Monday, September 26, 2011

Equipment suggestions for bicycle commuting


This July I was contacted by a writer for Outside Magazine, regarding bicycle commuting equipment recommendations. I sent several paragraphs of suggestions, based on my experience. The October 2011 issue is now out, and my comments appear with only one suggestion. So I thought I'd share the rest of my comments here. I offer more equipment suggestions on my website, and elsewhere on this blog.

Basically, I was asked what I would recommend, either brands or features that are especially helpful, in the following categories: Wheels, Drivetrain + Pedals, Handlebar + Grips, Brakes, Lights + Lock. Here are my responses.

Wheels

In general, commuting bicyclists will want to acquire stronger, beefier wheels than those used by recreational bicyclists. We bicycle commuters are often contending with more varied and challenging pavement surfaces (potholes, debris, etc.), and we are generally more heavily loaded, with things like a laptop, work materials, books, lunch, change of clothing.

My general advice to any bicycle commuter is to get the strongest handbuilt wheelset they can afford, and for most a standard 36-spoke wheel will work very well. Many bicycles come off the showroom with machine-made spec wheels, which may not always be the most reliable over time. Likely great for light recreational riding on weekends, and over a few years, no problem. For everyday hard urban bicycle commuting, you really need great wheels.

My main commuting bike is a hybrid. After breaking many spokes on an inexpensive 32-spoke rear wheel, I recently replaced my rear wheel with a 40-spoke tandem wheel, with a Sun ME-14A rim and Shimano HF-07 hub. I purchased this wheel online from Rocky Mountain Cyclery.

Basically, the advantage to me: I'm a heavier rider (200+) and frequently carry fairly heavy loads during my commute (2-liter bottle of diet cola, books, papers, etc.) I typically break many spokes, had wheel come out of true (wobble) and other maladies. I needed a "bullet-proof" rear wheel, and this one has been really great.

Bicycle commuters should also consider beefy tires for similar reasons. Spend a little more for durability and puncture resistance. It's worth the investment. I use Specialized Crossroads Armadillo tires on my everyday commuter. I also prefer the fattest and widest tire size allowed by my frame clearances. The minimal sacrifice in rolling efficiency is well compensated by the comfort.

Basically, regarding bicycle equipment, my advice is always the same: good durable frame, great durable wheels, strong puncture-proof tires. Get the most bike you can afford; in the end it will always pay off.

Drivetrain + Pedals

I pedal pretty casually in my dress shoes or sneakers; I tend to dress for the destination and not the trip. So my preferred pedal is a double-sided and sturdy BMX style, such as the Diamondback Sound pedal. Bicycle commuters who plan to go faster or want to wear clipless pedals may want to consider the flexibility of the Shimano PD-M324 pedals, which is double-sided with a clipless attachment on one side and a flat on the other. I have these on my touring bike, and they're great.

Handlebar + Grips

I don't really have any strong opinions on handlebars and grips. I prefer a more upright riding position, but all are generally fairly comparable.

Brakes

I don't really have any strong opinions on brakes. Many commuters prefer disc brakes, but I've only used cantilevers and V-brakes.

Lights + Lock

The first consideration with a lock is to understand that EVERY lock can be defeated by a motivated thief. Learning good locking techniques (secure wheel and frame, remove lights, etc.) and accurately assessing the threats are critical to prevent the heartbreak of a stolen bike. I have used a number of different locks. My primary everyday lock for the high-theft college campus where I work is a Kryptonite Evolution u-lock, which I use to secure the frame. I keep my wheels secure with OnGuard locking skewers. Again, no lock is 100% secure. The key is to make your bike MORE secure than the other bicycles in the vicinity. My website has more suggestions on locks.

I've used a number of lights over the years, including the Light & Motion Stella 150. My favorite headlight right now is the NiteRider MiNewt 600 cordless, which is way bright, very lightweight, and is a smart cordless design. Use the brightest light you can afford. Not only will it illuminate your way, but you will get more respect from motorists. I've found the brighter the light, the more respect.

Image: luxomedia
Visit: Paul Dorn's Bike Commuting Tips Site

11 comments:

  1. Ergon hand grips. There is no equal.

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  2. Excellent recommendations! When people are first considering biking to work, they may not be aware that some commutes can really put a bike to the test. Your post will get people thinking about equipment they can get to make commuting easier, safer, and ultimately more enjoyable.

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  3. For commuting, the most important feature of my bike is that it is a folding bike. I ride from home to the commuter rail, ride the commuter rail (with the bike), and then ride the rest of the way to work (where, incidentally, the bike fits under my desk). If my bike didn't fold, I wouldn't be able to take it on the train during rush hour, and I'd be pretty stuck on the other end.

    And as far as components go, I like toe-straps on my pedals...lets me get that extra bit of speed if I'm running late.

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  4. I second the Ergon hand grips. I commute 40 mins each way and they are a life saver.

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  5. Anonymous6:39 PM

    My Marin hybrid is always breaking rear wheel spokes, and your article makes me realize I need to invest in a stronger wheel.

    I've gone a dfferent way with lights, locks etc. but your recommendation for stronger wheels is so right.

    If you want to visit, my blog address is http://aheroslife@blogspot.com

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  6. I have been using double sided MKS pedals on my road bike for 6 months now. I notice no difference in speed. It is actually better for my knees. I had been away from the bike, getting my workouts in on the rip 60 because of a knee injury. Going without clips has allowed me some needed lateral movement to prevent sore knees.

    -Jason

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  7. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  8. Thanks for posting these tips I'm looking into biking the 3.5 mile commute a couple times a week this summer, so I'm in the market for some new gear - and maybe even a new bike!

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  9. I agree with the Ergon hand grips, they work and feel great

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  10. Danny7:32 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  11. Victor Okunev2:46 AM

    Well, living in sunny Cali you can probably get away commuting on V-brakes. I live in Vancouver, BC and commute 50km a day in rain and snow. The V-brakes setup lasted me for about nine months. Then my Alex Adventurer rim got so thin, it eventually split lengthwise and the tube popped with a very loud bang. Then I started noticing that serious bike commuters do use disk brakes only in our climate.

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