Starting Commute

daniel_owen_uk
daniel_owen_uk Posts: 192
edited April 2009 in Commuting chat
Started a new job in January, I used to commute to my old work and did so for about a year.

New workplace is on a much bigger scale (60 vs 3000 employees), so I can't leave bike in the office this time round :)

Commute is best part of nothing, about 3 miles, I have access to a bike shed (that I have a key for), showers, and lockers at work.

What words of wisdom do people have in terms of locking bike up, I know people say hack bike etc, but I don't really want to go down that route.

Comments

  • davmaggs
    davmaggs Posts: 1,008
    You could leave a monster lock chained to something near the rack overnight to save carrying in every day. I wouldn't lock it to a rack itself because if people are there earlier than you, then you end up trying to undo it through a spaghetti of handlebars and other chains.

    Also I would add that whilst office spacing is normally part of the security infrastrure I wouldn't rely on that as firms usually have contractors wandering in and out, and security guards that aren't overly interested in watching a parking area.

    Also now that the weather is improving it is worth knowing if you need to arrive early to get a decent space.
  • davmaggs wrote:
    You could leave a monster lock chained to something near the rack overnight to save carrying in every day. I wouldn't lock it to a rack itself because if people are there earlier than you, then you end up trying to undo it through a spaghetti of handlebars and other chains.

    Also I would add that whilst office spacing is normally part of the security infrastrure I wouldn't rely on that as firms usually have contractors wandering in and out, and security guards that aren't overly interested in watching a parking area.

    Also now that the weather is improving it is worth knowing if you need to arrive early to get a decent space.

    Good idea, kept an eye on the 3 bike parks on site and never seen more than 3 bikes in them at any one time, so not too worried about that.

    What do you mean by office spacing?
  • jeepie
    jeepie Posts: 497
    I use

    http://www.torc-anchors.com/products.php?cat=8

    Package Deal: Protector 13mm Chain, Squire SS50CS Lock

    which you can get for just over £50....

    It's VERY beefy so I leave at work....

    I was in a similar position where I wanted to ride a bike to work I actually enjoyed rather than a hack.
  • Actually managed to acquire a nice thick chunky chain and decent padlock from my dad (who used to ride a sports motorbike but no longer does).

    This and a d-lock should about cover it, probably take seat and seatpost off (nothing great just a specialized bg and original post).

    Touch wood will be ok :)
  • Did my first ride this morning, the "big" hill isn't as bad as I thought, my new cycle computer blows, according to it, I was stood still for half my ride lol.

    New work place is much more work friendly, got there this morning, not one person in the changing rooms, 2 showers, and it took probably 20 minutes more than in the car (and I wasn't really rushing).

    Good news is it's ALL down hill on the way home :)
  • biondino
    biondino Posts: 5,990
    Did my first ride this morning, the "big" hill isn't as bad as I thought, my new cycle computer blows, according to it, I was stood still for half my ride lol.

    Have a look at how close the magnet is to the sensor, and if possible make it closer (this might involved slipping something under the sensor to raise it).
  • davmaggs
    davmaggs Posts: 1,008
    "office spacing" is a term that is complete nonsense. I started typing out my reply and then came back to it later so it's a blunder.

    What I had meant to say was that whilst office parking is often supposed to be monitored by security the reality is that many workplaces have numerous contractors and other people coming and going all day you shouldn't assume that this parking is secure even when it is inside.
  • I agree about that, but when you can physically see the bike yourself when sat at your desk, it's fairly safe :)

    As for this sensor, it's could be closer, it's almost touching, I have adjusted that about 10 times already!
  • prawny
    prawny Posts: 5,440
    Is your comp a cateye?
    Mine is and I couldn't get it to stay working all the way home, turned out the easy peasy toolless fitting elastic band is rubbish and the sensor bounced out of range and back again regularly.
    I've fastened it with zip ties the old fasioned way and now it's peachy 8)
    Saracen Tenet 3 - 2015 - Dead - Replaced with a Hack Frame
    Voodoo Bizango - 2014 - Dead - Hit by a car
    Vitus Sentier VRS - 2017
  • Mine is a cheapy bikehut one (got it for xmas), it's already zip tied on, it's frightnigly close to the magnet, although it does pass at a weird angle.

    Will take a look when I have a bit more time.