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Post by brianbutler on Dec 23, 2021 18:56:20 GMT
During these past two years I have cycled about twice as many miles as I have driven in the car. The result is a greater disdain for driving than I had before. Actually, I don't mind long distance drives to go somewhere interesting where I plan to stay for a while. I'm just down on local driving. I'm considering a New Year's resolution to replace most of my local driving with cycling. There are some practical challenges like how to haul things (groceries are heavy/bulky) and how to dress for the occasion (how should I show up at the barber shop/ doctor/dentist on a bike?) But if I can figure out those minor details, I plan to establish a no-drive zone with an approximate 10 mile radius.
Brian
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Dec 23, 2021 20:29:59 GMT
Since it is 14 miles to town with some 1000 feet of climbing, I sort of do that.
Cheers
Jim
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Post by whippet on Dec 24, 2021 11:20:14 GMT
Very commendable Brian. I find having the Viscount Metro with panniers at the front of my garage makes cycling a much more practical proposition for short trips into town. Much more enjoyable too.
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 24, 2021 12:39:16 GMT
Very commendable Brian. I find having the Viscount Metro with panniers at the front of my garage makes cycling a much more practical proposition for short trips into town. Much more enjoyable too. Good thinking - dedicate a bike for local duty and keep it outfitted for that purpose. I'll use my Trek 520 since it is already set up for touring. The only difference will be using some older, slightly heavier but huge panniers. They are a bit more difficult to mount than the sleeker Ortliebs, but who cares if I plan to leave them on.
I understand your point about the Metro's flat bars. If I go that route I have a couple of Viscounts that could be modified.
Brian
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Post by wheelson on Dec 24, 2021 13:39:43 GMT
During these past two years I have cycled about twice as many miles as I have driven in the car. The result is a greater disdain for driving than I had before. Actually, I don't mind long distance drives to go somewhere interesting where I plan to stay for a while. I'm just down on local driving. I'm considering a New Year's resolution to replace most of my local driving with cycling. There are some practical challenges like how to haul things (groceries are heavy/bulky) and how to dress for the occasion (how should I show up at the barber shop/ doctor/dentist on a bike?) But if I can figure out those minor details, I plan to establish a no-drive zone with an approximate 10 mile radius.
Brian
Great points, Brian. My plan would be a 10 mile (stretchable to 20) commute 3-4 days a week on the rail trail to my bike shop gig. Then, I have to get creative. The local supermarket is only a half mile away so not much there but I guess it all adds up. My major goal/challenge is to work my Viscount fleet into the mix. Could it be the year of the Viscount?! If I can pull off as 700c x 32 or a 650b x 38 conversion on one, it becomes “rail trail compliant”. Thanks for getting the mental wheels turning. Best, John “wheelson” |
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 24, 2021 14:03:23 GMT
During these past two years I have cycled about twice as many miles as I have driven in the car. The result is a greater disdain for driving than I had before. Actually, I don't mind long distance drives to go somewhere interesting where I plan to stay for a while. I'm just down on local driving. I'm considering a New Year's resolution to replace most of my local driving with cycling. There are some practical challenges like how to haul things (groceries are heavy/bulky) and how to dress for the occasion (how should I show up at the barber shop/ doctor/dentist on a bike?) But if I can figure out those minor details, I plan to establish a no-drive zone with an approximate 10 mile radius.
Brian
Great points, Brian. My plan would be a 10 mile (stretchable to 20) commute 3-4 days a week on the rail trail to my bike shop gig. Then, I have to get creative. The local supermarket is only a half mile away so not much there but I guess it all adds up. My major goal/challenge is to work my Viscount fleet into the mix. Could it be the year of the Viscount?! If I can pull off as 700c x 32 or a 650b x 38 conversion on one, it becomes “rail trail compliant”. Thanks for getting the mental wheels turning. Best, John “wheelson” John, I'm sure you have a good reason for wanting 32mm for the rail trail but I have been using 28mm (1-1/8" really) on all sorts of trails and even short single-track through the woods for several years without any problems. Sometimes I even use 25mm on a two mile segment of relatively undeveloped rail trail on the way to my daughter's house. Many trail descriptions call for wide tires but I can always comfortably use 28's. I see a lot of people struggling with "mountain bikes" on the local flat, paved rail trail. It takes a lot to turn those heavy, gnarly tires.
You have a great idea in working the Viscounts into the fleet. I'll take a similar approach. Instead of 6 very similar bikes, I'll spread out their capabilities. Thanks for the thought.
Brian
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Post by wheelson on Dec 24, 2021 15:28:32 GMT
Great points, Brian. My plan would be a 10 mile (stretchable to 20) commute 3-4 days a week on the rail trail to my bike shop gig. Then, I have to get creative. The local supermarket is only a half mile away so not much there but I guess it all adds up. My major goal/challenge is to work my Viscount fleet into the mix. Could it be the year of the Viscount?! If I can pull off as 700c x 32 or a 650b x 38 conversion on one, it becomes “rail trail compliant”. Thanks for getting the mental wheels turning. Best, John “wheelson” John, I'm sure you have a good reason for wanting 32mm for the rail trail but I have been using 28mm (1-1/8" really) on all sorts of trails and even short single-track through the woods for several years without any problems. Sometimes I even use 25mm on a two mile segment of relatively undeveloped rail trail on the way to my daughter's house. Many trail descriptions call for wide tires but I can always comfortably use 28's. I see a lot of people struggling with "mountain bikes" on the local flat, paved rail trail. It takes a lot to turn those heavy, gnarly tires.
You have a great idea in working the Viscounts into the fleet. I'll take a similar approach. Instead of 6 very similar bikes, I'll spread out their capabilities. Thanks for the thought.
Brian
I’ve used 28’s on the rail trails before, problem with our local trail is that the “fines” tend to wash out and there are some real squishy spots that are undetectable until you’re on them. After doing a near life ending endo on that same trail a few back, my philosophy has changed a bit. Best, J “wheelson” |
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Jem
Viscount
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Post by Jem on Dec 24, 2021 16:52:43 GMT
As Whippet says, highly commendable Brian. I found the one thing that got me doing 'smaller' or less planned riding was a couple of pairs of cycling trousers that can double as regular semi-smart trousers. I got them 5 or 6 years ago and they are still going strong. I had been reading Grant Peterson's 'Just Ride' that has a great section in there about clothing, and it prompted me to get some. I got some Rapha second hand on ebay. I think they are like the first pair here, but older model www.rapha.cc/gb/en/mens-products/shorts-trousers/category/shorts-and-trousersExpensive when new, but I highly recommend them, very well made. I would try the 'City Denim' model if I could find them cheap enough. And then I bought 3 pairs of a cycling chino in a sale from Marks and Spencer (a high street British clothing company). They were in a sale and less than £20. Both of these are stretchy and comfortable , but smart enough to wear anytime. The M&S ones have a reflective strip in the flap of the back pocket that can be hidden if you wish, they also have reflective strip when you turn up the leg, and the chain side has a pop stud on the bottom to pinch them tighter prevent them catching or getting oily. They also double as golf trousers as the stretchy fabric allows you to move freely. |
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 24, 2021 17:42:20 GMT
John, I'm sure you have a good reason for wanting 32mm for the rail trail but I have been using 28mm (1-1/8" really) on all sorts of trails and even short single-track through the woods for several years without any problems. Sometimes I even use 25mm on a two mile segment of relatively undeveloped rail trail on the way to my daughter's house. Many trail descriptions call for wide tires but I can always comfortably use 28's. I see a lot of people struggling with "mountain bikes" on the local flat, paved rail trail. It takes a lot to turn those heavy, gnarly tires.
You have a great idea in working the Viscounts into the fleet. I'll take a similar approach. Instead of 6 very similar bikes, I'll spread out their capabilities. Thanks for the thought.
Brian
I’ve used 28’s on the rail trails before, problem with our local trail is that the “fines” tend to wash out and there are some real squishy spots that are undetectable until you’re on them. After doing a near life ending endo on that same trail a few back, my philosophy has changed a bit. Best, J “wheelson” I can't argue with that,
Brian
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 24, 2021 17:46:01 GMT
As Whippet says, highly commendable Brian. I found the one thing that got me doing 'smaller' or less planned riding was a couple of pairs of cycling trousers that can double as regular semi-smart trousers. I got them 5 or 6 years ago and they are still going strong. I had been reading Grant Peterson's 'Just Ride' that has a great section in there about clothing, and it prompted me to get some. I got some Rapha second hand on ebay. I think they are like the first pair here, but older model www.rapha.cc/gb/en/mens-products/shorts-trousers/category/shorts-and-trousersExpensive when new, but I highly recommend them, very well made. I would try the 'City Denim' model if I could find them cheap enough. And then I bought 3 pairs of a cycling chino in a sale from Marks and Spencer (a high street British clothing company). They were in a sale and less than £20. Both of these are stretchy and comfortable , but smart enough to wear anytime. The M&S ones have a reflective strip in the flap of the back pocket that can be hidden if you wish, they also have reflective strip when you turn up the leg, and the chain side has a pop stud on the bottom to pinch them tighter prevent them catching or getting oily. They also double as golf trousers as the stretchy fabric allows you to move freely. Great information, Sooper8, exactly the kind I need to make this work.
Brian
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 24, 2021 18:02:08 GMT
As Whippet says, highly commendable Brian. I found the one thing that got me doing 'smaller' or less planned riding was a couple of pairs of cycling trousers that can double as regular semi-smart trousers. I got them 5 or 6 years ago and they are still going strong. I had been reading Grant Peterson's 'Just Ride' that has a great section in there about clothing, and it prompted me to get some. I got some Rapha second hand on ebay. I think they are like the first pair here, but older model www.rapha.cc/gb/en/mens-products/shorts-trousers/category/shorts-and-trousersExpensive when new, but I highly recommend them, very well made. I would try the 'City Denim' model if I could find them cheap enough. And then I bought 3 pairs of a cycling chino in a sale from Marks and Spencer (a high street British clothing company). They were in a sale and less than £20. Both of these are stretchy and comfortable , but smart enough to wear anytime. The M&S ones have a reflective strip in the flap of the back pocket that can be hidden if you wish, they also have reflective strip when you turn up the leg, and the chain side has a pop stud on the bottom to pinch them tighter prevent them catching or getting oily. They also double as golf trousers as the stretchy fabric allows you to move freely. Great information, Sooper8, exactly the kind I need to make this work.
Brian
Slightly off my own topic here, but I checked for the Rapha line in the US and many of the items are not sold here, specifically the City Denim trousers. I went back and looked at the UK website and thought there was something unusual about the photo below. Then I realized that this scene would almost never occur in the US. Maybe that guy would be climbing out of a pickup truck or off a motorcycle, but it is unfortunately not in our culture for that type of person to go downtown for an evening on a bike. Sad but true. This goes back to the fact that we never developed a tradition of bikes as adult transportation. Bike were toys for kids as soon as cars were invented.
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Post by whippet on Dec 25, 2021 7:50:55 GMT
It’s only a short ride, but I don’t wear special clothing for popping out to the shops at all. I just tuck my trousers into my socks. Being able to just jump on and go is what makes it more viable. We survived childhood without pads and technical fabrics after all.
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robt
Viscount
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Post by robt on Dec 25, 2021 11:59:42 GMT
I would try the 'City Denim' model if I could find them cheap enough. Jem, having worn out the two pairs of M&S cycling chinos I bought on your recommendation about a decade ago, I discovered Endura’s ‘urban’ stretch cycling jeans, which are gently stretchy and have a diamond gusset to move the conflagration of seams away from your tender parts. I enjoyed three pairs of these before they stopped making them, and still have all three, though I’m not allowed to wear them for ‘smart casual’ anymore. I’ve recently acquired a pair of Vulpine cycling jeans, that I have found to be a very satisfactory, and (a little bit) cheaper than the Rapha ones. See: www.vulpine.cc/search?s=JeansHappy Christmas, everyone, and very best wishes for a simpler life in 2022! |
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Dec 25, 2021 16:43:12 GMT
Seems to run on beer 
Merry Christmas Jim |
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Post by triitout on Dec 26, 2021 1:03:43 GMT
Several years back I briefly flirted with commuting by bicycle to my local pool which was about 8 miles round trip. If successful, visions of running errands would follow. I set up my big Gran Touring with my old detachable Cannondale panniers which were very convenient and roomy for my swim gear. One thing I could never shake was fear of theft. There is no lock that I have enough confidence in to put that thought to rest. Stolen bicycles are just way too common here on Long Island. I found myself rushing to get done so as reassure myself that the bike would still be there. In the end, it was not worth it. The bulk of my driving are short local trips that are just quicker and easier to manage. Now being retired, time is not an issue, but dead car batteries are. We drive so little as is, my mechanic strongly advised that I'd better get some driving in. Dead batteries which was happening too frequently and rusted brake rotors I could do without. I do feel good that the local car, my LEAF EV, runs on solar powered electric so no emissions guilt at least. For now, I'm keeping my rides just for fun. Here's a photo of the setup. Happy Festivus (for the rest of us) as per George Costanza's dad on Seinfeld Michael  DSCN1076 |
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 26, 2021 1:54:23 GMT
Michael, Happy Festivus to you too. Good point about bike theft but I think the risk of losing one of my $100-all-in bikes is pretty small and not the end of the world if it did get swiped. I used to ride back and forth to the gym and lock up outside without worrying. Maybe the grocery store and other places where more people (and cars) go would be riskier.
For various logistical reasons it may be that I stick with recreational riding only but I'd like to see how far I can get with replacing the car with a bike. I have already decided not to replace my car with another car and keeping my 2014 Honda Accord for the duration.
Brian
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Post by triitout on Dec 26, 2021 2:01:51 GMT
Brian, I've found that if 5% of my winter riding fantasies come through in the outdoor season, I've done good  . The Honda will last forever. FYI, our 2004 Civic is still going strong! |
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Post by brianbutler on Dec 26, 2021 13:02:47 GMT
Brian, I've found that if 5% of my winter riding fantasies come through in the outdoor season, I've done good . The Honda will last forever. FYI, our 2004 Civic is still going strong! You speak the truth. Brian
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Post by wheelson on Dec 27, 2021 17:16:58 GMT
Brian, I've found that if 5% of my winter riding fantasies come through in the outdoor season, I've done good . The Honda will last forever. FYI, our 2004 Civic is still going strong! Honda’s are indeed reliable, having owned several. Our current fleet is a 2018 Jeep Compass 4 cylinder, a dealer program car, and a 2005 Jeep Liberty V6, purchased used around 2015. We’re not big on cars in general, needing one good one for primary transportation. The ‘05 Jeep is mine and is primarily very local use, never coming close to the 5,000 mile cutoff for emission inspections. This vehicle, with its constantly mounted bike rack, is also a necessity for me as all but one of the rail trails I primarily ride are at least 30 miles distant over bike unfriendly roads. I wish I could do otherwise, but I’m probably as bike efficient as I can get. As is usually the case though, I’m seldom without a bike in either vehicle so that I can ride if the opportunity presents. Best, John “wheelson” |
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,390
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Post by Jem on Jan 25, 2022 19:01:42 GMT
I would try the 'City Denim' model if I could find them cheap enough. . I’ve recently acquired a pair of Vulpine cycling jeans, that I have found to be a very satisfactory, and (a little bit) cheaper than the Rapha ones. See: www.vulpine.cc/search?s=JeansA bit cheaper , but still a little too expensive for me I am afraid. I will set up an ebay alert for some used ones though, thanks for tip |
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. The Honda will last forever. FYI, our 2004 Civic is still going strong!