Bike in law school? Forum

[MrKappus]

Biking around Emory isn't the greatest but it's doable. Very hilly (Druid Hills), but it's mostly residential, so sidewalks are prevalent and car speeds are tolerable. That said, Atlanta drivers are idiots. Wear your helmet, include a bike light and even consider a horn.

I was close friends during my Masters @ Emory with a girl who rode every day...until she got hit. On rainy days she'd either suck it up or leave her bike until the next day and schlep a ride. She also made friends with some bike-riding faculty and could leave some of her heaviest books on the days she was most exhausted.

+1 (to bold). Car that clipped me w/ its sideview mirror was trying to buzz past me in a "road's are for cars" move that went awry.

[nealric]

That said, Atlanta drivers are idiots

Drivers everywhere are idiots. People are idiots. The key is to assume that from the get go, and make sure you are depending on the non-idiocy of others as little as possible. You could get hit on a bicycle, but you could also get hit in a car too.

And don't ride on the sidewalk. It feels safer, but it's not. Nobody expects a 15+Mph object coming across the crosswalk when they are trying to pull out from a side street.

[Fast_Fingers]

Bumping this thread since I'm considering something similar (4 miles around Minneapolis...which is supposed to be more bike friendly than Emory). For those with experience getting to and from class this way, what kind (hybrid, road, cruiser, mountain) should I look at, and what should I budget for a good used one (I'm thinking $300) and repair kits ($100?)

[nealric]

Bumping this thread since I'm considering something similar (4 miles around Minneapolis...which is supposed to be more bike friendly than Emory). For those with experience getting to and from class this way, what kind (hybrid, road, cruiser, mountain) should I look at, and what should I budget for a good used one (I'm thinking $300) and repair kits ($100?)

That Fuji will be fine for a 4 miles commute. Personally, I prefer drop bars (the curvy road bike bars) to flat bars because they tend to be more ergonomic- but it shouldn't be a huge deal for a short trip. If you don't mind a single speed bike, I would look into something like this: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mot ... nger_x.htm as well- it will be lower maintenance than a geared bike.

You shouldn't have to spend $100 on a repair kit unless you are planning on doing major repairs- and most bikes won't need those all that often. To start, just get a pump, a spare tire or two, a patch kit, tire levers, chain lube, and a multi-tool. You should be able to get all of that for ~$60.

[Fast_Fingers]

Thanks nealric...I'll definitely check out bikes with dropped handles (I think I found a similar one to what you linked at the same store) to see if it's comfortable for me.

Any opinions on Slime (either tubes or from the canister) and the use of tire liners? The biggest apprehension for me is having to repair a wheel on the way to class.

[nealric]

The schwinn could be ok, but it's hard to say much about it beacause it's a converted geared bike. There is no telling what parts they used in the conversion. Also might be a tad on the heavy side- a schwinn varsity was a low-end bike even back in the day.

As for tires- you can actually buy extra think anti-flat tires. I use them on my commuter. However, nothing is fool proof. Tire goo is fine for minor repairs, but it's good to have a spare tube and know how to use it. After a few practice tries you should be able to swap a tube in less than 5 min.

[Haribo]

I recommend Schwalbe tires. They have ridiculous anti-puncture protection; I rode for 6 months on mostly gravel and dirt in South America and never got a flat. They're a bit expensive but totally worth it if you plan on riding a lot.

[Fast_Fingers]

The schwinn could be ok, but it's hard to say much about it beacause it's a converted geared bike. There is no telling what parts they used in the conversion. Also might be a tad on the heavy side- a schwinn varsity was a low-end bike even back in the day.

Good to know. I'm trying it for the ergonomics...I'm not actually serious about getting that one in particular. The Motobecane you linked earlier looks a lot better, hopefully a nearby dealer has one for me to try out.

And thanks guys for the run-flat suggestions. I think the $30-60 they fetch online (just checked Amazon...maybe it's better for other retailers) is worth my piece of mind. But I will practice tube swapping in the precious free time I'll get.

Looking forward to the fresh air and scraped knees.

[nealric]

The Motobecane you linked earlier looks a lot better, hopefully a nearby dealer has one for me to try out.

Unfortunately, the Motobecane is mostly online only. They only have them at Cycle Spectrum's - which I think are either in Texas or Florida. But they are much less expensive than the Treck/Specialized type bikes but as good in the quality department.

[Zojirushi]

+1 to bikesdirect for good deals (but you need to have a bike shop look it over/assemble it) and to the schwalbe's for commuting.

Also, 4 miles is a blink. Expect it to take about 20 minutes; this is roughly what it takes me to drive the same distance downtown.

[Pearalegal]

When I am in a car, I hate pedestrians. When I am a pedestrian, I hate cars.

Regardless if I am in a car or a pedestrian, I always hate bikes.

[Emma.]

When I am in a car, I hate pedestrians. When I am a pedestrian, I hate cars.

Regardless if I am in a car or a pedestrian, I always hate bikes.

And either way the cyclists probably hate you.

[Zojirushi]

@pear

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[Aias]

I think i'm going to pick up one of these for a 3 mile commute.
You can customize them. (add gears)

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[Zojirushi]

My friend used to import those. They are heavy, have crappy rod brakes, an odd 28" tire size (which you can't usually find at your local bike shop), and steel wheels (heavy and slick when wet). Unless you just really want a cheap Chinese bike, you can do much better for the price.

[nealric]

Yeah, I used to have a bike with steel wheels. They were absolutely terrifying when wet.

[Pearalegal]

@pear

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Wow, it was a joke. Its become sort of an infamous saying from tfln and those stupid, "you know you're growing up when..." forwards. I have a bike that I had to buy as soon as my other beloved one was stolen. I hated cars and pedestrians when I was on my bike too.

[mikeytwoshoes]

These threads are my favorite. Simply take something doesn't involve law school and add the words "in law school." How will go to the bathroom in law school? How will I eat breakfast in law school? How will I carry my credit cards (loose in my pocket or in a wallet - ooh how about a money clip and a card pouch)? Which condoms work best in law school? It's a stressful transition, but shit still works the same as in undergrad.