Bike... And commuter FAIL.

[mightyjesse]

So. Last night I bought myself a fancy red bicycle. It says Ironhorse on the side, and that pleases me as much as the color, for some reason.

This morning I was all gung-ho about working out and decided to bike to work, despite the fact that it is REALLY COLD outside. No problem! I have a goose-down jacket and gloves, and I wore a hoodie under my bike helmet to keep my ears from freezing off.

FAIL.

I made it half way to work before I had to give up and put my bike on the bus rack and accept motorized transportation the rest of the way.

My jacket made me WAY TOO HOT. The weight of my backpack makes breathing extremely difficult, and I apparently didn't grow out of that exercise induced asthma I remember having back when I was a kid. (The intarwebs tell me that the condition is exacerbated by cold temperatures, so I should be fine if I wait until a more reasonable climate presents itself.) AND, my BUTT IS KILLING ME. Apparently, the seat on the bicycle is too narrow and the backpack is pushing me down on it too hard. (Having done some reading about my specific pain, I also need to adjust it to make it a bit taller, but that only took 2 seconds to take care of.)

So. I have a minor shopping list for this weekend at the bike show. I need a luggage rack for my bike, and possibly also a wider seat. If I'm feeling particularly spendy and geektastic, I may also get a light (the generator kind that doesn't require a battery and is powered by peddling) and a trip computer... But those two items may wait until I deserve a reward for using my new bike consistently.

Comments

[tinkcph.livejournal.com]

I'd like to say I'm not laughing *at* you, but I totally am. :)

Bike lights are Very Good Things - especially if you expect to use it in bad weather or after dark. Generator lights aren't that great, IMO. They make pedalling so much more work, unless you can find the kind that take its energy from the center of the wheel. They're also almost always faulty on the back light. There are these new lights, and of course I don't know if they've made it to the US yet, but they utilize the induction principle. Basically, a little magnet that passes by another magnet, making the light go blinky-blink. It's brilliant and no extra work for you! They're called Reelight and they're a Danish invention. ;)

And yes, biking requires a completely new approach to attire. You'll get very warm very fast and you need something that breathes while still keeping the wind out. But better to under-dress and bike faster, I always say. Gloves, scarves and hats are awesome and your friends. And yes, definitely get a luggage rack and/or a basket. Bikes are great for lugging stuff around, but not on your back. As for the seat... it's a matter of getting used to it, mostly. Getting back in the saddle (heh!) takes a bit of getting used to. It goes away quickly, though.

When all that's said? Yay!! Red bike! Congrats!