Advice for a new biker
This summer I was selected by New Belgium Brewery to trade my car for everything I need to bike for the next year. I will not be driving, which is a big change for me.
I want to embrace this opportunity for a major change in my lifestyle, but I need help! There are people out there with LOTS more experience getting by without cars than I have, especially here, which is why I pose my question to all of you:
Help! How do I do it?!
What tips can you offer that helped you live without a car? What biking accessories are worth it and which are not?
As a start, here's what I've got as far as biking goes:
- Bike
- Helmet
- Fenders
- Rear rack
- Panniers
- Front Light
- Rear Light
- U-Lock
- Cables for lock
- Chain lube (wet and dry)
- Degreaser
- Tool kit
- Reflective vest
- Sunglasses
- "Summer" and "winter" tires
- Spare tube
- Frame mounted pump
Let me know what you think. I'm looking for not just equipment suggestions, but anything that's helped you!
Please help me take the plunge into living car free!
Views: 1137
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Cameron 7.5 mi on -
Get some rain gear that packs up small enough that you don't mind leaving it in your commuting pannier pretty much all the time. Nothing ruins a spring or fall day like a damp, cold commute because you didn't check the forecast.
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Permalink Reply by Liz on -
I would add a breathable rainproof shell, gloves and rain pants to the list, it'll keep you comfortable and on the bike through rough weather.
Also you may want to consider a trailer for hauling larger loads.
Good luck!
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Permalink Reply by Paul on -
Padded shorts or underwear. Make sure there is a tire boot in your tool kit. And a patch kit. Maybe a water bottle. Some coins or singles, it's nice to use a gas station air pump if you can (when you need to).
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Permalink Reply by Fran Kondorf on
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Hi, Bill-
Congratulations and welcome.
I recommend spending some time going through the forum archives here as there is a LOT of useful information to be had on just about every aspect of cycling. If you can think of it, there's probably a thread on it.
Good luck and ride safely.
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Permalink Reply by Blatherskate on -
Know when to give in. Something I need to work on myself.
In short, pick your battles wisely.
Welcome, by the way.
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Permalink Reply by MK on -
You'll also want some good winter gear, when that inevitably comes (sorry!). Layers, hopefully starting with some sort of wicking material.
In the city I'd say learning how to throw your bike on a bus is a good thing to know, is Pace an option for you in Evanston? Do they have bike racks on the front?
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Permalink Reply by Leah Jone on -
You might find that your relationship with food is going to change as it becomes the fuel that gets you to work. Figure out a high protein breakfast for your morning commute, get some snacks to keep at your desk and some emergency bars in your desk.
I would also learn how to use the bike racks on the front of PACE and CTA buses. Using bi-modal transportation isn't failing at bike commuting, it is surviving.
Finally, find a copy of The Art of Urban Cycling and read it.
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Permalink Reply by spencewine on -
Hand signals are your friends. And just get out their and do it....the hardest commute is the first commute. After that, it gets much easier.
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Permalink Reply by in it to win it 8.0 mi on -
fenders
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Permalink Reply by Cameron 7.5 mi on
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If you ever have a specific question, don't be afraid to ask here.
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Permalink Reply by Zoetrope on -
This. Feel like it needs to be stressed. Starting out may be a shock to you for a variety of reasons, and feeling like you must bike all the time will put more pressure on yourself than it's worth. Take it slow and have fun with it. :)
Blatherskate said:Know when to give in. Something I need to work on myself.
In short, pick your battles wisely.
Welcome, by the way.
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Permalink Reply by Duppie 13.5185km on -
I wouldn't buy anything, but start riding instead. Like with any new hobby or activity, you can get lost in thinking that you need to buy all this stuff. Looks to me like you are very well set to commute.
Start riding and over time you will learn what things you are missing or are not working for you. Then come back and ask questions.
That is not to say that the other posters advise is not good, but a lot of that you will figure out over time (or not). And once you figure it out, there is plenty of time to buy it.
Good luck!
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