A Little Secret to Make Everyday Riding Better

When I rediscovered my love of bike riding in graduate school, I really got into riding around for fun. I loved grooving down neighborhood streets and along trails. Although when it came to hills, many times I found my foot sliding off the pedal. I also noticed that many casual riders were passing me, and it wasn't because their bike was so much better than mine. There seemed to be some kind of contraption on their pedal that appeared to be making all the difference. Since I was curious to learn more, it looked like I needed to do some investigating to find out.

Talking to some of my lycra-wearing cyclist friends, they instantly started talking about the benefits of using shoes and clips - special gear designed to keep feet attached to the pedals. It would make riding easier, faster, they said. (Mountain bike riders can also enjoy this feature with equipment designed with their riding style and technique in mind, too.) But I wanted to focus on riding comfortably on a daily basis. I didn't want to have to invest in special shoes and pedals just to ride my bike. Wouldn't that make riding to the grocery store and doing my errand running a little less convenient? And those special pedals - wouldn't that make casual riding no longer an option?

Shoes, clips, etc. Perhaps a little bit of an overkill for the casual rider.

I kept searching. It wasn't too long before I found an answer - and gear that I still use over 7 years later. Pedal cages are a simple, inexpensive, effective attachments that can keep your foot attached to the pedal and allows you to wear whatever kind of foot gear you want. I found a few options at my local bike store, tried them out and these babies are still looking good after thousands of miles.

Pedal cages. The key to everyday riding.

They have made my riding better and faster. It's not quite as speedy as fancy shoes and clips, but since most of my riding - at least for now - isn't training for any Olympic events, I'm okay with that. They take a bit to get used to, but they make a huge difference during the ride.

HTCBB: Lane Splitting - Is It Legal?

Picking up on a series started last spring in preparation for National Bike Month in May, let's talk about proper road riding etiquette. Last March Heather, a frequenter of BITU, asked the following question:

"When there is a one-lane road (such as downtown Clemson) and vehicle traffic is backed up, may a cyclist (legally) skirt around traffic and ride up to the traffic light? If so, do they pass on the right or left of the vehicles?"

A great question. Another bicycle blogger responded that lane splitting, as its commonly called, is not really legal, but sometimes tolerated. So, that being said, I did a little digging myself.

I found this great forum on cyclists from around the world and their opinion or experience with lane splitting. (The forum is a place on the interwebs where I usually get referred to when I'm looking for an opinion or doing other kinds of research.) It would appear that some folks do it provided they feel safe, however, it appears that it's not really legal. So, Heather, it appears that skirting around traffic isn't a good bet. Do not pass on the right, or the left or pass go and collect $200.

But, you ask:  Should I give it a try? Again, I would say no. Timing of the lights, unexpected shifts in traffic, unforeseen pedestrians, speed limits. There seems to be many reasons to sit tight and wait your turn in traffic. Not to mention that the folks in their cars aren't going to be too excited when you pass them on your bike just because you can squeeze between them. Especially in a small downtown like Clemson, I'd advise you to hang-tight and wait in line. It'll go over better when you end up next to that car at the next light.

That's the legal, bike-riding advice. However, there are other things you could consider doing. If bike riding is supposed to be a more convenient and fun way to get around, consider taking action in your own community. Contact city commissioners or join (or create!) a local bicycle advocacy group to champion considerations for bicycles. Are the parking spots along the street really the best use of the space or would a dedicated bike lane be better? Is there a need for more or better bicycle parking in your downtown? It might take several months to get the word out and start gathering support, but it's never too late to start.

Christmas Gift Review: Bontrager AW3 Hard Case Tire

When Santa asked what I wanted for Christmas this year, I couldn't help but ask for a hard case bike tire for my front wheel. Nerdy, but hopeful? You bet. This was my "Official Red Ryder, Carbine Action, Two-Hundred Shot Range Model Air Rifle" for the gifts of 2013.

I've been a bicycle commuter in the Upstate for 3 years this February, and the conditions I ride on a daily basis are pretty rough. Debris-covered roads and shoulders. Rough pavement conditions. There's been a few too many times I've reached for my bike for my morning commute only to find a flat tire, and have had to change plans at the last minute.

A few years ago I came across the hard-case tires upon recommendation from a local bike shop manager. I gave it a try, and there was no looking back. Over the last several months I decided that I wanted an upgrade so that both wheels would be rolling with hard cases. So, when Santa asked with this girl wanted for Christmas, I requested a bike tire. Not too sexy...unless you get excited about the idea of fixing a flat less often - like I do.

Christmas morning I spied a circular-hoop-like object under the tree, and squealed with delight when I opened the Bontrager AW3 Hard-Case tire. With the promise of a sleeker, sturdier and more-responsive-in-rain tire, I was ready to give this thing a try.

Bontrager Hard-Case vs my previous bike tire.
Notice there's less knobbiness, but still tread on the
hard case. Can't wait to get rolling!

To inspire warm weather riding during the Polar Vortex of 2014, I decided to get my hands dirty and switch out my old tire for the new hard case. With a little hard work, using our dining room as a temporary bike-garage, I put things together. The wheel was removed, dissembled, reassembled with the new tire and pumped back up. Twice. I popped the first tube from too pumping too much air pressure. Interesting to note that though the hard case tire read 55-100 PSI, the tube popped at around 60. The second time around I was careful, and stopped once the gauge read 55 PSI.

Bike-Tire Air-Pumping Action Shot.

(If you notice the black figure in the bottom right corner of the photo, that's our puppy Owen. He likes to be in the middle of the action. He was "helping" me put air in the tire.) One of the coolest things I noticed about the tire was the word "Direction" with an arrow to indicate which way the tire should turn to achieve the best riding experience. Bicycle part designers and engineers are getting pretty fancy, if you ask me. Wouldn't it be nice if everything in life was this clear?

This way for a smoother ride.

Once the weather clears up, I'm excited to have the rubber meet the road and give this new wheel a spin. I'm interested to see if I'll notice a difference riding with a less knobby tire. I'm hoping that there will be fewer flats, too. (Fingers, crossed, right?)

Did any of you ask and receive any bicycle-related gifts for Christmas or the holidays? Or did you give any to your friends or family? I would be interested to hear. Please share!

Happy 2014

2014. Welcome to it. I think it might be fun to consider this the Year of the Bike in the Upstate and across the great state of South Carolina. Just like the Chinese culture has the Year of the Dog or Monkey, let's hope that this year bikes continue their positive influence in our culture.

There are many reasons to consider why I dare to call this the Year of the Bike. SC continues to grow its Bicycle-Friendly Business, City and University membership. More communities are creating, investing and implementing bicycle and pedestrian plans. The Palmetto Cycling Coalition continues to grow, and supports events, forums and rides around the state.

I've got a good feeling about this year. I think it's gonna be a good one. I can feel it. What will you do to help biking grow to become a fun, safe way of life?