Biking newb

[shorewife]

I have a beach cruiser with only 3 speeds for riding around at home and it has a big basket on the front that can hold a lot of stuff including my bike lock. I also ride it in skirts...maybe some peeps can see my undies sometimes but I don't care that much. If you're on a bike like this for 2.5 miles I doubt you'll get super-sweaty unless maybe it is the dead middle of summer.

I didn't answer all your questions - I think there are other ladies on here that can help much more with specifics on what to buy.

[Deleted]

Apr 9, 2014 13:21:33 GMT -5 @juno said:

Apr 9, 2014 13:05:00 GMT -5 shorewife said:

I have a beach cruiser with only 3 speeds for riding around at home and it has a big basket on the front that can hold a lot of stuff including my bike lock. I also ride it in skirts...maybe some peeps can see my undies sometimes but I don't care that much. If you're on a bike like this for 2.5 miles I doubt you'll get super-sweaty unless maybe it is the dead middle of summer.

I didn't answer all your questions - I think there are other ladies on here that can help much more with specifics on what to buy.

Thank you!  Luckily I live in the SF area.  We don't have what other people call "summer."  It's just "less rain and slightly less cold."  I think with most of my pencil skirts I'd have to have them hiked up to my hips to allow me to pedal.  They aren't free flowing or anything.  I'll have to give that a test.  I could put my skirt on in the bathroom at the office I guess.  That wouldn't take long or require anything other than a stall.

A bunch of friends of mine commute this way in SF, they love it. In your case I'd likely wear whatever top I planned to wear and a pair of jeans to commute, then change to the skirt in a stall. For your purposes, find a bike on craigs list, I'm sure there are approximately 1000. 

[sadlebred]

Apr 9, 2014 10:41:17 GMT -5 @juno said:

My commute will be about 2.5 miles each way to the train station, I'll be locking the bike up at the station each day.  All flat city streets.  The rack is near the station agent, but the agent isn't always there and things in my 'hood tend to grow legs.  I have a largish shoulder tote for work that I don't really want to give up, so a large-ish basket would be nice. 

So, my questions: (1) What sort of bike should I be looking for?  I think nothing too expensive since I may give up eventually and the likelihood of it getting stolen is not small.  (2) Where should I be looking?  CL?  Target?  Bike shops?  (3) What's the best way to keep it from being stolen?  (4) Am I likely to try this the first day and die?  Should I be doing something to build up to this before I give the real commute a shot?  (5) Is there anything else I should be thinking about? 

First of all, I'm going to recommend Googling "Bicycle Commuting" or "commuting by bicycle" and variations on the theme. There are SO many good pages on commuting by bike. You might also want to check out the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition for info.

I also second Craigslist for a cheap commuter. I'd look for an older bike that is in good shape. I'd probably get a hybrid or an older road bike. If you think it will get stolen, don't spent above what you are willing to lose. Try to ride it around for 5-10 minutes. If it feels too big or too small, it probably is. Invest in a good lock. A bike shop can steer you in the right direction. I bet if you do some searching you can find a bike shop in SF that specializes in commuters and commuter products. In my city (which is not nearly as bike friendly as SF), we have 2 such shops.

If you do decide that you want to ride for fitness, I'd recommend you go to several local bike shops to talk to them about the right kind of bike for you.

Don't forget your helmet!

[sadlebred]

For a cheap commuter bike, don't worry about weight. I don't know about small enough. You may have to look for a few weeks.

If you want a light bike that is a perfect fit, be prepared to spend at least $2000 at the local bike shop and another $150 for a professional fitting. For a short, flat commute, there is "good enough."

[Susie]

I agree that bike weight is pretty irrelevant for a 2.5 mile ride each way.

I want a commuter bike, because right now my only bike is my road bike that I train and race on. It is not commuting-friendly. Maybe eventually.

[katinthehat]

Electra makes a great little bike that's a single speed, perfect for a basket and a 2.5 mile commute on flat roads. The MSRP is only $249 so it's about as cheap as you'll pay on CL and you get the benefit from buying from a local bike shop (which means they'll also be able to help you should something go wrong or your have questions.)

www.electrabike.com/bikes/cruiser/cruiser-1?g=ladies

[Mashara]

@juno I want to thank you for this post. I'm also short (5') and have been thinking of using a bike to commute to work. It's less than 5 miles and all on flat, biker-friendly sidewalks. All this advice has pushed me towards buying a 24" Electra Cruiser from the local bike shop for $219. And thanks to everyone who answered!

[sadlebred]

Apr 10, 2014 9:03:02 GMT -5 Mashara said:

@juno I want to thank you for this post. I'm also short (5') and have been thinking of using a bike to commute to work. It's less than 5 miles and all on flat, biker-friendly sidewalks. All this advice has pushed me towards buying a 24" Electra Cruiser from the local bike shop for $219. And thanks to everyone who answered!

Actually.....

In most states it's illegal to ride on the sidewalk. In all 50 states in the US, a bicycle is defined as a legal vehicle. You have all of the rights and responsibilities of a motor vehicle. They can't drive on the sidewalk, so bikes can be ridden on the sidewalk.*

In my state you can ride on the sidewalk up til a certain age. I think it's 13.

[Mashara]

Thanks, I'll check to see what it is for here. I know I see people on sidewalks all the time, but we'll have to see what the rules are! There's also a metropark nearby that I would love to ride.

ETA: A bike ban on sidewalks is only enforced here if there are signs prohibiting them.

[Deleted]

I don't ride to work as I work from home, but I have a commuter, which is a hybrid kind of bike (Google for Jamis Commuter 1, 2014 model). I ride it to the pub when it's good weather (like today!) and I want a side of chips (chunky fries). It's an 8 mile round trip. My bike is not super heavy, but not super light either, and I have a couple of hills near my village. All doable without raising much of a sweat. But it also doesn't get terribly hot here either.
It's an excellent way to include a little exercise - well done you!

[sadlebred]

Apr 12, 2014 16:45:03 GMT -5 @juno said:

I got a new U-lock, a cable, a rack for my tote and some lights, everything for $330. I don't think there's any way the entire thing will walk away, maybe just some parts, but even if all of it walks off, I won't cry over it at that price. I had been set on a new comfort bike I test drove last night, but it was $110 more and more likely to get stolen, so I decided to go with cheaper, older and little beat up.

I'm glad you were able to find a bike that will fit your needs! I recommend Google again for "how to long a bike to keep it from getting stolen" and variations on that search. It's important to run locks through BOTH wheels, the frame, and the saddle rails. That will secure most of the bits. I also recommend taking any panniers, bags, and such with you on the train. Those are easily stolen.

Good luck, have fun, and enjoy your new ride!