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I think this summer, I'm going to try the "a different bike a day" for a week, with all 20's. We'll see if I've got enough good tires to make it happen.
Riding to work
Vintage style
by Mark Mc
24 April 2012 - 02:03 AM
Post #1
Finally the weather cooperated (no rain in the daily forecast) and I got a chance to try out my Bendix 14T sprocket.
I think this summer, I'm going to try the "a different bike a day" for a week, with all 20's. We'll see if I've got enough good tires to make it happen.
I think this summer, I'm going to try the "a different bike a day" for a week, with all 20's. We'll see if I've got enough good tires to make it happen.
MultiQuote
24 April 2012 - 02:14 AM
Post #2
24 April 2012 - 03:21 AM
Post #3
24 April 2012 - 08:41 AM
Post #5
24 April 2012 - 09:55 AM
Post #6
24 April 2012 - 12:44 PM
Post #7
24 April 2012 - 02:43 PM
Post #8
I've been riding to work (mostly everyday it doesn't rain) in the summers here for the past 5 years.
About 30 blocks each way - with lots of obstacles. Its rough sometimes in the city - and arriving to work pretty sweaty. But overall it makes me feel better physically to get that kind of work out early in the day.
I've been on a 20" the whole time.
I was riding old school bikes, but I had to get a little mid-school for the commuter because I needed V-brakes. Old calipers just weren't cutting it when I needed to stop on a dime to save myself from crazy cab drivers and oblivious texting pedestrians. So I'm riding a 94 GT.
Looking forward to seeing the documentation of bikes for different days
Maybe get a good reliable rider set of wheels/tires that you can put on each bike for the venture. Riding low-pressure dry rotted tires long distance could end up being no fun.
About 30 blocks each way - with lots of obstacles. Its rough sometimes in the city - and arriving to work pretty sweaty. But overall it makes me feel better physically to get that kind of work out early in the day.
I've been on a 20" the whole time.
I was riding old school bikes, but I had to get a little mid-school for the commuter because I needed V-brakes. Old calipers just weren't cutting it when I needed to stop on a dime to save myself from crazy cab drivers and oblivious texting pedestrians. So I'm riding a 94 GT.
Looking forward to seeing the documentation of bikes for different days
Maybe get a good reliable rider set of wheels/tires that you can put on each bike for the venture. Riding low-pressure dry rotted tires long distance could end up being no fun.
24 April 2012 - 03:35 PM
Post #9
24 April 2012 - 03:43 PM
Post #10
abozny, on 24 April 2012 - 11:35 AM, said:
Chromey, you've got to try brakeless. Nigel Sylvester does it in NYC and he swears by it.
I'll die.
Fact!
Brakes have saved my live and others Many times.
Mr. Sylvester must have a death wish, or the ability to bunnyhop an entire bus.
;)
24 April 2012 - 04:07 PM
Post #11
[quote name='chromey' date='24 April 2012 - 03:43 PM' timestamp='1335282222' post='487911']
good brakes make you ride faster with confidence, helps with the emergency stops too
abozny, on 24 April 2012 - 11:35 AM, said:
Chromey, you've got to try brakeless. Nigel Sylvester does it in NYC and he swears by it.
Quote
I'll die.
Fact!
Brakes have saved my live and others Many times.
Mr. Sylvester must have a death wish, or the ability to bunnyhop an entire bus.
;)
Fact!
Brakes have saved my live and others Many times.
Mr. Sylvester must have a death wish, or the ability to bunnyhop an entire bus.
;)
good brakes make you ride faster with confidence, helps with the emergency stops too
24 April 2012 - 07:11 PM
Post #12
chromey, on 24 April 2012 - 07:43 AM, said:
I've been riding to work (mostly everyday it doesn't rain) in the summers here for the past 5 years.
About 30 blocks each way - with lots of obstacles. Its rough sometimes in the city - and arriving to work pretty sweaty. But overall it makes me feel better physically to get that kind of work out early in the day.
I've been on a 20" the whole time.
I was riding old school bikes, but I had to get a little mid-school for the commuter because I needed V-brakes. Old calipers just weren't cutting it when I needed to stop on a dime to save myself from crazy cab drivers and oblivious texting pedestrians. So I'm riding a 94 GT.
Looking forward to seeing the documentation of bikes for different days
Maybe get a good reliable rider set of wheels/tires that you can put on each bike for the venture. Riding low-pressure dry rotted tires long distance could end up being no fun.
About 30 blocks each way - with lots of obstacles. Its rough sometimes in the city - and arriving to work pretty sweaty. But overall it makes me feel better physically to get that kind of work out early in the day.
I've been on a 20" the whole time.
I was riding old school bikes, but I had to get a little mid-school for the commuter because I needed V-brakes. Old calipers just weren't cutting it when I needed to stop on a dime to save myself from crazy cab drivers and oblivious texting pedestrians. So I'm riding a 94 GT.
Looking forward to seeing the documentation of bikes for different days
Maybe get a good reliable rider set of wheels/tires that you can put on each bike for the venture. Riding low-pressure dry rotted tires long distance could end up being no fun.
Healthwise. Absolutely one of the best things I've done. I've been going 4 days a week, year round, for over 4 years now. And my cholesterol dropped over 20 points after I started. My normal commuter is a 1990'ish (old school?) StumpJumper. Converted with street tires, fenders for the rain, a rack for saddle bags, and lights for mid-winter riding in the dark. I even pack lunch and a mug of coffee daily. It's a tank, probably 40+ pounds, but, I don't upgrade, as pushing that weight is truly good exercise.
I'm still working on the wheel scenario. That's one option under consideration. As is using only rideable tires!
We're back into rain in the forecast, so, this week is out. But, hopefully not long before I can make it happen.
24 April 2012 - 07:16 PM
Post #13
Mark Mc, on 24 April 2012 - 01:11 PM, said:
Healthwise. Absolutely one of the best things I've done. I've been going 4 days a week, year round, for over 4 years now. And my cholesterol dropped over 20 points after I started. My normal commuter is a 1990'ish (old school?) StumpJumper. Converted with street tires, fenders for the rain, a rack for saddle bags, and lights for mid-winter riding in the dark. I even pack lunch and a mug of coffee daily. It's a tank, probably 40+ pounds, but, I don't upgrade, as pushing that weight is truly good exercise.
I'm still working on the wheel scenario. That's one option under consideration. As is using only rideable tires!
We're back into rain in the forecast, so, this week is out. But, hopefully not long before I can make it happen.
I'm still working on the wheel scenario. That's one option under consideration. As is using only rideable tires!
We're back into rain in the forecast, so, this week is out. But, hopefully not long before I can make it happen.
Rain? Why let that stop you? I ride my bike to work rain or shine............. Oh wait, I never leave my home because I work here
LOLSpeaking of riding, when do you want to get together and go riding now I have free weekends?
25 April 2012 - 02:45 PM
Post #14
UH OH.....
Guys - Don't hate me.
This is what I rode to work today.
In all honesty. this is the VERY FIRST time I commuted on a non-BMX bike.
Converted an old 1986-87 Ross 10 Speed - to a single speed city commuter. It's been sitting collecting dust in my parents garage since 87. I used to HATE this thing and kick it over every chance I had. I brought it back to my apartment about 6 months ago to see if I could somehow make use of it (when it seemed like everyone's bikes were getting stolen around here).
So I stripped everything off - threw out the dumb 10 speed bars, and derailure and all the shifters. Got some new sealed cheapo aluminum cranks,= - and started seeing what i could use from my BMX stash to make this thing simple and functional.
GT or Powerlite JR. aluminum bars.
Suntour Stem (that actually came on my GJS when I got it)
86 lavender Odyssey Brake Lever
Pro Neck 43 tooth sprocket
Some flatland bike seatpost, and a padded newer Aero seat.
Newer Skyway grips.
It actually rides really nice, although I'm worried about the original tires giving out on me.
So it's sort of an experiment, but it went well. The bike is ultra light and pretty speedy. a very steep gearing with that little sprocket in the back.
Guys - Don't hate me.
This is what I rode to work today.
In all honesty. this is the VERY FIRST time I commuted on a non-BMX bike.
Converted an old 1986-87 Ross 10 Speed - to a single speed city commuter. It's been sitting collecting dust in my parents garage since 87. I used to HATE this thing and kick it over every chance I had. I brought it back to my apartment about 6 months ago to see if I could somehow make use of it (when it seemed like everyone's bikes were getting stolen around here).
So I stripped everything off - threw out the dumb 10 speed bars, and derailure and all the shifters. Got some new sealed cheapo aluminum cranks,= - and started seeing what i could use from my BMX stash to make this thing simple and functional.
GT or Powerlite JR. aluminum bars.
Suntour Stem (that actually came on my GJS when I got it)
86 lavender Odyssey Brake Lever
Pro Neck 43 tooth sprocket
Some flatland bike seatpost, and a padded newer Aero seat.
Newer Skyway grips.
It actually rides really nice, although I'm worried about the original tires giving out on me.
So it's sort of an experiment, but it went well. The bike is ultra light and pretty speedy. a very steep gearing with that little sprocket in the back.
Attached thumbnail(s)
25 April 2012 - 02:47 PM
Post #15
chromey, on 25 April 2012 - 08:45 AM, said:
UH OH.....
Guys - Don't hate me.
This is what I rode to work today.
In all honesty. this is the VERY FIRST time I commuted on a non-BMX bike.
Converted an old 1986-87 Ross 10 Speed - to a single speed city commuter. It's been sitting collecting dust in my parents garage since 87. I used to HATE this thing and kick it over every chance I had. I brought it back to my apartment about 6 months ago to see if I could somehow make use of it (when it seemed like everyone's bikes were getting stolen around here).
So I stripped everything off - threw out the dumb 10 speed bars, and derailure and all the shifters. Got some new sealed cheapo aluminum cranks,= - and started seeing what i could use from my BMX stash to make this thing simple and functional.
GT or Powerlite JR. aluminum bars.
Suntour Stem (that actually came on my GJS when I got it)
86 lavender Odyssey Brake Lever
Pro Neck 43 tooth sprocket
Some flatland bike seatpost, and a padded newer Aero seat.
Newer Skyway grips.
It actually rides really nice, although I'm worried about the original tires giving out on me.
So it's sort of an experiment, but it went well. The bike is ultra light and pretty speedy. a very steep gearing with that little sprocket in the back.
Guys - Don't hate me.
This is what I rode to work today.
In all honesty. this is the VERY FIRST time I commuted on a non-BMX bike.
Converted an old 1986-87 Ross 10 Speed - to a single speed city commuter. It's been sitting collecting dust in my parents garage since 87. I used to HATE this thing and kick it over every chance I had. I brought it back to my apartment about 6 months ago to see if I could somehow make use of it (when it seemed like everyone's bikes were getting stolen around here).
So I stripped everything off - threw out the dumb 10 speed bars, and derailure and all the shifters. Got some new sealed cheapo aluminum cranks,= - and started seeing what i could use from my BMX stash to make this thing simple and functional.
GT or Powerlite JR. aluminum bars.
Suntour Stem (that actually came on my GJS when I got it)
86 lavender Odyssey Brake Lever
Pro Neck 43 tooth sprocket
Some flatland bike seatpost, and a padded newer Aero seat.
Newer Skyway grips.
It actually rides really nice, although I'm worried about the original tires giving out on me.
So it's sort of an experiment, but it went well. The bike is ultra light and pretty speedy. a very steep gearing with that little sprocket in the back.
I actually like it. I like the bmx parts on it
25 April 2012 - 02:53 PM
Post #16
Do you guys generally bring the bikes inside, or lock them up outside?
I guess obviously you aren't leaving valuable vintage bikes outside. Being able to bring them inside indicates a pretty relaxed work environment. That sounds pretty appealing actually. Working in that type of scene, I mean to say.
I guess obviously you aren't leaving valuable vintage bikes outside. Being able to bring them inside indicates a pretty relaxed work environment. That sounds pretty appealing actually. Working in that type of scene, I mean to say.
25 April 2012 - 02:56 PM
Post #17
I work in a skyscraper - I have to lock outside.
My midschool GT is purpose built too - while still having my old school vibe. i keep it pretty modest. hoping it won't get stolen. All the decals will probably be stripped off the Ross soon to. Anything that makes the bike look proud to be what it is - draws attention - and has to go.
My midschool GT is purpose built too - while still having my old school vibe. i keep it pretty modest. hoping it won't get stolen. All the decals will probably be stripped off the Ross soon to. Anything that makes the bike look proud to be what it is - draws attention - and has to go.
25 April 2012 - 03:19 PM
Post #18
S.Brothers, on 25 April 2012 - 08:53 AM, said:
Do you guys generally bring the bikes inside, or lock them up outside?
I guess obviously you aren't leaving valuable vintage bikes outside. Being able to bring them inside indicates a pretty relaxed work environment. That sounds pretty appealing actually. Working in that type of scene, I mean to say.
I guess obviously you aren't leaving valuable vintage bikes outside. Being able to bring them inside indicates a pretty relaxed work environment. That sounds pretty appealing actually. Working in that type of scene, I mean to say.
When I worked downtown we were able to bring out bikes into our offices in our 20 story building, it was really cool until some jackass decided to bring his mt bike in after mud ridding and ruined the carpet. From there on out we had to lock them down in the parking garage.
Not the change the subject but talking about workspaces and bikes, I have been looking for a new desk for myself at home and found this, I think this is pretty cool
Attached thumbnail(s)
25 April 2012 - 09:07 PM
Post #19
25 April 2012 - 09:27 PM
Post #20
^^^
As much as that's cool. I still like my window better!
And Steve, you're right, it's nice to have a work environment that allows for you to bring your bike up and not have to worry about it getting clipped off a bike rack. I work in a small corner segment of 9 cubes. In the past, there were days when 5 of the 9 cubes had bikes in them. Not often, but, it did happen.
Rain today. Look for the different bike a day effort in May.
As much as that's cool. I still like my window better!
And Steve, you're right, it's nice to have a work environment that allows for you to bring your bike up and not have to worry about it getting clipped off a bike rack. I work in a small corner segment of 9 cubes. In the past, there were days when 5 of the 9 cubes had bikes in them. Not often, but, it did happen.
Rain today. Look for the different bike a day effort in May.
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