The Money Mustache Community
General Discussion => Throw Down the Gauntlet => Topic started by: yolfer on February 28, 2013, 11:11:05 PM
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Happy March! Ladies and Gentlemen, start your leg engines, 'cause it's time for this month's biking challenge!
Last month we had 32 riders and a collective 3,750 miles (6,036 km)! That's over 117 miles per person!
Our cumulative mileage has topped 18,320 miles (29,484 km), the equivalent of going from New York to Sydney and back again.
Big ups to new rider Dwayne who came out of nowhere and racked up over 550 miles last month.
But of course it's not about logging the most miles, it's about getting out there and doing your best. So have fun this month and ride safe!
Here's the new spreadsheet for March:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Am8qaK8Qf80edENEMVh4ZkJEOC1SRm51S0hyWnRwZEE
If you contributed miles to the February challenge, you already have a page on the spreadsheet set up for you. Please let me know if you see any errors on the spreadsheet or need some help getting your name on there (for new riders).
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Right on Yolfer! Thanks, and WOW - we're collectively badass! That is almost $4,000 savings in gas alone (at $1.3 per liter in Canada) - with a semi-Mustachian car (10L/100km)! Huge amounts of carbon reduction and untold (months?) of cumulative extended and healthy lifespan!
I passed a guy biking today (rare in Ottawa winter - especialy since we just had a huge snowstorm) who had a giant mustache. I wonder if he was Mustachian? Maybe we need a sign? Kinda like the VW movement? What could it be?
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Hi - could you add me, please?
March is starting rough for me (relative to where I live, which is Atlanta). It's only 35 degrees which is a rarity for Atlanta in March...
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Hi
Am not sure how to add myself, but want to try !
merci,
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Thank you! This gives me extra motivation to bike every possible day.
Happy March riding everyone.
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March is starting rough for me (relative to where I live, which is Atlanta). It's only 35 degrees which is a rarity for Atlanta in March...
With the right clothing you can be toasty warm. This morning was very pleasant!
<- Commutes from Smyrna to downtown Atlanta :)
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With the right clothing you can be toasty warm. This morning was very pleasant!
<- Commutes from Smyrna to downtown Atlanta :)
It ended up not being that bad - except for my toes. That's probably my fault, since I wore wool socks but then just put on converse sneakers on top!
(Of course I only go ~5 miles through downtown, not all the way from Smyrna!)
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tomb and psychomoustache, you're both added to the spreadsheet. Let's get rolling!
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So I'm getting the itch for a new bike and wanted to run it by you mustachian cyclists. Here's my rationale.
1) I'm starting to ride a lot for fun and fitness.
2) My current bike does not fit correctly. I need to raise both the seat and the handlebars higher than the steam and seat-post can safely go.
3) When I'm riding in a group everyone else is shifting quicker and more often because of my downtube shifters.
4) Going from a 30lb bike to a 20lb bike would be nice.
I've already found myself browsing craigslist to see if the right bike comes along. I would keep my current bike as a commuter and use the new bike for fun. I believe I can afford it based on most mustachian measures, but feel free to test me on this. Thoughts?
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I believe I can afford it based on most mustachian measures, but feel free to test me on this. Thoughts?
If the bike doesn't fit you are going to end up spending money on parts to make it fit, and will prob still end up w/ a sub-optimal ride. If you feel you should afford it go ahead and get one. Test ride a bunch at your local bike shop(s) to nail down exactly what you like.
You mentioned you are riding for fun and fitness (not for errands or work?), if so this purchase would not offset any vehicular expenses: add that to your decision process.
With the exception of investments, I have never regretted NOT making a purchase. :/
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Multiple ways to go here. A few suggestions, in order of cost:
By far the cheapest road bikes are nice older steel frames with good period components. I picked up this ~20 year old Paramount for $300, sold the original parts with another frame, put on about $300 worth of used Campy parts, and probably had ~$400 in it. 20 lbs, beautiful shifting, rode like a dream.
(http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6180/6239195317_5c2af54242.jpg)
Next, older "modern era" bikes; aluminum frames are cheap now as they're out of fashion. 9 speed Ultegra and DA drivetrains last forever (just replace consumables like cassettes and chains), they're light, they ride fine. My cross bike is a $100 Nashbar special frame, SRAM drivetrain from another bike, total cost about $400.
If you want to step up a bit in price, older titanium frames are as close to a "buy it for life" item as you can get in cycling. No rust or paint worries, beautiful ride, lightweight. I have about $1500 in this titanium road bike (half of that in the S&S couplers, which save $600 in luggage fees per trip!) and it's been all over the world with me. This picture was taken in a small village near Madrid, Spain.
(http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6040/6306157871_708345a157.jpg)
I don't recommend piecing a bike together from components unless you already have multiple bikes; it's more profitable to go the other way (i.e., buy complete bikes and sell pieces).
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4) Going from a 30lb bike to a 20lb bike would be nice.
This is poor logic. You have to remember, in the end all bikes weigh the same:
- A 30lb bike needs a 1 lb lock
- A 20lb bike needs an 11lb lock
- A 10lb bike needs a 21lb lock
:P
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So I'm getting the itch for a new bike and wanted to run it by you mustachian cyclists. Here's my rationale.
1) I'm starting to ride a lot for fun and fitness.
2) My current bike does not fit correctly. I need to raise both the seat and the handlebars higher than the steam and seat-post can safely go.
3) When I'm riding in a group everyone else is shifting quicker and more often because of my downtube shifters.
4) Going from a 30lb bike to a 20lb bike would be nice.
I've already found myself browsing craigslist to see if the right bike comes along. I would keep my current bike as a commuter and use the new bike for fun. I believe I can afford it based on most mustachian measures, but feel free to test me on this. Thoughts?
What's your price range? How good are you with a wrench? Can you adjust derailleurs and brakes? If so, you might also consider something from bikesdirect.com, here are their road bikes: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/road_bikes.htm
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Next, older "modern era" bikes; aluminum frames are cheap now as they're out of fashion. 9 speed Ultegra and DA drivetrains last forever (just replace consumables like cassettes and chains), they're light, they ride fine. My cross bike is a $100 Nashbar special frame, SRAM drivetrain from another bike, total cost about $400.
If you want to step up a bit in price, older titanium frames are as close to a "buy it for life" item as you can get in cycling. No rust or paint worries, beautiful ride, lightweight. I have about $1500 in this titanium road bike (half of that in the S&S couplers, which save $600 in luggage fees per trip!) and it's been all over the world with me. This picture was taken in a small village near Madrid, Spain.
I was thinking a "older 'modern era' bikes" type, but a BIFL type ti bike wasn't on my radar. I'll have to think about it, thanks!
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4) Going from a 30lb bike to a 20lb bike would be nice.
This is poor logic. You have to remember, in the end all bikes weigh the same:
- A 30lb bike needs a 1 lb lock
- A 20lb bike needs an 11lb lock
- A 10lb bike needs a 21lb lock
:P
That is some rock solid logic right there! :-D
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I believe I can afford it based on most mustachian measures, but feel free to test me on this. Thoughts?
You mentioned you are riding for fun and fitness (not for errands or work?), if so this purchase would not offset any vehicular expenses: add that to your decision process.
With the exception of investments, I have never regretted NOT making a purchase. :/
There lies the the great debate! What am I trying to do? Either be a utility cyclist, a fun/sport cyclist, or both? I think the miles I've put down in previous challenges speak for themselves. I've been adding fun/fitness rides at the expense of utility miles. If i'm just going to work and back my bike is more than adequate, maybe a little small but comfort does not really come into play under 20 miles IMHO.
Anyway, punch me in the face for thinking about turning a money making machine into an expense/hobby. If I deserve it ;-).
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What's your price range? How good are you with a wrench? Can you adjust derailleurs and brakes? If so, you might also consider something from bikesdirect.com, here are their road bikes: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/road_bikes.htm
Well I've been doing this 6 months now and am only as good with the wrench as the problems I've encountered so far. I've had a number of issues with my wheels (blowing spokes) that I've attempted to fix myself but I ended up taking it to the LBS for a wheel true and haven't had any problems since.
In regards to price range, I have a decent stash http://imgur.com/Jjbctxw (+130k property, +50kish not shown) but didn't get it buying retail. $800 maybe?
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I look forward to contributing to this thread! I'll be commuting to work (25 mile round trip), hopefully everyday. I'm still waiting to get my bike back though after breaking my chainring o.O, but once I really look forward to getting some solid riding underway.
Great thread!
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Anyway, punch me in the face for thinking about turning a money making machine into an expense/hobby. If I deserve it ;-).
no face punching here. I suppose another way to look at it would be: are you forgoeing a gym membership since yer getting all this exercise on the bike?
It'd be really hard to fault you for having a healthy hobby that requires a relatively low amount of money--
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no face punching here. I suppose another way to look at it would be: are you forgoeing a gym membership since yer getting all this exercise on the bike?
It'd be really hard to fault you for having a healthy hobby that requires a relatively low amount of money--
Actually I do have gym membership I personally rarely use. We got a Y membership after our baby was born so my wife could recover from her pregnancy. With the family membership option ($81 monthly vs $50 monthly) we get up to 2 hours of baby watch a day. My wife is a stay at home mom now and really values the chance to get her time in to work out without having to worry about the baby. She also likes the group classes they offer. There is no contract so we can cancel if we don't use it.
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What's your price range? How good are you with a wrench? Can you adjust derailleurs and brakes? If so, you might also consider something from bikesdirect.com, here are their road bikes: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/road_bikes.htm
Well I've been doing this 6 months now and am only as good with the wrench as the problems I've encountered so far. I've had a number of issues with my wheels (blowing spokes) that I've attempted to fix myself but I ended up taking it to the LBS for a wheel true and haven't had any problems since.
In regards to price range, I have a decent stash http://imgur.com/Jjbctxw (+130k property, +50kish not shown) but didn't get it buying retail. $800 maybe?
$800 can definitely buy more bike than you need. And don't be too quick to dismiss bikesdirect. They have some pretty high quality bikes that are in a similar price range to used bikes of other brands. I ride a Motobecane that I bought for $250 used (+$50 shipping) on ebay, and it kicks ass. Even new they are only in the $600 range. IMHO unless you are going to get into hardcore racing, the difference between Tiagra and Ultegra components isn't really worth wasting the extra money.
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Okay, added a tab for myself, but have no idea how the master summary is set up, so going to leave that for someone else :)
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Okay, added a tab for myself, but have no idea how the master summary is set up, so going to leave that for someone else :)
Done! Welcome!
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I can't wait to bike to work this month!
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Hey Yolfer, I added a tab for myself but I'm not sure how to link it to the master. Can you please link it for me?
Thanks!
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Hey Yolfer, I added a tab for myself but I'm not sure how to link it to the master. Can you please link it for me?
Thanks!
done.
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So I'm getting the itch for a new bike and wanted to run it by you mustachian cyclists. Here's my rationale.
1) I'm starting to ride a lot for fun and fitness.
2) My current bike does not fit correctly. I need to raise both the seat and the handlebars higher than the steam and seat-post can safely go.
3) When I'm riding in a group everyone else is shifting quicker and more often because of my downtube shifters.
4) Going from a 30lb bike to a 20lb bike would be nice.
I've already found myself browsing craigslist to see if the right bike comes along. I would keep my current bike as a commuter and use the new bike for fun. I believe I can afford it based on most mustachian measures, but feel free to test me on this. Thoughts?
Well scratch this idea. Had a long conversation with Mrs. StashinIt and we agreed I need to be home more on the weekends to give her help with the baby.
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count me in :) just got access to a bike again and had forgotten how much i love cycling though i'm rather out of shape.
i've added a tab but could someone add me to the master list? thanks
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count me in :) just got access to a bike again and had forgotten how much i love cycling though i'm rather out of shape.
i've added a tab but could someone add me to the master list? thanks
All set, welcome!
We now have 40 participants! Awesome!
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Can you add me also? I don't know how many miles I'll rack up since it snowed today. I've set my unofficial morning temperature to be 38-40F before I'll jump on the bike. But if I'm accountable maybe I'll go a few more.
Not so much doing it to save gas but I just am way less stressed when I ride. Hopefully selling my car this spring to move to work on debt payoff.
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Once I'm back fighting fit, i'll be back in the saddle. Feel crap that I've had flu and not been able to get on the bike for over two weeks.
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-18 with the windchill this morning. Also, according to the weather network I get to fight a headwind coming to work, then fight another headwind coming home. To hell with you, winter!
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GuitarStv, that's amazing. How long is your commute?
I'm currently sitting in my house, procrastinating riding to work; it's 32 which would be nice and warm to you right now but I'm making excuses for leaving later to let it warm up some.. I need to get with it!
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Flunking here- sinusitis has made me a wimpyass at least for the beginning of this week : ( !!
But the month has just begun, n'est-ce-pas...
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This is awesome. I didn't even realize there was a challenge. I'm planning on riding my bike to work on Friday for the first time. 8 miles each way. Went for a 14 miler on Sunday, so I figure that 8 is absolutely doable! And fuck the weather, I'm gonna ride no matter what this Friday. Added myself to the spreadsheet. I've been biking to my gym 2x per week (5 miles total each trip) unless my wife and I are doing a trade off. Haven't gone this week yet though, but will be glad to add it in! Thanks for putting this all together.
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GuitarStv, that's amazing. How long is your commute?
I'm currently sitting in my house, procrastinating riding to work; it's 32 which would be nice and warm to you right now but I'm making excuses for leaving later to let it warm up some.. I need to get with it!
18 and a bit km (about 11 miles) each way . . .
It probably sounds worse than it actually is, -18 C was with the windchill. It was only -10 if you don't factor in the headwind. :P
My biggest dilemma is dressing the legs:
- Naked under ski-pants with side vents fully open OR
- Long johns under track pants
Somehow the one is always too warm, and the other always too cold.
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no face punching here. I suppose another way to look at it would be: are you forgoeing a gym membership since yer getting all this exercise on the bike?
It'd be really hard to fault you for having a healthy hobby that requires a relatively low amount of money--
Actually I do have gym membership I personally rarely use. We got a Y membership after our baby was born so my wife could recover from her pregnancy. With the family membership option ($81 monthly vs $50 monthly) we get up to 2 hours of baby watch a day. My wife is a stay at home mom now and really values the chance to get her time in to work out without having to worry about the baby. She also likes the group classes they offer. There is no contract so we can cancel if we don't use it.
If you're not using the family option, why don't you let your wife go to the gym and you watch the baby instead? 31 bucks a month is pretty great savings. 372 saved over the year could get you a newer bike too...
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If you're not using the family option, why don't you let your wife go to the gym and you watch the baby instead? 31 bucks a month is pretty great savings. 372 saved over the year could get you a newer bike too...
During the day when I am at work.
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If you're not using the family option, why don't you let your wife go to the gym and you watch the baby instead? 31 bucks a month is pretty great savings. 372 saved over the year could get you a newer bike too...
During the day when I am at work.
Maybe she can go at night? I think those classes run all day. My wife and I also have a baby and we either trade her off at the gym. Or tonight, I got home, changed, and rode my bike to the gym and got back showered, and the. My wife went to the gym while I bathed the baby and got her to sleep (or at least am trying to get to sleep!). Also, does the baby watching at the Y require the family membership?
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Maybe she can go at night? I think those classes run all day. My wife and I also have a baby and we either trade her off at the gym. Or tonight, I got home, changed, and rode my bike to the gym and got back showered, and the. My wife went to the gym while I bathed the baby and got her to sleep (or at least am trying to get to sleep!). Also, does the baby watching at the Y require the family membership?
All this is true. Yes, our Y requires a family membership to get the baby watch. It's an optional expense for sure, but it's nice to get some accessible childcare during the day and nice facilities to work out. Especially since we don't have family in the area. We plan to keep the membership through the end of may (5 months total, we got all the bs joining fees waived, and there is no cancellation fee). At that time I'll semi-retire (work for myself) and we'll be moving to Texas (live with my grandparents in their house and provide assisted care). Ok, could go off on a huge tangent here.. ok back to the point. Yes we have the gym membership for a little while, but I'm bound and determined to get my wife and son out on the bikes with me!
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This weather? Not. A. Fan.
It's giving my knee some needed rest, but I feel all cooped up in the car.
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This weather? Not. A. Fan.
It's giving my knee some needed rest, but I feel all cooped up in the car.
That's strange that biking is giving your knees problems. After knee surgery, they basically throw you on a stationary while you're still bleeding. There's almost no stress impact on your knee... I guess that there is a lot of wear/tear while riding outside compared to the stationary bike though!
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This weather? Not. A. Fan.
It's giving my knee some needed rest, but I feel all cooped up in the car.
That's strange that biking is giving your knees problems. After knee surgery, they basically throw you on a stationary while you're still bleeding. There's almost no stress impact on your knee... I guess that there is a lot of wear/tear while riding outside compared to the stationary bike though!
The biking has actually really helped my knee (injury in another sport) overall, I just went more than a few days without stretching . . . .
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Hey Yolfer, I added a tab for myself but I'm not sure how to link it to the master. Can you please link it for me?
Thanks!
done.
Thanks StashinIt!
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GuitarStv, that's amazing. How long is your commute?
I'm currently sitting in my house, procrastinating riding to work; it's 32 which would be nice and warm to you right now but I'm making excuses for leaving later to let it warm up some.. I need to get with it!
18 and a bit km (about 11 miles) each way . . .
It probably sounds worse than it actually is, -18 C was with the windchill. It was only -10 if you don't factor in the headwind. :P
My biggest dilemma is dressing the legs:
- Naked under ski-pants with side vents fully open OR
- Long johns under track pants
Somehow the one is always too warm, and the other always too cold.
I've been wearing a pair of winter running pants all winter that I got from the Running Room from my outdoor running days. I haven't been cold at all on my commute wearing these (a paltry 5 km round trip). I also leave much later than you due to my short trip, about 8:30 am or so. They're not cheap by any means but I get a lot of use out of them so maybe worth a look.
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back in the bike seat.
My distances are Embarrassingly small - the town is TINY like I've said.
1km to work, 1km home. Yesterday, made three trips (come home for lunch)
today - two trips planned
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Bam. Rode my bike to work for the first time. 8.7 miles. Snowing out too! Fingers were cold even though I had on two pair of gloves. The outer ones will not be my first choice next time. Feet were a little cold but I know my shoes aren't warm ever, so again, my fault. Only saw one asshole today too! He gunned it past me on hill when there was about 8 cars stopped behind a school bus at the bottom. After speeding past me he then had to slam on his breaks and fishtailed and almost hit the person in front of him! I just moseyed along ignoring him.
Towards the end, I'm stopped at a light and a guy puts his window down and says "You're really toughing it up today! Good for you!"
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OK since the sinusitis cleared up, on Wednesday - rode back and forth to work 3 times (only 1km from my house!!) Thursday, 1 RT, and yesterday Friday, rode "all the way" to my group therapy gig about 2km from my house in addition to 1RT to my office, and back from the group to the office to home.
The distances are Piddly. Totally. But - Wednesday and Friday were completely No Car Days, which small as it seems I think is really cool.
I guess I'm up to...maybe 10 or 12 km... like 7 or 8 miles for the whole week? Distances in France are very Piddly in general. So much the better ; )
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It's probably been a year since I've ridden my bike, but decided today was the day to make the move. Rode 8 miles roundtrip over the god-forsaken Queensboro Bridge (that is one steep mother) to a buddy's house, instead of taking the subway, to watch my Hoyas beat up on the Syracuse Orange.
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It's right at freezing and we got some awful mixed precip yesterday and overnight, so I'm wimping out and getting on the trainer for this morning. Do we have consensus on counting/not counting that? (I'm leaning towards not...)
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It's right at freezing and we got some awful mixed precip yesterday and overnight, so I'm wimping out and getting on the trainer for this morning. Do we have consensus on counting/not counting that? (I'm leaning towards not...)
I don't count spin class for this, so I wouldn't count the trainer either. If you're training competitively you'd count all your exercises.
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It's right at freezing and we got some awful mixed precip yesterday and overnight, so I'm wimping out and getting on the trainer for this morning. Do we have consensus on counting/not counting that? (I'm leaning towards not...)
I don't count spin class for this, so I wouldn't count the trainer either. If you're training competitively you'd count all your exercises.
I've tracked all my investments for my bike so far. I only count mileage I do in instances when I would have been driving against the cost of the bike/supplies. Joy rides get counted on here only, but I'm actually riding it outside. I'd say that we should not include any trainer/ indoor stuff!
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First real ride of 2013 today after being on the injured roster the last few months, and I also got my very first rude comment while biking! Some horrible looking woman hanging out the side of a massive shiny truck screaming "Use the sidewalk, cunt!!" after I took the lane in a narrow stretch of road, and she'd had to ride behind me for literally half a block.
I was so shocked all I could do was laugh, which seemed to incense her more as the truck then gunned it and went flying through a left hand turn on a red light. Wow!
Other than that, beautiful day and beautiful ride. I also learned that a box of wine nestles perfectly into the basket on the front of my bike!
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First real ride of 2013 today after being on the injured roster the last few months, and I also got my very first rude comment while biking! Some horrible looking woman hanging out the side of a massive shiny truck screaming "Use the sidewalk, cunt!!" after I took the lane in a narrow stretch of road, and she'd had to ride behind me for literally half a block.
I was so shocked all I could do was laugh, which seemed to incense her more as the truck then gunned it and went flying through a left hand turn on a red light. Wow!
Other than that, beautiful day and beautiful ride. I also learned that a box of wine nestles perfectly into the basket on the front of my bike!
Way to take it in stride. Hopefully the rest of your rides will be less "eventful"!
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What do you guys do when it rains? I've got a raincoat but that doesn't keep my legs and feet dry. There is no place to change at work (without walking through half the office, which defeats the purpose) so I bike in my work clothes. While I don't mind getting wet on the way home, soaked jeans won't fly even in our casual office.
. . . . I'm really not liking the weather lately as you can tell.
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First day back in the game for about two weeks, I'm so happy to be back in the saddle.
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What do you guys do when it rains? I've got a raincoat but that doesn't keep my legs and feet dry. There is no place to change at work (without walking through half the office, which defeats the purpose) so I bike in my work clothes. While I don't mind getting wet on the way home, soaked jeans won't fly even in our casual office.
. . . . I'm really not liking the weather lately as you can tell.
I just bring a change of clothes. I shower at work too since my ride is 9 miles with some nice hills. I work at a pretty large company so we have locker rooms all over. On a side note, the backpack I have has a rain cover that's built in, is bright and yellow, and dries pretty quickly! I think it's much better to change into comfortable clothes than deal with the wet feeling.
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What do you guys do when it rains? I've got a raincoat but that doesn't keep my legs and feet dry. There is no place to change at work (without walking through half the office, which defeats the purpose) so I bike in my work clothes. While I don't mind getting wet on the way home, soaked jeans won't fly even in our casual office.
. . . . I'm really not liking the weather lately as you can tell.
I've got a long commute, so when it rains I get wet. Really really wet. It's better since I put fenders on my bikes (less water blasting into my face from the front wheel), but I'm still soaked at the end of a wet commute. Bring a change of clothes wrapped up tight in a couple plastic baggies to keep 'em dry, or keep some dry clothes and a towel at the office for days you have to come in wet. Then just towel down and switch clothes in the bathroom.
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Then just towel down and switch clothes in the bathroom.
The whole issue was that the bathroom/changing area is in the middle of our small office. The office is casual but walking in soaking wet through the building on the way to the bathroom is pushing the line of professionalism.
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Then just towel down and switch clothes in the bathroom.
The whole issue was that the bathroom/changing area is in the middle of our small office. The office is casual but walking in soaking wet through the building on the way to the bathroom is pushing the line of professionalism.
That's really strange to me. We have people who go run a few miles at lunch time and come back on site and shower. I can't imagine anyone saying "your care for your health/environment/money savings is really offending your office mates and I'd appreciate it if you stopped displaying it to your co-workers by walking to the bathroom to change."
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Then just towel down and switch clothes in the bathroom.
The whole issue was that the bathroom/changing area is in the middle of our small office. The office is casual but walking in soaking wet through the building on the way to the bathroom is pushing the line of professionalism.
That's really strange to me. We have people who go run a few miles at lunch time and come back on site and shower. I can't imagine anyone saying "your care for your health/environment/money savings is really offending your office mates and I'd appreciate it if you stopped displaying it to your co-workers by walking to the bathroom to change."
It would probably be acceptable, I just feel it is disrespectful to slop water all over the carpet while passing my office and parking my bike (indoors out of their generosity) at the back of the office. It just feels wrong to me: the damage to the carpet, the wet clothes in a confined shared office all day, the wet hair at work, etc.
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It would probably be acceptable, I just feel it is disrespectful to slop water all over the carpet while passing my office and parking my bike (indoors out of their generosity) at the back of the office. It just feels wrong to me: the damage to the carpet, the wet clothes in a confined shared office all day, the wet hair at work, etc.
So, just keep a towel in a dry plastic bag on your bike and dry down before entering the building then?
I kinda push the lines of professionalism in my office what with my piles of soaked and drying clothing that's strewn around my cube each time I bike in, so take any advice from me with a grain of not giving a fuck salt.
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Then just towel down and switch clothes in the bathroom.
The whole issue was that the bathroom/changing area is in the middle of our small office. The office is casual but walking in soaking wet through the building on the way to the bathroom is pushing the line of professionalism.
That's really strange to me. We have people who go run a few miles at lunch time and come back on site and shower. I can't imagine anyone saying "your care for your health/environment/money savings is really offending your office mates and I'd appreciate it if you stopped displaying it to your co-workers by walking to the bathroom to change."
It would probably be acceptable, I just feel it is disrespectful to slop water all over the carpet while passing my office and parking my bike (indoors out of their generosity) at the back of the office. It just feels wrong to me: the damage to the carpet, the wet clothes in a confined shared office all day, the wet hair at work, etc.
Now it's starting to make sense. I didn't realize that you're storing the bike inside also. I can't imagine they'd care about you being wet, but a nasty bike being wheeled through could cause some issues.
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What do you guys do when it rains? I've got a raincoat but that doesn't keep my legs and feet dry. There is no place to change at work (without walking through half the office, which defeats the purpose) so I bike in my work clothes. While I don't mind getting wet on the way home, soaked jeans won't fly even in our casual office.
. . . . I'm really not liking the weather lately as you can tell.
Long fenders with mudflaps are step one. These don't fit on many modern road bikes with tight frame clearances or full-suspension mountain bikes; if you have one of those, it's probably good to sell it and get a hybrid, older mountain bike, or wide-clearance road bike.
Here's one good set:
http://www.rei.com/product/813527/planet-bike-cascadia-hybridtouring-road-bike-fenders-45mm
And another:
http://www.amazon.com/SKS-Longboard-Coverage-Bicycle-Fender/dp/B004I91WQU
Beyond that, you can also buy the world's dorkiest product, Rain Legs:
http://thelazyrando.wordpress.com/2009/04/14/rain-legs/
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It would probably be acceptable, I just feel it is disrespectful to slop water all over the carpet while passing my office and parking my bike (indoors out of their generosity) at the back of the office. It just feels wrong to me: the damage to the carpet, the wet clothes in a confined shared office all day, the wet hair at work, etc.
So, just keep a towel in a dry plastic bag on your bike and dry down before entering the building then?
I kinda push the lines of professionalism in my office what with my piles of soaked and drying clothing that's strewn around my cube each time I bike in, so take any advice from me with a grain of not giving a fuck salt.
You're boss Guitar. I used to put my wet clothes (which is everyday since I sweat like a maniac after my commute), on our chairs by the pool. About 1% of people go by the pool to go to the gym, yet someone complained about clothes being put out by the pool. Another coworker bikes and so he'd put his clothes out there too. So for a while they stayed all wet and moldy-like inside the locker room.. Well I decided to give them the finger and started putting them back by the pool.
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Long fenders with mudflaps are step one. These don't fit on many modern road bikes with tight frame clearances or full-suspension mountain bikes; if you have one of those, it's probably good to sell it and get a hybrid, older mountain bike, or wide-clearance road bike.
The Crud RoadRacer 2 is fantastic for low-clearance racing bikes without fender eyelets. The coverage isn't quite as good as the best of "real" fenders but it's very, very good. Between that and Tubus' funky system for mounting racks on the brake bolt and QR skewer, go-fast bikes (which can often be found cheap for the quality on CL or the like) are turning into serious transportation options.
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About changing areas (and storage) - this won't work for everyone / every office space, but I've personally claimed an out-of-the-way stairwell in my work building as my very own changing room and clothes drying space. It never gets used, so I just go in the door and go up one flight, where I change into office attire, and hang my clothes to dry on the railing on the second floor. I even have a nice view from the window there, just have to make sure no one seem me naked from outside. By the time I leave, my clothes are dry.
I keep thinking someone will tell me to knock it off and change in the bathroom - or worse yet, my boss will walk in on at in inopportune time - but so far, so good.
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Finally got my health and butt in gear. Biked 7 miles out of my 32 mile round-trip commute today. (Drove the rest.) My legs were rubber but I'm game for tomorrow if it's not pouring down rain.
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Haven't been riding as much as I would like, but this past weekend I rode my first century ride of the year in glorious 75 degrees weather. Got a nice little sunburn out of it.
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Haven't been riding as much as I would like, but this past weekend I rode my first century ride of the year in glorious 75 degrees weather. Got a nice little sunburn out of it.
I'll think of you while biking my 11 miles home tonight through the freezing rain and snow. :P
EDIT - Ride home had so much wet snow that I couldn't keep my glasses from icing up. I thought of you.
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I'm excited to participate in April's biking challenge since I can easily bike to work at my new job!
As for biking in the rain - I wear a waterproof jacket, a pair of thin waterproof pants over my pants, and I have a pannier with a rain cover that keeps my things nice and dry. I usually just take off the waterproof pants in the bathroom, dry off the built up internal steam (ie sweat) and I'm good to go. I commuted 3 miles to work for 5 years this way and it worked out just fine.
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It's probably been a year since I've ridden my bike, but decided today was the day to make the move. Rode 8 miles roundtrip over the god-forsaken Queensboro Bridge (that is one steep mother) to a buddy's house, instead of taking the subway, to watch my Hoyas beat up on the Syracuse Orange.
Nice! I used to cross the Queensboro Bridge on my commute back and forth from Brooklyn to Manhattan. It is indeed a monster! I took the Brooklyn Bridge in, then returned on the QUeensboro for variety, and so I could say I commuted through three boroughs. Ah, the memories.
I miss biking in New York, but to entrance and exit of the Queensboro are not very pleasant, especially in rush hour... You should definitely get back in the habit, especially with all the new bike lanes that have been put in around town.
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This was my first week doing a partial commute by bike. It's too far for me to commute at this point - I simply don't have the endurance. So I'm driving part way and biking the rest.
I was aiming for 4 days this week but my car window broke in the down position on Wednesday so I only biked 3 days this week. It was bitter cold here this morning but I successfully ignored the litany of reasons why I didn't really, really bike today. I did go a shorter distance (which turned out to be very wise) because I don't have gloves that are adequate at that temperature.
PS - I'm on the spreadsheet but not on the summary page...
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Confession time.
I bought a bike! Not only did I but a bike, I bought a *new* bike. Not a new to me be, a brand spanking new bike from my LBS. Not just any local bike shop, but the fancy bike shop in the spendy part of town! Did I need to? No. Did I want to? Yes.
How did I choose it? Well, in essence I let it choose me. I got a professional fit done on a guru dfu machine http://www.runningawaymultisport.com/the-guru-dynamic-fit-unit/ it took about 2 hours of pedaling, adjusting, pedaling, adjusting to get it all dialed in. A $200 operation in all, refunded if you end up buying a bike from them, which I did. They then take all your measurements: seat height, knee position, reach, etc. and overlay it onto their bike options.
I had a few options from them and I ended up choosing the Felt Z85 61cm (I'm 6'4''). http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2013/Road/Z-Series/Z85.aspx
Do I recommend that you do this? No, not if you don't want to. Is there a huge difference getting a bike fit, yes actually it has made a difference on how my knees feel. However, this is mostly due to them changing the cleat position on my shoes drastically.
I made a couple little changes to the stock build, specifically getting a 11-28 rear cassette instead of a 12-32.
Anyway, all told I spent $1,800 on a bike. Certainly not frugal, but I'm happy.
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I can barely ride without training wheels and get white-knuckle nervous going downhill, but I got out my daughter's $5 tag sale bike -- it's extra low and wide, dorky and stable -- and made my first venture out of my own street: almost 1 mile, and it was in March. Count it please!! :)
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Yesterday was miserable and in some respects highlights the importance of being prepared for a ride. A calamity of errors on my part compounding to me shouting at the wind like a mad man.
Weather conditions:
- -1 degrees celsius
- -4 degrees celsius with windchill
Clothing conditions:
Mostly O.K but forgot my gloves.
On the way to work going over the Humber Bridge wasn't too bad the wind was coming from the east and slightly north so was pushing me along, and it was strong it got my hands pretty bad though but I dealt with it because it wasn't taking long to get through it and out of the most of the wind.
On the way home was a nightmare, the wind that helped so much pushing along in the morning, now conspired to blow me to a halt and it was constant. At one point I had to get off and push the bike. This is where I started shouting at the wind to give me a break. I swear if I'd been out in it longer I would have got frostbite... maybe.
Weather conditions are the same in terms of wind. I drove today :( hopefully the wind will die down tomorrow so I can cycle.
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I made a couple little changes to the stock build, specifically getting a 11-28 rear cassette instead of a 12-32.
Nice, although SD must be flatter than I thought...I certainly appreciate the 34-32 combination around here!
I actually went in for a full fit on Friday and between the fit, new stem, new saddle, shoe inserts, aerobars...came out just over $500, which was a big OUCH but should be a LOT less ouch on long rides.
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It's supposed to hit 7C today! I ditched the winter riding pants for the ride in to work and it felt really good. I kept the heavy gloves but I was sweating too much in them so I'm gonna keep them in my pannier on the ride home. I can't wait until I can ditch my balaclava.
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I made a couple little changes to the stock build, specifically getting a 11-28 rear cassette instead of a 12-32.
Nice, although SD must be flatter than I thought...I certainly appreciate the 34-32 combination around here!
I actually went in for a full fit on Friday and between the fit, new stem, new saddle, shoe inserts, aerobars...came out just over $500, which was a big OUCH but should be a LOT less ouch on long rides.
San Diego sure as shit ain't flat, my commute when I lived there had ~1000' feet of climbing each way. Depends on your route, though.
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I made a couple little changes to the stock build, specifically getting a 11-28 rear cassette instead of a 12-32.
Nice, although SD must be flatter than I thought...I certainly appreciate the 34-32 combination around here!
I actually went in for a full fit on Friday and between the fit, new stem, new saddle, shoe inserts, aerobars...came out just over $500, which was a big OUCH but should be a LOT less ouch on long rides.
No, it's not flat :-) But I was riding my 52/42 12-25 up the same hills so 50/34 11-28 gives me plenty of low gear options for grades up to 12% (I haven't run into anything steeper). When I first started I had to walk up a lot of hills, but what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger!
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It's supposed to hit 7C today! I ditched the winter riding pants for the ride in to work and it felt really good. I kept the heavy gloves but I was sweating too much in them so I'm gonna keep them in my pannier on the ride home. I can't wait until I can ditch my balaclava.
I ditched my face mask for the 6:00 am ride in this morning since it was only 0. Wind was in my face, which made my nose and eyes run too much, but otherwise it was very comfortable. I'm definably looking forward to the toasty warm ride home tonight, as I'm sure you are!
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Confession time.
I bought a bike! Not only did I but a bike, I bought a *new* bike. Not a new to me be, a brand spanking new bike from my LBS. Not just any local bike shop, but the fancy bike shop in the spendy part of town! Did I need to? No. Did I want to? Yes.
How did I choose it? Well, in essence I let it choose me. I got a professional fit done on a guru dfu machine http://www.runningawaymultisport.com/the-guru-dynamic-fit-unit/ it took about 2 hours of pedaling, adjusting, pedaling, adjusting to get it all dialed in. A $200 operation in all, refunded if you end up buying a bike from them, which I did. They then take all your measurements: seat height, knee position, reach, etc. and overlay it onto their bike options.
I had a few options from them and I ended up choosing the Felt Z85 61cm (I'm 6'4''). http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2013/Road/Z-Series/Z85.aspx
Do I recommend that you do this? No, not if you don't want to. Is there a huge difference getting a bike fit, yes actually it has made a difference on how my knees feel. However, this is mostly due to them changing the cleat position on my shoes drastically.
I made a couple little changes to the stock build, specifically getting a 11-28 rear cassette instead of a 12-32.
Anyway, all told I spent $1,800 on a bike. Certainly not frugal, but I'm happy.
No shame there, since it sounds like you thought it through. I've always thought the MMM way is "save a bunch of money on the stupid stuff so you can splurge occasionally on quality items that will improve your life"
My bike (used) was about the same cost as yours and I'm very glad I bought it. I use it more than any other belonging.
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This was my first week doing a partial commute by bike. It's too far for me to commute at this point - I simply don't have the endurance. So I'm driving part way and biking the rest.
I was aiming for 4 days this week but my car window broke in the down position on Wednesday so I only biked 3 days this week. It was bitter cold here this morning but I successfully ignored the litany of reasons why I didn't really, really bike today. I did go a shorter distance (which turned out to be very wise) because I don't have gloves that are adequate at that temperature.
PS - I'm on the spreadsheet but not on the summary page...
That's how I got started too! I have a hill in my commute that I couldn't even ride up when I started commuting. I'd pull over and catch my breath. It's amazing how your body will change (improve) to adapt to the bike commute. Now (5 years later) I ride up that hill without even thinking about it.
I added your name to the summary page.
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Added myself. I know it's literally the end of the month, but hopefully that means I'll be on the April spreadsheet automatically. I believe I did everything correctly (Sum of my total miles with a reference to that cell in the main page next to my name).
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Nice StashinIt, sounds like you'll probably be racking up some solid miles next month with that new bike! Did you go the Moment cycle sport?? I've been looking into that for their bike fitting. I'm making a stash of the money saved on my bike commuting to buy a new road bike. Plus, I figure a new, good bike that fits you perfectly and will last decades is worth the investment, and under $2000 I think is very reasonable for that. You could save that in a couple years easy just by commuting, plus it's a hobby so win win.
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Here's the April spreadsheet:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Am8qaK8Qf80edHhoODJ3MllkaHJVaU5PczY0aUtXY3c&usp=sharing
I'll start a new thread. Looks like MMM just put up an article about not driving in April. Hopefully we can get a bunch of new signups!
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Nice StashinIt, sounds like you'll probably be racking up some solid miles next month with that new bike! Did you go the Moment cycle sport?? I've been looking into that for their bike fitting. I'm making a stash of the money saved on my bike commuting to buy a new road bike. Plus, I figure a new, good bike that fits you perfectly and will last decades is worth the investment, and under $2000 I think is very reasonable for that. You could save that in a couple years easy just by commuting, plus it's a hobby so win win.
Yes sir, Moment cycle sport. ;-)
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Here's the new April thread:
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/anti-automobile-april-biking-challenge!!/
Happy April! Hope you don't get fooled.
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I've added myself to the spreadsheet but not to the summary. Can someone please do this for me.
Thanks
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I've added myself to the spreadsheet but not to the summary. Can someone please do this for me.
Thanks
added you to the summary of the april spreadsheet.