We Want
How to Get There and Back
Our 2007 bike and gear picks for urban riding

By Susan Hayse

Good beginner bikes for fairly level riding and shorter distances

The Transporter feels steady and impervious to weather, potholes, and even the end of the pavement. It’s equally at home on the road and on a limestone bicycle path. You’ll feel comfortable with the straight handlebars and the easy thumb shifting system. It comes already outfitted with fenders and a bell—just throw on a rear rack and some lighting and you’re ready to roll. $449. www.diamondback.com

Novara Fusion

This is a commuter’s dream. Everything you need is included: a fender, a rear rack, and a cool M-shaped handlebar that makes for effortless handling. There’s also a rear safety light and a front dynamo light that are powered by your pedaling, so you never need to replace batteries. The Fusion is perfect for cruising the neighborhood. When the evening light is fading or you get caught in the rain, you’ll get there safely. See the Novara in action on REI’s website. $749. www.rei.com

Dahon Glide

There are many reasons to consider a folding bike. Do you need to bring your bike inside at work for security reasons? Does part of your journey include riding the train? The easy-to-stow size of this portable folding bike makes commuting a breeze. The “step-through” frame lets you get on and off without swinging your leg over the back because there’s no top bar—which also makes it easy to ride in a skirt. A nicely padded seat helps smooth out bumps and jars from rough pavement. The Glide comes with fenders, a rack, front and rear lights (dynamo light on the front), and a chain guard to protect your clothes from grease. There’s even a tire pump inside the seat tube. $850. www.dahon.com

Bikes for moderately long or hilly riding, fit for riding farther and faster

Scott SUB 10

Yes, white bikes are harder to keep clean, but they’re so pretty! You can choose a wheel size for a mountain bike or a regular road bike for the SUB 10, so whatever your normal riding style is you’ll be comfortable with the handling. Climbing is easy with this lightweight bike; and its supergrip tires and straight handlebar give you lots of control, making it right at home on city streets. Scott’s SUB line also has little siblings, the SUB 20 and the SUB 30, available for less than $700, using the same great frame with less expensive parts. SUB 10: $1,280. www.scottusa.com

Raleigh One Way

The One Way is a single-speed bike, which means no gears to shift—sort of like the bike you probably rode when you were 12. You’re going to love the workout the One Way gives you. When you feel comfortable with just one gear, you can reverse the rear wheel to ride in a fixed-gear mode, where the pedals keep turning when the wheel is in motion. It takes some getting used to, but it’s a blast—and superstrong legs are a bonus! $655. www.raleighusa.com

Fast, light bikes for climbing or going the distance on extra long or hilly rides

Schwinn World DBX

The DBX is the top of Schwinn’s World commuter line, and it’s ready for whatever you need to do—from running errands to riding in centuries. Climbing hills is a snap with 27 gears to choose from and a trim weight of less than 25 pounds. And all this easy riding doesn’t sacrifice comfort. You’ll love the relaxed riding position that allows your head to be high enough to prevent neck strain and but still provide a great view of everything around you. You might also consider the DBX’s little sisters: the World Street, World GSD, and World GS—all under $600 and all featuring both fenders and a rear rack as standard equipment. Schwinn is also a proud sponsor of Project Rwanda, bringing utility bikes to coffee farmers in Rwanda (www.projectrwanda.org). $1,200. www.schwinnbike.com

Fuji’s Absolute LX is a wonderfully light, quick bike. The adjustable handlebar height means you can set your handlebars at just the right level for comfort and good vision. It uses grip-style shifters, which are right where your hands rest, making changing gears very intuitive. You’ll have no trouble going from the daily commute to longer weekend fun rides on the Absolute. Fuji is also a proud supporter of the Women’s Sports Foundation’s GoGirlGo campaign, improving girl’s lives through physical activity. $700. www.fujiwomen.com

Gore Bike Wear PacLite Alpine Lady Jacket and Pants
The ultrabreathable and totally waterproof Gore-Tex PacLite material makes this rain gear tops in its field. A hidden drop tail on the jacket keeps your backside spray-free, and a cool little waterproof zippered pocket on your arm puts essential items in easy reach. The Alpine pants are the same great fabric and have an appealing waistline cut that dips slightly in the front. This gear is worth the price because it really works and you’ll look great. Jacket $240, pants $200. www.gorebikewear.com

Pearl Izumi’s X-Alp Low Mountain Shoe
Part running shoe, part cycling shoe, the X-Alp is designed for both performance and comfort. The design is based on shoes used for hike-a-bike cross-alpine races. If you don’t use clipless pedals and cleats, you can still enjoy the benefits of a cycle-specific shoe. The stiffer sole lets you put more power into each pedal stroke. $90. www.pearlizumi.com

Ibex Spin Jersey
Wool for summer cycling? Yes! The Ibex Spin jersey material is feather-light. Wool absorbs perspiration yet never feels wet or clammy the way some synthetics do. The Spin is a blend of gorgeous merino wool with a touch of Lycra so it keeps its shape. And no synthetic fabric can beat wool when it comes to keeping you odor-free after a long ride on a hot day. $120. www.ibexwear.com

Novara Padded Capris
These low-cut capri pants are so stylish no one will ever suspect there’s a comfortable chamois liner, so you can ride the distance without any seat discomfort and stroll into the office without getting the “Lycra-look” from your colleagues. $70. www.rei.com

Tifosi Gavia Glasses
The women’s-specific Gavia is made for smaller faces. Tifosi’s special lenses change with the lighting conditions, making them ideal for rides that start out in low light and finish up in full sunshine. Perfect for commuting when the days start getting shorter in the fall. $60. www.tifosioptics.com

Nite Ize Markers
Nite Ize makes the coolest blinkie markers to hook onto anything on your body or your bike. Check out their website for an awesome LED reflective safety vest and strap-on markers for helmet or arms. $15. www.niteize.com

Commuter Tips

• Stay safe. Be visible with bright colors and reflective wear. Be predictable by moving like any other vehicle, and communicate using hand signals to turn. Ride with the traffic on the road, not on the sidewalks. Slow down and notice what cars are doing at intersections and turns, where 90 percent of accidents occur. Consider getting a Road ID (www.roadid.com): if you’re riding alone and you go down, these IDs show your name, emergency contact, insurance info, and other pertinent data. Peace of mind for you and your family.
• Plan your route before you go. Pick the low-traffic side streets even if it makes your trip longer. You’ll have a much more pleasant ride.
• Take care of your ride. Clean and lube your chain once a week. It takes a lot of abuse, and a dirty chain can slow you down. Also check the tightness of all the nuts and bolts—things tend to shake loose when you ride lots of miles. Check your tire pressure every day because mushy tires slow you down.
• Get the right fuel. Your car needs it and you need it, too, so don’t leave without eating something. Slip a bar or gel in your seat bag so you have energy for the return trip. Even if your ride is short, carry water with you.
• Join a local bike club. Meet some fellow commuters! You can get tips and meet some new cycling buddies.
• Stay fresh. If you don’t have a shower at work, clean up with baby wipes, deodorant, fresh makeup, and a hairbrush that you’ve stowed ahead of time. A bottle of leave-in spray conditioner can help fight “helmet hair” when you get to work. Leave a couple of pairs of work shoes at the office, too, so you don’t have to carry them.

Play It Safe

Urban riding calls for added safety measures. You’re often riding in traffic, so seeing and being seen are your top priorities. Here’s some effective gear you might consider:

• Lights for your bike Front and rear lights, with a blinking option if your state allows it. LED lights are tops for visibility (motorists seeing you), and halogen or HID lights will illuminate nasty potholes and road detritus in your path. You need to ride with lights available even if you don’t anticipate dark conditions. You never know when you might get caught in a thunderstorm, making it hard for others on the road to see you.
• Reflective wear Seeing your bike is important, but seeing you as a human shape is even more so. If you’re out in the dark at all, consider reflective wear that shows your shape, not just the odd spot of reflective logo or strip. Consider a reflective vest or jersey/jacket with total reflective coverage. Basically, when it’s dark the flashier you are, the better. Check out some of the items made with illumiNITE technology (www.illuminite.com).
• Mirrors Your ears will tell you a lot about where cars are, but your eyes will tell you more. Use a mirror—with the understanding that it can’t show you everything behind and beside you—or you’ll need to get very adept at the over-the-shoulder glance without running off the road. It’s essential that you look before you change direction. For added safety always use your arms to signal your intentions before you make a turn.
• Locks You’ll need to secure your ride when you arrive. Cable locks are fine for deterring casual thieves, but if your bike will be outside all day long, consider a U-lock or a combination of both types.
• Fenders If you don’t want full-time fenders, a quick-release type can be removed if the forecast calls for blazing sun all day long or you don’t want to haul fenders along on a weekend fun ride.
• Racks and bags If you don’t think you’ll like carrying weight on your back all summer, use panniers or a trunk bag on a rear rack. That way your bike bears the weight of that extra grocery sack or those necessary work documents, and you are free to enjoy the breeze.
• Rain gear A lightweight rain jacket and pants can come in mighty handy when it’s pouring. And don’t forget something to cover your head and to keep rain out of your eyes—you can use a helmet with a visor or even a cycling cap. Rain gear ranges from totally cheap to more expensive than your bike, so think about the tradeoffs. The expensive stuff is better at keeping you dry and venting your heat and sweat. Less expensive stuff is usually fine for short rides or brief showers, but on warm days it quickly becomes like riding inside a sandwich bag.
• Helmet Don’t even think about riding without one—even if Starbucks is just a mile away or you are off the road on the bike path. No one expects to fall, and any fall, at any speed, can be hazardous to your noggin.
• Tools If you are already a cyclist, you probably have all those emergency items in a seat bag. A multi-tool, tire levers, an extra tube, a patch kit, an ID, money, a cell phone, and a tiny first-aid kit—all are very useful if you have mechanical issues or an accident. Add a mini-pump and you’re ready for just about anything. Practice changing the tire before your first flat—to avoid a trial by fire in the rain or when you’re already late for work. The local bike shop will be happy to show you how to change your tire when you purchase your bike.

Think about beginning your supercommuter life during national Bike to Work Week (www.bikeleague.org/
programs/bikemonth) May 15 to 19 this year. The League of American Bicyclists also has some great commuter tips at www.bikeleague.org/
resources/better/commuters.php.