So I GOT A NEW JOB! Even better! The office on Mt Washington (on Paul St), giving a perfect way to get some training in for my (first) century ride in June!!!! Hurray!
Although, that means that I'm switching from purely recreational to commuter cycling. (For the last 5 years I've been a telecommuter…so this is a big change.) So, I have a bunch of questions!
First, I'll need to be transporting a laptop to and fro, in addition to a change of clothes. I currently have a road bike, so I think that I'd be best off with a commuter backpack, but would panniers be a good option? What are the pros/cons of each?
(And are there panniers that would be easily removable for my recreational rides?)
Second, when I went up for my first interview I went up PJ McArdle which was fine but there were a LOT of wet leaves….which is concerning on considering my tires. Would Arlington be a viable option? Meaning is it roughly as steep as McArdle? I know Sycamore is an option, but at least right now I'm not ready for that steepness.
(I'd be coming from Sq Hill. initially and then edgewood)
Third, on rainy/snowy days it would be nice to have the option of taking the incline up… but it looks like bikes are forbidden during "peak" hours (6-9AM, 4-6:30PM). Is that in effect when going up the incline when most people (I assume) would be coming down?
Fourth, in the same vein. I know I'd have to pay 2 fares for the bike on the incline. If I get a bus pass would I still have to pay a second fare our would the pass cover both? Or is the incline even covered by the PAT passes?
Finally (I think), any recommended equipment? I have locks, a saddle bag that carries toolkit, spare tubes, rain jacket, CO2 cartridges, etc… water bottles and am planning on purchasing backpack and/or panniers. Anything else that I would regret not having?
Oh, I guess there is one more…. if there are any developers out there that know python/zope/plone drop me a PM. My current company might want to talk to you about replacing me. (Or if you know anyone. The position is potentially telecommuting for a company in Bethesda, MD)
I've always carried my laptop in a backpack. I don't know I'd trust it to panniers bouncing and vibrating around. I just imagine the pannier bouncing off the rack and getting run over by the car behind me. I do have panniers for just-about-everything-else though. So you might want to consider a little of each.
I don't see fenders on your list, but that is one I'd add. That and/or rain pants, for when it is really coming down.
I agree with fenders, if you have a true road bike, I recommend the sks raceblade xl, they are a little pricey (50-60) but are great. If you opt to upsize your tires for commuting, they will handle up to 28mm.
I just bought a Banjo Bros commuter backpack. Waterproof and large.
http://www.banjobrothers.com/products/01152.php
I didn't see lights in your list so .. Lights. Front and back.
I have to admit that I'd forgotten about fenders. I do ride in the rain quite a bit and have just gotten use to not having them. Of course, I get home covered from head to foot in mud... something that work may not appreciate!
Get fenders for sure. They make a huge difference, more so than any clothing. I find the front Race Blade (and EZ ) disappointing but the rear is really nice. Wet feet are pretty easy to deal with.
Arlington is not that great. You'll be riding up between T tracks the whole way. There really won't be that many wet leaves between now and the fall. I think by then you'll have more confidence and not find them such a pain. I've never even thought about them, going up or down. Coming down Sycamore I might give them some more thought 
I am a really big fan of Williams. It's one way but traffic is so low and slow I've not had a problem using it.
EDIT: I didn't see anything in your list about lights. Lights are a big one. My current "be seen" (vs "see") is a Niterider Minewt front and Blackburn Flea rear) I run them even on rainy days.
myddrin, I live on mt Washington and take m bike on the incline on a almost daily basis. First of all dont worry about the peak hours. Either it dosent exist on the incline or no one thought to stop me. Second, you don't have to pay for your bike. It is one fare. And yes you can use a bus pass. If you ever feel like you are taking up too much space just wait in till you see someone on the inline with a baby carriage the size of a small car and you will realize how little space a bike takes up. The bike car is the top one on the right side of the incline if you are going up. I have seen people go in other compartments but i choose to take the one designated for bikes.
There was a operator last year that was a real jerk about taking bikes on and would only let one on at a time. Thankfully I haven't seen him in a while. Joe the weekday day operator is great, he let 5 bikes on at once last week when i was coming home from work. The guy that comes in at 6 is cool too. He kinda looks like jerry garcia and always has a smile on his face. My only warning to you is to watch out for the tourists and people in a rush to get home from work. I'm not sure why but it seem that people getting off the incline just love walking aimlessly into my bike. I even had a guy trip over it on the T last year and fall on his ass.
Just a suggestion that goes a long way to easing the load....leave work appropriate shoes at work, don't carry them or ride in them each day. You could think about the "bring several days worth of clothes at once" routine as well, but that never really worked all that well for me. Shoes I will definitely work to NOT have to lug with me.
RE: fenders. If possible, grab some rubber or leather or suchlike, cut out a nice, big vaguely triangular slab, and rivet it to the bottom of the front fender for additional coverage. Keeps feet and drivetrain significantly drier and cleaner.
+1 on fenders and mudguard. Absolutely essential.
I switch back and forth between carrying my laptop in a backpack and panniers. There's lot of discussion on the board about this, but here's my two cents, again:
I only carry the laptop in a Pelican case with the panniers. It is heavy, but bombproof (yes, I have crashed with it). The foam does a reasonable job of damping vibrations, too (they are designed for this). I would NEVER carry a laptop in a soft case in a pannier. The backpack is fine (don't get a messenger bag--get something with two straps, a sternum strap, and maybe even a waist belt). The biggest downside of the backpack is sweat--you will get significantly warmer with one. If you can shower at the office, maybe that's okay, though.
I have been carrying my MacBook Pro in my pannier with just a foam case for over a year now and before that I strapped my bag to a seat post rack.
You will be able to take on and off the pannier but the rack and fenders will stay put. Sounds like an excuse to get a new bike.
Something to consider that hasn't been mentioned, I think if I had to carry a laptop regularly, I might consider some kind of good front basket, so it is right up in front for safe-keeping.
Like Wald, http://urbanvelo.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/interbike_2009_day3_10.jpg
Don't know if it would suit your bike set-up, but it has advantages. Pretty well away from most dirt and crap, in the summer the thing is off your back. And you can take things in and out so easily. I like a basket for some purposes, I carry my dog in one.
I use clipless pedals, so I also keep shoes at work (actually, in my bike locker). I have one change of clothing in my desk, but with rain pants/jacket, I've only ever needed to change socks. I probably don't always look the most presentable, but there are plenty of stinky grad students roaming around anyway, so I don't stick out too much
And like everyone else said, use lights. I run mine even on cloudy days. My headlamp is rechargeable, and the blinkies last forever on one set of batteries. I don't really see any reason not to run them all the time.
Funny you mention baskets
I ran a really big Wald basket for awhile, and that was replaced by a CETMA porteur rack. The basket worked okay, though it was bit unwieldy if I wan't carrying a laptop. The porteur rack worked pretty well with the Pelican case, but one potential issue is that if you're bike isn't designed for a heavy load on the front wheel (most aren't), the bike's handling will become, ummm, interesting.
I would go for a padded bag and panniers for the laptop. True love comes and goes, but back injuries are forever.
Panniers are usually faily easy to detach.
I have a plastic "chainguard" on my chain rings. If I forget to velcro my trousers they are still usually OK
+1 on lights, fenders, mudguards. My front fender goes way down and has a big mudguard. Looks really nerdy, but works.
On my last bike, I made duct tape mudguards after going down a longish hill with a steady stream of water/salt slush flowing into at least one shoe the whole time. Went beyond aesthetics that time.
Check with PAT on the inclines- I'm not sure you need extra fare for a bike and I think you are allowed on at peak hours.
Mick
The 41E bus will also get you up MtWash, and since it uses the 35-footers is almost guaranteed a rack. I don't know of anyone who's used a bus rack with panniers, though. I'd also have personal qualms of having my laptop-in-a-pannier being the lead item in any sort of minor bus mishap.
I usually have my laptop hanging around my neck, with a bungee cord holding to a belt loop on my pants it so it doesn't flop around.
Yes, bus passes work on both inclines.
I usually have my laptop hanging around my neck, with a bungee cord holding to a belt loop on my pants it so it doesn't flop around.
!!!!!!!!!!!! awesome.
I personally think your back will transfer almost as much vibration to a laptop against it as a pannier would. Either way it will see some wear and tear but as long as it is turned off, any respectable brand should hold up for the 2-3 years you plan on using it anyhow.
Backpacks: When I commute in town with my laptop I always use a backpack with the padded inner pocket for it. You can get these at REI or wherever. Moving to the lightest laptop is smart and I was much happier when I got a one of those micro netbooks which made a world of difference even on the short 8 mile round trip in town commute. They make messenger style bags with pockets specifically for the laptop. I find I like the messenger bag more than the backpack as its less hot and doesn't leave a huge sweat spot on my entire back. I onlyhave one bike and don't want racks on it for my leisure ridding so I stick with a bag over panniers although, I'm leaning towards trying racks/panniers this summer.
Clothes: ditto the comments above regarding leaving work shoes etc. at work. I keep a complete change of clothes at work for those 'oh crap' days when I forget a shirt, slacks, etc. i also leave my belt shoes etc too.
On the Incline: I'm considering trying to use this for my commute as the climb up 18th (or up becks run) to brownsville is the rate limiting step in my ride. I'd like to hear anything you or others had to say about using the incline as part of your hybrid commute. The comment above about paying 2 fares is the first I've heard of this.
Just a suggestion that goes a long way to easing the load....leave work appropriate shoes at work, don't carry them or ride in them each day.
+1 on that. Shoes take up so much awkward space in a bag too. I keep a pair of shoes and belt at work. The belt is reversible brown/black and I used to have a pair of shoes in each color too but the brown ones died and I haven't replaced them. Maybe overkill for you but I generally wear a tie at work. Either way, it's nice not to have them in the bag.
I usually have my laptop hanging around my neck, with a bungee cord holding to a belt loop on my pants it so it doesn't flop around.
And then you can post to the board from traffic lights too? 
willie, just saw your post on using the incline. great comments and advice that puts my apprehension at ease. i'll probably give this a try as part of a couple hybrid communte routes i've been playing with.
ccrider: if you're only carrying a netbook, you may want to considering trying out a saddlebag (especially a larger Carradice)--I bet the netbook will fit easily, and you get the benefits of not having something on your back without having to mount a rack on your bike.
great suggestion! have you used one? I'm confused on how it won't rub the rear tire when mounted on the back of the saddle. I'm seeing some wire type frames that look like they can help keep the rub from happening .... is that a good option with these? I think this looks like a much better option than racks or humping a messenger bag for 20 miles each way.
I always just keep a couple changes of clothes at work, a pair of shoes, and some toiletries...wipes are GREAT if you don't have access to a shower. Wear whatever you want on the bike, clean up a bit when you get to work and change. Once a week or so take clothes, home wash, them take clean ones to work the next day.
Yeah, I used a saddlebag as a commuting bag for awhile, though I didn't put a laptop in it (only because my work machine has a 17" screen, which is cool when it is sitting on my desk, but pretty uncool when I bring it home).
Rivendell sells a doo-dad to support a heavy bag. I've also created a similar doo-dad with some clothes hangers.
I think if I didn't have to carry a laptop (or, at least carry something smaller) I'd go back to the saddlebag. It's a nice option, and doesn't tend to muck up the bike's handling as much as panniers do.
thanks, i actually don't really have to carry the laptop on my current commute, just when i was working in town last year. i think the saddle bags you mentioned will work as all i'm hauling is lunch and clothes. i was unaware they made saddle bags this large and with all the bells and whistles (like the quick release doo dad bracket at carradice). i'm gonna look into this more as it beats my current messenger bag solution.
big thumbs up.
Everyone that takes the incline should all meet at the bottom one of these days and we can see how many bikes we can fit on it at once.
+1 keeping a couple changes of clothes at work. The less I have to haul around, the better.
So today was my first half day with my new employer. (Strange setup, I'm working 8hrs a week for the new guy for a few weeks.)
Everything went great. Thanks for all the help!
One question: This didn't occur to me until this morning. Is there a reasonable coffee container/thermos that would fit in a normal sized bottle holder?
Don't want to drink coffee while riding because, well OUCH! But I would like to be able to bring some coffee from home w/ me since the office coffee is questionable.
ETA: I did do a search of the forums which resulted in a link to orange-velo, but it looks like the item may have been discontinued.
There are lots of them. I have one from Starbucks that I use. Take a water bottle into Target or a coffee shop and compare sizes.
I have one of these (Contigo Double Wall Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler). I picked up a 2-pack at Costco for $20 (also available all over the Internet for about double that price). I toss it in my backpack or panniers, and it hasn't spilled yet. If I pre-warm it with some hot tap water while I brew my coffee, my coffee is still hot when I get to work (and still drinkable-warm a couple hours later). I liked it so much, I threw out all my crappy, leaky, inefficient, plastic travel mugs. I haven't thought about putting it in a water bottle cage, but it is almost exactly the same size, and even has a curve to it that might keep it in there better than a water bottle.
I actually got my wife one for xmas.. it is a thermos one frmo target.. Fits perfectly in a water bottle holder
I like this one
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=16301566
because it's microwavable. Fit's nicely in a water bottle cage.
