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Biking 28 miles to work...

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Biking 28 miles to work...
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flag showtyme4000
Posted: Jun 8, 2022 at 11:45 Quote
So everybody knows gas prices keep going up...and up. Hoping to free up some funds towards gas. Wondering what is everyone's take on this. This would be 28 miles one way. I have a trail that goes all the way from my house to my work. It splits up at two spots but joins back up easy. Its an easy gravel trail that in some spots is actually paved. I have been on I would say half or a little more then half of the trail length. No real hills to mention. Is 28 miles one way just to much? I would be doing it for two or three days out of the week. It would be on a 29er hardtail, its ok comfort wise. I would bring change of cloths. I would make sure I eat in the morning before take off and probably half way through my compute. Bring plenty of water, and the main essentials. I did 37 miles in 3 days and felt nothing. Anybody that has done anything like this have some input?

Thanks
flag BenLow2019
Posted: Jun 8, 2022 at 12:08 Quote
This is going to be totally based on your fitness, but 28 miles is certainly doable.

Flat trail/pavement on a 29er hardtail with smooth, commuter tires you can probably zing along pretty good. I'd guess maintaining 14 mph would be fairly easy. Definitely put narrow, smooth tires on it - that will make a remarkable difference.

I used to commute all the time and I'd be hitting hills, dealing with traffic and pushing myself so I'd end up at work sweaty. We had a place to shower and lockers so that was great. I don't know your situation there, but if you don't have the showers then I'd not go too hard and minimize sweaty stinkiness if possible.

Enjoy the commuting on the bike - it really clears the head and makes thing better overall IMHO.
flag eshew
Posted: Jun 8, 2022 at 14:36 Quote
Totally doable & by the end of the summer you'll be in VERY good shape. Do make sure to keep up on your maintenance... chain will probably wear out by the end. And bring snacks... tire lever, tube, allen keys...
flag barp
Posted: Jun 8, 2022 at 21:58 Quote
I would do a "dry run" on a non-work day to find out how long it actually takes, so you don't overestimate your speed and wind up late for work.
flag showtyme4000
Posted: Jun 9, 2022 at 5:30 Quote
eshew wrote:
Totally doable & by the end of the summer you'll be in VERY good shape. Do make sure to keep up on your maintenance... chain will probably wear out by the end. And bring snacks... tire lever, tube, allen keys...

This is one question I have, what repairs could I be facing? Bikes dont really break down right? Can chains just snap off? I would be bringing all that extra stuff with me.
flag showtyme4000
Posted: Jun 9, 2022 at 5:31 Quote
barp wrote:
I would do a "dry run" on a non-work day to find out how long it actually takes, so you don't overestimate your speed and wind up late for work.

I do plan on doing this. I only work 4 hours on Saturday and that is my plan. To do a test run.
flag showtyme4000
Posted: Jun 9, 2022 at 5:36 Quote
BenLow2019 wrote:
This is going to be totally based on your fitness, but 28 miles is certainly doable.

Flat trail/pavement on a 29er hardtail with smooth, commuter tires you can probably zing along pretty good. I'd guess maintaining 14 mph would be fairly easy. Definitely put narrow, smooth tires on it - that will make a remarkable difference.

I used to commute all the time and I'd be hitting hills, dealing with traffic and pushing myself so I'd end up at work sweaty. We had a place to shower and lockers so that was great. I don't know your situation there, but if you don't have the showers then I'd not go too hard and minimize sweaty stinkiness if possible.

Enjoy the commuting on the bike - it really clears the head and makes thing better overall IMHO.

Thing is 28 miles is quite alot, but at the same time I will be biking. Something I totally enjoy doing. I am wondering if they make like some type of wipes that would work best in my type of situation. We do have a shower here, but I have been at my job for 16 years and never saw anybody use it..
flag BenLow2019
Posted: Jun 9, 2022 at 5:54 Quote
Yes, they make disposable wipes - lots of choices and all are basically the same. Some are small, hand-sized and some are folded up and are much bigger. Find ones you like. Here's a sampling from GQ to get you started. Check your local Wal-Mart too:
https://www.gq.com/story/the-best-wipes-for-on-the-go-clean

As far as repairs you asked what you would be facing. Everything can break obviously - including chains. But if you maintain your bike well then you really only need to take some tools/parts for the things that fail most often on a ride and on a smooth ride the most likely failure will be a flat tire. So I recommend you have a saddle bag or other method to carry a multi-tool, tire levers, spare tube of the correct size and either a small hand pump or a CO2 inflator. During my commutes I carried the CO2 because it was small. Now days you can find CO2 inflators actually built into a multi-tool like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Serfas-ST-131-Multi-Tool-Co2-Inflator/dp/B08CVV1BZY

You should find and use tools that you think are best for your needs.

Good luck.
flag bishopsmike
O+
Posted: Jun 9, 2022 at 6:00 Quote
Get some nice wireless earbuds and throw on your favourite music or podcast, it will help a lot. But 2 hrs each way is pretty significant. The biggest factor is wind, so if your trail is in the forest, you're already a step ahead.
flag barp
Posted: Jun 9, 2022 at 8:19 Quote
showtyme4000 wrote:
This is one question I have, what repairs could I be facing? Bikes dont really break down right? Can chains just snap off? I would be bringing all that extra stuff with me.

From the perspective of a mechanic, it's rare for a bike to "break down" in the sense of an unpredictable failure. Most mechanicals people have while "just riding along" are due to neglected maintenance or damage (e.g., from a crash).

Just keep an eye on the consumables: brake pads, tires, chain. Your chainring and cassette are also consumables but they'll last a hell of a lot longer if you replace your chain in a timely manner. And chains seldom break unless they're worn WAY the eff out, or else if you like to mash the pedals while also mashing the shift lever. Likewise, brake rotors will wear out but last longer than your break pads if you don't wear them down to the backing. Cables and cable housings also wear out but they usually give you a warning (more friction) when they start to get rusty or frayed.

Go tubeless if you can and you're much less likely to have to stop to fix a flat.
flag showtyme4000
Posted: Jun 9, 2022 at 11:26 Quote
bishopsmike wrote:
Get some nice wireless earbuds and throw on your favourite music or podcast, it will help a lot. But 2 hrs each way is pretty significant. The biggest factor is wind, so if your trail is in the forest, you're already a step ahead.

That is the plan, yes the trail is mostly covered by trees.
flag showtyme4000
Posted: Jun 9, 2022 at 11:26 Quote
barp wrote:
showtyme4000 wrote:
This is one question I have, what repairs could I be facing? Bikes dont really break down right? Can chains just snap off? I would be bringing all that extra stuff with me.

From the perspective of a mechanic, it's rare for a bike to "break down" in the sense of an unpredictable failure. Most mechanicals people have while "just riding along" are due to neglected maintenance or damage (e.g., from a crash).

Just keep an eye on the consumables: brake pads, tires, chain. Your chainring and cassette are also consumables but they'll last a hell of a lot longer if you replace your chain in a timely manner. And chains seldom break unless they're worn WAY the eff out, or else if you like to mash the pedals while also mashing the shift lever. Likewise, brake rotors will wear out but last longer than your break pads if you don't wear them down to the backing. Cables and cable housings also wear out but they usually give you a warning (more friction) when they start to get rusty or frayed.

Go tubeless if you can and you're much less likely to have to stop to fix a flat.

Good to know, thank you
flag showtyme4000
Posted: Jun 21, 2022 at 5:54 Quote
So I had my wife drop me off at work so I can ride home. 28 miles then I am home. First like 3-5 miles kinda sucked as there were some larger hills. Told myself not to go crazy so I walked up them. Once I got to the main trail that takes me home it was a smooth ride. I got about 7 miles from home and felt my legs quitting on me, but I knew I wasnt to far. I did my best and made it home. Took me exactly 3 hours. I know I can definitely cut that time down, but it was pretty fun. I do not think as of right now I can do 28 miles to work and 28 miles home in one day. Im only gonna get better at it.
flag BenLow2019
Posted: Jun 21, 2022 at 6:17 Quote
Sounds great. Thanks for the update.
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