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#11
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Is 15 mile road bike commute too far?
On 4 Aug 2003 08:26:48 -0700, Jeffrey Pogodzinski wrote:
Hi, I am thinking of buying a road bike to commute to work every day. Great! Would 15 miles each way be too far? Maybe. Probably at first. I am in pretty good shape but new to biking. I am in not so great shape but have been biking for a few years. About how long would it take? An hour plus changing clothes, filling water bottles, etc. At least, after you've been riding long enough. How fast (average speed) can the average beginner go on a road bike? As a beginner, depending how quickly you pick up on technique, your fitness, the terrain, and your bike, I'd bet anywhere from 8 to 16 mph avg. After a few years riding, okay technique, and a pretty good bike that's finally dialed in to fit me properly, I get 15.6 mph avg on relatively flat lands without tiring myself out -- I can talk to a riding partner while maintaining that speed. Hilly areas, or if I try to push it, can result in lower avg speed or pain or tiredness and definately out of breath. Learning to pace yourself and not overdo it, IMO, is the hardest part and also the most beneficial. Get a nice road bike. Make _absolutely sure_ that it's as comfortable as possible and fits 100% properly. Don't forget the triple crank (that is, three gears in the front). Ride recreationally until you feel good about it, then commute with it. Thanks, Jeff. -- Rick Onanian |
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#12
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Is 15 mile road bike commute too far?
On Mon, 04 Aug 2003 17:17:02 GMT, Doug Purdy wrote:
Though lots of great bike gear helps a bit too. ;-) The toys! That's the best part! Doug Toronto -- Rick Onanian |
#13
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Is 15 mile road bike commute too far?
Thank you all for your suggestions!
I will try a test run this weekend. The only thing I do not like is the lack of bicycle lanes or a shoulder on some parts of my ride that can not be avoided. How do you deal with no bike lanes? I have a mountain bike -- Giant ATX 890 -- it has knobby tires. Should I buy some smooth tires before I try it? Jeff. |
#14
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Is 15 mile road bike commute too far?
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#15
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Is 15 mile road bike commute too far?
"Jeffrey Pogodzinski" wrote in message om... Thank you all for your suggestions! I will try a test run this weekend. The only thing I do not like is the lack of bicycle lanes or a shoulder on some parts of my ride that can not be avoided. How do you deal with no bike lanes? I have a mountain bike -- Giant ATX 890 -- it has knobby tires. Should I buy some smooth tires before I try it? Jeff. I live in an area with no bike lanes either. Basically you just have to "take the lane"---ride 18' from the edge of the road and act like you own it. The more experienced riders here will tell you not to ride on paved shoulders because drivers will not give you space, and they're right. Part of my commute is a 50mph road with a paved shoulder, and cars zip right by with their right tires practically on the line. When I "take the lane" that doesn't happen. As to your tire question---you can ride on pavement with knobbies, no problem. It's more efficient to use slicks, but not necessary. Performance has some nice slicks for pretty cheap. http://www.performancebicycle.com. Mike |
#16
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Is 15 mile road bike commute too far?
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#17
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Is 15 mile road bike commute too far?
"Jeffrey Pogodzinski" wrote in message m... Hi, I am thinking of buying a road bike to commute to work every day. Would 15 miles each way be too far? I am in pretty good shape but new to biking. About how long would it take? How fast (average speed) can the average beginner go on a road bike? Thanks, Jeff. I'm 59 years old and I ride 15 miles (more or less) every morning. It isn't a commute (it's my daily excercise) but it takes me about an hour on a road bike. I live in the country and ride on country roads so there aren't any traffic issues but there is some hilly terrain. I'm in just average shape for a person my age. The younger guys and those in better shape than I am do a lot better than 15 mph but that's my pace and I would assume most people could do at least that. Take care. Fred |
#18
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Is 15 mile road bike commute too far?
How do you deal with no bike lanes?
The short answer is by operating as a car or motorcycle would in similar conditions, by taking the lane--all of it--and using appropriate signals. I guess the best thing I can suggest is to know what you intend to do before you do it, then execute the maneuver. You are operating a light vehicle, and that has advantages and disadvantages, for example you are fragile and you can't accelerate well--but you have everything else on the road beat as far as agility is concerned. Try to keep the surprise factor low. The other road users need to know your intentions, and you need to know theirs. You will find that the more you ride your route the better it will be in terms of safety and predictability. If you do one thing each ride better than the last time, it will add up. You may also have a local bike club that can assist you with tips, routes, etc. If you tell us where you live (just the city) there may be someone here with local knowledge. Bicycle commuting is a challenging and rewarding experience, given that you have to go to work anyway you might as well have fun doing it and reap the health and financial benefits. (commercial mode off) P.S.--Yes, the slicks will help. -- _______________________ALL AMIGA IN MY MIND_______________________ ------------------"Buddy Holly, the Texas Elvis"------------------ in.edu__________ |
#19
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Is 15 mile road bike commute too far?
On 4 Aug 2003 15:36:31 -0700, MortDubois wrote:
for this. I find that I have to really watch myself to make sure that my riding isn't using up the energy I need to deal with the rest of my life - especially after work, when my children/wife/house demand Strange, I find that such pesky things as work and family take up all my riding time. I could ride hundreds of miles per week, but instead, I do things like spend time with my girlfriend, work, go to school (on the few nights I don't see my girlfriend), and so on...all the while, wishing I could be out riding. Then, when I finally get a chance, it's 95 degrees and pouring rain. Or it's 2 degrees and snowing. Time is my problem. I don't have the energy either way. Actually, I suspect if I rode more, the excersize would make me more healthy, more energetic, and cause me to sleep better + require less sleep. Paul -- Rick Onanian |
#20
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Is 15 mile road bike commute too far?
"Eric S. Sande" wrote in message ... How do you deal with no bike lanes? The short answer is by operating as a car or motorcycle would in similar conditions, by taking the lane--all of it--and using appropriate signals. Take the lane, when appropriate. Not necessarily all the time. Pete |
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