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Entries Tagged as 'Advanced Commuter Tips'

From Single to Nine

May 8th, 2008 · 19 Comments

A lot of us like to ’simplify’ our drivetrains by either converting a multi-speed bike to a single speed/fixie or by building them from a bare frame. I built this Ibex X-ray Single Speed back in October of ‘05 for commuting purposes.

I’ve been wanting to convert this bike into a 1X9 for a while — [...]

Popularity: 19% [?]

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Tags: Advanced Commuter Tips · Commute · Commuter Bikes · How To

I Need Your Advice on Going Car-Free!

April 30th, 2008 · 37 Comments

Well, I’m really thinking hard about selling my vehicle and going unofficially car-free, but I need some advice…

I don’t drive my vehicle much at all, and the money I can get for it will help offset bills and other financial obligations (and allow me to add an Xtracycle to my fleet). I will still [...]

Popularity: 22% [?]

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Tags: Advanced Commuter Tips · Articles · Commute · How To

Just Ask Jack — Skewers or Bolts?

April 21st, 2008 · 6 Comments

Brian from Calgary sent in the following question:
“My current commuter bike has bolt-on wheels, and I’ve never had a wheel stolen, but I’ll need to replace it soon and new bikes all seem to have quick-release hubs, so I’m curious what your take is on this - is it worth getting quick-release locks, or just [...]

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Tags: Advanced Commuter Tips · Gear · Just Ask Jack

Just Ask Jack — Tools for the New Commuter?

April 6th, 2008 · 14 Comments

Megan sent in the following question:
“My husband has started riding his bike to work. I am wondering if there is a set of tools that he should have at the ready for any necessary roadside repairs. Any suggestions?”
Great question! While there are plenty of seasoned bike commuters who carry extensive toolkits, it [...]

Popularity: 21% [?]

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Tags: Advanced Commuter Tips · Articles · How To · Just Ask Jack

Just Ask Jack — Modern Shifting on a Classic Bike?

March 11th, 2008 · 9 Comments

Bernard sent in the following question:
“I have a steel touring bike from 1984. I love the bike because of the all-day comfort these old frames offer, but the 6-speed freewheel/Suntour XC “elliptical” chainrings and prototype index/friction downtube shifters combination don’t work that well, as it tends to want to slip out of gear. [...]

Popularity: 33% [?]

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Tags: Advanced Commuter Tips · How To · Just Ask Jack

Just Ask Jack — Lights At Night?

March 7th, 2008 · 25 Comments

A reader sent in the following question:
If you ride at night, what would you consider to be most important:
1. To be lit on the front
2. To be lit on the back
3. To be lit on the sides?
My gut feeling tells me that if I only had one light to choose from (let’s say a freak [...]

Popularity: 41% [?]

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Tags: Advanced Commuter Tips · Just Ask Jack · Lights · Reviews

Bicycle Safety Tips

February 6th, 2008 · 3 Comments

Warm weather is just around the corner, and soon it will be time to dust off those bicycles. Here are some tips for safe riding:
Bicycle-Safety Tips
* Always use hand signals when turning at intersections. There’s nothing motorists pay more attention to than hand signals from bicyclists.
* Leaving [...]

Popularity: 42% [?]

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Tags: Advanced Commuter Tips · Commute · Commuter Bikes

How to get involved by Greg Raisman

January 28th, 2008 · 12 Comments

Here’s Greg’s Bio…
Greg Raisman lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife Beth and dog, Dot. He’s been bicycling for transportation for more than a decade. He had an advocacy background in poverty, homelessness, and environmental issues when tragedy led him to become a bike advocate. Read about it HERE.
Greg currently works for the Community and [...]

Popularity: 57% [?]

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Tags: Advanced Commuter Tips · Articles · Commute · Guest Articles · How To

Advance Commuter Tip: Newspaper!

January 22nd, 2008 · 8 Comments

When I was a young pup, I couldn’t afford any type of winter clothing for cycling. So I resorted to using newspaper underneath my jersey as a way to keep warm during my rides. It was my step-brother that gave me this tip. He had seen pros do the same thing in old photos and [...]

Popularity: 55% [?]

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Tags: Advanced Commuter Tips · Commute · Commuter Bikes · How To

Another Great Cargo Trick

January 19th, 2008 · 12 Comments

Our buddy Quinn sent in the following cool cargo trick — a detachable carrying system:
Don’t feel like carrying the extra weight of panniers and a rack when you don’t need it? Do you feel the need for streamlining and speed? Well, Quinn devised a method using a spare seatpost and saddle, an Axiom [...]

Popularity: 50% [?]

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Tags: Advanced Commuter Tips · Articles · Gear · How To