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Best way to get around town?

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ZMILLZ
Posts: 147 - Karma: 248
This summer I will be without a car but I have to get around a 5 mile radius often. Moving on foot is too boring. What should I adapt as my method of transport...i.e. longboard, inline, bike, etc
Apr 23 2012 3:43PM
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ShredMasterPlus
Posts: 1159 - Karma: 807
There once was a man from Nantucket, Whos dick was so long he could suck it.
I have nothing more
Apr 23 2012 6:54PM
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myllhouse
Posts: 1064 - Karma: 2,157
fuck the town bicycle. then all your problems will be solved
Apr 23 2012 6:55PM
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skithesprings
Posts: 9086 - Karma: 1,349
are you afraid of getting out of the saddle to pedal up a hill?

I pass pussies like you who are spinning away going up hills in their granny ring because they won't stand up and pedal.

I don't care if he gets a fixie, or a ss, or a "sick road bike" but don't tell me I ride to look "hip"

I'm not a fucking hipster
Apr 23 2012 6:59PM
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GreenStezz
Posts: 3570 - Karma: 717
I'm buying a beach cruiser tomorrow for summer time here in Tahoe!!.......................


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Apr 23 2012 7:11PM
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Guck
Posts: 528 - Karma: 221
here is my moped:
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fuck driving, i use this to get everywhere i need to go for the most part. i just got it registered as well, so i'm all legal.
Apr 23 2012 7:18PM
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Mr.DarthVader
Posts: 1322 - Karma: 556
my friend has these. they are super fun and making running so effortless but they do some damage on your shins
Apr 23 2012 7:24PM
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caucasian_chad
Posts: 4078 - Karma: 3,625
Actually, since I bike for a workout and not transportation, I often stay in the highest gear I have on inclines. Now whose the pussy?

But as a practical form of transportation, no, you're still wrong. If you're biking to work, do you want to be sweaty all day? Probably not. Then you need low gear.
Apr 23 2012 7:28PM
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*N_Wist*
Posts: 422 - Karma: 79
funny how in the mtb world fixie isn't hipster, just less stuff to break. but if op is riding around for work or whatever it is nice to have a few more gears so you don't show up to work drenched. even eight gears is pretty good.
Apr 23 2012 7:34PM
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nkmo.
Posts: 3994 - Karma: 285
Well then, pedal on brother. The idea just makes my knees ache.

As for the Fixed vs Geared debate, there is no "better" bike. I have both and ride 75% fixed, 25% geared.

If I really need to get somewhere quick, or know Im going to have some big descents, Ill take the geared bike. You can't deny a geared bike + freewheel is faster.

If Im just trying to get from A to B, i'll take the fixed. Its lighter, less hassle, and really just more fun to ride. Plus, it really helps develop a good cadence for when you're riding geared...











Apr 23 2012 7:51PM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
Hipster or not, you're still a fucking idiot for riding a fixie.
Apr 23 2012 7:55PM
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RipeTomato
Posts: 231 - Karma: 289
Get some fun slides. They are constructed of friction defying super smooth plastic. But seriously just go get a good bike and use that.
Apr 23 2012 8:05PM
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bweld123
Posts: 221 - Karma: 31
get a vespa, their cheap and get a ton of miles to the gallon. I'm in the same situation this summer and I'm probably gonna end up getting on. Their street legal and you don't need a license.
Apr 23 2012 8:08PM
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TACO-DOG.exe
Posts: 11988 - Karma: 12,261
LAWL
Apr 23 2012 8:11PM
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GayWolf420
Posts: 37390 - Karma: 120,134
Ride a dildo mechanism that propels you in similar fashion as a bike does. It's like riding a fixie.
Apr 23 2012 8:12PM
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HorsecockTony
Posts: 414 - Karma: 16
.........yes, please.
Apr 23 2012 9:12PM
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powderdrunkie
Posts: 2034 - Karma: 976
that simply doesn't make sense. I don't even own one but I think they are fun. I'm actually surprised with how much you care.
Apr 23 2012 9:27PM
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Seany.n
Posts: 459 - Karma: 467
...run
Apr 23 2012 9:41PM
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james6345789
Posts: 4763 - Karma: 467
I'd like to think that I could bike over 10 mph on my mountain bike...
Apr 23 2012 9:42PM
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gotti
Posts: 4269 - Karma: 4,550
i see your stilts and i raise you.

A FIGHTER JET

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you lose
Apr 23 2012 9:44PM
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skithesprings
Posts: 9086 - Karma: 1,349
Ok, since you asked.

On a road bike, any kind, as long as you are riding on a road, the rear brake is technically useless. In an emergency situation, you can grab as much rear brake as possible but the rear wheel will begin to skid at a fairly low rate of deceleration. When you apply your front brake to it's maximum potential, (without the use of a rear brake) you will come to a stop much much faster because it is impossible to slide the wheel. Combine the transition of force directly to the tire and the fact that the coefficient of static friction is greater than that of kinetic friction, by using your front brake only you will come to a stop in about half the time you could by using only your back brake.

Now that you understand that, the reason the back brake is useless is that when you are using your front brake to it's full potential, all of your weight has shifted to the front tire and the rear tire has essentially been unweighted. At this point, ANY application of rear brake will simply cause the rear wheel to lock up and skid. Any amount of braking less than in an emergency situation can be handled easily with only the front brake as well.
Apr 23 2012 10:09PM
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theBearJew
Posts: 10951 - Karma: 15,633
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Apr 23 2012 10:12PM
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Funnel
Posts: 7815 - Karma: 1,531
Don't get a longboard. A bike is twice as fast and way more maneuverable. Longboards are pretty inefficient methods of transit anywhere besides college campuses. Bikes can go uphill easily, can be risen in the rain, and there should be extremely low maintenance.
Apr 23 2012 10:19PM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
While you're mostly correct, to say that the rear brake is entirely useless is pretty false. I use a combo of front and rear brake on my road bike all the time to stop quicker without going over the bars. The same amount of force used to make the rear tire skid will make you stop dead and eject if used on the front brake.
Apr 23 2012 10:22PM
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SpaghettiWizard
Posts: 2825 - Karma: 166
Get a bike or a longboard. Is it REALLY necessary to make a thread?
Apr 23 2012 10:24PM
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Gnarwall
Posts: 1180 - Karma: 50
Sounds like you want to go for a ride on your face. Going down a hill, I can jam on my back brake, but I sure can't do that with my front brake.

Also, anyone who thinks a fixie is more efficient or cheaper than a road bike is an idiot. You can get a beautiful used 10 speed for less than $100 on craiglist, and it will be applicable in so many more situations than a fixie. Wanna go for a 80 mile ride up into mountains? no problem. Do it on a fixie and you'll puss out on your first long climb. Their only real use is jimmy johns delivery.
Apr 24 2012 1:39AM
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Funnel
Posts: 7815 - Karma: 1,531
Exactly. Anyone that rides any type of bike a lot knows that the front brake is the most powerful and useful brake for total control of the bike. I don't ride road, but I do a lot of DH riding and the front brake is essential.
Apr 24 2012 1:49AM
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skithesprings
Posts: 9086 - Karma: 1,349
concerning braking, you're wrong.

Jamming on your brakes is an amateur move. Ride a bike down a hill as steep as this one and try to stop with your rear brake, you'll leave a skid mark all the way to the scene of the crash.

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oh, and both these guys are on single speeds, and that is the steepest public road in the entire world.

your argument is now invalid.
Apr 24 2012 2:19AM
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Mr.Donut
Posts: 79 - Karma: 112
[img]http://www.braceshop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/btf.jpg[/img]
Apr 24 2012 2:35AM
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Spic-N-SpaN
Posts: 2002 - Karma: 1,465
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there you go
Apr 24 2012 2:39AM
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Gnarwall
Posts: 1180 - Karma: 50
I highly doubt a photo of canton ave disproves my argument. When was the last time you did an ascent greater than 2000' on your fixie? Anyone can power up a moderately short hill, but you need good gear ratios to tackle a long slope.

I would take rear over front any day of the week. The front brake occasionally supplements on really tight situations, but if you need to quickly apply brakes on a steep slope you're fucked if you only use your front brake. A front may be more powerful, but it isn't exactly useful if it's just going to buck you.

As to when are you going to slam on the brakes? Oh I dunno, car cuts you off, car door opens, kid runs in front of you, alien attack, etc. etc. etc. You can slam on your brakes and not skid if you aren't an idiot. I bike commute 12 miles to and from school four days a week so its not like I'm new to this whole cycling thing. Sounds like you just have a case of pretentious hipster syndrome.
Apr 24 2012 2:44AM
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line686
Posts: 406 - Karma: 205
He went out and about with his mouth like a trout, and when bother would say ohh just fuck it!
Apr 24 2012 2:54AM
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line686
Posts: 406 - Karma: 205
*bothered
Apr 24 2012 2:56AM
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jca
Posts: 4171 - Karma: 6,311
i ride an old steel frame road bike from the 90's and definitely prefer it to a fixie for a means of transportation.

fixies are super fun and challenging, but id rather have gears for where i live (on the side of a mountain).

old road bikes can be found in pretty good condition for cheap, that's what i'd recommend for being the most efficient. fixies and ss have their upsides as well though.
Apr 24 2012 2:58AM
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Anathema
Posts: 21048 - Karma: 5,061
made me think of


Apr 24 2012 7:51PM
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chicken
Posts: 6843 - Karma: 2,123
get a bike with a rack and a skateboard. bike can get you everywhere fast and carry lots of stuff, including your skateboard for shorter distance trips. you will never have to walk anywhere.
Apr 24 2012 7:53PM
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_Mac_n_Steez_
Posts: 259 - Karma: -6

Get a chienes man and a rickshaw. Problem solved

Apr 24 2012 8:03PM
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midwestpowhunter
Posts: 2198 - Karma: 189
hands down winner
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Apr 24 2012 8:03PM
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MatRich
Posts: 4789 - Karma: 1,813
join the gang!

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Apr 24 2012 8:08PM
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KravtZ
Posts: 6637 - Karma: 2,629
I would think also. I mountain bike a lot have a pretty sick setup for all mountain/ cross country. All im saying is if im biking behind my friend on his road bike, the same effort he usually goes way fucking faster than me. I bought a road bike recently, nothing to extravagent, just to get around and for some workouts, and think hauls so hard. Its designed for the most part to go fast.

Fixed gear bikes are so fucking stupid unless you do it for fun if thats what your into or just to make a point that your a hipster. They are so impracticable.Maybe there lighter but you give up gearing which i can't see any downside to having. Great I dont want to getout of the saddle? Yea dam straight, i dont want to be sweaty as shit when i show up wherever
Apr 24 2012 8:38PM
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*geezer*
Posts: 645 - Karma: 301
this - my cruiser is my summer buddy :D also, you can go to walmart and get a nice new one for $90
Apr 24 2012 8:51PM
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poo_slinger
Posts: 80 - Karma: 10
cheap, old road bike.  I bought a firenze 5000 bike for 50 bucks, and ive put at least 2000 miles on it.  made it from sf to la without any problems on it.  if you live in an urban area you can probably get around faster on a road bike than with a car!
Apr 24 2012 9:06PM
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I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753
if you live somewhere flat with smooth roads/curbs then i can definitely recommend a carver board, its like a mini longboard/skateboard but carves so much smoother, superfun once you get a hang of it, also superfun for riding in bowls, gives you the 100%surf feeling :)
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Apr 25 2012 6:20AM
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nhudson
Posts: 248 - Karma: 28

Get a unicycle!

Apr 25 2012 8:50AM
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