Any bass playing cyclists out there?

[One Bad Monkey]

I live 4 miles (round trip) from work, so to offset the wear and tear on my car (which will save me more than just gas), I've been spending a lot of time looking online and talking to the folks at the bike shops in town.

I think I'm pretty much sold on a hybrid at this point, since I would be riding mainly on paved surfaces. Aside from having the bike fit to me, are there any other features/accessories that would be a necessity?

[FL Knifemaker]

I have a Specialized Crossroads Elite:

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkM...d=08Crossroads

It's a great all around bike at a reasonable price. I ride mostly onroad, sidewalks, bike trails, etc. My days of off road Mt Biking are over. The Crossroads does everything I want and is very well made. I just added two extra water bottle holders and an underseat bag.

[One Bad Monkey]

Nice ride, and the price is in my range (I'm thinking around $500 or so). The ones I was looking at yesterday were the Giant Cypress and Sedona, which are both hybrids. I'll have to see if there's a bike shop in town where I can look at the Crossroads Elite.

[Munjibunga]

I take it you just ride with no hands.

[bmc]

I used to commute by bike before moving to Switzerland. 11 miles each way. Tried it with a mountain bike and found it too slow. Tried it with a road bike and didn't like drop handlebars in rush hour traffic. Preferred sitting upright with a good all around view. Better situational awareness. Settled on a hybrid. Still using the same bike 15 years later. It's got thousands of kilometers on it. The brand is GT.

[Sonic_Death]

Why did I think you were asking if anyone could Unicycle and play bass at the same time....

I think I am just really tired and delirious.

[jsbass]

There have been like 50 million other threads on bikes. Get the picture.

[kydnav]

it's funny how you guys are about bikes

[FL Knifemaker]

Originally Posted by jsbass

There have been like 50 million other threads on bikes. Get the picture.

Someone forgot their meds

[One Bad Monkey]

Originally Posted by jsbass

There have been like 50 million other threads on bikes. Get the picture.

If the picture is that someone missed their nap, then yes, that is quite clear.

[spade2you]

Originally Posted by jsbass

There have been like 50 million other threads on bikes. Get the picture.

Yes, there are multiple bike threads every day. No, not really. He may need to learn the search function, but not nearly as much as you needz the chill function.

[LowBSix]

Originally Posted by jsbass

There have been like 50 million other threads on bikes. Get the picture.

Lighten up!!!

Mountain Bike in SoCal... great trails close by and need to ride more!!! PM if interested!!!

[One Bad Monkey]

Originally Posted by spade2you

Yes, there are multiple bike threads every day. No, not really. He may need to learn the search function, but not nearly as much as you needz the chill function.

Actually, I did spend a little time using the search function; talkbass has a reputation for flaming reposted questions (and jsbass proved that).

I just didn't find anything that was closer to my question of necessary features that are a must for regular commuting.

[SuperDuck]

To get back to the thread , I would add that adding a rack and trunk bag to my bike was the best money I have spent as far as commuting via bicycle. During the summer bringing clothes and my lunch via backpack or messenger bag just made me really sweaty. I enjoy the extra heat conservation during the colder months, but being able to ride with nothing on my back was a huge plus. I got a Nashbar rack and trunk bag when they were on sale (Nashbar has sales every 15 minutes), and later added saddlebags. The rack might not add much as far as looks, but you can't beat the functionality!

Though if it's only 4 miles round trip, you can probably tough it out with a backpack. That's just my experience! (5 mi. one way trip.)

Though I'll add that the best money you can spend is on safety! Make sure the cars can see you. Reflective tape, blinking lights... it's all good.

[fdeck]

Originally Posted by SuperDuck

To get back to the thread , I would add that adding a rack and trunk bag to my bike was the best money I have spent as far as commuting via bicycle. During the summer bringing clothes and my lunch via backpack or messenger bag just made me really sweaty. I enjoy the extra heat conservation during the colder months, but being able to ride with nothing on my back was a huge plus. I got a Nashbar rack and trunk bag when they were on sale (Nashbar has sales every 15 minutes), and later added saddlebags. The rack might not add much as far as looks, but you can't beat the functionality!

Though if it's only 4 miles round trip, you can probably tough it out with a backpack. That's just my experience! (5 mi. one way trip.)

Though I'll add that the best money you can spend is on safety! Make sure the cars can see you. Reflective tape, blinking lights... it's all good.

+1. You can check out my ride in the other thread:

Anyone else Bicycle Commute? Lets see some pics..

For me, a rack and a side basket do the trick. I use this bike for everything -- quick trips to the store for a gallon of milk or a six pack, kids soccer practice, and so forth. So I need some cargo capacity.

I find that if I start out early and ride at a rather leisurely pace in the morning, I am not all sweaty when I get to work, if I am not carrying a back pack. One thing I consider to be vital is rain gear. Summer showers are frequent here. Also, I carry a little tool kit with all of the essentials for fixing a flat.

Something to note about my bike is that it is basically a road bike with upright handlebars. It is also technologically identical to the old English three-speed that millions of British workers rode to the factories for decades. The only improvement is the use of aluminum instead of steel for some parts.

And in my opinion, the modern commuting bike is gradually evolving to resemble... the old English three-speed.

My only misgiving is the Darwin Fish, which a friend gave to me. I am still not convinced that I should be proclaiming "survival of the fittest" on busy streets.

[One Bad Monkey]

Okay, I just took the plunge and bought one of these. The bike shop was a mile from my house, so after buying it, I drove home, walked back and rode the bike home. My uncle (who's a cyclist) stressed the importance of making sure the bike fit right, and he was right. The techs moved the handlebars out and down a little, and I was amazed at the difference it made in terms of comfort. Definitely looking forward to the first ride to work.

[scottyd]

I ride this

Does that count? gets good mileage but not like what your after.

[Funk 'N' Stein]

Yes,

Im a bass playing cyclist....

...Or am I a cycling bass player ???


Anyway. This is my rig..... 30 000km on the clock and still going strong!!! All Shimano 105; Easton tubing; carbon front and rear end and as STRONG AS........I run good michelin training tyres and usually get about 3000km out of a pair as long as i rotate back to front. NEVER get punctures as i keep them inflated to 120 PSI (ping ping).

This bike has provided me with some unbelievable moments of elation (downhill at 50mph anyone) and suffering (i cant describe, but if youre a serious cyclist you'll know what I am talking about) often during the same ride

Apart from my Jazz bass and my two stingray 4's, this is the BEST investment I have ever made. PERIOD.

[EricF]

I used to ride a bit...

[ADbassman]

Yup.