Best bikes for Communte?

[vvill]

@cephas 25861 wrote:

I’m confused why anybody would use such low pressure as it recommends. I like my wheels full of air, and this chart recommends not quite as much. The bike handles better, and moves quicker with higher inflation.

Lower tire pressure => more comfortable ride, smoother over bumps. I doubt higher pressure actually makes the bike move faster beyond a certain pressure, especially for imperfect surfaces such as a everyday riding roads.

[jdbrown]

Thanks everyone great information. I will definitely be shopping soon!

[jdbrown]

I have a tri-bike that I use for most long rides now-but my GT is definitely my fail safe. For rides with lots of hills I go back to my GT.

[cephas]

@vvill 25888 wrote:

Lower tire pressure => more comfortable ride, smoother over bumps. I doubt higher pressure actually makes the bike move faster beyond a certain pressure, especially for imperfect surfaces such as a everyday riding roads.

Prolly just my (mis-?)perception, but it certainly feels like it!

[DaveK]

@vvill 25888 wrote:

Lower tire pressure => more comfortable ride, smoother over bumps. I doubt higher pressure actually makes the bike move faster beyond a certain pressure, especially for imperfect surfaces such as a everyday riding roads.

If it’s way too high, lowering your tire pressure actually lowers rolling resistance. Also in many cases wider tires can also provide lower rolling resistance. You see a lot more pros this year riding 25s instead of 23s.

[JorgeGortex]

The experts weigh in on tire size and pressure. My vote is with Zinn, Legan, and Brown:

http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/03/bikes-and-tech/technical-faq/tech-faq-seriously-wider-tires-have-lower-rolling-resistance-than-their-narrower-brethren_209268

http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/11/bikes-and-tech/technical-faq/ask-nick-tire-pressure-the-mechanic-as-caddy-light-bikes-and-amateur-equipment_149851

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tires.html

@cephas 25861 wrote:

I’m confused why anybody would use such low pressure as it recommends. I like my wheels full of air, and this chart recommends not quite as much. The bike handles better, and moves quicker with higher inflation.

When I got panniers, it made a huge difference in the back stress.

As for panniers vs. backpack… I think its to each their own. For me, I store a couple bits of clothing like a jacket in winter, a pair of dress shoes, etc at work in my office (I am lucky to have my own), so for the most part its just the day’s clothes that I bring. My back seems OK over my 10 mile each way ride, and my backpack also offers me a place for my camelbak which I prefer to a water bottle (and need on my bamboo bike as there are no bottle cages). I think sometimes proper position on a well fitting bike can make the difference. If you have back problems for other reason (including not doing any core work) or if you are hauling more stuff, certainly panniers would be great idea.

JG

[Jason]

[HR][/HR] @DaveK 25944 wrote:

If it’s way too high, lowering your tire pressure actually lowers rolling resistance. Also in many cases wider tires can also provide lower rolling resistance. You see a lot more pros this year riding 25s instead of 23s.

With all due respect, those are pros on cleared out roads. We are commuters dealing with wet, sand, gravel, snow, ect. Wider tires with the appropriate pressure help with all this, especially when riding downtown. If someone is on a hard trail for 18 miles, thats one thing, but for some of us, we ride more downtown in and around traffic than not. Thinner isnt always better.

[mstone]

@Jason 26064 wrote:

[HR][/HR]

With all due respect, those are pros on cleared out roads. We are commuters dealing with wet, sand, gravel, snow, ect. Wider tires with the appropriate pressure help with all this, especially when riding downtown. If someone is on a hard trail for 18 miles, thats one thing, but for some of us, we ride more downtown in and around traffic than not. Thinner isnt always better.

I think you misread it…

[Dickie]

@KLizotte 25803 wrote:

I also wouldn’t wear a backpack. All that weight is bound to cause problems irrespective of fit for some people.

I have been using a “proper” back pack for years and it’s a dream… no back issues, no sweating, but it took LOTS of research and testing. Vaude makes amazing cycling specific back packs. I load 20-lbs. in it most days and don’t even notice it, and being 43 working a physical job I’d be the first to complain. However, for all the other back packs I tried, I have to agree…. they generally suck!

[pfunkallstar]

I tried panniers and just couldn’t deal with the rattling and tail-heaviness. I just got a Seagull Black Bag to replace my Timbuk2 bag, which is used to be white and blue, but now sports a giant brown patch in the middle. A well-balanced bag is easy to accomplish but you have to leave some stuff at work, hauling shoes everyday just sucks.

[jdbrown]

What type of backpack are you using?

[jdbrown]

i lowered my tire pressure and it was a huge improvement. I am also going to purchase 25s. Thanks for the advice.

[jdbrown]

Lowering the tire pressure worked great – thanks!

[Dickie]

@jdbrown 27254 wrote:

What type of backpack are you using?

I am using a Vaude Bike Alpin 25-5 Backpack. It is the “air” model so it floats off your back a little a breathes better. This is not ideal for off-roading as it can bounce around a little, but for commuting it is awesome. VERY adjustable, even down to the torso length. Will take a bladder system if you have one, expandable, lots of compartments, built-in rain cover, key/phone pouch, blink light attachment, and built really well…. great zippers, perfect seams, super comfortable. I almost always have 10-15lbs. in it but have occasionally hit Whole Foods, expanded it and crammed tons of food and beer in it. Even fully loaded it is still very comfortable and accessible.

http://www.bikebagshop.com/vaude-bike-alpin-25-5-backpack-p-1181.html

I tried lots of bags (Osprey, Ortlieb, Banjo-Brothers, Novara, Deuter) but loved the Vaude.

[Author]

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