[baiskeli]

@Runner750 1654 wrote:

WITHOUT a bar that goes parallel to the ground in front of the saddle?

A bike without a top tube is a lady’s bike, now called a step through, as you saw from the other link. They were first designed for women riding in long skirts (i.e. a century ago). You can still find them, but they’re probably going to be no less heavy than the kind you have now. You might just need a smaller frame, unless you’re commuiting in skirts too of course. It’s nice to have that option.

In general, the lighter the bike, the more expensive because of the cost of lighter materials that are only used in performance bikes, but an aluminum frame can make a big difference in weight without busting your budget.

[baiskeli]

I did a century just fine with Sora components on a Giant OCR3. Never had a single problem while training or during the ride. Good components are important, but if it’s about a century and some casual riding, don’t think you have to bust your budget for the best.

Also, I disagree about the double – a triple is nice for someone doing their first century, and really not a problem to have. Unless this is the Seagull Century or a similar ultra-flat area, why not have a granny gear? You won’t notice it if you don’t use it, but you’ll miss it if you want it.

[baiskeli]

Pretty awesome to see an actual bike signal here. They were everywhere in Amsterdam, along with dedicated lanes – separated by medians, not just paint. I can’t remember seeing a bike signal anywhere in the entire U.S. before. That’s something motorists can see, and it sends a signal (so to speak) that bikes are part of the mix just like pedestrians.

[baiskeli]

Freezing weather – what a great time to purge your system.

[baiskeli]

@OneEighth 1371 wrote:

Ya know…it’s a city. There was double-parking long before there were bike lanes. I think a little “no harm, no foul” is in order here—more to the point, I think that making a spectacle out of it with sweeps would backfire.

You don’t think there’s any harm to double-parking?

[baiskeli]

I suggest “Baiskeli Trail” for all of them.

[baiskeli]

Sounds like a broken pipe or valve.

[baiskeli]

@olenka 1332 wrote:

Hi all,
I’d like to start riding my bike to work (about 8-9 miles; from Takoma Park to Union Station) but I can’t bear the thought of bringing my work clothes to the office ahead of time, and folding them in a backpack isn’t ultra appealing either. Does anybody else do a 8-10 mile commute in their work clothes? For me, work clothes means business casual; often on the casual side. Any tips on how to make this work, especially in the winter, when dress shoes, tights, and a skirt isn’t going to cut it, warmth-wise?
I am aiming to get a rack with panniers on my bike in the next couple of weeks, so I will be able to trek some stuff around with me. I just want to keep it simple if possible.
Thanks for any advice!

Keeping it simple is a good idea. I have tried biking about 8 miles in work clothes, and I found it uncomfortable. Maybe you could do it in just some of the clothes and then change. Though I bring my work clothes in and change (which is really not a big deal) I ride in my work shoes, which are just casual enough.

I did find that I didn’t need a shower except in the really hot summer months, but I had mostly a downhill ride.

[baiskeli]

Sheri,

Definitely contact the folks at the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (http://www.waba.org/) for help on both your questions.

[baiskeli]

I just bought a bikesdirect.com bike and it’s working out great for commuting. They have a pretty big selection, organized on their website (roughly) by components in order of quality and price. Definitely check it out for a good deal. It will be cheap, but it won’t help with the thief part.

[baiskeli]

Just saw it this morning. The time had come. Looks like they removed all the abandoned bikes from the other bike racks at that station too.

Also, hi, I’m new here. Long-time Arlingtonian and bike commuter.

[baiskeli]

Sounds like a good idea. Problem is, people in this town can barely follow the basic familiar rules of traffic. Nobody even uses their damn turn signals in cars, and bicyclists around here seem to have virtually stopped calling their passes. Plus the idea of getting everyone to do something better will be called a liberal plot these days.

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