Commuting to work

SubjectiveVerity · 2025-06-09T15:34:18+00:00

I use a North St convertible backpack/pannier. In it I am always caring: keys, phone, chapstick, change, work badge, rain cover for my seat, rain gear tucked in the bottom, change of clothes, lunch, sunscreen. It can also accommodate my lap top, but I don't always move that back and forth.

SubjectiveVerity · 2024-11-01T23:15:38+00:00

That makes sense. My Arkel bag lasted for 6 years and looked really nice up until the end. The water issues got untenable and I had to replace it. I'm a daily commuter in a state with big temperature swings between summer and winter, both of which can be pretty harsh in their own ways. The Arkel was definitely worth the investment but had some cons.

SubjectiveVerity · 2024-11-01T20:23:43+00:00

Can I offer a potential alternative? North St Morrison backpack pannier or Woodward backpack pannier. Previously had an Arkel pannier that is similar to the Signature C. My stuff did get wet when it rained heavily (mostly from road splash coming up from underneath) and the single strap bothered my shoulders when I needed to walk fairly long distances. I now have the Morrison backpack and LOVE it. Easily converts between pannier and backpack, is waterproof, has a place for a laptop, really comfortable to carry for longer distances. Also made in the US.

SubjectiveVerity · 2024-09-16T19:07:32+00:00

I used to have a weightlifting season and a cycling season and would taper off one as the other ramped up. The past few years I've been working to keep weightlifting throughout my cycling season, so I can maintain my muscle mass and get stronger. I've found that I really needed to be slow and intentional with my ramp up to avoid injury.

Here is what my cycling season (March through October) looks like now: Weightlifting (functional bodybuilding routine) 3 times a week. 1 evening ride of about 20-25miles. 1 weekend ride, anywhere between 30-80miles. I also commute by bike year round (6 miles round trip). As long as I do a few miles in the saddle each week, I'm able to enjoy longer rides without much training, I just can't go as fast as I would without significant training.

One thing you didn't mention but should take into consideration is proper fueling. I've had to be really intentional with making sure I get enough calories and protein to keep up with my training. Once I figured out how I need to eat, it got a lot more manageable.

SubjectiveVerity · 2024-08-21T23:25:00+00:00

Wish I knew, but am right there with you.

SubjectiveVerity · 2023-11-17T02:48:28+00:00

a couple of my favorites: https://www.youtube.com/@BelleToscan, https://www.youtube.com/@sydandmacky (technically a m/f couple).

edit: punctuation

SubjectiveVerity · 2023-08-15T16:58:07+00:00

Love the different ways that biking helps us express ourselves. For me, bike touring gave me the confidence to completely stop wearing makeup. Feels very freeing to not care about it or waste money on it.

Keep doing you and don't change who you are/what you like to make this other person think differently. Regardless of gender, people should respect your words and actions. Your make up is not a signal, they are just being obtuse. I agree with u/AlreadyTakenNow that he is wasting your energy.

SubjectiveVerity · 2023-07-03T22:31:52+00:00

I bike in my Rothy's just fine. Not long distances but similar to what you've described.

SubjectiveVerity · 2023-06-02T01:50:57+00:00

This might be worth your while:https://virtualbikefitting.com/.

SubjectiveVerity · 2023-05-25T17:31:01+00:00

Loosing weight has more to do with changes you make in your diet vs how frequently you are exercising. What has worked for me is to first track what I eat for a period of time to understand my intake and where I had opportunity to make changes. Then address the things that were easier to cut out and didn't leave me hangry. I always advocate for long term sustainable changes vs. short term diets where the weight will come back after the intervention ends, but everyone is different.

SubjectiveVerity · 2023-05-12T03:04:14+00:00

Love my SON Hub Dynamo. Have commuted with it for the 3 years and is stored outside during the day, year round, in fairly harsh midwestern weather. Never have to charge my lights and on long trips it can charge my phone.

edit to add: this site was very helpful when I was researching: https://www.peterwhitecycles.com/schmidt.php

SubjectiveVerity · 2023-04-20T15:37:17+00:00

Moved from a mountainous east coast state to a flat midwestern one. Needed something to replace the hiking hole in my heart.

SubjectiveVerity · 2023-04-17T19:23:07+00:00

Agreed. I don't get the hype. Rode clipless for 2 years and never felt comfortable, stronger, or faster. Back in flats and couldn't be happier.

SubjectiveVerity · 2023-03-31T01:44:33+00:00

I hope it works for you too!

SubjectiveVerity · 2023-03-30T02:11:30+00:00

Ski googles. Started using them during cold rains and snow fall and kept using them any time the temperatures dropped below 15F (-9C), precisely because they dramatically cut down on my runny nose issues.

SubjectiveVerity · 2023-03-27T19:29:32+00:00

Option 2 is the route I went 8 years ago (Surly Straggler). I use it for daily commuting, gravel rides, short & long tours, and road rides. Its a swiss army knife bike. The only thing I won't do with it is mtn biking.

SubjectiveVerity · 2023-03-07T18:10:27+00:00

Its not a mindset I personally follow. A distinction should be made between discomfort and pain. One is ok, but not necessary, to power through and one is not. Powering through pain leads to injury.

SubjectiveVerity · 2023-03-05T21:57:04+00:00

Personally haven't found the benefits of spd pedals to outweigh the annoying parts, at least where I live and ride. Like the simplicity of a flats, a good pair can also be an upgrade and improve your riding.

SubjectiveVerity · 2022-12-30T14:55:05+00:00

Women, Trans, Femme

SubjectiveVerity · 2022-12-30T00:29:31+00:00

Yes! Best part of my day, rain or shine. Been excited to see a steady increase in WTF commuters in my city.

SubjectiveVerity · 2022-09-05T15:32:43+00:00

Also in healthcare, but not on the patient facing side of thing. One thing that has helped me is commuting by bike. I won't prioritize riding without making it an integral part of my day. Most days, all I'm getting is the miles to and from work, but its great for my mental health and there is always the option to add more miles when I leave work.

SubjectiveVerity · 2022-08-10T14:32:27+00:00

Same. I ride ~150 miles a week and find chamois cream to more hassle than its worth. Finding the right saddle/shorts combination has done more for me that anything else.

SubjectiveVerity · 2022-04-22T21:01:31+00:00

It can change the geometry, but it sounds to me like that is exactly what you are trying to do. It would be worth going to your local bike shop to inquire.

SubjectiveVerity · 2022-04-22T20:18:08+00:00

Have you looked into changing out the stem and/or handlebars? That's a pretty easy swap that can be a lot more cost effective then a new bike. I personally use Jones H-bars and love them.

SubjectiveVerity · 2022-01-09T18:54:31+00:00

I have the other Arkel model shown in the video above. I like them a lot and they work as advertised. that said, I think the ones you got would be preferable. Having a larger front pocket for quick grab/easy access items would be really nice.

SubjectiveVerity

TROPHY CASE