enjoy the ride!

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