http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work ColumbusUnderground.com Messageboard en-US Tue, 21 May 2013 05:32:54 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/search.php http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/4#post-471687 Sun, 11 Nov 2012 15:17:15 +0000 thewalrus 471687@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>If price is a concern, hit the "<a href="http://www.thirdhand.org/joom/">Third Hand Bicycle Co-op</a>" on 5th, about 3 blocks East of N High St. Pay pennies on the dollar and do your own tune-up with help from their staff. Visit them on Saturday afternoon (they have wonky hours). </p> <blockquote><p><cite>surber17 <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/3#post-429191">said</a>:</cite><br /> So I've been doing this the past 2 days and have been loving it. OSU keeps their bike trails super nice and its about a 25-30 min. ride each way. Next question is ... I'm looking to upgrade my bike to something fun, fast, less expensive, and able to attach bags,etc. ..... ideas? </p></blockquote> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/4#post-471682 Sun, 11 Nov 2012 14:53:45 +0000 thewalrus 471682@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>Have been using an <a href="http://www.rei.com/product/813371/osprey-momentum-26-commuter-backpack,-bamboo,-medium">Osprey Momentum 26</a> for a while now and <em>couldn't be happier</em>. </p> <p>Was doing 32 miles RT back when weather permitted (Dublin to Polaris). Then down to evenings only. Now too dark and too cold. Spring will be good as well as a new destination: <em>downtown</em>.</p> <blockquote><p><cite>turnedNOTburned <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/2#post-186626">said</a>:</cite><br /> OK, </p> <p>So, I'm gonna try commuting to work via Bike (26+ miles RT) here when the avg temps get above 45-50, and I gotta drag a laptop. I'll have collapsible panniers for clothes and stuff. Any recommendations on a laptop backpack? Love Camelback stuff, but, they all seem to big. Was thinking about a <a href="http://www.rei.com/product/780465">Novara</a></p> <p>Priorities: Small, ergo-correct, ventilated (preferred), Cost is not as important. </p></blockquote> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/4#post-430671 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:25:50 +0000 0Angle 430671@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>Today a Bud Light semi passed me on the left to make a right turn directly in front of me. Oh the irony if he would have taken me out.<br /> I don't usually ride on High St., but I stopped at the WP Kroger looking for the Double Oaked Woodford Reserve. Next week. Third time I've heard that. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/4#post-430660 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:14:38 +0000 Twixlen 430660@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <blockquote><p><cite>surber17 <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/4#post-430658">said</a>:</cite><br /> The front wheel was just a quick release one .... I have a 10 speed from like 1969 (love this bike). And yes to your question, I was riding along the bike path downtown towards North Bank park and needed to go up towards the Arena District. People drive crazy fast on Spring street there so I stay on the sidewalks/crosswalks until I get closer to the Arena District. </p></blockquote> <p>Oh man - That intersection is seriously tricky - I've seen people (pedestrians) nearly get hit there pretty regularly, and have witnessed two car vs car accidents there. </p> <p>The other thing I'll say about that particular light is when I'm sitting there, looking around at the other drivers, nearly everyone is either talking to or messing with their phone. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/4#post-430658 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:07:57 +0000 surber17 430658@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>The front wheel was just a quick release one .... I have a 10 speed from like 1969 (love this bike). And yes to your question, I was riding along the bike path downtown towards North Bank park and needed to go up towards the Arena District. People drive crazy fast on Spring street there so I stay on the sidewalks/crosswalks until I get closer to the Arena District. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/4#post-430656 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:01:08 +0000 0Angle 430656@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>Were you in the crosswalk because you reached your destination?<br /> What kind of wheel was it? I or LOTW or somebody might have an extra... </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/4#post-430649 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:25:30 +0000 surber17 430649@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>I had stopped at the intersection and waited for the light to change; then when it did I slowly rode across the cross walk. I should have walked it across and will in the future. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/4#post-430646 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:20:28 +0000 FireEngine 430646@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>So, were you a pedestrian, or were you operating your vehicle in the crosswalk? </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/4#post-430645 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:14:17 +0000 surber17 430645@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <blockquote><p><cite>MRipley <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/4#post-430643">said</a>:</cite><br /> Was the driver really not paying attention, or were they looking to their left for oncoming traffic and simply not expecting a cyclist traveling where they shouldn't be? </p></blockquote> <p>Oh it was my fault .... I didn't see that turn arrow (which is actually really hard to see). The driver said she wasn't looking at the cross walk. This case she had the green turn arrow, but so far drivers turning right on red has caused a ton of close calls. I was even thinking that maybe inside the city there shouldn't be any right turns on red with the amount of pedestrians that are out. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/4#post-430643 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:56:30 +0000 MRipley 430643@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <blockquote><p><cite>surber17 <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/4#post-430631">said</a>:</cite><br /> I went to cross a cross walk and when the light turned red and all the cars stopped I went ..... well I didn't see there was a right turn arrow and the person wasn't paying attention and hit me. I will be walking my bike across cross walks from now on. </p></blockquote> <p>Was the driver really not paying attention, or were they looking to their left for oncoming traffic and simply not expecting a cyclist traveling where they shouldn't be? </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/4#post-430640 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:46:33 +0000 0Angle 430640@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>Nobody got a citation? </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/4#post-430635 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:38:16 +0000 rus 430635@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <blockquote><p><cite>surber17 <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/4#post-430631">said</a>:</cite><br /> I went to cross a cross walk and when the light turned red and all the cars stopped I went ..... well I didn't see there was a right turn arrow and the person wasn't paying attention and hit me. I will be walking my bike across cross walks from now on. </p></blockquote> <p>Damn. Glad you're OK.</p> <p>Saw something similar the other day... light turns green, three kids on bikes dart through the crosswalk anyway almost taken out by the guy in the SUV on his phone. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/4#post-430631 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:21:20 +0000 surber17 430631@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>I went to cross a cross walk and when the light turned red and all the cars stopped I went ..... well I didn't see there was a right turn arrow and the person wasn't paying attention and hit me. I will be walking my bike across cross walks from now on. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/3#post-430630 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:16:24 +0000 0Angle 430630@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>DANG. What happened? </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/3#post-430628 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:04:43 +0000 surber17 430628@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <p>Well now I feel like a real cyclist ...... because I got hit by a car yesterday. Amazingly I'm fine but my bike's front wheel is bent, looks like I will be getting a new bike sooner than I expected. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/3#post-429345 Thu, 12 Apr 2012 23:36:34 +0000 lifeontwowheels 429345@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <blockquote><p><cite>surber17 <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/3#post-429191">said</a>:</cite><br /> So I've been doing this the past 2 days and have been loving it. OSU keeps their bike trails super nice and its about a 25-30 min. ride each way. Next question is ... I'm looking to upgrade my bike to something fun, fast, less expensive, and able to attach bags,etc. ..... ideas? </p></blockquote> <p>It's the engine more than anything. ;)</p> <p>Take a look at some of the local shops, they may have something that fits the budget. Depending on what you are currently riding you could get a touring frame from a mail order like Nashbar for around $150 or less and simply swap parts from the current bike. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/3#post-429285 Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:40:55 +0000 Cole 429285@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <blockquote><p><cite>surber17 <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/3#post-429217">said</a>:</cite><br /> I've been getting off at 5th and heading down to Michigan (its paved) .... cuts about 8 min. off the ride and less hills. And I agree, I get my workout in while commuting and its taking me about 30 min. to drive in on 315 anyway so the time isn't much different. </p></blockquote> <p>I also like Perry Street. It's the first intersection after you get off the bike path. You take Perry -&gt; 1st -&gt; Harrison which turns into Buttles -&gt; Park Street. I've always really enjoyed the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=208365938692044717991.0004bd81dd5772da798f3&amp;msa=0&amp;ll=39.981724,-83.009348&amp;spn=0.039395,0.077162">route</a> although I take the exit near 3rd rather than 5th.</p> <p>As far as a fast bike, I know nothing of that because I'm pretty slow. Maybe you could upgrade your current bike. Fenders, <a href="http://www.bikingcolumbus.com/2012/03/biking-errands.html">bike rack</a>, and smooth tires go a long way. </p> <p>Plus, I would look more at comfort rather than speed. Thin tires are great for speed but not for comfort. Drop downs are great for speed but not super comfortable in my opinion. That's just something to keep in mind. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/3#post-429217 Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:45:32 +0000 surber17 429217@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <blockquote><p><cite>columbusmike <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/3#post-429196">said</a>:</cite><br /> I have a very basic Trek hybrid bike and I really like it. I have a few accessories on it, and it's still pretty light.</p> <p>It's great your biking to work. I find it to be extremely enjoyable too (I forgo all the fancy spandex)...plus I easily get my exercise in for the day while I'm actually commuting. Kills two birds with one stone. Last year I started getting off the trail at OSU Med Center (mostly due to the construction going on near the bike trail) and found Neil Avenue is equally as enjoyable as riding down the Olentangy path, and relatively safe due to all the other bike traffic. </p></blockquote> <p>I've been getting off at 5th and heading down to Michigan (its paved) .... cuts about 8 min. off the ride and less hills. And I agree, I get my workout in while commuting and its taking me about 30 min. to drive in on 315 anyway so the time isn't much different. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/3#post-429196 Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:57:41 +0000 columbusmike 429196@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <blockquote><p><cite>surber17 <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/3#post-429191">said</a>:</cite><br /> So I've been doing this the past 2 days and have been loving it. OSU keeps their bike trails super nice and its about a 25-30 min. ride each way. Next question is ... I'm looking to upgrade my bike to something fun, fast, less expensive, and able to attach bags,etc. ..... ideas?</p> </blockquote> <p>I have a very basic Trek hybrid bike and I really like it. I have a few accessories on it, and it's still pretty light.</p> <p>It's great your biking to work. I find it to be extremely enjoyable too (I forgo all the fancy spandex)...plus I easily get my exercise in for the day while I'm actually commuting. Kills two birds with one stone. Last year I started getting off the trail at OSU Med Center (mostly due to the construction going on near the bike trail) and found Neil Avenue is equally as enjoyable as riding down the Olentangy path, and relatively safe due to all the other bike traffic. </p> http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/3#post-429191 Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:47:10 +0000 surber17 429191@http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/ <blockquote><p><cite>leftovers <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/biking-to-work/page/3#post-427392">said</a>:</cite><br /> I used to know someone who would park at the Kroger on Olentangy River Rd and bike through Union Cemetery to the trail and go from there. </p></blockquote> <p>So I've been doing this the past 2 days and have been loving it. OSU keeps their bike trails super nice and its about a 25-30 min. ride each way. Next question is ... I'm looking to upgrade my bike to something fun, fast, less expensive, and able to attach bags,etc. ..... ideas? </p>