MMM confessions: I hate bike commuting

[big_slacker]

Definitely get what the OP is saying. I'm a lifelong cyclist. I LOVE mountain biking, love riding my beach cruiser to the gym or store. But commuting can suck a bit. I'm an early riser and an athlete with a lot of wear and tear on my body. Getting up at 5am with a sore back and stiff joints that take a bit to get going doesn't make the prospect of a dark/chilly 40 minute ride that appealing, especially if it's raining.

In terms of making it easy(easier) I say minimize the amount of gear and pre-prep everything. For me it means having my work clothes and lunch packed in the waterproof backpack. Water bottle full and in the fridge. Lights charged. Bike attire and rain gear hung on the gear rack. And f'it, I don't bother to shower when I get to work. Have some deoderant in the desk drawer.

I am curious about the e-bike option and it's one I might well consider for the future. Spring is here though, so I'll keep it to the nice days and enjoy for now.

[Just Joe]

I'll throw this out there. if you are dealing with alot of hills and lack enough leg power to get over the hills and be in reasonable shape when you get to work - look at a mid-drive system. It uses your bike's gears to make the most of its own power. The trade off is chain and sprocket wear. Chains and sprockets are cheap if you buy the two tools necessary to do the work yourself. The bike shop will charge you $15-$20 each time.

Hub motors are cheaper and good in their own ways. maybe not as happy on the hills. Consider a rear hub motor b/c if you choose a powerful front hub motor and it causes the front wheel to spin as you ride up a hill - you will probably have a crash when the tire goes sideways. At least if the rear tire slides you can steer.

Some great kits and batteries out there these days. I did a fair amount of time reading before I ever spent the first dollar trying to get the most from what I spent. Everything has its advantages and disadvantages.

[rothwem]

I'm not gonna lie, those ebike setups are neat, especially the mid-drive ones, but jeez, they're pricey!  I can buy a year's worth of gas with the price of one of those things, and that doesn't include the cost of the bike, since I'd never add one of those to my current bicycles. 

[Just Joe]

You are correct. I needed/wanted an exercise option. I'm not into gyms. Like to bike. A bit thick around the middle which makes the hills no fun, etc.