New Commuter - Subway 2

PhilTheFish

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum and thought I would post my commuting story so far (1 journey in!!). Picked up my Carrera Subway 2 from Halfords as part of the Cycle2work scheme on Friday. Built the bike myself (years of amateurish experience) and was very pleased with it.

I've always ridden a bike, but I've always had £100 ish ATBs before now. What a difference this new bike makes. My journey is between 7-8 miles each way dependent on route and is quite up and down (although there are no major hills). I set off this morning expecting to take around 45-50 minutes to get in and was very pleasantly surprised when I clocked in at 35 minutes ride time. The slimmish tyres and rigid, lightish frame made the ride great. Stayed on the big chain ring all the way in and only used 4 gears. Top gear felt rapid when coming downhill.

I had planned to do it maybe 2 or 3 times a week, but after this mornings experience I think I'll do 5 out of 5.

I left at 06:45, so there was no major traffic on the way in. I suspect this will be different on my way home at 4 o clockish but I'm quite used to rinding on roads in traffic so hopefully shouldn't be a major event.

I'd forgotten just how good it feels to commute on the bike. I haven't done it for around 6 years (and only 3 miles each way then).

snakehips

Glad to hear you enjoyed it.
I commute on a 2+ year old Subway 1 , it still does the job.
Where is your commute?
You have started at a good time of year (is there a bad time to start?) You'l just get in the groove before Winter arrives. Hope you are planning to carry on during Winter.

Snake

PhilTheFish

Yes, figured that I should get a few weeks of okay(ish) weather before the winter months start to kick in. I plan on sticking to it through the winter although I do have a serious problem dragging my backside out of bed when the mornings are pitch black!

The commute is from the outskirts of Liverpool into the centre.

I do 10 mile trips most weekends but that is with the kids in tow so they take around 2 hours and it doesn't really push me at all. If I can shave another 5 minutes off my trip time I'll be more than happy.

snakehips

PhilTheFish wrote:

I do have a serious problem dragging my backside out of bed when the mornings are pitch black!

.

But that's the same whatever method of transport you are using surely.
Winter mornings can be quite bracing

PhilTheFish

Day 2 update......

Rode home in the rain last night which I absolutely loved. Always been a fan of getting soaked provided I'm wearing the right gear! Trip home took me 35 minutes again, as did the journey in to work this morning.

The last 1/2 mile in is in the city centre so I've become one of those crazy cyclists who bounce up kerbs and go down one way streets the wrong way to shave vital minutes off the journey time!