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First bike commute in Austin
1607 sats \ 13 comments \ @k00b 8h HealthAndFitness
We came back from California with our financial buffer pretty empty, so we're imposing some frugality measures on ourselves, which led to me finally taking my new-to-me bike out for its first commute. (I used to walk 40 minutes each way, but for the last few months I found myself wanting to save the time in the morning and ubering instead.)
My wife picked it up from Austin Yellow Bike, a non-profit community bike shop for $250. I'd been wanting an old Japanese steel frame for a long time, since before my last single speed road bike was stolen. There was a sticker on the bike when we bought it, which I wish I had taken a picture of. But the recent provenance appears to be a camp at Burning Man.
Overall the ride was decent. The brakes are little stiff and the pedals aren't meant for my fat feet, especially in sandals, but I can dial in and replace them respectively. I also hate all having all the gears I never intend to use. Oh and I need a rack so I can add my bike bucket.
The commute time is comparable to an Uber so I'll probably keep it up, assuming I can figure out how to alternate in walking commutes. In tangentially related fitness news, my hope is the bike will also make it easier to get back to yoga early in the mornings again.
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100 sats \ 0 replies \ @unschooled 1h
amazing ride. ive been a bike commuter for the last 5 or so years. any chance i can take to bike provided im not out super late and its not raining, i take it. my steel frame Raleigh has served me very well. enjoy your new ride and be careful!
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50 sats \ 0 replies \ @Undisciplined 6h
Cool! I've never been much of a bike commuter, but many times I've been able to walk to work, which is so much better than needing to drive.
I hope you find it to be a lifestyle improvement and that it affords you time to get enough sleep.
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61 sats \ 1 reply \ @elvismercury 8h
Welcome back. Maybe the change in circumstances, and the different encounters with reality that the bike rides afford, will make the day-to-day feel different, fresh.
Who knows how such a renewal might manifest in your life and work?
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27 sats \ 0 replies \ @k00b OP 8h
Yes, that's my thought to. My routine felt kind of stale as I noticed myself thinking about things differently sitting in California. A little more blood flow and sun in the mornings never hurt anyone too.
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50 sats \ 1 reply \ @kruw 7h
I have a particular distaste for bicycles:
  • Too slow for crowded roadways
  • Too unwieldy for crowded sidewalks
  • Can't transport passengers or cargo
  • Inefficient compared to other forms of exercise
  • Unsafe compared to other forms of transportation
  • Vulnerable to weather conditions
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @k00b OP 7h
Too slow for crowded roadways
Yes, but many cities have bike paths/lanes. Austin has fewer than I'd like but enough of them.
Can't transport passengers or cargo
You can hitch a trailer on them, and carry a toddler pretty easily, but yeah you're not going to do a big grocery run with a bike .. unless you have a trailer on it and are looking for a workout.
Unsafe compared to other forms of transportation
True.
Vulnerable to weather conditions
IME except for high wind and snow, or rain if your traveling on unpaved roads, you can bike in most conditions. But, I've only lived places where the weather was mild most of the year.
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21 sats \ 0 replies \ @BlokchainB 8h
Cool looking bike
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10 sats \ 1 reply \ @Bell_curve 8h
Yoga is too expensive
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11 sats \ 0 replies \ @k00b OP 7h
It can be. There's a cheap spot close enough that it's convenient. It's also worth $100/mo to not be stiff and immobile.
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10 sats \ 1 reply \ @Scoresby 8h
Prediction: you will end up using most of the gears.
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102 sats \ 0 replies \ @k00b OP 7h
Bold prediction sir. I got along on a single speed for years and most of Austin is flat.
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @BitcoinIsTheFuture 11m
Commuting will keep you more fit and st peace! I love when I’ve commuted on my bike! Bonus sunlight and fresh air!
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @gnilma 37m
Saving time is always great! Not to mention it keeps the health benefits by keeping you active / moving. Nice looking road bike you got there too.
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