Author Topic: Failed Attempt at Badassity  (Read 12993 times)

Thoughtful Mule

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Failed Attempt at Badassity
« on: February 05, 2015, 11:56:32 AM »
Yesterday I biked to work in an attempt to increase my badassity a little.  All went well until time to ride home.  My rear tire cracked and blew out during the day.  Apparently the tires are pretty old.  So I walked and carried the bike home, which seemed pretty badass.  Then I bought new tires and tubes for 50 bucks which sucked.

Starting my bike commute journey in the hole. Now I have 100 miles ahead of me to break even.

Mississippi Mudstache

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #1 on: February 05, 2015, 12:00:51 PM »
Good job, it's a start! Hard to quantify the health and psychological benefits, but they are real. I bought a used Trek 750 for $150 and spent about $75 fixing it up (new tires, new inner tubes, lights, new seat, new chain, and lights for riding at night). But the bike allows my wife and I to own just one car, so the financial benefits started immediately for us.

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #2 on: February 05, 2015, 12:04:48 PM »
The first day I rode my bike to work I got a flat tire going over the railroad tracks ~1000ft away from the building. I felt like an idiot. Taught me to ride in the rode instead of the sidewalk!

I walked my bike to the nearest brewery (a block away). Watched the baseball game with a few beers and waited for my husband to pick me up. I have a good streak of only getting flats on the way home from work and within walking distance to a brewery. Some days I think about faking a flat....

BCBiker

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #3 on: February 05, 2015, 07:40:34 PM »
So I walked and carried the bike home, which seemed pretty badass. 
Awesome choice.  You will be successful with that attitude. I wrote a little on this previously...
http://www.businesscasualbiker.com/the-golden-rule-my-bicycle-commute-shall-inconvenience-no-one/

Good job, it's a start! Hard to quantify the health and psychological benefits, but they are real. I bought a used Trek 750 for $150 and spent about $75 fixing it up (new tires, new inner tubes, lights, new seat, new chain, and lights for riding at night). But the bike allows my wife and I to own just one car, so the financial benefits started immediately for us.

Going to one car will save a boatload of money.  I didn't even realize how much money until I wrote this.
http://www.businesscasualbiker.com/monetary-impact/

Rezdent

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #4 on: February 05, 2015, 08:30:29 PM »
This.is.not.a.fail.
It is an education.
One that makes you badass now and on the way to even more badassity.
Score!

WESTOFTHEHUDSON

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #5 on: February 06, 2015, 04:57:47 AM »
The $50 is still probably less than a tank of gas you'd have to buy if you were driving and filling up for the week. You didn't wuss out and give up.

Enjoy the fresh air, commute and knowledge  it was money well spent and not frittered away. By biking, you're that much closer to goal.

Thoughtful Mule

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #6 on: February 06, 2015, 09:09:03 AM »
The first day I rode my bike to work I got a flat tire going over the railroad tracks ~1000ft away from the building. I felt like an idiot. Taught me to ride in the rode instead of the sidewalk!

I walked my bike to the nearest brewery (a block away). Watched the baseball game with a few beers and waited for my husband to pick me up. I have a good streak of only getting flats on the way home from work and within walking distance to a brewery. Some days I think about faking a flat....

Great stuff! Wild guess, you live in the NW? Breweries on every corner.

KD

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #7 on: February 07, 2015, 09:22:49 AM »
Some days I think about faking a flat....
Brilliant!!!  ;)

Red Beard

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #8 on: February 08, 2015, 12:37:18 PM »
When I started riding to work I got seven - yes seven - flat tires in the first three weeks. While it wasn't cheap, this allowed me find the best tire/tube combo as well as a better route to work so I guess it was (kind of, sort of) worth it...

KD

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #9 on: February 08, 2015, 08:02:01 PM »
Redbeard, there was probably a good deal of 'character building' going on!!!  Wow!  7 flats!!!  I don't know if it would've built my character any, probably a whole lot of 'blue streak' words coming out of my mouth...or as Grandpa used to say when we were little 'dirty word, dirty word, dirty word!!!!!'

johnny847

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #10 on: February 08, 2015, 08:05:30 PM »
Getting a flat wasn't the failure here. Going out on your bike without a bike pump or CO2 injector and cartridges, two spare tubes, and tire levers was the failure.

Flats happen. You should be prepared.

APowers

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #11 on: February 09, 2015, 02:51:17 AM »
I grew up riding my bike all around my hometown. Never had a flat. Still to this day, I have never had a flat while out riding. Where do y'all ride that you have to worry about punctures so much? Or maybe it has to do with the type of bicycle? Do road bike tires puncture more easily? I would always ride one of these (mine was a 5-speed, though):


Thoughtful Mule

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #12 on: February 09, 2015, 05:35:35 AM »
Getting a flat wasn't the failure here. Going out on your bike without a bike pump or CO2 injector and cartridges, two spare tubes, and tire levers was the failure.

Flats happen. You should be prepared.

True. Its been so long since I have really ridden, there's a learning curve. I inherited a Trek 1200 from the early 90s and just hopped on. After the flat, I found The 20mm tires brittle enough to crack when bent. The side wall actually blew out. I've got some new 28mm tires, but forgot to buy a spare tube. Let the learning continue... and the S10 stay parked.


johnny847

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #13 on: February 09, 2015, 07:21:17 AM »
I grew up riding my bike all around my hometown. Never had a flat. Still to this day, I have never had a flat while out riding. Where do y'all ride that you have to worry about punctures so much? Or maybe it has to do with the type of bicycle? Do road bike tires puncture more easily? I would always ride one of these (mine was a 5-speed, though):


I highly recommend that you carry around a bike pump or CO2 injector and cartridges, two spare tubes, and tire levers while riding. You never know when you're going to get a flat. Just because you haven't experienced one doesn't mean you won't get one in the future.

I mean, you would never drive without a spare would you?

Louis the Cat

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #14 on: February 09, 2015, 09:34:38 AM »
I grew up riding my bike all around my hometown. Never had a flat. Still to this day, I have never had a flat while out riding. Where do y'all ride that you have to worry about punctures so much? Or maybe it has to do with the type of bicycle? Do road bike tires puncture more easily? I would always ride one of these (mine was a 5-speed, though):



The two most common types of flats in our house are pinch flats from going over unavoidable potholes (used to live in an area of Indianapolis that had the audacity to have poor people so the roads were sh*t) and holes from the various high desert stabby seeds pods that are in abundance in Colorado. DH actually put Kevlar lined tires on his bike after we moved here after getting a flat EVERY DAY for a week. Also, we both primarily ride road bikes which I think do just inherently get more flats.

BCBiker

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #15 on: February 10, 2015, 04:59:39 PM »
I grew up riding my bike all around my hometown. Never had a flat. Still to this day, I have never had a flat while out riding. Where do y'all ride that you have to worry about punctures so much? Or maybe it has to do with the type of bicycle? Do road bike tires puncture more easily? I would always ride one of these (mine was a 5-speed, though):



The two most common types of flats in our house are pinch flats from going over unavoidable potholes (used to live in an area of Indianapolis that had the audacity to have poor people so the roads were sh*t) and holes from the various high desert stabby seeds pods that are in abundance in Colorado. DH actually put Kevlar lined tires on his bike after we moved here after getting a flat EVERY DAY for a week. Also, we both primarily ride road bikes which I think do just inherently get more flats.



Yes, pinch flats are the most common flats.  I will be writing about this in the spring but the three most important hacks for preventing flats are:

1. Make sure the inside of the wheel is covered so that the sharp backs of the spokes do not puncture the inner side of the tire, I prefer electrical tape for this (changed my life!)
2. Use thicker tubes - cost is a little more $8 versus $5-6 for standard tubes
3. Keep your tires at high pressure 80-110 psi, this prevents the tire from pushing down into the base and pinching the tube

Two additional tips which are plus or minus.
4. (most expensive and usually optional unless you have many thorns around) Buy kevlar or "hardshell" tires - $60-80 per tire
5. (even more expensive) Buy fancy racing wheels

Using these 5 (most of the time the top 3) methods, I have not had a standard flat in over 15,000 miles of bicycle commuting in Denver, Colorado!

The only flat I have had is when I wore all of the way through my hardshell tire and the tube blebbed out and pinched on the road!  I should have known to replace my tire sooner but wanted to get maximum miles out of it!  I hope this helps.  If the language is confusing, stay tuned to my blog, I will detail all of these things with pictures and extra tips
« Last Edit: February 10, 2015, 09:39:22 PM by BCBiker »

BCBiker

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #16 on: February 10, 2015, 05:04:23 PM »
I grew up riding my bike all around my hometown. Never had a flat. Still to this day, I have never had a flat while out riding. Where do y'all ride that you have to worry about punctures so much? Or maybe it has to do with the type of bicycle? Do road bike tires puncture more easily? I would always ride one of these (mine was a 5-speed, though):



Sweet bike by the way!

Thoughtful Mule

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #17 on: February 11, 2015, 12:16:49 PM »
Thanks for the info.  My new tires have a kevlar belt (Forte Strada K) and were only 15 bucks each from performance bike. 

Update to original post: So far I've got 60 miles down and my legs feel great.  I rode to the gym last night, skipped warmup and got a personal best on the clean and jerk. Score.

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #18 on: February 11, 2015, 03:30:30 PM »
My bike commute takes me right past an LA Fitness. I often wonder how many people are driving there to use spin bikes.

APowers

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #19 on: February 12, 2015, 02:10:59 PM »
I grew up riding my bike all around my hometown. Never had a flat. Still to this day, I have never had a flat while out riding. Where do y'all ride that you have to worry about punctures so much? Or maybe it has to do with the type of bicycle? Do road bike tires puncture more easily? I would always ride one of these (mine was a 5-speed, though):



Sweet bike by the way!

I LOVED it. It's actually still at my parents' house, being used by younger siblings. My Dad has a thing for old Schwinns, and all of us kids rode them. If I had a bikeable commute, it's totally what I would ride.

Thoughtful Mule

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #20 on: January 20, 2020, 09:44:19 AM »
Been thinking about updating this for a while. This post represents day one of biking for me. I'm still riding the Trek with those new tires and nary a flat.

Not only that, but I sold my truck and dropped down to one family car. I commute exclusively by bike now. Perhaps somewhat related, the stache has grown quite healthily.

Aegishjalmur

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #21 on: January 20, 2020, 04:20:49 PM »
I grew up riding my bike all around my hometown. Never had a flat. Still to this day, I have never had a flat while out riding. Where do y'all ride that you have to worry about punctures so much? Or maybe it has to do with the type of bicycle? Do road bike tires puncture more easily? I would always ride one of these (mine was a 5-speed, though):



Yes, roadbike tires do get flats more easily. Especially if you live in an area where goatheads are rife. They puncture the tire and the tube and if you miss one, the  next tube. We switched to Specialized Armadillo tires, which well expensive, held up amazingly well.

BECABECA

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #22 on: January 20, 2020, 06:30:37 PM »
Been thinking about updating this for a while. This post represents day one of biking for me. I'm still riding the Trek with those new tires and nary a flat.

Not only that, but I sold my truck and dropped down to one family car. I commute exclusively by bike now. Perhaps somewhat related, the stache has grown quite healthily.

Awesome update, thanks for sharing!

Simpli-Fi

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #23 on: January 21, 2020, 12:10:31 AM »
5 years of biking, bet you are in great shape...to go along with that health stache.

you sir, are a badass

meghan88

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #24 on: February 08, 2020, 09:04:37 AM »
Great update!!  Congrats on all the savings, better health, and cleaner air!!

sixwings

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #25 on: February 08, 2020, 10:43:41 AM »
I've been biking every day for 6 years and it was the best switch I've ever made. I've had a tire blow a couple of times and had to walk its NBD.

Just make sure you're really visible! I got hit by a car year ago (I was fine, my bike needed some minor repairs), and now i'm obssessed with being visible.

Weisass

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #26 on: February 08, 2020, 09:01:41 PM »
I've been biking every day for 6 years and it was the best switch I've ever made. I've had a tire blow a couple of times and had to walk its NBD.

Just make sure you're really visible! I got hit by a car year ago (I was fine, my bike needed some minor repairs), and now i'm obssessed with being visible.

Not trying to rain on your parade here, and I’m all for visibility, but have you seen this?
https://www.psychologicalscience.org/uncategorized/bike-visibility-does-little-to-change-drivers-dangerous-overtaking.html

jojoguy

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #27 on: February 09, 2020, 10:57:31 AM »
Man, I wish that I lived in a safe enough city to do this.

sixwings

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Re: Failed Attempt at Badassity
« Reply #28 on: February 09, 2020, 01:11:33 PM »
I've been biking every day for 6 years and it was the best switch I've ever made. I've had a tire blow a couple of times and had to walk its NBD.

Just make sure you're really visible! I got hit by a car year ago (I was fine, my bike needed some minor repairs), and now i'm obssessed with being visible.

Not trying to rain on your parade here, and I’m all for visibility, but have you seen this?
https://www.psychologicalscience.org/uncategorized/bike-visibility-does-little-to-change-drivers-dangerous-overtaking.html

Yeah i've seen that sort of study before. It is what it is. I take a longer route to/from work that has bike lanes the entire way and only one left turn. I also bike way more defensively now and am a lot more visible. I figure if I do that then that really limits the risk due to poor driving. Haven't had even any close calls since. I think the route is way better. Takes 5 mins longer but it's a much more relaxed ride so it works out better i think.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!