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Sven7 · 06-23-2015, 11:24 AM

You say you don't have a bike but don't really talk about whether you have experience with them, so I'll just post a little primer based on my experience.

Get an 80's 10-speed for $100 from Craigslist and tune it yourself. You don't want to be doing 30 miles a day on a cruiser, and you'll get a better deal on CL if you know what you're looking for. Basically any lugged steel frame is going to be a pretty solid starting point, and semi-horizontal dropouts are something to think about if you ever want to go single speed or internal gear.

Buy a combo spoke wrench and give all the spokes a half turn. Buy a chain tool and replace the chain. Replace the tires if they look worn, and check the hub bearings. Check the cable housings, and replace if necessary. I'd recommend finding a bike with fenders, or putting some on yourself. Getting to work wet and grubby is no fun.

Carry a set of allen wrenches, a chain tool plus an extra link, a pocket knife and an energy bar and a couple quarters for a gas station air pump in a small bag on the bike at all times, because you never know. Get a good lock or two, depending on your area. I use a 5' long steel chain with a padlock on the end.

Don't worry about weight so much, but do make sure your rig is in good condition and fits you well. A good bike fit will extend your range and conserve your energy more than you might think.

Oh, and lighting. Spend as much on lighting as you do on your CL 10-spd. I use a Serfas 250 headlight and Bontrager Flare 2 tails. Lights, alongside brakes, are the best thing you can do to your bike to not get killed.

Check this out, too: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...les-32223.html

PS- When you graduate and go out into the work world, I would suggest looking for places closer to work.

06-23-2015, 11:24 AM	#2 (permalink)
Sven7 Master EcoModder Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Warren, MI Posts: 2,456 Boo Radley - '65 Ford F100 90 day: 13.28 mpg (US) Thanks: 782 Thanked 669 Times in 411 Posts	You say you don't have a bike but don't really talk about whether you have experience with them, so I'll just post a little primer based on my experience. Get an 80's 10-speed for $100 from Craigslist and tune it yourself. You don't want to be doing 30 miles a day on a cruiser, and you'll get a better deal on CL if you know what you're looking for. Basically any lugged steel frame is going to be a pretty solid starting point, and semi-horizontal dropouts are something to think about if you ever want to go single speed or internal gear. Buy a combo spoke wrench and give all the spokes a half turn. Buy a chain tool and replace the chain. Replace the tires if they look worn, and check the hub bearings. Check the cable housings, and replace if necessary. I'd recommend finding a bike with fenders, or putting some on yourself. Getting to work wet and grubby is no fun. Carry a set of allen wrenches, a chain tool plus an extra link, a pocket knife and an energy bar and a couple quarters for a gas station air pump in a small bag on the bike at all times, because you never know. Get a good lock or two, depending on your area. I use a 5' long steel chain with a padlock on the end. Don't worry about weight so much, but do make sure your rig is in good condition and fits you well. A good bike fit will extend your range and conserve your energy more than you might think. Oh, and lighting. Spend as much on lighting as you do on your CL 10-spd. I use a Serfas 250 headlight and Bontrager Flare 2 tails. Lights, alongside brakes, are the best thing you can do to your bike to not get killed. Check this out, too: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...les-32223.html PS- When you graduate and go out into the work world, I would suggest looking for places closer to work. __________________ He gave me a dollar. A blood-soaked dollar. I cannot get the spot out but it's okay; It still works in the store Last edited by Sven7; 06-23-2015 at 11:29 AM..