Commuting 1 year on...

londonbairn

I started commuting into work from Ealing to the City last January as a method to get fit (and save money). I started on a Halfords special GT Avalanche MTB (yes, I laugh now) to do the 15 miles.

In that time, I've experienced the following;

-Lost 5 stone (nothing much left to lose!)
-Insane metabolism (I eat junk all day and it makes no difference!)
-Ran over (bike write off, claimed successfully off car insurance)
-Went from the MTB to a Giant FCR 1 2009 to to a Wilier La Triestena 2010 for my commute



-Ended up buying some more nice road bikes...(my pride and joy is a ROI Monster with Dura Ace 7800)



-Going to buy more nice road bikes soon (a Viner is on the cards soon)
-A love for cycling
-Rubbing off on my g/f who wants a "pink carbon fibre" bike

For anyone who is starting off or thinking to, do it. Just be careful, cycling is addictive and if you're like me you will buy and buy new kit!

[/img]

lost_in_thought

Fantastic!

Do you do it by bike every day? Does that leave you with any energy to cycle on weekends etc?

londonbairn

lost_in_thought wrote:

Fantastic!

Do you do it by bike every day? Does that leave you with any energy to cycle on weekends etc?

I usually aim for 4 days a week, usually taking Wednesday off to go to the gym with the missus to please her 8) . I have done 5 days a few times, as for weekend rides, at the moment I turbo from time to time, but I do find sometimes I lack the edge I have during the week, this year I want to hone my cycling so I can start entering events.

I compliment my cycling with a lot of weights, especially on the legs.

Aidy

Hm,

You don't work on Grays Inn Road, do you?

[Edit] No, Ealing -> Grays Inn Road is significantly less than 15 miles. There's a chap in the same building as me with an identical Willier to you.

moonio

Can we have some before and after pics please

kurako

And you started bike commuting to save money :shock:

Cafewanda

@ Kurako. that's what I wondered too

Good on you LB.

londonbairn

I'll post some tonight!

Yeah, it has become a big hobby of mines, just as much the machinery as riding, the ROI I have barely used but I love just staring at it.

I'm 25, got a nice new job and about to buy a new place with a garage, so there is plenty of space for more bikes.

Cafewanda

Don't forget the missus might need some of that garage space too

UndercoverElephant

Cafewanda wrote:

Don't forget the missus might need some of that garage space too

Good call, then he can keep the bikes in the house.

Sewinman

Nice choice of commuting bike! I have the same bike but I use it at the weekend.

Did the new wheels you put on make a big difference (Fulcrums)? I have the original 'Miche' ones still on and have wondered about changing.

Cafewanda

UndercoverElephant wrote:

Cafewanda wrote:

Don't forget the missus might need some of that garage space too

Good call, then he can keep the bikes in the house.

That is NOT what I meant

londonbairn

Sewinman wrote:

Nice choice of commuting bike! I have the same bike but I use it at the weekend.

Did the new wheels you put on make a big difference (Fulcrums)? I have the original 'Miche' ones still on and have wondered about changing.

The R7s come as standard on the La Triestina Mirage models. They seem fine, been commuting on it for a week, seem nice and solid especially on climbs. Definately feel better than the Campag Khamsins on the BIanchi.

The frame is really nice, very comfortable through London roads.

As for room, we're planning on buying a 3 bedroom place, 1 bedroom will be hers, apparently that is enough to keep her happy :P Runners don't need space to store stuff

Cafewanda

[quote="londonbairn:P Runners don't need space to store stuff [/quote]

Oh yes we do! Numerous running shoes, winter/summer running gear/ drinks bottles, gadgets, notebooks/magazines, the list is almost endless

biondino

londonbairn, joy radiates from your posts! Nice work fella

Sewinman

londonbairn wrote:

Sewinman wrote:

Nice choice of commuting bike! I have the same bike but I use it at the weekend.

Did the new wheels you put on make a big difference (Fulcrums)? I have the original 'Miche' ones still on and have wondered about changing.

The R7s come as standard on the La Triestina Mirage models. They seem fine, been commuting on it for a week, seem nice and solid especially on climbs. Definately feel better than the Campag Khamsins on the BIanchi.

The frame is really nice, very comfortable through London roads.

As for room, we're planning on buying a 3 bedroom place, 1 bedroom will be hers, apparently that is enough to keep her happy :P Runners don't need space to store stuff

Ah ok, they have changed the spec. V pretty commuter though.

MonkeyMonster

Cafewanda wrote:

"londonbairn wrote:

:P Runners don't need space to store stuff

Oh yes we do! Numerous running shoes, winter/summer running gear/ drinks bottles, gadgets, notebooks/magazines, the list is almost endless

[/quote]

But seriously wanda - you surely buy kids stuff so it can all fit in a small box anyway

Cafewanda

MM

:P :P :P

for the time being we are no longer friends

MonkeyMonster

Cafewanda wrote:

MM

:P :P :P

for the time being we are no longer friends

Outrageous given I defended you in the other thread!

Cafewanda

Really? Show me.

Edit: Seen it but I can't believe it :shock: You are a gent (but how long for?)