Commuter Bike

Here are some thoughts for Joshua and anyone else about getting yourself the perfect commuter bike. I am excited that this type of bike is getting popular again. Despite the fact that Schwinn bikes are now made overseas, you gotta give them credit for naming a city bike after Sid & Nancy. This one wouldn't be a good commuter, but I've always loved dorky-looking utility bikes.

I stumbled upon a very well done web article on commuting bikes; it's worth a look if you want to know the state of the art. I've always called this type of bicycle a "utitlity bike," "city bike" or "neighborhood bike." Sometimes it's referred to as a "Dutch bike." But "commuter bike" seems like a fine designation, and it's easy to get one rolling for yourself.

First, let's consider the top-of-the-line. Here is probably the best commuter bike made today, the Breezer. But you don't have $1,900 to drop on a bike that might get stolen or mashed up. Cut that price in half, and you can get this very cool Bianchi commuter. Again, way too much money. You could buy a Specialized Globe, or a Giant TranSend--the big bike companies are making and marketing commuter bikes now. Very cool. You could get into one of these very nice rides for about $500.

UPDATE: The mail order bike shop Performance, a place I've always liked, sells the Schwinn World for a good price--under $500. Schwinn bikes are no longer made in the US.

Steve's Recommendation

Mountain bikes are everywhere, so I would start there. Here's my suggestion starting with a servicable mountain bike.

1. Buy/use used. You're riding the bike to help the environment, so don't add to the problem by simply consuming a new product when you don't need to. Use a bike you already have (if possible), or buy a used one that might end up in a garage corner or landfill. You save money, you save the planet... everybody wins.
2. Add fenders. I think they look cool, but you need them on the road even in the slightest bit of wet. They are cheap, too.
3. Add a rack or panniers. You are going to need to carry something with you to work. The best way to carry is on a rear rack. A messenger bag works fine for short trips, but for more than one mile, you don't want the gear on your body.
4. Add a mirror. You only need one of these on the left.
5. Add city tires. Knobby tires and pavement get old after a few hundred yards. The 26" mountain bike wheels (with 1.5" wide tires) are perfect for choppy pavement, though.

Here's what you need:

• city tires $7.99 (x2)
• fenders $24.99
• rack $17.99
• mirror $13.99

GRAND TOTAL: $72.95

Steve's 3 Rules of Bike Commuting

1. Be Visible. As a rule, motorists don't try to hit cyclists. Your best defense is being seen. This is why you should never ride on the sidewalk or against traffic. Ride in the far right lane in the direction of traffic. Wear light colored clothing. Attach reflectors or lights to your bike. Be seen.
2. Be Predictable. Motorists on the road should be able to predict what you are going to do. If you are dodging on and off the road in driveways and sidewalks, you are going to get hit. Stay in the road. It truly is the safest place. Use clear hand signals to let cars know what you are going to do. Check your mirror and make an effort to be extra predictable when cars are behind you.
3. Obey the Rules of the Car. Unless bike travel is prohibited on a road, you have the same rights and responsibilites as a car. That means stop at the red lights and stop signs. That means signal before turning.