ten reasons to bike instead of drive - Page 4 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Peakster · 04-11-2008, 05:16 AM

I think I found reason #11 for this thread:

A bike CAN be as sexy looking as a sports car! *salivates* Something tells me that this thing would be incredible to ride.

johnpr · 04-11-2008, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Achtung

Well, to help get this topic back on topic...

I bike to school every day! It's not far though. Only about 12 minutes. Did it all winter, except for a couple times where I had to wear a suit for presentations. And when we had a week where it was -40 in the mornings. It definitely helps me save money for books and tuition. It's also fun, yes! Sometimes I get so into it on the way back home that I just drop my bag off at the house and continue riding around for an hour or more.

The only thing about it is that I made a poor choice when I bought my bike. Of course I got a mountain bike, they were definitely the in thing growing up. I got it in grade 9, and I just graduated from highschool well a year ago. And of course a kid wants to get the one that looks the meanest right? This thing's a brute. thick frame, dual suspension, very thick tires. Shoulda got a road bike.

I'm thinking eventually I'll get a bicycle that fits my needs, and then I'll tinker around with the brute, motorize it, y'know? I'm not good with electronics, so I'd put one of those gas or nitro RC motors, or a weedwacker motor on it. Meh, it's probably just another project that won't get done.

i have a mountain bike also, but then again since i bought it i have done more offroad riding then i have on road... now i am making it street friendly, i put narrower (1.75" wide compared to 2.5") tires on it, i have debated on using actual 26" roadbike tires but i dont think i want to do that (i carry alot of gear and dont want to take a trailer everywhere with me although i am probably underestimating the loadbearing capacity of those narrow tires) .

my biggest reason for not getting a regular road bike is that i cant get as comfortable on them (i had a peugot race bike once and i loved the speed and ease of riding just was not in a comfortable position) o well. i have 3 unused bikes downstairs and this month i am going to work on building a recumbent trike, i have a suspension bike down there also so i am planning on putting the rear suspension on there. i am looking forward to that project.

thanks for pulling the thread back on track

john

trebuchet03 · 04-11-2008, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peakster

I think I found reason #11 for this thread:

A bike CAN be as sexy looking as a sports car! *salivates* Something tells me that this thing would be incredible to ride.

For my next 'bent - years down the road - I'll want to be able to do this (hand stop)

It's especially fun to take a turn and tip your fingers across the ground

johnpr · 04-11-2008, 11:47 AM

thats cool, i love how low recumbents are, i read an article about them and was surprised at how long they have been around and disapointed that they havent caught on sooner.

Achtung · 04-11-2008, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnpr

i have a mountain bike also, but then again since i bought it i have done more offroad riding then i have on road... now i am making it street friendly, i put narrower (1.75" wide compared to 2.5") tires on it, i have debated on using actual 26" roadbike tires but i dont think i want to do that (i carry alot of gear and dont want to take a trailer everywhere with me although i am probably underestimating the loadbearing capacity of those narrow tires) .

my biggest reason for not getting a regular road bike is that i cant get as comfortable on them (i had a peugot race bike once and i loved the speed and ease of riding just was not in a comfortable position) o well. i have 3 unused bikes downstairs and this month i am going to work on building a recumbent trike, i have a suspension bike down there also so i am planning on putting the rear suspension on there. i am looking forward to that project.

thanks for pulling the thread back on track

john

That's when it's nice to have two bikes... road bike for street rides, mountain bike for off roading. I hadn't thought of the weight issue... I wonder if that would be an issue. I think one of those hybrid style bikes would be sweet for my purposes actually. lightweight, skinny frame, smooth tires that could hold some weight, but you sit on them like a mountain bike. good luck on making your recumbent trike! you know, I never knew they were called recumbents till now... Are ya gonna do a daily photo log or diary type thing on the forums here?

Quote:

Originally Posted by trebuchet03

If you're going to put a lot of miles down, think of it as an investment. Well engineered frames and components ride so much better. That 'bent was my first frame without 20+ year old components - that will teach you to appreciate the good stuff

Of course, if it gets stolen

that just totally sucks :/

I'll tell you one thing, some of those 'bents I would not ride to commute. Maybe at the velodrome or through the river valley trails we have in edmonton... but alot of drivers just wouldn't see you. How is it riding those ones that you sit really high up like this one you posted?

http://www.rare-sports.com/bike/img/.../1010076_1.jpg

Peakster, that's a good idea about making a log entry for my bike... how would I do that? just convert any money I spend on it to gallons using that day's price of fuel? And I have that same phobia too! We dont mind spending potentially thousands of dollars on a vehicle, yet I am afraid to invest into a 2nd bike. I was at Canadian Tire the other day, and there's this cool hybrid bike there for $350. The only thing is that the bike I have now works fine... i just want something better, but I can't justify it financially since I already have a bike! If my bike got stolen like yours did... well that would be a different story.

And don't worry, you're not the only one that analyzes and calculates costs. My roommates sometimes get annoyed with me if I try to tell them how they could save money...

johnpr · 04-11-2008, 02:14 PM

yes i plan on keeping a photo log, i also plan on posting it on instructables after i finish. as an added bonus i plan on keeping a video log so we'll see all this coming together in the next month.

trebuchet03 · 04-11-2008, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Achtung

I'll tell you one thing, some of those 'bents I would not ride to commute. Maybe at the velodrome or through the river valley trails we have in edmonton... but alot of drivers just wouldn't see you. How is it riding those ones that you sit really high up like this one you posted?

http://www.rare-sports.com/bike/img/.../1010076_1.jpg

I hear that all the time - and it's really an incorrect assumption.

I ride a high racer 'bent (maybe not "racer" - more of a touring) - because it popped up on eBay for an awesome price - I didn't buy it because it would be allegedly more visible - I bought it because it was quality in my price range

But, I know several people that ride trikes:

Now those are close to the ground! One person doesn't even own a car because of it (and he lives in the same area as I do)

I practice riding on a trike that is .25 inches off the ground (you're butt is ~3.5" off the ground and your head is about 16" off the ground). I've yet to have problems

So yes, they have less square footage to see - but, that doesn't mean they're invisible. You get more visibility riding something people aren't used to seeing versus something they might have in their own garage

The important thing, regardless of what type of bike you ride, don't rely on cars seeing you. Drivers don't even see other cars - what makes you think they see anything at all? (harsh, I know - I drive too

) Some don't even see a red light or stop sign - even though they're supposed to be looking for it.

I ride with a rear view mirror - sticks right out of my handlebars and is about 2" in diameter. I have a chasing rear light (always on) and at night have a head light. On my diamond frame road bike, same deal (minus the mirror). Thus far, I've nearly been hit on my diamond frame - that has yet to happen on my 'bent

Did I mention I always wear a helmet? I've invested quite a bit in my noggin

Plus - should I get into an accident with my 'bent - it's going to be legs first. If I get into an accident on a bike - it's going to be head first. Break and ankle/leg or break an arm and get a concussion?

Recap
1. Less square footage (a benefit for 'bents for aero)
2. More visible
3. If you get in an accident -you're head doesn't hit first

Peakster · 04-11-2008, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Achtung

Peakster, that's a good idea about making a log entry for my bike... how would I do that?

Just keep track of as much expenditures of your bicycle in the garage entry versus how much distance travelled. For example, if you spent $220 on a new road bike, $22 on a speedometer, and $10 on other accessories, the total amount invested would be $252. If you keep the bike for just 6 months, your cost of ownership is $42 a month (comparable to just 1 gas fill-up of a small car).

Then let's say you go all out and put 5-kms a day on the bike for those 6 months. Not counting the food energy costs, your total transportation expense would just be $0.28/kilometre ridden.

Quote:

We dont mind spending potentially thousands of dollars on a vehicle, yet I am afraid to invest into a 2nd bike.

And keep in mind that the more you scrimp on spending money on a bike, the faster the $/distance falls as you use it. That's my incentive here on EM

.