road essentials

Even though I quit boy scouts at Webelo, their motto stuck with me: "Always be prepared." The few times (and I do mean few, I've learned from my mistakes) I've been stranded on my bike I did not have basic items with me. If I had these basic items, I could've prevented having to take the bus, or calling Ashley to come get me. The three times (in 10 months) I've been hung up are these:

1 & 2 = I was a young rider. Still afraid of changing a flat tire. It took me a while to realize that not only did I need a spare tube, but I also needed a pump, wrench, tire irons... etc. This happened within the first month of me owning a bike and I never repeated that mistake.

3. I got a flat on the way home from work. That morning I could not find my 15 mm wrench so I used this 20-piece multi-tool that I had gotten for Christmas. It had a 15mm wrench-thingy on it so I was good to go. Wouldn't you know it, I got a flat and needed that wrench to get my tire off. The multi-tool did not allow me enough torque to get my front tire off. Really frustrating, because I was almost home. I never relied on that tool again.

So, to circumvent these errors I now carry the following in my bag, every time I ride:
1. A small hand pump. There are larger pumps, and frame pumps capable of being mounted on your bike. I opted for the smallest pump possible because I felt like a frame pump was susceptible to theft should I forget to take it off and carry it with me = annoying. I can only get about 60-70 psi on this (which is about 2/3 of what I normally ride with), but it's enough to get me to my destination upon which I can then use a floor pump to fully fill my tires. It also can pump up both Schrader and Presta valved-tubes

2. A sturdy 15 mm wrench. Due to the aforementioned tale, I didn't want to mess around with anything flimsy. Durable & reliable.

3. Spare tube. My first choice during a flat tire.

4. Patch kit. Second choice if I am unlucky enough to get a second flat, or to help a fellow cyclist. One tip concerning flat kits. If your flat kit included a small piece of metal that looks like it could double as a cheese-grater, throw it away. A small square of sand paper is much more appropriate. All you need it for is to rough the surface of the tube to encourage a tighter bond between the adhesive and the patch. You aren't finely shredding your tube over a salad at the Olive Garden...

5. Allen wrench multi-tool. This has various sizes of allen wrenches, as well as a flat head and phillips screw driver. I was once having some issues with my seat post. It needed to be tightened with an allen wrench, which I did not have. With every bump in the road, the seat proceeded to climb higher and higher into a very sensitive area of the body. While my bike was still technically "rideable," it did not feel as such. I can use this tool for most little tightening jobs.

6. Three pronged Allen wrench tool. This one is a new edition. I picked it up for like three dollars or something. It boasted having "the three most common sizes of allen wrench on the bicycle." I've found this to be true. This tool allows me to really crank on something, like my handlebar stem or my seat post. While technically this tool could probably replace my smaller multi-tool, I can't bear to stop carrying it with me. I know I'll get burned the minute I leave it out.

7. Tire Irons. They are made out of plastic and therefore should be more aptly dubbed "tire plastics," it just doesn't have the same ring. They probably take their name from their larger cousin used to remove hubcaps from automobile tires. Anyway, these are almost essential for helping you to get your tires on and off your bike. Apparently, mountain bike tires are easier to get off and may not require tire irons. However, road bike tires can be a little stubborn so its very handy to have a few with you. I probably wouldn't be able to fix a flat without them.

8. My lights. In California, it is required by law to have both a front light (white) and a rear light (red), just like cars, get it? I opted for lights that can be easily mounted, and dismounted to prevent theft. It is nice to carry these on you at all times, because you never know when a trip out will extend into the hours of the night. Driving at night dramatically increases your risk of accident if you do not have adequate lighting. There are various schools of thought on the brightness of the front light. Some people think you actually need it as a headlight. I rarely am riding in pitch black places where you can't see in front of you therefore I think the front light serves more as a visual reminder to cars. I rarely am using the front light as a means of seeing the road. Street lights and general city light is more than adequate. I always opt for blinker mode, instead a constant beam. My rear light has several different flash options: constant, random, oscillate, normal blinker... but I like the oscillate one because it looks like the Knight Rider car Kitt.

So, that sums up what I'm carrying with me at any given time on the road. What do you think, is there anything that you carry that I don't? Any advice, suggestions or questions about what to carry?

it's a jungle out there

Some of you may be wondering what its like to travel by bicycle amongst the cars. Because in essence, that's what bicycle commuting entails. Everyone would probably do it if we were coming in off beautifully paved, rural roads that meandered along the sides of lush corn fields or babbling brooks into our occupation as the clerk in the county store.

The reality is that most of us are braving the roads, going to a job where we are underpaid, under appreciated, and overworked.

(not me right now, I'm doing this at work, shh!)

Driving in traffic can be an intimidating thing. After all, the roads, for all intents and purposes, have been unlawfully commandeered by the cars. Thank you planners, developers, engineers and politicians. I'm doing my part to fix this, but you can help.

One thing that used to really annoy me was people saying, "hey, if I can do it, any one can do it." The person pathetically encouraging others to follow along in their footsteps were usually some wildly successful person, making the odds of following in their footsteps as likely that Britney will stay out of rehab, or Paris out of the clank.

As much as I despise that maxim, "if I can do it..." I'm going to offer it to you. If I can be a bicycle commuter, you can too. Let me give you my reasoning.

1. I had no prior experience riding on the street. None whatsoever. The last time I regularly rode a bike was when I was in the 4th grade.
2. I ride to work in one of the most car-centric, car-fetish cities in the world. The entire layout of LA is catered to the automobile.
3. I'm not particularly brave, strong, or rebellious.

That's why I'm saying, if I can be a commuter, so can you.

Now, I'd like you to answer some of these questions:

Do you like arbitrarily waiting in traffic, waiting when you feel like it, and then passing people when you don't want to sit behind them anymore? Do you like cutting in line? Do you like to pass people as they sit in their cars as traffic merges into one lane? Do you like going to the front of the line, every time?

Hey, what a coincidence, me too.

Do you like being self-righteous about your impact on the environment? Do you like exercise? Do you like saving money on an over-priced fossil fuel? Do you like sticking it to the oil industry?

Man, you guys are definitely in the right place. Keep reading:

Here's the thing you guys. I had no experience with riding in traffic. At first, of course the idea was intimidating, but once you do it for a little bit it becomes second nature. Sure, there are close calls every once in a while, but aren't there close calls in your car too? And potentially MUCH more dangerous and expensive? I'd argue yes.

Every once in a while you'll run across a jerk. A lady (odd) in a Honda sedan (even odder) with children in the car (inconceivable!) came very close to me today. I yelled something at her and tried really hard to catch up, but to no avail. It feels really good to yell at people, I'm not going to lie. And most of the time, they deserve it.



However, I've had great experiences too. Some that come to mind: (keep in mind, these couldn't happen while in a car)

1. Valentines Day we had some leftover cookies. Ashley and I weren't going to eat them so I decided I'd take them and give them to someone looking like they could use some cookies. I saw a homeless man with a dog and I asked him if his dog would like some cookies. He got real excited and said, "are these homemade cookies?" I told him that they were, and he said, "wow, these are great, I might have some of these myself, thank you, ride safe!"

I was beaming the rest of the day.

2. One time I was nearing the end of my ride into work and a big guy in a Budweiser truck rolled down his window (at a red light) and asked if I biked to work every day. He asked where I biked in from. He was really excited, genuinely impressed. He congratulated me and gave me the "rock on" rocker fist as he drove away. Very good day.

3. I was in Santa Monica, biking home from visiting ashley at work. On the way home, there are many pedestrian crosswalks that are designed for cars to stop when pedestrians want to cross, but it's really up to the cars if they want to stop or not, because obviously no pedestrian will cross in the middle of traffic.

As I was nearing one of these crosswalks, I saw a heavy metal-couple approach the crosswalk. I was about ten cars back and no one was stopping. I was in the right lane, and stopped for them. Me stopping caused other cars to stop and wait. The woman, looked at me and said, (with a smile on her face) "you are like... the best person in the world."

I didn't have time to argue her assumptions, but it felt good to be recognized. You are more approachable on a bike. It is more conducive to random encounters. Open your lives to this wonderful world you live in. Get on your bike. The point of this post being - getting out there might be a little scary, but once you are out there you'll be so glad you did. When is the last time that you had a commute by car to work and had some amazing experience because you were in your car? Never-gonna-freaking-happen. If I can do it in LA, I'm sure most of you can have great experiences with commuting by bike.

Let's hear some stories!

locked up

No, I'm not talking about the debut single from the Senegal rapper Akon. I'm talking about protecting your investment, your darling, your bicycle. Almost as soon as I bought my bike I started worrying about someone taking it. I have every right to worry, as I live in a big city, and park my bike on a college campus. Two strikes against me.

Lots of people will tell you to get a beater bike, that way people won't be tempted to steal it. But to me that seems like a lame solution, because part of the fun of riding bikes is having a connection with your bike, liking it, you know? It seems like if you are living in fear of having your bike stolen, then you've already lost. Now, I'm not endorsing riding around on the bicycle equivalent of a bentley, but riding the bike you like is a privilege everyone should enjoy. It's an inalienable right I say. Thieves be damned.

Here's how you damn them, In my opinion.

Do you remember that joke/story about some hikers/campers? They are packing for their trip and there is some discussion of bears. One of the campers has packed a pair of running shoes. The other camper says, "Is that all your bringing to protect yourself from bears? You can't out-run a bear!"

The camper with the running shoes says, "I don't have to out-run the bear, I just have to out-run you!"

I know, it's stupid, but it is relevant to locking your bike up. You don't have to have the best lock, you just have to have a better lock than the bike next to you. or have a slightly less flashy bike. Think like a thief... if you are a thief, this should be really easy.

It's all about convenience for them. They want the nicest bike possible, that's the easiest to get. Just give them a reason to take the bike next to you. If it takes 45 minutes to get through your lock, and ten to get through the other lock, who's would you take?

Here's a picture of my lock. It is made by kryptonite, one of the most trusted lock companies in the business. It cost just under $100, but for the peace of mind I think it is totally worth it. Some people go with the U-lock which are equally strong. I like the chain myself because it offers me more flexibility for locking up to various poles, trees, and other urban fixtures. U-locks are lighter, but restrict you in your choice of locking up. It's a trade off. I like the non-verbal message my chain says to a would be-theif. I believe it says,"you aren't getting this bike, unless you really want to spend three hours hacking away, during which process my owner will come out and beat you within an inch of your life."

If you do decide to get a u-lock, make sure you get one with a standard key, not the circle kind. The circle kind was proven to be easily picked by jamming a bic pen into it. The higher end u-lock brands have accounted for this, the cheaper ones have not.

The picture I attached was a bike that I often park next to at work. Some people may not think too much about it if they aren't leaving their bike out over night. I think a thief could make it look like they were working on your bike, and then with one snip of their wire cutters they have your bike. Make them earn it. If my bike gets stolen, I'll know that they really earned it.

If you don't have to lock your bike outside, then obviously bring it in. If you must leave it outside, get a gnarly lock that will likely live beyond the life of your bike. It is a great investment and who can put value on peace of mind?

fixed gear vs. bunch o' gears

What's the fuss - tell me what's a happenin'? What's the fuss, tell me what's a happenin'? What's the fuss, tell me what's a happenin'?

If any one can land that cinema reference, gold star for you. Hint.

So what's the fuss about fixed gear bicycles? They have surged in popularity in the last couple of years, making them more visible and thus a topic for debate in many bicycle circles. Because of their popularity, many have taken a liking to them as a fashion statement/accessory, commonly demonized as the latest raison d'etre of the hipster movement. (amongst some bike folk, anyway)

If you don't know the difference, the picture above is my bike, a low end fixed gear made by fuji. Note the back wheel, see how there's not any of these on them? That's the main difference. Geared road bikes appear similar to fixed gear bikes to most people, because they aren't mountain bikes. Fixed gear bicycles are slightly more unique, in that they have more "aggressive" geometry (different angles and such), but also because there is only one speed. What you see is what you get.

Also, where the term "fixed" gear comes from, is that the gearing of the bike is set so that you cannot coast. As the wheels move, so do the cranks & pedals and ergo, your legs. It is a very awkward feeling the first time, as from the beginning of our bike training we become very accustomed to coasting when we feel like resting. That isn't the case with fixed gear bicycles. Additionally, because there are no gears you are dependent on getting yourself up that hill, instead of slipping down into an easier gear. With that being said (no gears, no coasting), why would anyone want to ride a bike like this?

Volumes of material can be found as to why people do or don't. Sheldon Brown is the definitive source on most bike things, so I'd check out his site if you are curious on some scholastic reasons. I'll offer mine:

1. Simplicity. There's no gears, shifters, derailleurs... all of which (as all things on a bike) are susceptible to wear, tear, and failure. Eliminating those out of the picture saves worry and repair. Less things to go wrong, the more things can go right.

2. Independence. Because there are less things to worry about, that means I have an increased capacity to know what's wrong, and fix what's wrong on my bike. A fixed gear greatly increases your own ability to fix/diagnose when your bike is feeling under the weather. I like that feeling

3. Lighter. Tangential to reason one, because a fixed gear bike doesn't have all of the aforementioned parts, it's lighter. I'm a bike commuter. I ride roughly 100+ miles a week on my bike. Having less "stuff" on my bike makes it lighter, easier to push around, easier to lift, and better at maneuvering. It's comparable to why a ducati is more nimble than a road king. Not that either one is better, just that fixed gears are usually much lighter.

4. Aesthetics (opinion). To me, the simplicity of a single gear is really beautiful on a bike. A bike stripped of all the extras. Just you and your legs. Seriously.

5. Fun (opinion). Comparable to the driving a manual transmission car to an automatic. There is just something really fun about being more intimately connected to the inner workings of your bike. It is a different type of riding. Hard to describe. It's just fun.

There are probably a host of other reasons that people can come up with, but for me those are the most compelling reasons. Given the type of riding I do(commuting, short trips to the store, social rides) a fixed gear is the perfect bike for me. There are some lame people out there who think its superior, or that you need to be a messenger to ride a fixed gear, but I don't care about them.

Finally, there are bikes that look like fixed gear bikes (because they lack gears) and are single speed bicycles. Yet these bikes can coast. This type of bike is a single speed, not a fixed gear. All fixed gears are single speeds, not all single speeds are fixed gears. Single speeds usually have front and rear brakes, whereas fixed gear bicycles will usually have a front brake, or no brakes depending on the skill of the rider. With fixed gears, a brake is not necessary because you can use your back legs to stop your bike. Relying on this ability (stopping with your legs) is not recommended for beginners or those new to fixed gear bikes. I learned to stop with my legs a couple of months into riding, but still use a conjunction of my front brake and legs to "skid" or its staccato cousin, "skip."

I think that covers most of the basics. Whatever type of bike you ride, love it and learn to take care of it. Taking care of your bike will be addressed in later posts.

welcome to bike commute

I figured I'm just in time to alert you that we are now exactly a fortnight out from United States - Bicycle to Work Day. Did you even know that this was coming up? What better way to begin a bicycle commuting blog than the announcement of this event. If you guys aren't prepared, but would like to join in on the fun - check out this information from the League of America's Bicyclists (not to be confused with that dandy of a film, League of Extraordinary Gentleman) on National Bike to work week. Here in California, we are celebrating Bike to Work Day on the 18th, a Thursday. On the National level, they are advertising it as Friday. Regardless, get in on the fun and do it all week. Your buns of steel will thank you later.

In other news:

Yes, another bicycle-commuter blog. What makes mine any different? Well, I'm not writing any other bicycle blogs so you do have the benefit of 100% original content. That's not doing anything for you?

Hmm... Look here's the deal. I just wanted to share my experiences of bicycle commuting with others. I really believe that this is a healthy/viable alternative to sitting in a car, damaging yourself and the environment When I began bicycle commuting I had tons of questions, and was somewhat reticent to put myself out there. So by chance, if there is a beginner out there searching I would love for this blog to be of some service.

That being said, I hope you enjoy reading my blog. If you aren't into bikes, check my other blog. It's bound to have something you fancy.

Again, welcome... and safe riding