We’ve seen them all, the wide array of different cyclists on their morning commute. All wearing different cycle clothing, from suits to lycra. All riding different types of bikes ranging from streamlined road bikes to slow and steady granny bikes.
Obviously the choice that people make as to which type of bike to ride is based upon what they are going to use it for. A number of things affect your choice of bike, what things you need to take with you, how far you’re going, will they have showers at the office.
Most likely many people think that they have made the right decision when it comes to making the morning commute. But have they really? Would it work out faster for a granny bike to get to work over a fixed gear bike? You would instantly think now, however, I think I can prove you wrong.
If you take 4 different cyclists and see how long it takes them to get from their homes to work. If we pick out 2 lycra wearing cyclists and place one on a road bike and the other on a fixed gear bike. Then pick up your other 2 cyclists, one on a granny bike, then other on a mountain bike.
Of course a large number of people will think that the fixed gear and the road bike will shoot off and beat the others by miles. This is true, however, they haven’t won the race yet. When these 2 get to their work, they are basically a waterfall of sweat. So for them, you have to add on the time for a shower onto their travel time.
For the other 2, the mountain biker did get there quite quickly, however, still a little sticky, a shower might be required. Finally, the granny bike, it may have come last, however, the relaxed ride is sweat free. No need to have a shower, the rider simply walks into work.
So once you factor in all the amount of time taken for each cyclist to get to their work, and then add on any extra time to recover from the cycle. The granny bike takes the victory at a steady speed. It really does show that slow and steady will win the race.
Next time you get ready for the commute, take a moment to think about the fastest way to get there.
Hmmm…. Did the Granny have a shower before leaving for work? If so, the they took the longest - if not they probably smell to high hell…
Comment by GLB — July 24, 2009 @ 6:09 am