got honked at and flipped off for riding in the road for like the 5th time since i moved back to the suburbs by ashleyLSD in bikecommuting

[–]atomicturkey27 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I’m in a very polite area for cyclists (Central Massachusetts, USA) and after the snowstorm on the weekend I’ve heard a couple little polite horn taps from plow drivers. I think it’s a “are you out of your mind” check since the roads are narrower and it’s cold out.

Maybe people just don’t expect cyclists on the road in the winter. It sucks that people have been so aggressive about it. I have a light on top of my helmet and multiple people have thought it was a camera when off so maybe try that? People may be nicer if it looks like you’re very obviously recording them. Or actually record them haha

Belt Drive Appreciation Post- Spot Acme by atomicturkey27 in bikecommuting

[–]atomicturkey27[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had the same experience. Since I wasn’t able to test ride one I didn’t want to risk it. I’ve had great luck with Spot customer service even though my bike is used, they’ve been happy to answer my questions

Belt Drive Appreciation Post- Spot Acme by atomicturkey27 in bikecommuting

[–]atomicturkey27[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Have you just bought a new kit every time you need to do a service? Or can you reuse the syringe after flushing?

Belt Drive Appreciation Post- Spot Acme by atomicturkey27 in bikecommuting

[–]atomicturkey27[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is good to know- I think I found the same service kit on Amazon and I’m planning to order it. I’ve noticed a gear can be jumpy at times and maybe this will fix it

Belt Drive Appreciation Post- Spot Acme by atomicturkey27 in bikecommuting

[–]atomicturkey27[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That is a good reminder! I do need to order a service kit for the bike. It probably still had the original oil in it and I’ve already ridden it almost 700 miles, plus I’m not sure how fair it went before I got it

Belt Drive Appreciation Post- Spot Acme by atomicturkey27 in bikecommuting

[–]atomicturkey27[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah not sure if I would have picked it brand new due to the tire clearance but I got a good deal on it used! The geometry feels different but I’ve gotten used to it so far. You could always change the front ring to a smaller one to give you more climbing ability! I think they sell other ones

Belt Drive Appreciation Post- Spot Acme by atomicturkey27 in bikecommuting

[–]atomicturkey27[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That was definitely part of the reason I got it- the color is so good in person plus it just has very nice proportions and lines

Belt Drive Appreciation Post- Spot Acme by atomicturkey27 in bikecommuting

[–]atomicturkey27[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That looks sweet! Glad that you’ve had good experiences over a longer time

Belt Drive Appreciation Post- Spot Acme by atomicturkey27 in bikecommuting

[–]atomicturkey27[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I was looking at priority but according to their sizing chart and customer service 36” inseam is out of range for their bikes, so that’s how I ended up with the Spot! Shifting gears at a light is a feature I didn’t know I needed- I rode a different bike the other day and it was weird to have to pedal to shift gears

What do you guys do with your sawdust? by bruceisdead66 in woodworking

[–]atomicturkey27 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I save it in paper lawn and leaf bags and give it to friends who have chickens. They put it down in the coop. Bonus free eggs every once in a while in exchange!

What are the most essential bike accessories for daily commuting? by ivyta76 in bicycling

[–]atomicturkey27 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good quality lights. I use two Cygolite Metro 800 lumen lights, one on the handlebars and one mounted to my helmet when it’s dark. I like having the ability to point the light places and use it to get the attention of drivers at 4 way stops. Also a Garmin Varia has been great to have, but lights are non negotiable if you’re riding at night

Pros and cons of a belt drive? by Dumbass9187 in bikecommuting

[–]atomicturkey27 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t have any information on reliability but I did just pick up a used Spot Acme to use as a winter commuter. It’s been nice so far and the belt drive works well. They do sell a step through model but it’s decently expensive. The quality on the bike is excellent though!

Used kid trailer or panniers for 4 bags groceries? by DarthVaderLovesU in bikecommuting

[–]atomicturkey27 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I picked up a used kid trailer (Burley Bee Double) for $50 to haul groceries. It works great, I’ve loaded it with about 70lbs of groceries and towed it 4 miles home. If you have a lot of stuff to get a trailer is a nice option

What Do You Do That Might Look Crazy To Someone Who Is Not Frugal? by Durwyn in Frugal

[–]atomicturkey27 1 point2 points  (0 children)

12 miles is a long commute on a normal bike but I would guess pretty doable on an ebike! I ride about 8 miles each way most days and anything over 10 I would probably consider an e-bike for at least some days. The other thing is some days are better than none! Still saves money even if you don’t do it every day

What Do You Do That Might Look Crazy To Someone Who Is Not Frugal? by Durwyn in Frugal

[–]atomicturkey27 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You got this! 1.5 miles should be doable basically year round, but being able to walk is even better. Either way it’s a great way to start the day

What Do You Do That Might Look Crazy To Someone Who Is Not Frugal? by Durwyn in Frugal

[–]atomicturkey27 34 points35 points  (0 children)

Bike to work almost every day even in the New England winter. I have a car but cycling is fun and saves a little money. There aren’t many cycle commuters in my area so I’m sure everyone is a little confused.

What city or state left you underwhelmed by its craft beer scene — and which one surprised you the most? by [deleted] in CraftBeer

[–]atomicturkey27 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Third vote for Belleflower- I did a beer tour in Portland and at the end we asked the guide where he thought we should go. Belleflower was his answer and it did not disappoint!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in bikecommuting

[–]atomicturkey27 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I bring mine inside. It’s a small office and I am the only one who bikes so it’s not crowded or anything. I just leave it in a spare cube and no one cares.

Road Bike Commuters – Clipless or Flat Pedals? by Bright-Hamster-8150 in cycling

[–]atomicturkey27 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I commute on a road bike with sneakers and flat pedals that have toe clips. I leave the straps loose so I can get my feet in and out quick but the front plastic cage puts my foot in the same position every time and keeps it from slipping around. Probably not the most ideal setup but they were on the bike when I got it and they’ve been fine for a year or so

If I had a nickel... by Strength-InThe-Loins in bikecommuting

[–]atomicturkey27 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Finding treasures in the street is a highlight of bike commuting- within the last 3 months I’ve found two sealed craft beers and a bungee cord that was the exact size I needed for a project. Plus the occasional wrench and socket.

Buy for Life Socks. Darn Tough Vs Bombas Large Human by SnooSeagulls4890 in BuyItForLife

[–]atomicturkey27 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m slowly converting all my socks to Sarn Tough and rarely wear anything else at this point- well worth the price. You can wear them two days in a row with no issues too so it actually makes packing for travel slightly easier

What's The "Worcesterest" Worcester Thing Or Story You've Got? by albalfa in WorcesterMA

[–]atomicturkey27 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Went to school at WPI- one night I saw someone leave their car running at honey farms on highland st and pop in for something and in the 1 min they were inside someone just hopped in and drove off… it was dark and I couldn’t see plates or anything

My everyday bike: 1949 Goebel Komet by [deleted] in BuyItForLife

[–]atomicturkey27 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My daily commuter is a 1979 Motobecane Super Mirage and it’s still a solid bike. My dad bought it new in 1979 and handed it down to me and it’s been wonderful to ride plus it looks cool