Utility Cycling 101: Refinements

Carrying “Stuff” Part IV:  Bike Choices and…  Fenders?

You can run your errands (and commute) on just about any kind of bike.  It’s true!  That premise was behind last week’s article in this series.  With a back pack, or a messenger bag, just about any functional bike can be a “utility bike.”

That said, there is an argument for going a bit farther.

Happy is the cyclist who has two bicycles!  One can be the fast and sexy ride that is saved for events, races, the big group rides.  The other, in addition to being the utility bike, is a stellar “backup.”  It’s the bike you ride on rainy days.  It’s the bike you jump on to go to the store.  It’s the rig that is available, while you are having your event bike prepped in the shop, prior to that really really important race.

I know a lot of you don’t engage in any kind of racing, but most of you do have important dates, ones which require that your bike be ready.  At the same time, you don’t want to part with the bike to have maintenance and service performed when you are at the peak of your riding time.  Having a “backup bike” works well.  If that bike serves duty as your “utility bike” so much the better.

So just what constitutes a “utility bike”?

Actually, your errand/commuter could be almost anything.  The primary criteria are that it be comfortable and that it permits you to haul stuff.  The bike could be a cruiser, a mountain bike, hybrid, road bike, single speed, fixie, or even a BMX bike.  It should meet the following criteria

·     comfortable for you to ride over the distances involved

·     reliable

·     sturdy

·     Economical to purchase and maintain

In addition, I’d suggest that you look for some (or all) of the following:

·     More clearance for a bit wider tires

·     Ample room for fenders

·     Eyelets of brazons for fenders, racks, and accessories

Yes, we mentioned fenders and racks.  If you are going farther, or hauling more stuff, a rear rack and panniers may just be part of your solution.

If you go to the Audax Riders blog HERE you will see one utility/commuter setup.  This was a relatively inexpensive build/conversion.  It’s one way to accomplish my particular goals.  Others have other priorities, and can make other choices.  But please note, it doesn’t matter that this bike is a bit heavier, when I ride it I’m more interested in carry-capacity and comfort.  (NOTE:  If training is one of the goals, it really doesn’t matter how fast one is going, rather quality of effort and duration are the key criteria.)

One last word on fenders:  Fenders are sometimes considered “geeky,” or uncool.  Would someone tell me what’s cool about not riding?  Or about staying clean and dry?  I’m going to assume that just about everyone has been caught out in the rain a time or two.  Did you ever notice, your shoes saturate and soak first?  And shoes are quickly followed by the back of the the shorts, and then the top of the jersey front.  Hmm.  Could it be that these locations, which are subjected to the rain and the splash from rotating tires are getting soak-through because of that added splash?

Fenders keep the road grime and splash off of the rider.  That decreases the amount of dirt that is sloshed against shoes and clothing.  Clean clothes resist soaking longer.  In short, fenders keep you cleaner and drier.  Fenders are sort of like helmets.  They have to be on the bike at all times in order to insure that they are present when needed.

Next Week:  Hauling Stuff ~ One More Suggestion