Will lots of half-mile trips destroy my bike?

[sagerat]

Go big:  tell them to come to your office or else no mtg; you might agree to use skype or the phone if you were in a generous mood that day.

Oh, and don't forget to make them kneel and kiss your ring as a gesture of fealty.

When they squawk, infrom the lowly curs that STN has spoken.  

[Dan K]

What about one of those motorized bicycles / mopeds?  That will save the sweat causing work and will be a little more unique (and less expensive) than a decent scooter...although I can say as a STUDENT at U of I I rode an old Honda scooter everywhere. Elite 80. Those things take serious abuse and keep ticking.

[scott19]

I hate to speak the unthinkable, but why not buy a beater car for the same $1000+ you'd spend on a scooter, then sell it later on. You'll thank me the first time you have to go to a meeting across town in a thunderstorm. Plus college presidents hate helmet hair.    

[Leanintree]

How wide are the sidewalks? Cross campus in 5 minutes if you cut through the library. Watch out for the hill by the hard corner down by the sciences building, it's decreasing radius.  



LT

[Rogue]

I'm also thinking an electric bicycle would be great---I've ridden one before, and it was awesome (if you didn't want to work up a sweat). Only problem is finding one for under $1K. Many I've checked out online are $2-3K.   I spent that much on my mountain bike...but don't want to plunk down that kind of $$$ for an electric bike...

Scott

An electric bicycle?  Dude!  Forget that shit!  That's got a big old red dot on it that says:  STEAL ME!  

Pedal man, pedal!  Get a cheap bicycle at your local Performance Bicycle store for $300.  Get a lock for it. Done!

[Spanky]

Quit your job and go on a very long ride every day.

Problem solved.

You are welcome  

[IrishFazerBoy]

Electric Golf cart might be better if you're in a suit, esp in bad weather

[Cablebandit]

Hell, if you're as high up as you believe you are you should have access to a fleet vehicle.  Nobody should have to use their own wheels to get around at work.  If you do make sure you get mileage.  

[Biking Sailor]

Get a Segway.  You can hit the sidewalks, they will classify you as hip and green, and you can even hold an umbrella while you ride it (after a bit of practice).

Of course I would prefer a KTM electric dirt bike, but they may frown on you wheeling down the sidewalk and they are not cheap!

[schmii]

Take the scenic route.  More riding is the answer.

[SWriverstone]

Electric Golf cart might be better if you're in a suit, esp in bad weather

Yeah man! I'll be all the rage with my pimped-out golf cart!



 

Hell, if you're as high up as you believe you are you should have access to a fleet vehicle.  Nobody should have to use their own wheels to get around at work.  If you do make sure you get mileage.  

I might be able to swing this too. Only problem is, all the VP's just above me use their own cars for everything. (But they also make $50-100K more than I do.) WVU is notoriously cheap when it comes to stuff like this.  

Scott

[MrsCablebandit]

I might be able to swing this too. Only problem is, all the VP's just above me use their own cars for everything. (But they also make $50-100K more than I do.) WVU is notoriously cheap when it comes to stuff like this.  

Well then, the VPs above you are idiots...albeit richer-than-you idiots. Between CATA (the local transit authority), the Campus Shuttle, fleet vehicles, and Segways, I have plenty of get-around-campus options up here. I can't imagine that there aren't other transportation options available to you, particularly when universities are putting such an emphasis on sustainability. I would ask around, starting with your Transportation Services Department. They have fleet vehicles available for use by university departments. If your office is as removed as you say, it may make sense to have one stationed at your building for regular use.

[akahige]

Well then, the VPs above you are idiots...albeit richer-than-you idiots. Between CATA (the local transit authority), the Campus Shuttle, fleet vehicles, and Segways, I have plenty of get-around-campus options up here. I can't imagine that there aren't other transportation options available to you, particularly when universities are putting such an emphasis on sustainability. I would ask around, starting with your Transportation Services Department. They have fleet vehicles available for use by university departments. If your office is as removed as you say, it may make sense to have one stationed at your building for regular use.

Perhaps you should call a meeting to discuss it...

[motomem]

What do you want 100,000 miles of the engine?
So what if the battery only last 2 years instead of 5.
Or that the starter dies at 5 years instead of 10.
Do whatever you want with it. It will be fine. Before they were Sunday Afternoon recreational vehicles - they were basic transportation.

[Dan K]

I would also ride it of none of the above work for you.  Motorcycle works fine for short trips - and if it wears out a bit early and needs a starter or new battery, so what? Gets you where you need to get.

I like the idea of a scooter or moped though.  THose bicycles with the 1hp motors attached?  Always wanted one and would suit your needs perfectly.

[SWriverstone]

Well then, the VPs above you are idiots...albeit richer-than-you idiots. Between CATA (the local transit authority), the Campus Shuttle, fleet vehicles, and Segways, I have plenty of get-around-campus options up here. I can't imagine that there aren't other transportation options available to you, particularly when universities are putting such an emphasis on sustainability. I would ask around, starting with your Transportation Services Department. They have fleet vehicles available for use by university departments. If your office is as removed as you say, it may make sense to have one stationed at your building for regular use.

You have Segways at Penn State???   I don't know whether to laugh or be very jealous!   We do have fleet vehicles...I just need to see about getting one for myself---our existing fleet is constantly being used by our news people and video producers. (Who---yes---are beneath me, so I could technically order them all to walk...but...)

Do whatever you want with it. It will be fine. Before they were Sunday Afternoon recreational vehicles - they were basic transportation.

 

Scott

[falconati]

Buy an RT so you can use the electronic cruise control.

[Gnigma]

I don't think this is much of a problem. For one thing, are you ONLY riding on these 1/2 mile trips? Nowadays you don't even have to wait for most engines to warm up--- if it starts, you can ride it (or drive it, for that matter.) Anyway, 4 half mile trips a day for a year only equals like 730 miles in a year. If that's all you're riding, ride a bicycle, or a moped, or a scooter. It wouldn't even have to be a good scooter--- a $1000 Chinese plastic scooter would be fine. BUT, if you just WANT to ride your bike, the short hop mileage is only going to be a fraction of your weekly mileage, anyway, or you'd be the most different biker I ever knew of.  Just get good oil. Change it more often, if it worries you.  

[Giaka]

Your exhaust system will be the first thing to go.

[FJRmgm]

I would ride the Wee.  

I understand it's not the best thing to do to a vehicle, but I really don't think it'll be a big problem with regular maintenance.  I think the damage may be more academic and theoretical than anything if you're not planning on doing this for more than half a decade.

If you can't walk or use a bicycle, I certainly wouldn't blow money on another vehicle - which is exactly what you're trying to avoid in the first place.

+1 to this...