Advice for a new biker

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Permalink Reply by Bill Bushnell on August 9, 2012 at 9:44am

So much good advice! Thank you everyone! You have no idea how much this all helps, even if it's just my self confidence that I can do this!

I have started bringing baby wipes and deodorant to work, but the gold bond powder is new to me. What purpose does it serve?

in it to win it said:

Not sure how far you bike to work.  My commute is 8 miles one way, so I have to freshen up and change clothes. For this, I use:

Baby Wipes

Deodorant

Gold Bond Powder

Non-Offensive Body Spray

Also, I keep a pair of brown shoes and a pair of black shoes at work since we're semi-casual.  My change of clothes I bring with me daily.

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Permalink Reply by Julie Hochstadter on August 9, 2012 at 9:51am

I just bought this trailer from someone and I love it!  

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Permalink Reply by Paul on August 9, 2012 at 9:55am

Nice! I've always liked the looks of that one. Good to hear its works for ya.

Julie Hochstadter said:

I just bought this trailer from someone and I love it!  

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Permalink Reply by Nançois 8.5 on August 9, 2012 at 10:00am

Congratulations Bill!

I use almost every single piece of gear you have on your list, except maybe the "summer" and "winter" tires. Puncture-resistant tires have gotten me a lot farther without the need for the spare tube and toolkit. Sunglasses with photochromatic lenses are a big help too, since you can wear them well into dusk, which is when you would otherwise get gnats in your eyes once you take the sunglasses off. But I agree with previous posters that you are better off just riding and accumulating your own experience. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the Bikewinter website a href="http://bikewinter.org/>" target="_blank">http://bikewinter.org/>; for great tips and inspiration. Enjoy the ride!

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Permalink Reply by in it to win it 8.0 mi on August 9, 2012 at 10:20am

Ball powder.

Bill Bushnell said:

So much good advice! Thank you everyone! You have no idea how much this all helps, even if it's just my self confidence that I can do this!

I have started bringing baby wipes and deodorant to work, but the gold bond powder is new to me. What purpose does it serve?

in it to win it said:

Not sure how far you bike to work.  My commute is 8 miles one way, so I have to freshen up and change clothes. For this, I use:

Baby Wipes

Deodorant

Gold Bond Powder

Non-Offensive Body Spray

Also, I keep a pair of brown shoes and a pair of black shoes at work since we're semi-casual.  My change of clothes I bring with me daily.

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Permalink Reply by April 5.3 mi on August 9, 2012 at 10:24am

Welcome Bill!!!  You are in good company!!

I second the thrift store wool idea!  I stocked up on wool at thrift stores last winter and it saw me through the season.  I think I spent $50 total and ended up with a wool wardrobe.   Here is everything I learned about biking in the winter: http://ecocanary.wordpress.com/2012/04/10/i-completed-my-first-bike...  Last winter was my first.  Good luck!!!

Jim S said:

Hi Bill; welcome to the Chainlink. You're in some absolutely great company here.

I'm going to add another vote for rain gear; it becomes absolutely necessary when it's 33 degrees out and raining. Those are the worst times for riding, in my opinion. 

And I know many people dread it, but take consideration and plan for cycling this winter. If possible, start hitting up the resale shops for merino wool base and mid layers now. I found a great merino sweater for $3 at Village Discount. Otherwise, start looking into gloves and things that are windproof and still somewhat breathable. My big spend for bike winter this year is going to be thermal tights. I only used a thin pair of poly-blend long underwear last year, and had a rough go of it.

Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Paul on August 9, 2012 at 10:40am

You trust your puncture-resistant tires enough to leave the spare tube and tool kit? I gotta look into those! I feel naked without a spare tube and tools. I dont think I couldn't give up my tools, but I'd like to trust my tires that much.

Nançois said:

Congratulations Bill!

I use almost every single piece of gear you have on your list, except maybe the "summer" and "winter" tires. Puncture-resistant tires have gotten me a lot farther without the need for the spare tube and toolkit. Sunglasses with photochromatic lenses are a big help too, since you can wear them well into dusk, which is when you would otherwise get gnats in your eyes once you take the sunglasses off. But I agree with previous posters that you are better off just riding and accumulating your own experience. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the Bikewinter website a href="http://bikewinter.org/>" target="_blank">http://bikewinter.org/>;; for great tips and inspiration. Enjoy the ride!

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Permalink Reply by Nançois 8.5 on August 9, 2012 at 10:56am

Armadillos. Not one single flat in over four years. Knock on wood.

Paul said:

You trust your puncture-resistant tires enough to leave the spare tube and tool kit? I gotta look into those! I feel naked without a spare tube and tools. I dont think I couldn't give up my tools, but I'd like to trust my tires that much.

Nançois said:

Congratulations Bill!

I use almost every single piece of gear you have on your list, except maybe the "summer" and "winter" tires. Puncture-resistant tires have gotten me a lot farther without the need for the spare tube and toolkit. Sunglasses with photochromatic lenses are a big help too, since you can wear them well into dusk, which is when you would otherwise get gnats in your eyes once you take the sunglasses off. But I agree with previous posters that you are better off just riding and accumulating your own experience. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the Bikewinter website a href="http://bikewinter.org/>" target="_blank">http://bikewinter.org/>;; for great tips and inspiration. Enjoy the ride!

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Permalink Reply by Paul on August 9, 2012 at 10:57am

That's bad ass.

Nançois said:

Armadillos. Not one single flat in over four years. Knock on wood.

Paul said:

You trust your puncture-resistant tires enough to leave the spare tube and tool kit? I gotta look into those! I feel naked without a spare tube and tools. I dont think I couldn't give up my tools, but I'd like to trust my tires that much.

Nançois said:

Congratulations Bill!

I use almost every single piece of gear you have on your list, except maybe the "summer" and "winter" tires. Puncture-resistant tires have gotten me a lot farther without the need for the spare tube and toolkit. Sunglasses with photochromatic lenses are a big help too, since you can wear them well into dusk, which is when you would otherwise get gnats in your eyes once you take the sunglasses off. But I agree with previous posters that you are better off just riding and accumulating your own experience. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the Bikewinter website a href="http://bikewinter.org/>" target="_blank">http://bikewinter.org/>;; for great tips and inspiration. Enjoy the ride!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Chris C on August 9, 2012 at 12:18pm

I third the suggestion re thrift store wool clothing.  Sure, it's where ugly xmas wool sweaters go to die but high-end wool sweaters can be had incredibly cheap. 

April said:

Welcome Bill!!!  You are in good company!!

I second the thrift store wool idea!  I stocked up on wool at thrift stores last winter and it saw me through the season.  I think I spent $50 total and ended up with a wool wardrobe.   Here is everything I learned about biking in the winter: http://ecocanary.wordpress.com/2012/04/10/i-completed-my-first-bike...  Last winter was my first.  Good luck!!!

Jim S said:

Hi Bill; welcome to the Chainlink. You're in some absolutely great company here.

I'm going to add another vote for rain gear; it becomes absolutely necessary when it's 33 degrees out and raining. Those are the worst times for riding, in my opinion. 

And I know many people dread it, but take consideration and plan for cycling this winter. If possible, start hitting up the resale shops for merino wool base and mid layers now. I found a great merino sweater for $3 at Village Discount. Otherwise, start looking into gloves and things that are windproof and still somewhat breathable. My big spend for bike winter this year is going to be thermal tights. I only used a thin pair of poly-blend long underwear last year, and had a rough go of it.

Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by mark stetson on August 9, 2012 at 1:36pm

I live 4 miles from the nearest store of any kind.  I really like my Jannd grocery bag panniers:

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jandd-Grocery-Bag-Pannier-Single-Black-/280...

 

I have a trailer too, but you can haul a lot of stuff with just a rear rack and the Jannds.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Schneider on August 9, 2012 at 1:40pm

I do all my grocery shopping by bike. I use pannier only and make frequent shopping trips. No trailer required, and my produce and bread is always fresh.

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