Momma Affreca's Guide to What You Really Need to Bike In This Town

[affreca]

With a couple of friends biking more, and gas at $4 a gallon (and summer staying cool enough to not pass out), I thought I'd give unwanted advice. Specifically, what I think a person needs in order to bike around here, in order of usefullness (list gets long, some of it is just good, not necessary).



A helmet - Most of you know I'm a strong proponent of helmets, some of you know why. The short story is: Have you met my birth father? You probably haven't, because he was involved in a one bicycle accident in '80, and is no longer alive. Have you met my boyfriend? Well, you have the chance, since he was wearing his helment in '97 when he was involved in a hit and run. He may have a metal plate in his arm, but his brains are still there. I recommend going to a proper bikestore (Cycleworks is best around here), and trying on several. They come in many stylish colors.

A comfortably fitting bike - Figure out what fits you. I've biked across a country on a bike to tall for me (admittedly, the country was the Netherlands, in the Limbourgh area) and it was a pain, literally. I had bruises on my thighs.

Also, figure out which style suits you. In Lawrence, I don't recommend a heavy bike, because of Mt. Oread. I love my hybrid bike. It's lighter than a Mountain, but sturdier than a Roadie. Most beginners don't like drop down handlebars. If you're buying a bike, check out what they have a Cycleworks, Sunflower and the used place at 23rd and Louisiana. The important thing is to find one that you like.

A lock - People suck. I've never had a bike stolen, but I'm lucky. If you have interior storage location, that's even better, especially if you don't have to go up steps.

A sense of geography and topography - Develop a set of routes around town. The marked bike routes are a good start. They tend to be quiet streets or have marked lanes, and be the less hilly ways around (However, do yourself a favor and take New Jersey instead of New York. Biking on cobblestones is only fun once). Google earth has elevations, play with it. I can bike from my place to Clinton without going up Mt. Oread.

A headlight - I don't like to bike at night. But sometimes I have to. A headlight isn't about seeing as much as it is about being seen. Thankfully, light technology has gotten better, and LEDs cast brighter lights for less battery power. I also recommend a taillight.

Legstraps - If you're wearing pants, these keep them out of the chain. Which can suck for your pants, or cause a wreck. I prefer the elastic ones, lawnchair prefers the nonstretchy type. Cheapskates can use binding clips.

Filled waterbottle - It is summer. I get thirsty just biking to Lindley and back.

Bell - Face it, you're smaller and quieter than a car (other than a hybrid car. Or else your bike needs some tuning up). People won't notice you. Thankfully, bells are less annoying than carhorns. I used mine today, as I saw a woman on her cell backing out into the street in front of me. I just wanted her to be predictable.

Access to a bike pump/air compressor - Tires get low. Most travel sized pumps are more trouble than they're worth. At my size, I can barely use a good bike pump, so I use my air compressor.

Bike tools - You probably don't need a bike stand, but a multitool is nice for when something goes wrong. I keep a underseat pouch full of toys in case something goes wrong. Allen wrenches, standard and phillips head screwdriver, crescent wrench, tire patching kit, and emergency air. Haven't needed it since biking to Lilies. But I feel better knowing it is there.

Bike rack - The frame of my bike is made of hexagonal tools, so I can't mount a bike lock holder on it. Instead, I just leave a "grocery bag" on my rack, and carry odds and ends there. Sometimes I use it for groceries. The other side of the rack is for my backpack, which is designed to strap to a bike rack. Works good for me.

Probably other stuff I'm forgetting, but that's it for now.

Comments

[affreca.livejournal.com]

I love the freedom biking gives me. It gives me more ownership in my travel.

Thanks. I haven't ever tried a bike computer. When I've gone on longer trips, I've used my portable GPS that way though. Fun to see how fast you actually go, and how far.

I find less posturing and more skill at Cycleworks compared to Sunflower. Also, from what I've heard they're much cheaper for repairs. Plus, they actually have a bike rack in front of the store.

[ryltar.livejournal.com]

Hmm... I'll check that place out. It would be good to know what other places are around for future purchases.

Also, the Arkel bags look pretty interesting. Thanks for pointing me in that direction :)