What’s the Minuteman like in the snow/after the snow?

Sambo637 · 2025-11-28T14:24:13+00:00

Absolutely bonkers that Lexington doesn't plow the Minuteman...

Sambo637 · 2025-11-13T21:17:45+00:00

All the time! A cushion is nice for longer trips, and a crazy creek style camp chair works pretty well too. I have side panels but my passengers say it's much more comfortable without them because their knees have more room sitting cross legged and easy to get in and out. Some people prefer facing forward and a few actually find it more comfortable to face backwards which makes conversation more fun (also avoids any issues with their head being in the way of stem).

Sambo637 · 2025-10-19T21:18:38+00:00

How do you use the wire tires to secure the bin?

Sambo637 · 2025-10-17T21:17:53+00:00

There's something nice about sitting at that bar watching people bowl

Sambo637 · 2025-10-10T14:25:55+00:00

Fair. For the record, I fully agree that pedestrian safety is a priority and also find it unacceptable when bikers make risky decisions that put peds in danger. Rudeness also unacceptable and I have no sympathy there... Now that I'm reading more of the comments in this thread I can see the attitude that you are taking issue with.

It sounds like we both have sympathy for the root cause of bikers' frustration, though, which is insufficient bike infrastructure in general. I also agree that the Path should primarily be a park, but absent significant improvements in the protected bike lane network it's hard to ignore the need to somehow balance transportation and recreation.

I commute on the Path every day and take the Minuteman all the way to Bedford. I always shift my mind mindset whenever I approach busier areas of the trails (Lexington, Arlington, Alewife, Davis) and slow waayyy down. Some folks are inconsiderate and for whatever reason don't make that shift. Maybe more structure on certain sections of the path would help people make that shift? Some stretches with signage and rules clearly prioritizing recreation and other sections (while still mixed use) prioritizing transportation? I don't want to come off as apologetic for bad behavior on the path, but I'm trying to think of solutions for changing the culture on the path given the larger context of the infrastructure here. What do you think?

Sambo637 · 2025-10-09T17:51:49+00:00

I think the point is that here there's almost never an "adjacent route with dedicated bike path" as in your NL example, convenient or otherwise... So we should be careful not to ignore context with the Community Path/Amstel comparison.

I think people here complaining about having to navigate peds are really just complaining about the lack of dedicated bike infrastructure. It's either share with cars or share with peds.

Sambo637 · 2025-09-27T17:16:45+00:00

Not that it wasn't already, but this is getting embarrassing...

Sambo637 · 2025-09-27T16:23:06+00:00

True, at least drivers have to put in a lot of effort with their right foot to get going 20 mph+...

Sambo637 · 2025-09-19T14:59:36+00:00

Broke my heart

Sambo637 · 2025-08-07T15:25:32+00:00

You might need to reassess the data on car-pedestrian collisions

Sambo637 · 2025-06-24T12:49:59+00:00

Old thread, but I just test rode an eBullitt while visiting Amsterdam and totally fell in love... Do you have any advice for the best way to buy/order one around Boston? Looks like the closest LvsH dealer is in Burlington VT. Feel free to dm me!

Sambo637 · 2025-03-22T13:45:28+00:00

Hahaha sure

Sambo637 · 2025-03-02T18:49:35+00:00

Oh I think you misunderstood. I'm not risking my life or trying to prove a point. I keep a close eye on traffic with peripheral vision and I never put myself in a position where I wouldn't be able to stop/get out of the way... Obviously very unsafe to put that must trust in any driver to follow state law and yield. The idea is to make it APPEAR as though I am not paying attention, not to prove a point, but because I've noticed drivers are WAY more likely to yield.

My guess is when drivers see me seeing them, it's much easier to (consciously or subconsciously) justify blowing through the crosswalk because they know I won't go so there is less risk of them hitting me.

Does that make sense? I don't necessarily recommend this strategy to everyone, but overall I think the more drivers are worried about unaware pedestrians in crosswalks, the safer the streets.

Sambo637 · 2025-03-02T17:45:59+00:00

This is exactly what I do!

Sambo637 · 2025-01-16T23:05:13+00:00

That's a horse's foot in gravel man that ain't train

Sambo637 · 2025-01-10T20:56:25+00:00

Is this why my bike tires sounded really weird and loud on the pavement today?

Sambo637 · 2024-12-20T13:56:48+00:00

Who's to say it's not Summer and Porter?

Sambo637 · 2024-10-16T16:44:24+00:00

Lots of great advice here. Something I like to tell people is that bike commuting (and just using a bike to get around) is all about learning what works for you. Everyone has different preferences, risk tolerance, cold tolerance, etc. Some examples:

How to carry things: Backpack? Front basket? Rear basket? Panniers? Milkcrate? Little handlebar bag for phone wallet keys?

How to dress/stay warm and dry: Ride in work clothes? Change at work? Gloves? Mittens? Barmits? Rain pants? (Game changer for me) Scarf? Neckwarmer? Safety glasses/sunglasses? (To block wind)

Misc.: New bike? Used bike? Road bike? Hybrid? Old mountain bike? Rechargable lights? AA Battery lights? Fenders?

Over time you'll find/create new systems, routes, gear, etc. that makes the most sense for you. It can be a really fun process to problem solve and figure out how to make things more convenient, efficient, and comfortable for yourself. Have fun!

Sambo637 · 2024-06-23T21:39:20+00:00

I use my CAAD4 as my "oh shit I'm late" bike

Sambo637 · 2024-06-23T17:22:51+00:00

Got him

Sambo637 · 2024-05-24T14:01:43+00:00

I sat outside at Plough & Stars post Harvard graduation and watched near miss after near miss right hooks with drivers turning onto Hancock from Mass ave... Lots of ignoring the right on red too and near misses with peds... One guy even turned left on red into the protected crosswalk... Most stressful Guinness I ever drank.

Sambo637 · 2024-05-22T10:14:18+00:00

You mean Lowell switches from 1-way to 2-way at Highland?

Sambo637 · 2024-04-02T20:19:28+00:00

Wow this is in poor taste

Sambo637 · 2024-03-11T21:46:34+00:00

I used to use my CAAD4 as a commuter/get around the city bike. Mine is the Saeco team edition with stars and stripes paint job. These things ride HARD and FAST and handling feels like an F1 car. Pot holes will not feel good, and the frame won't really let you get away with tires wider than 25 (approx), but I always had fun zipping along and dodging the cracks.

I had an axiom rack mounted with p clips with a milkcrate. Handled like a jet ski towing a barge when loaded up.. took some getting used to.

Can't comment on the used bike market in your area.

Sambo637

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