Getting myself and the bike ready for a commute..

[Karl]

With my work being only 11 miles away I have been considering biking to work on nice days (few and far between I know) to not only save on fuel but also to keep my superhero like physique at its optium. At a steady 15 miles an hour would hope that I would get there in a timely manner but also not be a sweaty mess for when I get into the office.

Yesterday I took my Merlin Malt 2 (thats a bike name btw) to my local bike shop for a service and to make sure my expensive front suspension forks are correctly setup. Now I think about it, I paid more for that bike then quite a few of the cars I have owned!! Its been a while since I have been biking these kind of distances so I will also be doing a few miles after I have walked the dogs just to get my fitness level up before I attempt it.

This coupled with my recent lift sharing should help me save upto a tenner a week but also keep me fit and reduce the wear and tear on my 306. I have looked into using the bus but as with public transport in many small towns its not viable due to the fequency of the buses and the time it would take to travel.

[Karl]

Picked myself a nice specialized hemet, water bottle and cycle computer today. Now I will be fast, hydrated and will know my current / average speed.

I took the bike out for another spin tonight, I know its been maybe 5 years since I've done any distances but I was a mess. I think a few monts Errr weeks training will be needed before I even attempt it.

[SiKBoY]

I havent got around to buying a push bike.... My mates R6 is sat in my garage and thats about as close as it gets lol

Been chatting with the brother in law about getting one thou, quite liking the specialised range.

[Karl]

Specialised make some very nice bikes - new mke sure you go for a hard tail - all that weight from rear suspension makes a huge diference.

[SiKBoY]

Just had a look thru the brochure I like the look of the hard tails

Next save up some money!

[Karl]

You can get some great deals on last seasons bike stock and models if you check out mags such as Mountain Bike UK. Some right bargains!

[SiKBoY]

You can get some great deals on last seasons bike stock and models if you check out mags such as Mountain Bike UK. Some right bargains!

Never thought of doing that cheers mate.

[Karl]

Did you get yourself a bike in the end. I have been using mine more and more recently however Ive not yet had the chance to get into work on it yet.

[IanLorenc]

I always like to use one of my bikes, whenever I have to go into town or to my dance class at the nearby community college.
I've got a 1994 Dynatech Diabolo and a 1992 Dynatech Diabolo DX Titanium...and as I remind smart-alecky kids, they're not old...they're vintage!

Wouldn't mind riding to work but I've tried it before and I arrive BASTED in sweat. If we had shower facilities, it would be feasible.

Cheers.
Ian.

[billysan]

Ditch the MTB and get a real road bike. They cover ground effortlessly in comparison, an 11 mile commute would be easy.

If you are not keen on a drop bar racer have a look at something like a Giant Sub Zero or Cannondale Bad Boy. They are fast on roads too but take less time to feel comfortable on.