this post was submitted on 17 Apr 2025
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bikecommuting

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More like a $200 bike, but still... (slrpnk.net)
submitted 3 months ago by cm0002@lemmy.world to c/bikecommuting@lemmy.world
9 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Why am I still faster than you?

E: Let's all talk about what bikes should or shoudn't cost

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[–] PlaidBaron@lemmy.world 10 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

I used to ride an old steel bike I pulled out of a trash heap to commute. Strapped an old computer bag to the back for a panier and called it a day.

Picture for those interested:

[–] superkret@feddit.org 8 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I bought a bike for 1000€.
Then I put another 500€ in parts and several days of work into it.
It has no motor, no suspension, no freewheel, 1 gear, 1 cheap rim brake, and a bell.
And it's the best value for money of anything I own.

[–] Empricorn@feddit.nl 4 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

You lost me at "1 gear". When I had a bike I hated not being able to go faster, or struggling to make it up a steep hill.

[–] superkret@feddit.org 2 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

1 gear (with a ratio of 39/17) limits me to a top speed of around 37 km/h (23 mph), and on the other end, a 10% sustained slope uphill, or a short 15% burst.
Which is fine by me, and more than most people I know do with their geared, or even E-bikes.
It's actually surprising how little difference gearing makes in practice.

As for why I think 1 gear with no freewheel is better, that's kinda hard to explain if you haven't experienced it.
Best explanation I can give is: I can pull my bike out of storage after 2 years, pump up the tires, lube the chain and go ride.
I can slow down by pushing back with my legs, so I need the brake maybe once a week.

And it kinda feels like being able to run 37km/h.

[–] Empricorn@feddit.nl 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Interesting, thanks for the info. I don't really belong in this community as my job has to be done in a company vehicle parked at my home. But I really, really miss biking. I would ride all over town as a teenager and was in better shape. But my bike got stolen from an apartment years ago...

[–] superkret@feddit.org 1 points 3 months ago (1 children)

That's sad. I would go insane without riding my bike regularly.

[–] Empricorn@feddit.nl 2 points 3 months ago

Yeah, I need to get another one!

[–] dumblederp@aussie.zone 4 points 3 months ago

Oh goody, memes and elitism.

[–] Wahots@pawb.social 4 points 3 months ago

As long as it's not gas powered, I don't really mind what people take on the road