Commute frustrations

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For the first time in 2009, I commuted by bike to work today. The route in was 17.6 miles. Good ride; it is spring break for the schools so the traffic was minimal. Here are the stats:

Miles: 17.6
Avg speed: 12.9
Calories: 923

The ride home had it all. Heavy wind, heavy rain, a flat tire, a few dumb drivers and some other stuff not worth mentioning. Ride home Stats:

Blood pressure: off the charts

Note to self...check the weather better. have the correct tools to fix a flat and not let dumb drivers get to me so bad.

So...Beware....Next Friday I'm at it again.

My Specialized Hardrock Commuter Bike

I really like riding my bike. Riding the 15 miles each way to work is a new adventure. At first, I think I’m going to ride a few times a month. I didn’t really like riding my road bike or my fixed gear to work. So, I decided to buy a used mountain bike and create a commuter. I have enjoyed having a project like this. I decided to buy an older mountain bike with a steel frame and cro-mo fork. I found 1995 Specialized Hardrock in excellent shape on Craigslist for $25. No before hand pics.

I decided to take my time making it the way I want it. The first thing was to replace the knobby tires with Specialized Nimbus tires and buy a lock. (You will notice all the parts I used were Specialized. Open Road Bicycles, my fav shop, is a Specialized dealer so many of the parts I have used are Specialized.) Probably the best addition is a locking front skewer. Comfort, cost, security and functionality will be behind all the changes.

The next step was to replace the seat the seat and grips. I added a Specialized BG2 Sport Saddle and BG Comfort Locking Short Grips. This added the comfort I was looking for.

Pedals were the next part of the project. I thought since my round trip commute is 30 miles, I would need some clipless pedals. I also plan to use this bike on weekends so platforms would be in order. I bought Shimano M-324s for the best of both worlds.

That brings me up to date. I plan on adding a rack on the back, fenders and a headlight. Other small items will also be added, such as a cargo net, rear light and a pannier. These pics are before adding the pedals. So far, it rides really great and is the perfect bike for weekend errands. I like the one less car symbol. More updates will follow as they occur.

Back after 2 years

Since my last post I sold my Masi road bike, Quintana Roo Triathlon bike and Bianchi fixed gear.

I purchased a 2006 Specialized Roubaix Pro, 2007 Specialized Langster and a 1995 Specialized Hardrock. This opens a new chapter in my riding life.

I cannot expalin how great the Roubaix Pro rides. Carbon fiber is a great ride. This was my first Dura-Ace group. It just rides so great.

The Langster fits me better than the Bianchi. I tend to ride it more in the winter to improve my pedalling stroke.

The Hardrock has been a project bike for me. I bought the bike for $25.00 off Craigslist. It had a lot of garage time and is in perfect shape. I decided to turn it into a commuter bike. So far I have added street tires, a more comfortable seat and ergo grips. Within a few weeks I will add fenders and a back rack. Last year I commuted a few times on my Langster, which was great. It got me interested in trying to commute several times a month. So, I think I will spend most of my online time talking about my commute.

My motivation for commuting is simple, I want to commute by bike because I love riding. I am not much interested in doing it for the reasons most people commute. I won't ride in the rain. I often have sales calls and need to drive my car. If it's too hot or too windy or too wet, I will drive. If I happen to save a few bucks on gas or loose a few lbs, so be it.