19bonestock88’s commuter bike BUILD: replacing the “Green Line”

[19bonestock88]

Right now, I just reach up and slap my light to get it back on when it’s goes out or really dim lol... it’s really dim even when it’s working right, I’d like to be able to see further...

[Daschicken]

Here is a great website comparing rolling resistance of bicycle tires: https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/

One option you should consider is going tubeless, although I would only recommend it for the larger, lower pressure tires. Testing on that website has shown that tubeless has an advantage vs tubes at lower pressures, but a latex tube at high pressures with a non tubeless tire VS the tubeless tire, the tubed tire can have lower rolling resistance. The tubeless tire itself will have a slightly higher rolling resistance compared to the tube tire since it has an extra layer of rubber to hold the air in. If you can manage to run a tube type tire tubeless then you will have even less rolling resistance.

Bicycle tires run tubeless may pop off the rim at too high of a pressure. There is also a specific rim profile for running tubeless tires, and they usually are not available with rim brakes. I still haven't found a tubeless setup for my Trek Y3 with its 26"? tires and rim brakes.

Also, tubeless with tire sealant will be less susceptible to punctures, and will be easier to repair. You could also bring a tube with you, and throw it in there if you can't get the tire to seal after a puncture.

[19bonestock88]

I considered going tubeless for that very reason, but don’t know if it’s even possible with a 32mm tire... I do want a better tire(bike came with cheap off brand tires) but have to wait until I wear these out... commuting to work it’ll be a while though, I only cover 4.5mi a day lol

[Lemmy]

For the race of a piffling 2.2 miles I'd probably buy a personal stereo/radio and walk.

[19bonestock88]

If it were for leisure, I’d be open to walking, but I calculated it would take me about 35 min to walk to work, where it only takes me about ten on the bike... if it is raining before I set out, I’ll use the car and that takes about 7 min... 3 min each way is an amount of time I don’t miss, but 28 min is another matter entirely...

[19bonestock88]

I’m up to having covered about 150mi commuting to work on the bike, it’s still going well enough but developed an issue with the chain skipping only in 2nd gear on the cassette, worst when on middle chainring... I think I need to adjust the derailleur again, but haven’t had the time to...

I timed myself home last night though, and despite catching the red light in town and having to turn right and cut through a closed gas station(costing me speed and time), I made the trip in right at 9min... average speed worked out to 14.66mph... not too bad, eh?

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by 19bonestock88

... I made the trip in right at 9min... average speed worked out to 14.66mph... not too bad, eh?

Not too bad. Time it in the car. It might not be much faster in the grand scheme of a morning... like 5 mins instead of 9.

[19bonestock88]

I have timed my commute... usually takes 5-7 min in the car, depending on traffic and hypermiling motivation... usually, biking takes around 10 min, or 9 if I push my pace...

So I’m giving up 2-5min to avoid two cold starts per day and save two gallons of fuel a month, more or less... I also found that I simply can’t fall asleep on my commute home after night shift, which could occasionally be a serious problem in the car...

Since I’ve been riding, I’ve not lost one pound, but my legs are getting pretty beefy...

[19bonestock88]

I adjusted my derailleur again to try and stop the chain skipping in 1st and 2nd gear now... but I’ve run out of adjustment on the derailleur so I’m assuming I’ll need to adjust the cable next...

[ME_Andy]

It could also be that your chain is getting worn and needs replacement. It's easy enough, if you have a chain tool.