Since you already have done a daily 8-mile commute, I think you'll be fine on the 30 mile commute and might not even find it all that different. I wouldn't over-think the bike setup too much, as the setup will kind of congeal over time. But, as far as addressing technical failures, it's good to carry some spare chain links and a chain tool, patch kit, spare tube (and a pump of course), and a multi-tool. With those you should be good to go. I've had shifter cables snap, but you can still pedal home like that, whereas broken chains, though rare, mean walking and coasting down the occasional hill if you don't have a chain tool or a spare link.
For clothing, I agree with what Deacon Patrick says about breathability being the key. You can get by in temps down to zero without any windbreaker at all, just layering sweaters and sweatshirts. As much wool as you can when it's wet out. Winter chews through all kinds of bike parts around here, with all the salt they dump on the roads. Fenders help but still you have to hose your bike off (from an indoor-spigot since it's freezing out) every day when you get home. On Tuesday, May 14, 2013 7:11:13 PM UTC-4, Tim Tetrault wrote: > > Thanks all. I commute now, but my round trip is 8 miles, didn't mean to > give off the impression I was just starting. I feel as though I'm in for a > rude awakening, though, with over triple the mileage each way. Do you all > have any gear recommendations that are your "non-negotiables"? > > Brian, your Hunq looks comfy. Thanks for the tips. > > I am on Schwalbe Mara Supremes right now but was thinking perhaps going to > a Jack Brown (the kevlar version) to maybe give myself a couple more MPH > than the 35mms/heavier tires. Seattle's streets can be pretty rough > compared to some of the more manicured streets I've been on in the 'burbs > and in the midwest. > > What about a good wheelset to survive the gritty winters? Right now I am > running Veloc Dyads with LX hubs, 36 spoke- I wonder once they are run > through I should consider a 32 spoke wheel? Any suggestions? > > Jan Heine has written on how handlebar bags protect your legs from rain, > anyone else care to comment. I know Velo Orange is set to come out with a > larger bag (more affordable than the Berthouds) I am mostly discouraged > about having a potential technical failure in the winter, and just freezing > and getting soaked there and back and having to do it again the next > morning. It likely won't pay enough to offset the cost of driving very much > and with us hitting the 400ppm CO2 mark this month I'm feeling driven to > bike AMAP. > > On Monday, May 13, 2013 5:17:22 PM UTC-7, Tim Tetrault wrote: >> >> Hey Gang- >> >> I'm contemplating a long commute in the Seattle area- 15 miles each way >> (long for me anyway) on my Hilborne. Any advice on handling the day in day >> out grind of this? >> >> Ideas could include: >> >> Food management/tiring out after long day >> reasonable raingear for the price (knowing I will be exposed for a >> soaking) >> time management tips I may have not considered >> >> Thanks- >> >> Tim >> > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en-US. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
