Re: Kryptonite locks: Bikefanclub.com

I am in no position to tell you how to commute. If you choose to ride instead of drive or take public transit... that is strictly your decision.

But since you're interested in what I have to say, I'll comment further. I've commuted/trained/toured/pleasure(?) rode my bike in the rain too, it sucks. But you already knew that. I dislike not been seen by drivers. I dislike the "cages" splashing me with even more water (I guess wet is wet and it really doesn't matter.) I dislike not being able to see others as well. I dislike getting more flats. I dislike fixing flats in the rain. I dislike having my bike filthier than it already is. I dislike wearing out brake pads, chains, cogs... faster. I dislike getting to my destination soaking wet (I've rain gear but no fenders). I dislike the grundgy water running into my eyes. I dislike removing my tires to dry out the tape and innards. I cringe at all my poor bearings being eaten alive! I'm sure I dislike a few other things about commuting in the rain, but it doesn't come to mind at the moment. Anyhow, I think you understand my opinion.

I'm a fair weather rider! ...and I'm not ashamed to admit it!

But like I said, To each his own. If you choose to endure, then you are a better person than I. You are more committed and enviromentally conscious than I, especially if you drive a Honda Insight as your username implies. For me, the rewards of fitness and non-renewable energy conservation do not outweigh the negatives of rain riding.

I used to use my mtn bike (with knobbies) (great workout) to commute 12 miles one way to work. I now use the Moser to commute to school 5 miles (OW) and drive to work. With work, I'd drive in at least once a week. During that drive, I'd bring in clothes, food etc. for the week. I can also bring home the previous weeks dirty clothes. I'd try to plan the driving day with other errands I might have to make that was easier with a car.

FWIW, I don't have an aversion to rain. I've lived in Hawaii. You gotta learn to do EVERYTHING in the rain or it ain't gonna get done. I do have more respect for those in the Pacific NW though. They do everything in the rain AND it's cold to boot! I also ski patroled in Tahoe for many years, I've skied and worked in some of the crappiest weather Tahoe had to dish out. Maybe for me, it's a case of "been there, done that."

I guess what it comes down to is this; you, like us, paid a truckload of money for a very nice lightweight bike. But then you decide to increase the weight with fender, rack, Kryptonite... That sorta defeats the purpose of the weight reduction you paid handsomely for and will be a detriment to the handling.

In my world, it seems to me that you should ride your TP, sans fender, etc. for your long pleasure rides when the custom fit will benefit you well. You won't be sore, or whatever, after your long rides. You should also then have a commuter bike decked out as you see fit. This bike would be cheap and non-custom fit to you. You said your store (grocery, I presume) is a few blocks away. I can't believe you can't ride an ill fitting bike for several blocks to pick up groceries. I don't think you ever said how far the work commute is, but the same reasoning applies. Also, you won't worry so much if your cheapo bike gets stolen outside the store or if it gets trashed in the rain. I realize money is a factor and two bikes cost more and takes more room, but hey, I said "In my world."

Anyhow, thanks for reading this far. :-) ...my boss said I was too verbose. Hmmrrgh

--------------------
Skuke
95 Carbonframes Tetra Pro
92 Bridgestone MB-1
90 Moser 51.151

Post Extras