Some basic tips for BTWD — feel free to pile on more thoughts or argue with these!

[Greenbelt]

Comfort

Padded shorts are a must for longer rides. Most bike seats (usually called “saddles”) aren’t very comfy. A simple way to help prevent a sore butt is to use padded shorts (the pad is called the “chamois”). Note, try not to “sit” on your saddle when riding, but rather use it as a “perch” more than a resting place.

Saddles come in different bottom sizes and shapes. Note, just because you have a big rear on the outside doesn’t necessarily mean you have wide “sit” bones and need a wide saddle. It varies person to person.

Finally, if you’re prone to chafing (this is especially an issue if you ride in heavy rain or when it’s really hot and sweaty out), there’s a product called Chamois Butt’r that works miracles. Apply to potentially affected parts and glob it directly on the chamois too. It feels gooey and fun!

If you don’t like the look of riding in tight padded shorts, just wear another pair of shorts over the top. The spandex-under-gym-shorts look is cool.

Carrying Stuff

Backpacks are easiest. Many commuters use “panniers,” which are essentially saddlebags, although you don’t mount them on the saddle, of course, but on a “rack” either behind your seat above the rear tire (best) or in front of your bike above the front tire (careful — it can be a little wobbly with lots of weight in the front). There are also basic baskets and crates that can be mounted pretty easily, especially if you have a rack. Be careful they don’t interfere with your pedal stroke or bike handling.

Bike “jerseys” (shirts with pockets in the back) are really handy for carrying small stuff: wallet, keys, phone, snacks, sunscreen.

Flat Repair

Flat tires are a fact of life for urban commuters, especially if you run narrow, higher-pressure tires. Most bike tires are marked something like 700×35, which is the diameter and width in millimeters. Some commuter and most mountain bike tires are marked in inches, usually 26″ by 1.5″ or something like that. Sometimes 29″ by something. So jot down your tire size and get a spare tube or two in that size.

I prefer to carry a portable air pump, which mounts on my bike’s “frame.” Some riders use CO2 cartridges to re-inflate after fixing a flat tire, but that can be tricky if you’ve never tried before.

On BTWD, it’s almost a sure bet that someone will be around to help you fix a flat if you need it. But if you’re planning to commute every day, it’s a good idea to practice. There are lots of videos on the web that show how.

Water and Food

Do not underestimate the amount of water you’ll need, even on a cool day. Bring at least one water bottle if your commute is more than a couple miles, and two if it’s more than 10. Water bottles fit in “caddies” attached to your bike’s frame, and can also be carried in your back jersey pockets. I dislike processed energy bars, but it’s better to have one handy than to “bonk” (suddenly run out of energy) when cycling. Of course, BTWD pitstops will have fruit, bagels etc.

Rain

BTWD goes on rain or shine. If it rains, you’ll get wet. That’s not a problem for you, since you can get a shower or wipe up at work, but it can be bad for your work clothes, work shoes, laptop, if you’re caught in a sudden rainstorm. So put them in plastic grocery bags if there’s a chance of rain and you suspect your backpack or panniers aren’t waterproof.

Topic

[Mikey]

Remember, if it is your first time, or your 400,000th time if you ride your bike to work you are a BADASS, period. You will look over at all of the cars stuck in traffic and have a sense of superiority, because you are, well, superior to them. And if the cars are not stuck in traffic, it’s becuase so many cars were taken off the road by your fellow BADASS bike commuters. Just remember, wait in the line at lights.

[Author]

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