Looking back on a full year of cycling

"valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option" (valsidalv)
03/16/2018 at 11:10 • Filed to: Bikelopnik, Bicycle, road bike

#humblebrag, but I feel like I kinda get to. I rode my bicycle to work nearly every day for almost a year regardless of conditions. It was fun, difficult, sometimes scary, but kept me sane because I hate driving in the city and contributing to the problem of traffic. Not to mention the sense of accomplishment. My estimates peg my yearly mileage at around 5800 km, or 3600 mi, which is just shy of the driving distance from Halifax to Vancouver.

February was really warm this year so it’s a bit disheartening to get hit with snow and cold weather in March, but c’est la vie. I was kinda hoping to get to take the Daytona out more than just once.

Amazingly I only got two flats during the entire time. I went through 3 sets of brake pads, and will replace my chain with a shiny new one when the weather is finally better. After running some maths I estimate my annual cost including maintenance items and the price of the bike split over 10 years to be just $300.

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DISCUSSION (20)

For Sweden > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
03/16/2018 at 11:21

I tried to ride a bike every day. It worked until my bike was stolen.

arl > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
03/16/2018 at 11:22

That’s awesome. I like riding, but admit I’m a fair weather rider. I do have some good cold weather gear, but the combo of darkness, cold weather, and bad drivers make winter commuting a no go for me.

I do plan to commute more bike this summer. The warmer weather and longer days make for a less stressful ride.

But good on you man. That’s a lot of dedication!

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
03/16/2018 at 11:22

Major props to you to drive in THAT weather in the picture

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
03/16/2018 at 11:24

I used to ride to work all the time when my office was only 3 miles away. Now at 9 miles it’s not so easy and I also have about 1 mile of state highway to ride on that really sucks with 70 mph traffic buzzing by.

Keep up the good work.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > For Sweden
03/16/2018 at 11:28

:( that sucks so bad. Always gotta get a good lock. Better yet, a workplace that has a secure place to park.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
03/16/2018 at 11:30

Whoa, bikes are allowed on the highway where you’re at? That would be scary AF. I am fortunate to have a portion of my route consist of bike lanes as well as a trail that runs alongside a highway here.

For Sweden > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
03/16/2018 at 11:31

It’s fine. I discovered that the locks that came with my car have been effective at preventing theft.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > arl
03/16/2018 at 11:33

Yes... The cold is something I can get over but darkness sucks. I have a really good rear light that keeps me visible. Drivers don’t always expect to see a cyclist in the winter though and that’s a big problem.

I used to keep my cycling to only the nice days until I moved downtown and saw more and more people on their bikes in inclement weather. “I can do that” I thought. Ride on!

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
03/16/2018 at 11:37

Yes bikes can ride on the highway legally, even on interstate’s in some areas. This highway has a 6-foot shoulder about 2 meters so it is very wide but when a semi comes by at 70 mph it is scary as hell. I do everything I can to avoid it, I can ride this section in about 5 minutes and I do it as fast as I can, in the drops and cranking in the big ring.

facw > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
03/16/2018 at 11:39

Nice, I rode my bike to work for about a month, but even though it was a short ride, I felt like I was definitely going to be killed by terrible antagonistic drivers. I also had two flats, including one that slashed the tire enough I really should replace it, plus a broken spoke (on the same day as one of the flats). Even if I was comfortable with the safety aspect, I wouldn’t have been able to do it year round, since my office doesn’t have showers, and the heat and humidity would have been too much.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > facw
03/16/2018 at 11:45

Better safe than sorry. A portion of my ride has bike lanes and on the way home I prefer to take a trail that runs through a valley, minimizing my time with cars.

The summer is almost as tough for me as the winter because I sweat and drink a lot of water to compensate. We have a gym downstairs I use to shower only when I’m reaaally gross. Otherwise it’s a “whore’s bath” for me where I just wipe down in the washroom. Nobody’s complained about a stench yet...

facw > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
03/16/2018 at 11:48

Most of the ride for me was on a four lane artery through a residential neighborhood, which wasn’t really busy enough for people to have issues with me riding. Eventually though I got on to some roads through commercial areas, which also weren’t super busy, but that’s where you end up with unsafe passing and aggressive behavior. I’d love if there were more bike lanes though.

BeaterGT > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
03/16/2018 at 11:49

That is extremely impressive. I’ve been telling myself I have to get out 3 days a week for pleasure riding but just can’t get into riding in cold conditions. How’s the cassette look after all that?

benjrblant > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
03/16/2018 at 11:49

Sweet read, thanks! That’s an impressive feat in the winter- I don’t know if I could follow suit. My fiance commutes via bike on a Trek Waubesea we got for her when I still worked at a shop. Internal 8 hub and a KMC stainless chain which is just now after 6 years starting to show enough stretch to merit a replacement.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > benjrblant
03/16/2018 at 11:58

That’s a sweet bike! Winter biking does seem intimidating... but when you actually do it, it’s not bad. You just gotta get past that initial hurdle. You can handle it!

Somehow I didn’t know about internal hubs until not too long ago when I was looking at some electrically-assisted bikes. That, combined with a belt drive, would probably reduce so many maintenance headaches.

benjrblant > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
03/16/2018 at 12:07

How were those winter tires? Since getting an F650GS I’m paranoid about slipping on ice, even on my bicycle.

There’s so many more options for winter bicycle tires now. I remember reading about adding zip ties around the tire and rim before studded bike tires were common.

Internal hubs have pros and cons. They generally require less maintenance during operation. IGHs are stupid heavy and that’s a lot of extra mass to cart around. They don’t fail often but when they do, they fail hard and while they can be rebuilt it’s usually a replacement.

Chariotoflove > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
03/16/2018 at 12:37

I’m impressed, and a little jealous.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > BeaterGT
03/16/2018 at 12:48

In the winter the only parts of me that actually got cold were my fingers and toes. My torso stayed really warm because you are constantly moving and generating body heat. I will sweat more than when I snowboard even. One thin base layer and a ski jacket with ventilation is more than enough for even -10*C/14*F. Granted, I did buy some not-so-cheap gear to help me out but it really isn’t as bad as it seems. I wrote about that here: http://derailedblog.com/how-i-prepare-for-winter-cycling .

The cassette is basically all black. When it stops being mucky I will probably get a cassette removal tool and deep clean it.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > benjrblant
03/16/2018 at 12:53

The Contis were OK on the street, significantly better than the Kenda slicks that came with the bike. Perhaps tires with small knobbies would have helped more in really dicey conditions but I didn’t feel like I absolutely needed them. Keep in mind I stuck to the roads only which weren’t snow-covered for too long.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
03/16/2018 at 12:55

I would absolutely hate that. Props to you.