Comments on: How to Start Bicycling to Work

By: Super Cool Bike Shop

Super Cool Bike Shop — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:37:17 +0000

Checkout the YikeBike — there was a lot of press about their launch in the blogosphere yesterday and it actually seems like a pretty good alternative to a short drive

http://yikebike.com/
Make sure to watch the video, the song flows along well.

By: A view from the hill

A view from the hill — Sat, 31 May 2008 12:06:36 +0000

John Goerzen blogs about (how to start) cycling to work. As I’m now back in Freiburg, in which anybody not cycling will be treated as an anti-social enviromental sinner, I’m using my bike a lot more, including cycling to work, hence I’m interested. Basica

By: Micah Elliott

Micah Elliott — Wed, 28 May 2008 07:13:13 +0000

Glad you have been able to start riding, and that these posts are getting attention. I’ve been at it all seasons for 5+ years now. Porland, OR, has a nice train across town that I bring my bike on.

Mainly, I wanted to call your attention to a hilarious biking post by JWZ that is bookmarkable:
http://jwz.livejournal.com/883988.html

As a fellow hacker, I pretty much agree with his outlook on all points/anecdotes.

By: The Fire Educator

The Fire Educator — Mon, 26 May 2008 04:19:31 +0000

As the weather warms up, we may be inclined to start presenting programs aimed at bicycle safety.
…

By: Adrian

Adrian — Sun, 25 May 2008 10:58:08 +0000

Regarding “Start with pannier bags.”:

Good recommendation, but like with the bicycle and the tyres it’s also something where it’s worth buying quality if you carry valuable stuff like e.g. documents or a laptop and might get into bad weather.

My pair of Ortlieb back-rollers have cost me 100 Euro, but they’ve already survived 8 years of me not being nice to them and no matter how horrible the weather is their contents is always dry.

By: Adrian

Adrian — Sun, 25 May 2008 10:34:13 +0000

You said: “You might want to consider a spare inner tube (about $5) and tire-changing tools (also about $5) to carry with you in your bag. You wouldn’t want to have to walk 5 miles if you get a flat.”

My experience:
- buy good tyres
- pump them to the maximum they allow

I’m using Schwalbe Marathon XR tyres (which are also the best non-stud tyres I know for having grip with all weather including wet and iced streets), and although a pair costs at about 60 Euro it is worth it since new ones will usually prevent you for years from punctures (and you might even be able to replace them before they have their first puncture when looking at their state).

Pumping tyres to the maximum they allow increases their lifetime (and also lets your bike roll faster).

Then it won’t matter much whether you are able to repair your tyres when driving since you simply avoid punctures.