Biking to work?

Question

I am going to be moving closer to work and will be within 11 miles if I take the back roads. If I were to bike to work, how long should I plan for this trip to take (the ground is mostly level)?

Is there a definitive advantage of a road bike to a mountain bike?

Where can I get a decent bike for less than $100?

How should I train for this prior to attempting it?

What are the "rules of the road" for a cyclist?

Is a helmet mandatory?

How should I change my eating habits so that I am not injuring my body?

I should add that I am looking for a cheap bike because I want to make sure I will actually continue to use it. If I only do it for a month or two, then $500 on a bike is hardly worth it. However, if I can go for three months, I think it will be safe to say I will continue to use the bike and would have no problem dropping the extra cash on a good quality bike.

One more question... A lot of road bikes say they are 18", 19", or 20"... are they referring to the frame or the wheels? I can't imagine an adult using wheels that small, so... what does it mean?

Answer 1

Great Questions!!

>how long should I plan for this trip to take (the ground is mostly level)?
As a novice, plan on 45 minutes to an hour, depending on wind and traffic lights. I race on a regular basis and commute 9.5 miles with rolling hills and a few stop lights. It takes me ~ 30 minutes

>Is there a definitive advantage of a road bike to a mountain bike?
Yes! If you don't have any dirt roads to contend with get a road bike. They are lighter and have higher pressure tires. These are two HUGE factors when riding on the road.

>Where can I get a decent bike for less than $100?
You can't unless you buy a used one, even then you're not going to find much worth riding at that price. Sorry to say, but anything reliable enough to commute on is going to run you $300+ used, and probably $500 new.

>How should I train for this prior to attempting it?
Once you get your bike, ride about 45 minutes to an hour as often as you can for about a month. Go for 5 days/week. Don't worry about speed, just ride.

>What are the "rules of the road" for a cyclist?
Generally speaking bikes must follow all traffic laws, just as a car would. Be respectful of cars and drivers. Always check behind you before taking left turns or going through intersections.

>Is a helmet mandatory?
I think there are some local ordinances in some cities, so you'll have to check. But, I don't think it's wise to ride without one. Especially as a novice cyclist, you'll want to make sure that when you hit the ground your head will be somewhat safe. Notice I didn't say 'if' you hit the ground........you _will_ hit the ground, eventually.

>How should I change my eating habits so that I am not injuring my body?
Probably the only thing you need to really think about is hydration. Drink a good 16 oz of fluid in the 30 minutes or so before you ride, especially if it's going to be hot. Make sure your water bottle is full. As for food, one of the beautiful things about commuting by bike is that you can pretty much eat what you want. Sure, there are going to be people extolling the virtues low fat/high carb diets or what ever fad they're into, but if your goal is just to commute, and not to lose weight, then eat as you normally would.
If you had some sort of performance goal or weight loss goal, I would advise you differently. I'm not advising you to _over_ eat, just stick with a sensible well balanced diet, with the occasional treat.

Answer 2

A road bike is lighter and faster than a mountain bike. The 18", 19" 20" refers to the frame size. Road bike wheels are usually 700c diameter. I'm 5"10" and a 21" or 54cm road bike is a good size for me. For a rider in decent shape, 11 miles should take 35-45 minutes. You might want to allow a few extra minutes in case you have to change a flat tire or hit a lot of stoplights. You can't get anything decent for $100, some bike shops have a small selection of used bikes, but you'll probably have to spend at least $300-400 for something reliable.

For training, just get some miles in on the weekends. If you're not too winded after a ride of an hour or so, you'll have no problem doing the commute. And you'll continue to get in better shape the more you ride.

The rules of the road are basically the same as if you were driving a car. Travel in the right lane, stop for red lights and stop signs, signal for turns, yield to pedestrians, and yes, stop for school buses with their red lights flashing. If you have to get to work early or have to stay late sometimes, it's a good idea to get a good light system. A reflective vest and reflective leg bands wouldn't hurt either. A helmet may or may not be mandatory, check your local laws. Any bike shop would know the local law. Even if it's not required, it's a good idea to wear one anyway.

For eating habits, just eat sensibly. Plenty of carbs and protein, and be sure to stay hydrated.

And most important of all, have fun!

Answer 3

Plan for an hour each way initially, so you have time for last-minute things and to cool down and/or shower once you get to work.

A road bike is MUCH faster than a mountain bike, but there are more commuter-specific bikes available now that would be perfect.

You CANNOT get a good bike for under $100. Unless the stars align and you're lucky enough to have a dead uncle who happened to be a cyclist leave you a good bike in his will, there are no good bikes that cheap. Stay away from Wal-Mart bikes, they are utter crap.

You're gonna have to suck it up and drop a good $400-$800 on a new bike and gear, and if you fail to heed my advice, remember that I Told You So.

If it's relatively flat, you don't need training. It should be a slam-dunk, and it's far easier than you think to go 10-20 miles in a day. Just keep pedaling and enjoy the ride, and you'll be there before you know it (unless you got a $100 bike, in which case it will fall apart and you'll walk the last 6 miles).

Helmets are mandatory, even if it's not required by law. it's just stupid not to wear one, especially around traffic. Speaking of which, if you MUST be in the road, act like a car. Use your signals and be predictable, and you should be fine. But always remember that EVERYONE is out to get you, and you lose no matter what.

Stop eating McDonald's and other fast food crap if you want to feel good, and don't eat a lot before riding. Beyond that, your body will tell you what you need if you listen to it.

Answer 4

There are some very good answers here. I would comment that you don't have to spend a lot of money to get a decent bike. I went to ebay and found an old 12 speed lotus road bike from the early 80's. Outdated but very high quality components and they still work like new. This bike only needed new tires and tubes, bar tape and replacing a broken cable to make it ride like new. Most people think these bikes are yard sale junk, but if you shop carefully you can get a really good deal. With all the little stuff fixed, I still had less than $100 in my bike, and it gives me great satisfaction to blow past someone on a $1000+ newer bike.

Answer 5

11 miles for an inexperienced rider (sounds like you) will take about an hour. You will have factors like wind as well (can add some time, or help). Road bikes can be uncomfortable for inexperienced riders. I recommend a hybrid. Go to your bike shop and check one out. They are sit up, comfortable with smaller tires than a mountain bike. Made for road riding. Less than $100? Not a chance. Up your budget to $300 and you can find a good hybrid bike. Training-start with a 4 mile ride. I believe anyone can do a 4 mile ride. Up it a mile each time you go out. Try to get out every other day. Make sure you also experience your windy days as well. This will test your limits. When you can comfortably ride your 11 miles then you are set. Take water with you on your hotter days. You will find you will need a chug every half hour or so. Rues of the Road? Wear something bright so them "car" drivers will see you and wear a comfortable helmet. Atleast your brains won't be spattered on the road in any accident. Always keep your ears open and DONT do the ipod thing. A helmet is not mandantory, but may come in handy in any accident, whether you ride off the road into a ditch yourself or get nudged from behind from something bigger. Eating habits? No. With any workout routine, whether its biking or whatever, drink plenty of water. If your trying to lose weight, of course, reduce your caloric intake.
The only other thing I recommend is-LEARN to fix a flat. Nothing like being stuck 5 miles from anywhere with a flat tire.
Once you get some miles on your bike you may consider upgrading to road bike. I still ride my hybrid (4 years now). I try to ride twice a week and usually go anywhere from 12-20 miles depending on my mood. I average 13 miles per hour according to my little digital speedometer. Sometimes more, sometimes less depending on the wind conditions. It's a good workout.

Answer 6

"A lot of road bikes say they are 18", 19", or 20"... are they referring to the frame or the wheels? I can't imagine an adult using wheels that small, so... what does it mean?"

Most upright adult bikes have either 26" or 700c (about 27") wheels.

Many long term commuters use special in-between, cross or hybrid bikes, but hard to find at your price point.

The numbers you refer to above are measuring the length of the tube that goes from the saddle to the crankset. Usually longer legs require taller bikes. However, Mtn bikes require different body clearances than road bikes.

Road bikes are faster on paved roads, but not as robust as Mtn bikes.

If the roads are fairly smooth, you can use a road bike with wider tires and slightly aggressive tread. If the roads are kind bumpy, get a bike with front suspension (mtn) but faster tires.

Answer 7

good answers so far so all I will add is WEAR A HELMET, just stupid not to. One thing I've learned is the one time you forget your helmet and think it's no big deal. That's when you crash. News story just yesterday here in S. Florida, Bike vs car crash, car tire actually rolls over cyclist head, helmet in three pieces, head in one. Also exercise your rights as a vehicle on the road. If there is a blind corner where it is not safe for cars to pass you, don't let them. If they honk that means they see you, and that's a good thing.
I recommend a book by the editors of bicycling magazine called Complete Book Of Road Cycling Skills, great for every rider even the best will git something out of this book, I reference it often to refresh my skills.
In closing, don't buy a hybrid, especially if your on a budget. You'll just be looking for a road bike in 6 months.
good luck and ride safe.

Answer 8

I make a daily commute (18-20 miles each way, depending on the choice of route). It takes me just over an hour, on windy days. Back when I was just beginning to get serious about riding, I'd average 10-12 mph ... which means you can expect your commute to take you about an hour each way, for now.

If the road surface is good (i.e. paved, some shoulder to get out of the way of heavy trucks, etc) the best choice is either a hybrid type road bike (which lets you sit up straighter and will probably be more comfortable, at least initially). A second alternative would be a "true" road bike; however, the body position takes some getting used to. If the road has a lot of broken pavement, or the shoulders are gravel with no real edge between the car surface and the ditch, choose a mountain bike. It will be a harder ride at first, but will last longer and be more robust for that type of ride. You can always switch out the knobbies for slicks, to obtain better rolling resistance.

There is no such thing as a 'decent' bike for less than $100, at least if you're looking at new ones. In reality, even kids' bikes run around $100 for something that won't be more trouble than it's worth. For a new bike that is enough to handle the kind of miles you're expecting to put on it, I'd bet you're looking at closer to $400-$500 as a minimum. A second-hand one might be half that ... but then again, it might have something wrong with it that you won't know about until it's far too late. You're starting out on a new phase of your life - spend the extra money and get something you KNOW will be reliable over the long haul.

Start small, if you haven't ridden any real distance. 4-5 miles is easily within range ... you're not racing, so you can take as long as necessary. You've indicated the terrain is fairly flat .. this should be relatively easy, even for your fitness level (after all, you DID buy that new bike, didn't you!). Give yourself a couple of trips at a given distance (2-3) with a day's rest between. Don't miss out for bad weather (unless maybe it's a winter storm or winds >30 mph or driving rain) ... you can travel through anything less than the absolute worst of it. Just remember to take your time. Pretty soon you'll be up to your 'work' distance ... but don't go to work just yet. Get used to a distance that's maybe half again as far as the one-way trip ... THEN go to work. That way you'll know you've got the energy to get home again afterward!

Bicycles are considered vehicles by the department of motor vehicles. This means they (and by extension, the cyclist) are subject to the same rules of the road as a car driver. The exception to this is where on the road you are allowed to ride. By law (in the US), the minimum road allowance is 18 inches ON THE PAVED SURFACE, MEASURED FROM THE MARKED SHOULDER. This means you're riding on the same surface as automobiles are allowed to drive. Be aware, particularly since you're traveling in the same direction as traffic, and they'll be coming up behind you at (probably) much higher speeds ...

Most locales do not have helmets mandatory for adults, but some do. Personally, I don't see any reason to be riding WITHOUT one - regardless of skill level or age. Be safe, get one. You'll be glad you did ... if for no other reason than that you're setting a good example for the kids in your neighborhood and along your route.

As for habits - simply remember to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Carry a bottle of water with you when you ride; those hot days will take more out of you than you might think. A 16-20 oz bottle should be enough to tide you over on your work route; I try to keep two of them with me, and replenish them both every 20-25 miles. Your muscles will certainly thank you over the long haul!

Answer 9

great answers! WEAR A HELMET!!! just like to add, get yourself, some bicycle specific riding clothes. especially padded shorts, and cycling shoes (mtb type, not clipless). these will increase your comfort level by a bunch! a few other items to comsiderfor safety and comfort; lights, rain gear, fenders, rear rack with a trunk bag. get a good lock. unless you get the $100 bike, then no one will bother trying to steal it...and remember... when in traffic ride like you are invisible! the SUV driving, cell phone texting, make-up applying, latte drinking, child scolding, stop light running, trophy wife/soccer moms won't look for you!!!!

Answer 10

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