How Much Bike Do I really Need?
How Much Bike Do I Really Need?
As I stare at a giant pile of Retrospec commuter bikes I need to build, I ask myself this question. These things are head and shoulders above my bike (pictured).
The photo is my 1966 Rollfast Royal, “Genuine British Ligbtweight. (And yes, Old Guys Rule).” I love this bike (thanks Tim Nelson, I am sure you took a loss so I could have it). My commute is 5.5 miles. As you can see, I am quite lame, but even I can commute on it comfortably and reliably.
Riding it, I have noticed I wander a bit more. I have an “excuse” for going slow. I even (gasp) find myself coasting! Did you know it’s okay to coast sometimes? Have you bought in to the idea that every ride is a workout? Are you robbing yourself of the simple pleasure of just riding a bike?
Cycling is 5-7 times more efficient than walking. It is hundreds of times more efficient than running. It really is not great exercise, other than to get us off the couch and our joints moving. There’s a reason you often see potbellied old guys like me right in the middle of the pack on century rides.
Don’t get me wrong. Every time I try to take off too quickly I am painfully aware of the flex in those old frames. The brakes rub and forget about stopping in the rain (wet rubber does not work well against polished steel). Still, it pretty much does everything I need. Unlike the e-bike, I don’t relish the climb home, but I often ride it to the bus terminal and the bus carries me up the hill.
Is it fast? How much time can I really save on a 5 mile commute, maybe 5 minutes? Even that is if I use the e-bike. Otherwise I would get too sweaty and at my age taking a sponge bath in the can is not a pleasant experience. No, I just take my time and poodle along in comfort and British style. It is still only 5-10 minutes longer than driving a car. How much do I really need? How about you?