New Commute
cyclepooch
Posts: 15
I am a newbie to the forums, so hello! 8)
Tomorrow I start my 21 Mile Commute and I am praying it will go well. It seems that the odds are against me though. Yesterday, my pride and Joy, a Dawes XC 2.2 converted into a Hybrid Configuration was pinched from my Garden. Not to be dettered I have resurrected my old Saracen Cheapo Mountain Bike as I can't face the train/bus combination.
Up until Friday, my commute was 10 miles a day rain or shine and I particularly enjoyed riding in snow/ice (yes I am a strange one). So now my Commute is jumping to 42 miles per day and I am quite excited by this if not a little worried.
I have done a couple of test rides and all was well, however because my newer bike was stolen, I have to ride the bike I call 'old gill'.
I will carry spare innertubes, removal levers, pump and water. The usual mobile phone will be present too. Any other suggestions?
Also, does anyone do a similar commute? How did you find it?
My main fear is something like an axle snapping or chain snapping. I am not too worried about cables breaking.
I took Old Gill to my local Cycle Shop to have him looked over and all was well. I have done a bit of riding on old gill and although he's not as nice as my Dawes, he's not so bad.
Tomorrow I start my 21 Mile Commute and I am praying it will go well. It seems that the odds are against me though. Yesterday, my pride and Joy, a Dawes XC 2.2 converted into a Hybrid Configuration was pinched from my Garden. Not to be dettered I have resurrected my old Saracen Cheapo Mountain Bike as I can't face the train/bus combination.
Up until Friday, my commute was 10 miles a day rain or shine and I particularly enjoyed riding in snow/ice (yes I am a strange one). So now my Commute is jumping to 42 miles per day and I am quite excited by this if not a little worried.
I have done a couple of test rides and all was well, however because my newer bike was stolen, I have to ride the bike I call 'old gill'.
I will carry spare innertubes, removal levers, pump and water. The usual mobile phone will be present too. Any other suggestions?
Also, does anyone do a similar commute? How did you find it?
My main fear is something like an axle snapping or chain snapping. I am not too worried about cables breaking.
I took Old Gill to my local Cycle Shop to have him looked over and all was well. I have done a bit of riding on old gill and although he's not as nice as my Dawes, he's not so bad.
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Hi there and welcome.
What a gutter about your Dawes. Think on the bright side though, you're able to cycle and you have a spare bike - yippee
As you've had the bike checked out by your LBS, everything should be fine, and you've got spare tubes and levers in case you meet the PF (puncture fairy), keep your tyre pressures up too as that usually prevents puctures.
Lights?
To alleviate your anxiety about the chain, why not get yourself a chain splitter (or a decent multi tool) and some re-usable chain links. Google "Alien 2 - Multi Tool" which should cover most bases if emergency maintenance is needed.
Now you just need to visit the thread "Silly Commuter Racing" and join in the fun!
Pinarello Dogma 2 (ex Team SKY) 2012
Cube Agree GTC Ultegra 2012
Giant Defy 105 2009
One of the good things about mtb's is that you can fit one in the back of a regular taxi, in extremis!
Yes indeed I can still ride plus I had insurance too so all is not lost.
Lights, I better go get some. Part of me still thinks I have the Dawes which was fully kitted out.
@TARDIE
What are these clip together links you speak of? Do I require a tool to use them?
I have thought about the Taxi thing too, also I found somewhere where you could get Bicycle breakdown cover, although it doesn't cover punctures - but a chain snap I guess would be covered.
A pair of these (it says you need two...)
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/SRAM_ ... 300003847/
I'll try and find a better link! I've actually got some rolling about the bottom of my rackpack - a nice bike mechanic gave them to me before I went up to thurso.
Thinking about it, you'll still need a chain tool to remove the old bits. :oops:
Hope the insurance comes through quickly. What insurer do you use?
ADDS this sort of thing
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLq ... 921c003208
I have just bought a delinker/multi tool and wacked on some lights. I also forgot about the pump too and have got one of those now and two spare tubes.
Yeah I hope the insurance comes through quickly too. I am with Tesco Home Insurance.
Only 30 miles a day compared to your 42, but am tiring by the Friday (in a good way, of course).
Good luck!
"What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
"It stays down, Daddy."
"Exactly."
I had a bit of a splurge today and got most of what you have suggested bar the Super Glue and Insulating Tape.
Re the public transport, agreed it's not ideal. I prefer to be in control of my own destiny and that's why I have chosen to continue cycling. I am looking forward to when it's really cold as that's my favourite time to ride, very strange I know.
All going well I shall post about how it went tomorrow evening. Assuming I make it! :P
I popped into my LBS today and ordered the Alien DX tool (27 tools in one) which includes a spoke key (good shout CJ). My LBS sell them online for £34.89 which seems great value, let me know if want their details.
Pinarello Dogma 2 (ex Team SKY) 2012
Cube Agree GTC Ultegra 2012
Giant Defy 105 2009
I stuck a coule of Schwalbe Tyres on my MTB and that made a big difference to speed but from what I had read on here, I am actually a bit of a slow coach! :P
At the moment I am on old gill. Not an ideal start to my new commute as I had just spent a lot of money on my Dawes bike which was pinched. I have had some little rides during the weekend and can certainly tell the difference.
In terms of a road bike, what would you recommend around the £500 mark?
This is very much down to the individual, but Giant, Specialized and Trek are probably the main 3 manufacturers to consider.
A visit to your LBS is your best bet, get them to measure you up for the best frame size, see if they have any 07 or 08 models on sale and take a couple for a spin.
Also, check if your employer is on the Cycle to Work Scheme - before you buy anything.
Pinarello Dogma 2 (ex Team SKY) 2012
Cube Agree GTC Ultegra 2012
Giant Defy 105 2009
Here are some suggestions:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/sco ... e-ec016351
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pin ... e-ec018113
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/tre ... e-ec016472
Dawes also do some under 400 quid, but I don't know what they're componentry is like in terms of durability.
Don't be put off by thin tyres.
"What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
"It stays down, Daddy."
"Exactly."
Welcome!
I've just done the cycle to work scheme and got the Giant Escape R1: http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetails.asp?productID=15474&catID=428
I'm only doing a 20 mile round trip, but even after a week the increase in speed and efficiency is significant. I reckon a full out roadie is definitely what you're looking for, as you'll be needing the extra energy later in the week.
I wear a rucksack, but have you considered panniers?
FCN 8
"Build a man a fire, and he'll be warm for a day. Set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life."
- Terry Pratchett.
hope you didnt get too wet this morning
Thin tyres are brill - don't be put off. They'll have more then enough grip and certainly more than the equivalent MTB tyre, and be honest - how many roadies do you see sitting at the side of the road because they've had yet another puncture, or have slid off on a bend. Grip wise your nerve will give out before a thin tyre lets go. Just keep them pumped up.
21 miles is about 1½ hours each way initially so 12 - 15 hours a week pedalling. For that you really do want a road bike, even if you think you don't. It'll be easier, faster if you want it to be, and you will come to wonder how you ever thought that a MTB would be ok for this ride. Get a lightwieght road machine, with ridiculously thin tyres, a narrow slotted saddle, and some carbon bling. Enjoy the ride.
simply because you will have more positions to put your hands, and more comfort.
I do a similar distance to you, details are in another thread somewhere so won't repeat myself, but expect about two months of feeling pretty drained before your fitness levels catch up with your mileage. After that it becomes easy.
Anyway, hope it went well. You picked a fine day to start, its wet as down here!
However, I was absolutely on fire when I got into the Office. I felt so awake all day it was amazing.
My secret fuel that got me there was a pint of Lucozade and a Snicker lol.
Hmmm, road bikes. You are starting to sell the idea to me guys but I have ridden MTB's for like ever. It's like eating with a knife and fork and then moving somewhere where it is customary to eat with chopsticks.
You see, I reckon I had it all with my old Dawes and the Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tyres. My average speeds are around 17 miles per hour on the Dawes (when I had it) and about 14mph on old gill (my rust bucket bike).
So you reckon I might be even faster? Or perhaps the same but for less effort?
PS My company does not do cycle to work, I checked it when I bought the Dawes and they still don't do it now :shock:
Thanks for all the help and suggestions, I feel bad for coming along and taking all this advice! I will take a look at the recommendations and keep you posted on my progress.
(Sore legs tonight).
A pint of Lucozade? :shock: Did you suffer any digestive distress?
"What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
"It stays down, Daddy."
"Exactly."
The riding position looks quite different on a Roadie. Is it still comfortable?
"What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
"It stays down, Daddy."
"Exactly."
I am wondering whether something like a Hybrid would be more suitable to me?
As an example, this badger: -
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/sco ... e-ec016347
I just can't let go of the Mountain Bike Addiction. Perhaps I should see if I can have a test ride on a fully fledged Road Bike as I have never ridden one.
Go for test ride. However, it'll take more than a test ride around the streets near the bike shop to get used to the riding position. You need to take it out for an hour or so really, perhaps more. If you think they're not for you, and you'd prefer a hybrid, spend your money on a hybrid.
Alternatively, if you want something you can take off road, but is still quick, have you considered a cyclo cross bike?
"What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
"It stays down, Daddy."
"Exactly."
I hadn't heard of a Cyclo cross until now.
I would like something with Hydraulic Disc Brakes again, but I don't think I can get that with a Road Bike?
Having gone back to my older bike which uses V brakes, I really miss the precision offered by the Discs on my other bike.
I have issues.
I reckon I should just get a Road Bike and get used to it
Orbea do a disc braked road bike. Pretty sure one was reviewed by C+ last year. Check out the bike reviews on BikeRadar. Might be on there. There could well be other manufacturers that offer such a bike too, but none immediately spring to mind.
The cross bikes will have canti brakes on them.
"What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
"It stays down, Daddy."
"Exactly."
Btw, if you're 5'11, you need to look for 56cm road frames. I think cross bikes have a slightly different geometry, so you might need a 54cm frame, but I'm not sue about that, so the Cross perverts as they are affectionately known here
"What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
"It stays down, Daddy."
"Exactly."
CJ knows more than me on the subject but I'm just trying to nudge you into getting a roadie, you know it makes sense!
I quite like the look of this. Dunno if the link'll work but you can copy and paste it into your browser.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus_Cayo_105_2009/5360037591/
Pinarello Dogma 2 (ex Team SKY) 2012
Cube Agree GTC Ultegra 2012
Giant Defy 105 2009
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... -08-28049/
Good shout on the Focus though. There's a thread on here at the moment in which the pros of the Focus range are discussed. Good value for money, and much cheaper than the Orbea
Here's a Focus disc cross bike, so my earlier comment needs correcting:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus ... 360037601/
"What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
"It stays down, Daddy."
"Exactly."
Yep go for the 54cm cyclocross higher BB and more relaxed geometry.
CX rules yeh! cjcp wants one big time just like he wants a TT and a SS, do it do it :roll:
Rule #9 // If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period.
Rule #12 // The correct number of bikes to own is n+1.
Rule #42 // A bike race shall never be preceded with a swim and/or followed by a run.
I just mention it because 54cm does seem quite small for someone 5'11".
http://www.boardmanbikes.com/road/road_team_carbon.html
I've got the comp and the reviews are great and it's lovely and comfy, my commute is 20 miles and this is my first roadie after 16 years of MTBs.
I want that one now :roll:
Voodoo Bizango - 2014 - Dead - Hit by a car
Vitus Sentier VRS - 2017