hey all,

Now that summer in full blooom, I am thinking about biking to work, but I am wondering about the distance involved.

Using bike paths, it is going to be about a 15 mile trip one way. Over the weekend, my wife and i did about 11 miles at the beach. it took us about 1.5 hrs, but it was a very casual pace, having to stop for the "view" and to slow down for people walking.

Do you all think 30 miles a day x 4 days a week is too much? The 11 mile ride this weekend was easy for me.

Some bike info. It's a Trek 8000 hardtail mountain bike. I know its not the most efficient road bike, but it is very lightweight and sturdy.

Thanks for your opinions.

John

Funny you posted this. I'm about to start biking to work as well. I test rode it over the weekend and its ~15miles and it took me about an hour at a slower than usual pace. I'm also using a Trek Hardtail, mines a 4300.

Since i ride often as it is (80-100miles a week) i wasn't as concerned with the distance as much as the time. I think if your used to riding a similiar distance (like the 11mile over the weekend) then you shouldn't have any problems doing that 4x week. Its a great way to get your cardio in and save gas money!

If you plan on riding that much each week, I would invest in a cheaper beginner road bike (I got mine for around 350 new). You'll thank yourself.
A fifteen mile ride is no big deal, but if you tack on one, then a full day of work, and then another fifteen miles at the end, the wide tires and weight of a mountain bike will slow you down and make your ride more difficult especially if it is a bike with suspension.
A road bike would make your trips much faster.

Edit: I ride mine everywhere I go that I'm not carrying a ton of stuff back with me. Just pack some deodorant and a spare change of clothes and it's all good. Plus the money I save in gas will help me get the new Carbon tri-bike I have my eye on.

hey all,

Now that summer in full blooom, I am thinking about biking to work, but I am wondering about the distance involved.

Using bike paths, it is going to be about a 15 mile trip one way. Over the weekend, my wife and i did about 11 miles at the beach. it took us about 1.5 hrs, but it was a very casual pace, having to stop for the "view" and to slow down for people walking.

Do you all think 30 miles a day x 4 days a week is too much? The 11 mile ride this weekend was easy for me.

Some bike info. It's a Trek 8000 hardtail mountain bike. I know its not the most efficient road bike, but it is very lightweight and sturdy.

Thanks for your opinions.

John

Hey John,

I would get some road tires and put them on the mountain bike. They will make pavement riding unbelievably easier. If you can ride just one way each day to see if you will like it. Drive to work and take the bike with you then ride the bike home. The next morning ride the bike to work and drive it home in the afternoon.

Yeah i forgot to mention the semi-slick tires. I ride with those and wouldn't dream of riding to and from work on the stock tires the bike came with.