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This is an upright commuter bike. It is a Specialized Crossroads Elite hybrid with front suspension. It has an aluminum frame and 700 x38c tires (wide; compared to a racing bike). This bike was chosen with the thought it would withstand the rigors of commuting over the sometimes rough and irregular trails and roadways; bought used in 2000. |
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| The helmet is a bright yellow to increase visibility to cars, as are the gloves. Cyclists need to stand out visually from the background with high contrast, bright colors so that motorists will see them. The headband helps to keep sweat out of the eyes on hot days and increases the comfort of the helmet. The bottle is for water. |
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What is needed for work is carried in this rack trunk. It attaches to a rear rack that is mounted to the frame of the bike. It holds the equivalent of a small back pack. It does not shift position and is not hot like a back pack worn on the body. The pockets on the side are useful for organizing small items like keys, cell phones, chapstick, and etc. |
Rack trunks are usually solid black. If you can find a bright color it will make you more visible.
Look for a trunk that has reflective material on them (silver in the picture) to help you show up at night.
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When you open the bag, this is what is inside.
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This is what is normally carried to work: A clean shirt, clean underwear, repair kit, extra glasses for low light and or rain, and a cable lock. A cell phone, watch, and keys are carried in the side pockets. All of this weighs about 5 lbs. An extra pair of shoes and a pair of pants are left at work so this pesrson doen't have to carry them back and forth each day. Shoes are bulky and fairly heavy. A heavy U-lock is kept at work to secure the bike during the workday. | |
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These are the tools that are carried. The mini pump, tire levers and patch kit are for repairing an inner tube if they have a flat. The hex wrenches, screw driver, and spoke wrenches are for adjustments if necessary. The multi tool has various useful items with the main one being a chain tool to repair a broken chain.
Another useful strategy if you should have a flat or mechanical failure is to pre-program the numbers of the local cab companies into your cell phone. Call them if you break down and need to be somewhere on time. Most cabs can fit your bike in their trunk if you remove the front wheel. It beats being late to work, and you may get them to drop you at the local repair shop so your bike can be ready when you want to go home in the evening. |
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