I appreciate the rash of responses and helpful comments. I work outside and am used to being outside during long periods of low temperatures. That being said, i am not worried about stopping my commute due to cold weather. Ill get some wind breaking gear to handle that. What will probably stop me will be poor visibility or road conditions due to winter storms. Ive seen enough of the way people drive in winter to know its suicide to be on a bike those days.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Coys1882
My opinion and that's all:
1. Don't bother with patch kits - tubes at MEC are $2.99 and with practice (and you should practice) you can change one and be on the road again in 5 minutes.
2. Buy cycling shorts without a doubt.
3. Don't be afraid of 23c tires (this is based on my experience as a NON winter commuter) - less friction means more speed, but the higher PSI also increases your chance at a flat. I don't find them any more squirrely on well paved roads than 28c or 32. Regardless which size you go with - get slicks.
4. Do you have a place to shower? If so - try to keep shoes and clothes there so you don't have to haul them everyday. If you do - roll your clothes instead of folding them. Less creases that way.
5. Be mindful of the traffic and the fact you're a guppy swimming with sharks. Right of way means nothing in a battle between a bike and a car. You'll lose.
6. Be respectful for the drivers. They spent time getting past you - don't cruise to the front at a red light so they have to do it again. Get behind the car in front and wait your turn. I also like to move over to the far left side of the right hand lane so people can still turn right if needed.
7. Get lights for front and back and get a backpack with some reflective striping.
8. Watch youtube videos and learn how to maintain your bike - you'll save a ton of dough. (I wish Pylon was still here - I wanted him to do a CP repair class)
9. Buy new clothes - you'll lose weight dude. I have an 18.6 km ride one way - my garmin/HR monitor tells me it's 1200+ calories burned there and back. If you can pull that off three times a week you'll love the results.
10. Like HulkRogan said - MEC is your friend. They have great gear and staff and it's all well priced.
Keep us updated on how things go - I love hearing stories about people doing this!! It's a mini subculture - all the commuters I pass give the nod, smile or wave.
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I wanted to say a particular thanks to this Coys and respond.
1. I intend to get a hand pump at home for tire pressure maintenance. Do you use those compressed air canisters to blow up your tubes when you change on the fly?
2. Protecting the junk
3. I think ill stick to the tires the bike comes with for the first while. Is it safe to change out into different tires on the same bike later? My terminology is sub-par... im assuming the 23c etc numbers refer to the tire width
4. There is a gym nearby where I can shower if need be but, like I mentioned earlier, I work outside. No dress cloths for me. I also work with an honest person who will inform me quickly if I stink
5. This reminds me of my visit to Europe when I met up with a friend of mine who lives in Amsterdam (for those that dont know, amsterdam has more bicycles than people. Literally three story parking garages overflowing with bicycles). She told me the rules of the road there "1. Be confident with the right of way 2. The tram(think LRT) always wins"
The equipment and the MEC suggestions are also very much appreciated.
As far as vehicle traffic goes...
Ive been keeping a mental note of the things I dislike bikers doing when im driving and I intend to avoid doing those. I will post an update when I get some gear (probably toward the end of sept) and how my ride is going.
One last quick question... since im biking fairly early in the morning.
If I come to a red light that requires a vehicle to activate the sensor to change the light should I just run the light or move over and hit the pedestrian walk button? Not sure what protocall is in such a situation.
Again... I appreciate all the help. Bought by 3 year old daughter one of those pedal-less Strider bikes. She loves it. We live right near fish creek park... cant wait to take her out there and ride with her.