July 6, 2007
From the desk of Jane Galt:More advice
So I have found an apartment, close to the metro and all mod cons. Unfortunately, my commute is not metro-friendly, meaning that it is now time for me to buy a bicycle. I don't want anything fancy; its job is to get me from point A to point B comfortably, where points A and B are rarely more than two miles apart.
Suggestions?
Posted by Jane Galt at July 6, 2007 9:32 AM | TrackBack | Technorati inbound links"); ?>From one tall woman to another -- I recommend a men's bicycle. Or a Razor scooter.
Posted by: Mrs. Ewer on July 6, 2007 9:53 AMI love my folding bike (I got mine from http://www.dahon.com/us/folding-bicycles-us-utility.htm) and it's especially great if it starts raining and you want to take a cab or subway home
Posted by: Stacy on July 6, 2007 10:06 AMTrek makes good bikes.
I like my Gary Fisher mountain bike, slower, but much more control and versitile.
Doesn't sound like you need advice on a bike, you just need a comfortable saddle. Good shocks too.
Posted by: aaron on July 6, 2007 10:33 AMTwo things to consider:
1. How much stuff do you expect to carry on your commute?
2. Do you think you'll want to also ride for exercise?
If you'll be carrying lunch, laptop and a change of shoes you'll want to make sure that the bike can accommodate a basket or a rack. The more safely and securely that you can carry your stuff the more confidently you can ride.
If you think you'll want to ride for exercise you'll probably prefer a bike with a larger range of gears to make hill climbing easier.
If a simple, inexpensive bike is all that you require then this might be just what you're looking for:
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/bik/367682644.html
Every town usually has a guy whose hobby is tinkering with classic old bikes and I'm sure that DC is no exception. Craigslist is always a great place to check.
Good luck!
Any bike will do provided all you are doing is trail riding or biking on the road. To the extent possible I would avoid biking on the road. I do so for parts of my commute and I absolutely hate it. People simply aren't used to bikers and for that matter altogether with it as they commute (still asleep, hung over, on their cell phone, putting on make up, etc.). You can get a hybrid new for a couple hundred bucks. If you want a mountain bike or road bike I would recommend craigslist as they can be quite pricey when bought new.
Posted by: richard on July 6, 2007 10:49 AMget a Jamis Commuter 3.0. it's reasonably priced, has an upright riding position, and internal gearing (meaning you wont have to worry nearly as much about derailleur screwups. perfectly fine for a 2 mile commute, and it's on sale at city bikes.
http://www.jamisbikes.com/canada/bikes/07_bikes/commuter3.html
Posted by: cyates on July 6, 2007 11:00 AMIf you want something you can fold these are very cool. I have a friend that commutes on one.
http://strida.co.uk/images/index.php
Posted by: a on July 6, 2007 11:02 AMI'm sorry but I can't believe an adult would humiliate themselves by riding a razor scooter to work. I've seen a couple of commuters in NYC but geeze...
Posted by: bob on July 6, 2007 11:06 AMA Giant hybrid bike is reliable and cheap. Try to get one on craigslist.
Posted by: Greg N on July 6, 2007 11:06 AMI would suggest you find a dedicated bike shop locally, describe what you want to do and how much you want to spend (if it's more than $500, than either the shop is overpriced, or you're buying way too much bike for the riding profile you've described -- make sure you can get a detachable saddlebag, a lock, and a water-bottle holder for the price as these will all prove useful on a bike that will be used in lieu of a train or car).
Even if you don't end up buying there, write down everything they tell you that might be important for later.
--------------
But, some general things to look for:
1. You don't want a steel-frame bike. The very cheapest bikes -- Wal-Mart quality, typically -- use steel frames, and these are heavy and tend to rust rapidly if parked outdoors. Even over short trips the weight of the bike makes a substantial difference in ride comfort.
2. You don't need a split-notch seat, although it won't hurt, either. These are extremely useful for long-distance riding, as men and women alike can numb up some rather delicate nerves in that, uh, general area; but for short trips it's inconsequential. Just make sure the seat is comfortable and covered with something other than vinyl.
3. Ride height. Two things govern this: The size of the frame, and the seat adjustment. A person of your height might need a bike with a fairly tall frame, depending on whether your height is biased more toward legs, or torso. You also want the seat height adjusted so that your legs are almost fully extended at maximum downstroke, but your knees do not lock out. Too low or too high, and you'll tear up your knees.
4. Whatever bike type you buy, make sure it does NOT have rear shock absorbers (takes power out of your pedaling stroke) and does not force you into an extreme-forward position while riding (as some road bikes do).
5. You want a U-bolt lock. Bikes get swiped. A motivated thief with the right tools can break or cut a U-bolt, but chains and cables melt like butter.
6. Buy a cheap bike pump with a pressure gauge. Bike tubes are designed for 60psi, but they won't hold that for more than a week. Too little pressure, and you do to much work to ride, and you also increase the risk of a pinch-flat, which is where the tube is grabbed and crimped by he rim.
Posted by: anony-mouse on July 6, 2007 11:15 AMFor only a two mile ride, it may not be important but if you think you may want to use the bike for longer rides go to a specialized bike shop where they know how to get you on a bike that fits. Pay attention to the distance between the seat and the handle bars, as different bikes have different geometry between pedals, seat and bars. Your back will get sore if you are at the wrong angle over the bars. You pay for components, but you also pay for improved geometry. There is likely a difference in comfort between the $300 bike and the $600 one.
Posted by: Joe on July 6, 2007 11:29 AMI ride a Jamis Coda Comp to work every day and back, and I love it. I took the front chainrings off so the bike only has nine gears, which are enough for the hills of DC but help reduce the need for repairs. I can't say I'd recommend a single-speed despite their trendiness and ubiquity.
I have a rack I bought cheap from Performance, as well as their panniers, but I found the best thing for putting my lunch, gym clothes, and redwells of legal documents into was just a basket. I bought this one.
Easy. Pashley Princess and damn the expense.
http://www.pashley.co.uk/pashley/products/pages/princess_page.htm
Posted by: John on July 6, 2007 11:44 AMI like my Kona brand "Smoke." It's a hybrid. I like the sorta fat tires and (especially) the standard-feature mud-flaps. They also come with a "bell" for warning people of approach. My "bell" turned out to be a squeeky pumpkin toy - no lie! Very fun.
(Another one of those posts that I don't know how you sort through all the advice - but there it is.)
Posted by: Ash on July 6, 2007 12:22 PMBiking in DC?! Here's what you do. Go to a thrift store and find one for no more than $30. Get a cheap chain and padlock from the hardware store. Then plan to repeat every week or two, as every bike you buy will be stolen.
And forget the expensive bikes mentioned by other commenters, they'll be stolen every day.
There is no way of preventing a DC bike from being stolen: there is no insurance to cover it, there is no police interest in stolen bikes, so there is no deterrent to bike thieves.
Posted by: anonymous on July 6, 2007 12:22 PMA cheap used bike seems a good idea, if anonymous is correct, and I have no reason to doubt it.
This looks like a good way to make sure your bike Fits Properly - though I wouldn't buy one of their bikes in your situation (or mine!).
For a two mile commute, I suspect it doesn't matter much if you have a cheap steel frame or not, but your mileage may vary.
Posted by: Sigivald on July 6, 2007 12:43 PMI diagree about bike thefts in DC. If you lock your bike well (meaning both wheels and a kryptonite U lock) it probably won't get stolen. I've had the same bike since 2001, ride it almost every day in DC. Do bring it up to your office every day instead of leaving it locked outside if you can.
I also disagree about steel bikes. Some of the most competitive racers still ride on steel. It's about the same price as aluminum, and for a short commute, the comfort is worth the negligable weight difference.
Posted by: C L on July 6, 2007 1:38 PMAlso, you should register your new bike with the DC police, which will help to recover it if it does get stolen. Link.
Posted by: Cain on July 6, 2007 2:01 PMI also disagree about steel bikes. Some of the most competitive racers still ride on steel. It's about the same price as aluminum, and for a short commute, the comfort is worth the negligable weight difference.
...until you've carried it up and down a couple flights of stairs in order to secure it in your apartment or office, and then you'll quickly wish for either an aluminum frame or Popeye-brand spinach.
Posted by: anony-mouse on July 6, 2007 3:30 PMI buy commodity hybrid bikes from Target for under $200, and ride them until they're worn out or stolen. I do my best not to get them stolen (keep them indoors at both ends of your commute), but I've had 2 vanish from outside SF restaurants when locked. It is worth getting a good lock, and locking the bike to something that it can't be lifted off.
Also, get the green slime stuff put into the tyres so that if you get a puncture, you can reinflate and it will reseal. I had a 4 inch nail go in one side and out the other of my tyre, but after removing it and pumping back up, it got me home fine.
I cycle 90 minutes a day now (up from 60 on my last commute). Mind you, this is in Silicon Valley, in DC you will need a plan for winter.
Also, see Jerome K Jerome's advice on bicycles
Second the Jerome K. Jerome recommendation. There's actually hardly any endeavor for which it doesn't make sense to read Jerome K. Jerome before starting out on it. And the fact that the saddle constructed on anatomical principles is still periodically rescussicated as the next big thing always makes me laugh.
Posted by: John on July 6, 2007 3:57 PMStop by City Bikes in Dupont or The Bicycle Pro Shop in Georgetown. Their staff should be able to help you.
For short city commuting you really can't go wrong with a folder like a Dahon. You'll never have to worry about it getting stolen or beaten by the elements as you fold it and carry it in with you wherever you go.
Posted by: Christian on July 6, 2007 4:42 PMGo to City Bikes in Adams Morgan. They sell a bike called the Jamis CodaSport. I got it last year for the same reason, it's been excellent, they have great service, free tune-ups when you buy from the store, etc. It even actually got me using the bike for exercise and exploring DC Metro Areas terrific array of bike trails, which I'd ignored for the first 5 years I was here.
Posted by: Peter on July 6, 2007 4:59 PMlotsa excellent advice, how to sort through it? If I may?
FIRST? If it really IS 2 miles, can it be walked safely? The reason I ask is that riding down to work is necessarily a bit more complex [I ride to work mostly 4x a week]
Will you work up a sweat? [er, perspire]
Is there a shower, and does it scald you halfway through?
Are the lockers decent or a science project in smellovision?
Is it practical to take the laptop and other stuff with you on the bike, or does it make you nervous to have the load?
Is there a place to store shower stuffs?
Is your asthma excercise or cold induced?
Is your route right by a bunch of diesel busses that will trigger your asthma. {I had to change my route for this reason]
Can you ride in the winter, and how do you fare if it rains?
None of that is quite as important if you walk. Sling a backpack over the shoulder, and walk out the door... excercise at work if they have a spot... and 4 miles a day walking is definitely good for the bod anyway.
and more?
>Unless you are mechanically inclined, DON'T get a thrifty store type bike, since you would immideately pay more for a single repair than the bike is worth.
>as a guess a folder will not have enough heighth for your statuesque proportions. They are generally a compromise, between weight, folding patterns and cost. They are designed for most people in the middle of the size range, and well, you blow that curve up. They are also more complex, which leads to potential repair issues.
>If the bike has a high potential to be stolen, don't buy anthing with an exotic frame and such, the 2 extra pounds of savings isn't worth the price.
>Speaking of being stolen, make sure you talk to the manager of your office building. I was astounded at how my team was treated when we moved into a new building [we have the whole building and there are 600 of us, 40 of which ride to work regularly/everyday]. Not only will they not allow bikes in the building, but we had to threaten them to get the bike racks out of the loading dock, where they are regularly smacked into by delivery trucks. It's not as if my 10x10 cell, I mean cube, doesn't have enough room to stash a bike, but I found out they had actually written taht in the contract. Not everybody is hip to the idea that adults ride bikes... even here in Colo. So do the research... is the bike rack in the disused back alley with no security camera, and a broken light?
Best of luck to 'ya...
Posted by: D on July 6, 2007 5:13 PMScooter Libby has time to meet you at the Metro and drive you to your office. If he is covering something up he will have a limo at his disposal.
Posted by: Will C. on July 6, 2007 7:20 PMAs if you haven't already gotten enough advice: Philip Greenspun on what bike to buy
Posted by: me on July 6, 2007 11:34 PMI proudly ride a Wal-Mart bicycle which has been working just fine for three years. The only change I made to it was a more comfortable seat, which I also happily purchased at Wally World. It's good enough for me, but my wife is much pickier and has gone through several bikes. The best one so far is the Fuji Monterey 2.0 that she has now. If you can find a good bike shop selling Fujis that will make adjustments and do tune-ups for you during the warranty period, then this is definitely a good bet for everyday transport and recreation. We're probably talking about 340 to 400 dollars here -- I wouldn't spend any more than that until you've got a lot more experience cycling. You want a good shop that can make adjustments like extending the handlebars to accommodate your height.
Posted by: CJ on July 7, 2007 12:39 AMWalmart bikes can be fine as long as they fit and are assembled well. This may be difficult to determine if you are not already an enthusiast. Walmart was recently selling a very decent aluminum framed three speed for $100. The single speed was less.
For simple commuters, I always recommend an inexpensive single speed. Less stuff to break. Multiple speed bikes with derailers are the stuff for mechanically inclined enthusiasts. Regular folks seem to just park them in one speed once the shifting starts going out of whack, as it's almost guaranteed to do, even on expensive bikes.
Get a good lock(s), lock the frame and the wheels if possible. To something very stationary. Keep the tires inflated to the maximum recommended. Really helps keep pedalling effort to a minimum. Skinny tires are generally lighter and easier to pedal, fat tires offer a little more durability in urban areas and comfort.
Posted by: shecky on July 7, 2007 3:02 AMJane, I'm with commenter D above. Have you commuted on a bike before? I spent two years commuting 2 miles from Boston to Cambridge via bicycle when I was a college student, complete with Kryptonite locks, special rain gear, and my favorite: ski gloves so my hands wouldn't freeze to the handle bars during the winter.
I simply cannot imagine a year-round bicycle commute as a professional. You have to deal with everything from sweat to helmet-hair to how to move your stuff from point A to point B. I had a backpack... but I was a kid going to class, not a grown woman going to work. I know the weather is milder in DC than it is in Boston, but that just means more humid, sticky, grossly sweaty days. Unless you can shower at work, the bike option just isn't realistic.
Posted by: Joan on July 7, 2007 11:27 AMSome of the Target/Walmart bikes are pretty good now and more than adequate for what you're describing. I don't ride those bikes, but I do some fairly rugged mountain biking and have many thousands of miles on my Gary Fisher hybrid. But my wife and kids are only occasional riders and a Schwinn from Target work just fine. Aluminum frames, alloy wheels -- and the brakes and shifters are not bad. (I had to do a bit of adjustment on them, though). Figure around $150.
Or, if you're not comfortable with that, and want a little more hand-holding and a choice of frame sizes, something like this would make sense:
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/lifestyle/
You should be able to get something that works very well for $300-350 (or even less if you're willing to put up with a somewhat heavier frame).
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Posted by: fhlvbszup hksl on July 9, 2007 2:51 AMIt rains sometimes, and it gets dark at night. For a real commute bike, you need fenders and lights. A rear rack is handy too. All those can be added on, but the Breezer 8 comes standard with them.
Posted by: Cardinal Fang on July 9, 2007 1:26 PMI commuted on bikes in New York for awhile ... if you can get a cheap (
If you want a folding bike, try Citizen Bike (google it), their bikes are pretty cheap (around $300) and decent.
Another idea: how about a Xootr scooter? Like a Razor but bigger, and with a hand brake.
Posted by: derek on July 12, 2007 10:53 AM