Ditch the Car?! | Grocery Runner

The 1989 Specialized Team Stumpjumper with the Velo Orange Utility Bars has been a great little bicycle but I decided to up the game with a rear rack and make it my errand bike. A handsome vintage MTB that can also get the groceries - can it replace a car - save the money that would go to a cargo bike? Lets see.
#vintagemtb #altcycling
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[@thewintersteiner]

I moved to Germany 2 years ago and the only reason we need a car is because we have a young child. Otherwise, 100% no car necessary for an able bodied person with a bike and train pass. For groceries and larger cargo, I just purchased a Radical Trek IV trailer with bag. It can convert to hand cart to walk around the store and fill with groceries. It also has an aluminum frame so a six pack is doable with all the other groceries. I also expletive heel strike on my panniers with my long cranks and clown size feet. The big downside of cycling with groceries is the bumps tend to smash delicate produce, tomatoes, strawberries, etc. Keep rockin’ this channel. I always love finding a video like this that I can relate to in my own cycling journey. Cheers bro

[@danielholman7225]

Thanks for the video Tim. With the statement: Ditch The Car, you’ve planed the seed and yeah, that seed really needed to be planted because our attachment to cars has really gotten out of hand. I live in a college town which isn’t a big city but it’s dangerous to ride a bicycle because of the cars packed in this city. It’s dangerous to drive a car, as well. We’re really got to do something and, in my opinion, bicycles are the solution. Bicycles are a win, win solution - you get rid of a lot of pollution and bicycle are a great way to get into shape. Thanks. Om!

[@TimFitzwater]

100% I made a video showing the far side of a nearby college town were I could barely get across the street on my bike thinking "students need to be able to walk here".

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

I shop by bike too. A big wire basket, permanently attached to the rack on the back, and a handlebar mounted, removable basket do the trick. But the big rear basket necessitates a step through frame. My little dog likes to ride with me in the rear basket, and he is usually with me when I ride. At first, I put 2 inch foam in the basket for a pad. but the instability worried him and he would not stay in the basket. Replacing the foam with a piece of carpet gave him better footing, and now he loves to ride.

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome! Love it!

[@christophersmith7703]

I use Ortlieb's for grocery shopping. I like how they keep refrigerated items cool enough on the way back home. I started biking to the grocery store early on during the pandemic and haven't used my car for grocery shopping for the last three years. It's quicker for me to bike because I don't have to park, unload groceries and carry to my apartment, I just roll my bike into the kitchen and unload groceries there. I'm definitely getting rid of my car when the lease is up in February Just experiment different ways to carry groceries on your bike. I live in MN so our winters are harsh, but studded tires make it possible for me to bike year round.

[@TimFitzwater]

Studded tires were a game changer for me too. Sometimes though our conditions are still to tough - they don't clear bike lans - they plow the snow right into them🥶 Glad you are able to pull it off though!

[@tmayberry7559]

🌚🥶

[@themoodyteam]

Tim is gonna need a cargo bike for those beer runs! 😂

[@TimFitzwater]

Well, I didn't say it but I have a drive thru with a great beer selection directly across the street.... saves me lots of effort. Also - thank them for the livestreams!

[@tmayberry7559]

Drive thru beer depot 😂😂😂😅

[@eric106071]

I use a dutchie with a basket in front. My reusable grocery bag fits no problem. Your bike can definitely hold more.

[@MartyAckerman310]

Another negative of cargo bikes is they're usually larger and heavier, which makes them harder to store. I've used a variety of cargo bikes over the years, but now I just use a Burley Nomad trailer with my commute bike. I've carried 50 pound bags of dog food from Costco with it.

[@stephensaines7100]

I've never used a trailer, they appear to be cumbersome, but when carting "50 pounds of dog food" they make perfect sense, not least because anything even near that weight and girth would result in instability or worse on a bike.

[@rustyshackleford9498]

Also, @ntoney got a cargo bike. Can't wait for the cargo bike gang to rip around Cleveland.

[@kristamcnamee1456]

Excellent video! I live in Cleveland and am able to commute to work on my bicycle as well as run some errands. Grocery hauling, I do seasonally primarily when it’s cooler. The vehicle is real handy when heading to Costco for 40 pound bags of dog food and case size package of toilet tissue! Having a truck or car is certainly helpful but it’s not the be all. There’s no replacing the thrill of riding a bicycle. 🙂

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome - thanks! I think that is one thing we have gotten used to in the US - buying in bulk or just big runs in general. It seems people just go to the store(and different kinds of stores) more often i bike/pedestrian friendly locations.

[@racer-vl5cj]

Salsa make a seat clamp that has tapped holes on each side that can be used to mount the top rack stays. Measure your seat tube to get the correct clamp. Keep up the great work!

[@Andre-jx5kx]

The Salsa Post Lock mounts directly to the seat post for bikes with integrated seat clamps

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks - I do think I'm going to try the Nitto first since I already own it.

[@bhipwell]

Hey Tim, great videos. I too enjoy your music selections. Looks you have a great grocery getter and I fully understand not being able to completely ditch the car. Even though I live a couple blocks from the RTA here in Cleveland. My work requires a car. I feel using the bicycle to replace the car when sensible, for those of us in this area is still helpful to traffic and the environment. Thanks again for the great videos!

[@TimFitzwater]

Cheers!

[@leroygee2902]

Hi Tim, Just ran across your videos and was shocked when you mentioned Akron U. I live in Stow now, and I'm retired. I can usually not take my car when shopping as all kind of stores are just a couple miles from me, which is fabulous!! Anyway, had to laugh when you said you ran into a friend on her bike while you were shopping. Just today I ran down to Drug Mart and as I was pulling up to the bike rack another biker pulled up at the same. The 1st time that has ever happened to me. Here in Northeast Ohio not many adults use their bikes for shopping! Will be watching your videos from now on, thanks!!

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah - I do a bunch of work with the University and have been in Cuyahoga Falls for about the last 8 years. Super rare to run across other commuters out there! Glad you found the channel - cheers!

[@oliverjahn8741]

Nice job Tim! I’ve tried for over 23 years to do as much with the bike. My old 1991 mountain bike is the urban assault vehicle😁 I live close to the stores,2-3 miles. My grocery panniers havie been working great, and I just take them into the store so I don’t use plastic…I also use a POrtland Design works Six pack basket to show off my beer hauls…..your rear panniers are better than mine for outsized shopping. Your Velo Orange bars look useful for your job totally. Thank you for the infinity tool placement in the video, those have been a pro tip lifesaver for me! Keep going!

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome! Someone else mentioned just bringing the panniers inside - makes total sense. I do love the Infinity Tools - there are lots of decent strap options but these are my favorites for a lot of things. They have some new studs on the way to combine/stack them - I'm looking forward to trying them out.

[@BartAnderson_writer]

Encouraging video. For even more carrying capacity: - backpack (lighter items) - bungee or parachute cords to attach packages to rear rack.

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah - I think I could easily strap another bag on top. Cheers!

[@WheelersAtLarge]

Great to see older bikes being put to good use Tim. Same setup as you, a racked bike for errands around town and the car really doesn't move much. We are lucky to live in a compact area with all the shops and amenities we need close at hand. Would still be awkward and restricting to not run a car though. Maybe one day 👍

[@TimFitzwater]

I do think I could get by if I had a "normal job". I wouldn't even be mad about renting a car for longer trips as I would still save money overall.

[@KarlRadekBonk]

Having two kids in a city with poor public transportation and bike infrastructure almost makes having a car necessary. I hate it. But it’s reality for my family at this point.

[@TimFitzwater]

I hear ya. I don't have the kids and can't even get by.

[@rogerhart612]

Awesome video. Like I have said before living in a small town a car is a must but I do ride my bike to run errands around town. Thanks Tim. Great content

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! Yeah - I don't see ditching the car as long as I live in this city.

[@mikegutterman3427]

Thanks Tim!!!!

[@brokenspine66]

@Tim You are aware, the rack you improvised on the rear is strictly speaking a front rack? That's why the thing is so short and don't give you any heel clearance🙃 Just saying😜I do all my grocery/shopping runs by bike for decades (never owned a car, I'm 57) and I become a big fan of Porteur front racks. I ditched my Tubus Duo lowrider I rarely used besides touring, few month back on my Norwid touring bike to a Pelago Commuter stainless steel Porteur front rack in large in addition to the Tubus Cargo + my Ortlieb panniers rear, it makes every haul at least for me much more practical + convenient.

[@TimFitzwater]

Ha - had no idea it was a front rack! Will probably make sense to switch it out then... I do take my Tubus rack off my Gunnar when I'm not traveling. Which I do like the idea of having this bike set up permanently to haul stuff. Sounds like you got it all pretty well worked out - cheers on the car free life!

[@daniellarson3068]

You could use a backpack. They can sometimes be had at second hand stores or military surplus stores. I see there is one military surplus store in Akron. People are offering you lots of good practical comments.

[@TimFitzwater]

I have back packs - I prefer to ride with the weight on the bike not me - especially as someone who has back problems.... Ames was riding with a big Chrome backpack though - so it worked for her!

[@Cycling-Brian]

My commute is 27 miles round trip. While I have a relatively good route, I wouldn’t want to trust “steel cagers” to drive safely around me in some spots during inclement weather. Our public transit won’t get me close enough to work. I keep my trusty dusty Corolla for such purposes. Today’s bike commute, however, was fantastic!

[@mediumrick7667]

My first mountain bike, (Stumpjumper I bought new in 1985 for $525) is still my grocery/errand bike. All original components. I've added street tread tires, fenders and a rear rack for panniers. Works great and I much prefer riding it to the store instead of driving.

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome - love to hear that! Amazed the components are still hanging on but a lot of the simpler stuff was just built to last! We have a group-thing where we share bike photos - kind of a message board - if you feel like it i'd love to see a photo! discord.gg/TBdm8Ntc

[@mediumrick7667]

@@TimFitzwater When I say it works great, it's def not on par with contemporary components. But it does great for it's current uses, shuttling groceries and going to the hardware store, post office, coffee house, brewery, etc.

[@mediumrick7667]

@@TimFitzwater Discord invite "Invalid"????

[@TimFitzwater]

Looks like it ended up working?

[@mediumrick7667]

@@TimFitzwater I tried signing up the other day but got fouled up somehow before I completed the process. Now the system doesn't seem to allow me in???? I'm unfamiliar with that website, so maybe it's operator error on my part. IDK

[@snafu0o0o]

Went down to one car with my wife. It’s workin good so far. In Denver so I’ve got buses and trains (each with some nice ways to pack your bike onto them too) plus nice bike trails to work that are usually plowed in the winter (but a sheet of ice after that so I almost wish the snow wasn’t plowed sometimes 😆). It’s a struggle to get out of the front range area without a car. I can’t even get to my favorite MTB spots without one.

[@TimFitzwater]

I do think if I lived with my GF we could be a one car household. I have married friends who made the change - even with our poor public transit. We get snow but not Denver winter!

[@DIY-DaddyO]

I ditched my car about 2 years ago. It's saved me about £2,500-£3,000 a year on tax, insurance and petrol. I did change jobs so I wasn't driving to the next town. Work is only 15 minutes by bike and with traffic I'm quicker than a car. Carry wise I use a rear rack with a 20lt bag, a cargo net for big stuff and I've started experimenting with a cargo net I made from paracord across the front bars which I use to dump a rucksac in. Bikes are ever evolving creatures.

[@TimFitzwater]

100%

[@joowwwllllll666]

I live in Vienna Austria and i don’t own a car. We got great public transport and I ride my bike most places. The only reason I would like a car is for taking my bike places you can’t go to by train. But only for that it’s just a luxury. Having a car is not cheap.

[@peruvian05152]

I know those bars are cool, but for greater stability consider installing a SunLite Goldtec front rack with a basket.

[@TimFitzwater]

I have a basket bike - didn’t have any stabile issues in this though - might become noticeable if I was doing something much longer.

[@goodobservers]

We went to 100% bikes / no-car 3 years ago and haven't looked back. If anyone has questions about doing this just ask.

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome - love to hear it! I just can't figure out how to cover distances when I need to here without the car. It would take up a whole day to figure out 40 miles of commute on our public transit....

[@goodobservers]

@@TimFitzwater We live 1 mile from an Avis, so we walk to that when we need a car, rent it for the day, and try to get our money's worth (hike, longer trip outside of the city, costco run, etc). I also found a great code online that cuts the rental cost in half. So for $30/day this works well. Any car rental agencies in your area? I also heard there's a site where people who aren't using their car rent it out to others, though, I don't know the name of it off hand. But that would probably create a ton of freed up car inventory in any area.

[@TimFitzwater]

Their are a number of apps - one for trucks too. My city is just too small for it to be useful - not enough "critical mass if you will. Renting is something I have already done for longer trips. But....if it for a photo gig I would have to ride to the rental, load my bike, come back to the studio and unload my bike, load my gear then go. Sucks away too much time - as time is money as a freelancer. basically smaller city problems. Hopefully more solutions come about as more people decide to ditch owning,

[@goodobservers]

@@TimFitzwater I'm seeing a ton more people in my city using panniers and baskets for grocery runs. Just compared to last year. I think gas prices? Hidden perk of high gas costs. I hope the trend continues. They'll demand better bike paths, etc, and soon we'll be Amsterdam!

[@neildrabinski3330]

I have a car I don't drive too often. Long trips, hauling stuff (lumber, crete mix, case of wine), date night... Someone was telling me about taking the train to NYC - thinking about trying it for my next Five Boroughs instead of driving.

[@TimFitzwater]

I was considering taking it to NYC from Johnstown, PA on our next trip but we came up with different plans. I wonder how the train service is to NYC - having taken it a few times on the Pitt-DC route I know one of the problems is how unreliable the timing is. We plan an extra day to account for not knowing what time we will get in. The train service up and down the east coast is much better. The freight trains are not supposed to have the right of way even on the tracks they own but no one enforces it.

[@rustyshackleford9498]

Would be awesome to have decent car sharing. That said, a cargo bike really isn't necessary of you're just carrying groceries and camera gear. I would 100% recommend a trailer though. Might help you to reduce some more care trips and make groceries a little less tricky. I have one you're welcome to try if you want.

[@TimFitzwater]

I do have one a friend gave me that was for their dogs - I need to try it out first and see if it can work. Even though we don't have car sharing I wouldn't be opposed to just renting for longer trips - would probably still save me money over time.

[@JM-jd7yp]

Hi I really enjoyed this video. It was informative and honest and you covered the pros and cons really thoroughly. I wish you well.

[@paulvidovich7910]

I’d LOVE to ditch my car. Here in Ithaca NY, we have pretty dang good public bus service for a decent part of the county. For a smaller town, it’s great. BUT, we bought a house where we could afford it, and commute to town. In cars. The bus does get fairly close to home surprisingly, but the service doesn’t cover our needs. I’ve bike commuted, but 36 miles round trip is just too much daily. So now I think we just have to move closer to town after 16 years! That’s the only feasible way to ditch the cars for us. The transit advocacy work is SLOW going, but needs doing.

[@TimFitzwater]

If I had a "normal" job I would be close enough to most places to commute. I've ridden around Ithaca a bit - but just on the trail, around downtown and to the waterfall - so not familiar with getting in from farther out - which seems to be the problem in a lot of places...

[@BartAnderson_writer]

The main thing is to reduce car use. I keep a 2000 Subaru for the occasional times I can't go places on a bike. For example, transporting disabled friend, carrying a huge load or going long distance. I'm lucky to be in a place that's mostly flat with good weather and good bike infrastructure (SF Bay Area).

[@TimFitzwater]

For sure! SF is bucket list for me - but isn't the Bay area chilly, windy and very hilly?!

[@BartAnderson_writer]

@@TimFitzwater , The city of San Francisco is often hilly and chilly (invigorating !) but the rest of the Bay Area has a perfect Mediterranean climate. Varied topography so you can do hills or flats. Good bike infrastructure "for America." Come on down! 🙂

[@paddyredbeard]

Good stuff, Tim! I have a pair of those GG panniers - they're great!

[@TimFitzwater]

I might even have found out about it from you in the Discord.

[@3wbasie]

Damn when your grocery getter gets shown up at the grocery store by that sweet all city lol

[@TimFitzwater]

It’s a nice Space Horse but is it showing up a 1989 Team Stumpjumper?! (Obviously a matter of personal opinion)

[@larrgemarrge]

Bust out that trailer

[@TimFitzwater]

I do need to try that thing - I should probably grab some spare tubes for it first though.

[@tmayberry7559]

I've been been getting by without a car for a very long time. Public transportation is okay but it has a lot of limitations. Time management is the key to public transportation. For that reason alone that is why i combine using it with a bike and hike i.e. walking. Since i live in an upstairs apartment using a cargo trailer is not practical. However, i have a bike that I can fit a metal basket ( from dollar general) to carry some items. Also i can attach regular panniers on top of the basket but it slows the bike down considerably. Btw it looks like you have a lot of bikes how many. Great video 👍

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice! The time it would take to get around here on public transportation is nearly impossible to make work. It is a bummer - good on you for pulling it off. I have 2 main bikes and about 5 I ride. Buncha other projects and old road bikes sitting around though. I like to tinker. I well some once in a while.

[@tmayberry7559]

@@TimFitzwater since I started riding years ago I find it's about adaptation ( as you know).

[@everydaycycling67]

Greets from the hills of Netherlands !

[@TimFitzwater]

Bike capitol of the world - cheers!

[@jsky2udonkey]

Thank you for give some ideas how using a 🚴🏼‍♂️ for you daily business in a small town in the US👍🏻 I’m in Germany I’m also living in a region which is in kind of a “Rost-Belt” We call it “Ruhrgebiet “ I think here the acceptance in using the bike every day depends a bit on the job your in. I’m in business for an international company + company car. I’m not using my car to go to work or for shopping. I can tell you the acceptance at my colleague and friends is relatively low for what I’m doing. But I continue!

[@TimFitzwater]

Glad to hear you are out doing it anyways! Some people here think I'm a little crazy too but the culture is slowly changing.

[@technosaurusrex]

No car for a couple of years now since it was totalled in an accident. But then I barely go anywhere, work is only 2 kms from home, and grocery is halfway to/from work. Also we do have car share for the rare occasions when we need one.

[@TimFitzwater]

That's great(besides the accident). I just really do need to be all over the place.

[@bigangus3590]

Like you, I couldn't get rid of my car altogether for similar reasons with public transport being what it is here but I can manage to stretch it out between needing to drive by riding as much as I can. In fact, last time I went to start the car, it had been sat for so long that the battery was flat 🤣

[@TimFitzwater]

Ha! I do worry about my car sitting sometimes too - it really isn't good for them.

[@chrisoconnellUK]

Only 4 bananas Tim?! There are 7 days in the week! I always WANT to ride my bike to the supermarket and replace the car, the bus service is good here in Coventry, UK, but I like to cycle. So is it possible to get by without a car? Yes, maybe, but there are so many bike thefts here! I really struggle to get past that, even when focussing on locking my bike up in the ways I know are recommended, I just don't want to take the risk. How is it your way? Right now, I'm using the car for grocery runs and about town rides. Cheers, keep it coming.

[@TimFitzwater]

I was seven bananas - the video is in 2d but life is in 3d! Ha! Not a big issue with bike thefts where I live - but it happens. Regardless - I can't live like that - not riding because being worried about something going wrong is the same as something going wrong in my opinion. But - just use a u-lock. They take a long time to defeat and someone has to be around who knows how to do that - not common. Also - we went to NYC last year - probably the worst place in the world for bike thefts. We just made our bikes the least easy target with all of our locks. On bike tours we eat at places with patios. Cheers and thanks!

[@pixelwulllftv4635]

I’ve been considering buying a Wald basket for the front rack. Makes it easier to just throw ugh stuff in there and bungie it down. Been running a Swift Industries Zeitgeist for the past three years, with Ortleib City Roller panniers, and loving it but looking to modify my carrying systems.

[@TimFitzwater]

I have a Wald on a bike and it is great for certain things. I also have a roll top from Road Runner/Velo Orange that fits in there that I have used on tour. I really like the Zeitgeists but they are better for bike-packing as they are a bit to slow to access for just simple commuting/errand running. I like them better for the camp set up that you only need to get into at the end of the day.

[@stephenmorton8017]

Yes the other rack will get those bags further back out of the way of your heels. I knew that was going to happen. That other rack looks bomber.

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah - I think I will switch it out. The other rack is a really nice one - I was originally thinking of saving it for something else...

[@johnp9650]

Really enjoyed the theme and all the visuals & colors in this video! I’ve always loved the color combo on the on that Rock Hopper. Great colors on the pannier bag, the silver rack. The utility bars are a great resto-mod fit, & the music reminds me of listening to Radio Milwaukee (88.9) the year I lived in Wisconsin. Great vibe all around! Thanks!

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks so much! Appreciate the comments. Not to be that guy(but I'm totally that guy) its a Stumpjumper TEAM - top of the line-up baby!!🤓 Cheers - have a great weekend!

[@Mantis858585]

Car free in Phoenix would be extremely hard. Phoenix is a newer city and everything is spread out so far. The closest grocery store is 5 miles from my house and Sprout is closer to 10. Not to mention I have four kids and my weekly costco run is now at $400 a week. Costco is close to 20 miles away. I ride my bike when I can but my car is a necessity.

[@TimFitzwater]

Yup - modern cities like Phoenix are not set up for life without a car. Its frustrating.

[@fordbailey8173]

that's a front rack you've got on the back. Why not put in the front with a Wald basket. It'll handle better and no heel strike. I love the riding videos.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! Because I already have built in rack with the bars. A Wald isn’t going to save me any steps as I would still strap the same amount of groceries in - right? I’m balancing the weight between the front and back…

[@fordbailey8173]

. @TimFitzwater I understand- but it will handle better with a basket set closer to the front wheel. And there's the heel strike with the front rack on the rear. Either way- great bike ! Old mt bikes are such perfect and fun utility bikes-

[@TimFitzwater]

Just not a worry for short trips. I do get the weight low when I bikepack and bike tour for sure. Cheers!

[@TheRickurb]

Mmm, cookies… Pro pannier shopping tip: if they’ll clip on a rack, they’ll most likely clip onto the inside of a shopping cart. No need for the shopping bag inside the pannier

[@TimFitzwater]

Good point. Guess I didn't really think of that.

[@TheRickurb]

@@TimFitzwater lol neither today! I saw it in another video

[@josephhaddakin7095]

I haven't driven a vehicle since George W. Bush was President. I live alone, have my own place & have found that the best setup is a standard wheelbase bike(currently a 2019 Trek 920, I love it)is best because of the bus bike racks. Next is front & rear racks & front wald basket. I have a two wheeled Asom(sp?) trailer I can hook up for larger items. I ordered premium sail material from Sailrite & made my own panniers on my 1946 Kenmore sewing machine & mounted them with Arkel hardware(Arkel is the best in my opinion). Luckily, being in SoCal, I have nice weather most of the time. I buy about 2 gallons of gas per year for my lawnmower, lol. Edit, I changed the front end with Jones bars & Mtb shifters.

[@josephhaddakin7095]

P.S. I did a grocery bike ride to Stater Brothers today, just like every other day. Cheers.

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome - sounds like you got it dialed! The nice weather makes a difference - but if they took care of our infrastructure in bad weather it would still be doable. They do it in a lot of northern European cities. Cheers!

[@hedgerowgarage]

I’m actually moving to brooksville Florida for a bike friendly town

[@irenebloodrose3886]

For the most part I get by riding my e-bike through my area though it's definitely not as good as it was back in Long Beach, since this area is sorely lacking in bicycle infrastructure. Because of my crash back at the end of June, I have been relying on my roommate's car more than I'd like to, but I just haven't gotten my bike set back up again for doing my own grocery runs.

[@jonathanbenn2241]

In Albany NY. Real winters, some bike amenities, terrible roads. I've commuted for 30 plus years when I can, drive other times. A BOB trailer with my Surly Ogre has been really useful at times.

[@TimFitzwater]

I rode there about this time last year - you also have hills like us. Wasn't there long enough to get the vibe on the infrastructure but it did seem decent. Sounds like the same car/bike mix as me?

[@fordbailey8173]

I think Albany, NY has pretty bad infrastructure within the city. And the roads can be really terrible with wheel swallowing potholes and bad drivers. There are great trails to get out of the city via the Empire State Trail system.@@TimFitzwater

[@caseycook8071]

I have racks or baskets on all of my bikes and even have an e cargo bike. I do my best, but with 2 young kids i'm still in our van way more than i want to be. I really like your taste in all the music you choose for your vids. It really feels like you take the time to find cool stuff.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks so much!

[@rhubot721]

DC area solo, here. Plenty of transit options: I only use my car when I need to take my dog somewhere. I tend to do my grocery shopping on an old commuter hybrid with the Timbuk2 Tandem pannier--it's a double pannier built for versatility/convenience/time-efficiency: velcro straps to the rack and converts into a messenger bag when off the bike. There's probably better out there, but I'm oddly brand-loyal to Timbuk2.

[@TimFitzwater]

Not just the public transit but DC is the best bike infrastructure city I've ever been too. Truly amazing. I do love when the bags do double duty like that - I'll google.

[@secretsquirrell13]

Dude why not put a wald 139 on the front with a cargo net? That what I did with my ogre and it works pretty well. I can haul quite a bit of groceries no problems. Nice build! Cheers!

[@TimFitzwater]

I see why that totally works. But really isn’t a different amount of effort than what I have. Thanks!

[@FrankKrahenbuhl]

Live in new Hampshire it would be very difficult with out a car

[@JDandy]

A champion Gravel Racer and an internationally known Cycling Content Creator at the same grocery . . . That’s my kind of neighborhood! #teamGreenGuruGroceryPannier

[@TimFitzwater]

😎🤓

[@1969Rake]

I live in a province that gets real winter. At least 3-4 months of temps below freezing. Always 3-4 weeks below -30c. My commute is 30km each way. No public transportation options. No bus, no train, no car share. So unfortunately a car is a requirement in my life.

[@TimFitzwater]

Same. Its a bit frustrating. I hate paying for maintenance and registration on a car that I can do without maybe 85% of the time.

[@TheSwartz85]

I didn't see any Sixlets in that basket.

[@TimFitzwater]

I hadn't hit the candy aisle yet!

[@jtripoli8685]

Old Man Mountain “Divide” Rack is an excellent alternative because it can mount to the eyelets or axle.

[@TimFitzwater]

I think I'll try my Nitto first. Not sure of the compatibility of some newer racks with an older 26inch wheel MTB

[@brokenspine66]

@@TimFitzwater The Nitto is a very decent touring rack and not a cheap one.

[@jameshuggins4300]

Yeah I still use my bicycle to get around the small town i live in and it was a 15min bike ride to work. Unfortunately it would be a 3.5 hr ride to work now.🤷‍♂️ain't happening.

[@TimFitzwater]

bummer! yeah - that is to much time..

[@kgilliagorilla2761]

Xtracycle Freeradical kit? I don’t know if they still make them. At least no more heel strike. Haha.

[@TimFitzwater]

I think just switching to the other rack I already own is the move.

[@DevoteeCT]

How about the ever so practical milk crate (long)? I'm sure you could work something up where it could easily be attached/detached when needed/not needed.

[@TimFitzwater]

Just don't think I need it as I would still want to strap the grocery bag in to keep it from bouncing. So just strapping to the rack seems about the same?

[@noisufnoc]

What about a trailer for the trips with more cargo that the racks can handle? I got a children's trailer for free on Facebook and am converting it for cargo.

[@TimFitzwater]

I have a dog one someone gave me - need to try it.

[@frankthomas8436]

Adding a cargo bike to your fleet makes sense if it keeps your car off the road.

[@TimFitzwater]

I can't comfortably get to a lot of the places that I would use it to replace my car with. In cities with good infrastructure they make sense.

[@getpoked101]

I have a shitty old truck so gas is an absurd cost to me and I wish to go car free. That being said same as you where I live I need the car about 2x a week and right now could not get rid of it. We think of moving somewhere like Philly or NY and going carless daily though.

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah - I would be carless in either of those cities too!

[@getpoked101]

@@TimFitzwater 100... except for the fact that half of your chat has had guns pulled on them in Philly!

[@TimFitzwater]

lol.

[@zimmejoc]

that thing outside the grocery store? Bike rack did you call it? What is that? It looks like it would be useful for locking your bike up. Never seen anything like that down where I live.

[@TimFitzwater]

🤣

[@robertgraves3215]

Car Free since 2011. However, I do not support George Soros' "smart cities". Implies that people are inherently stupid and need to be corralled. I have somehow adapted , but for long distance hauling, yes, obviously cars are critical at times. Fire trucks run on gas for a reason. I plan on getting my driver's license back soon. For my local errands , yes, usually one grocery bag , I stick with backpacks , but if you crash with a heavy one on, that amps up the road impact. However, the bike handles almost normally in traffic. I also spend less time fiddling at the bike rack , which decreases my chances of being robbed or assaulted. I might use the awesome Bob trailer for heavier local errands, but I'd worry about that getting stolen, so I'd have to cable it to the bike frame. It's also more cumbersome and difficult on sidewalks and bike racks. You totally need kickstands also. I do have a toddler- trailer converted to a dorky two wheeler , and that can haul anything , but It's been gathering dust. I also have a homemade "cargo bike" made from a homemade "Xtra-cycle". Rear section off a kid's suspension mountain bike bolted to the main frame. Another awesome tool that I now rarely use, but I can haul entire bikes on that, the Bob trailer can do that too, I just figured out. I once hauled 60 lbs of water on the XtraCycle in a large jerry can. I can't deal with loads on a front rack, unless I'm doing LD touring. I don't want to risk any loss of steering control. I know the better racks oscillate less, but still....

[@TimFitzwater]

Cars need to be corralled is the problem. People already have been corralled as we have to cross the strret in certain places - walk in certain places etc. We are trying to free pedestrians and bikes. I fully support the work of organizations like Strong Towns getting cities back to the way they had been designed for centuries - for people.

[@robertgraves3215]

@@TimFitzwater The new version of that, however, is to restrict people's freedom to travel OUTSIDE the city . Similar to the jews wearing a gold star on their lapelles in WW2. Here in CT, they have put gold stars on driver's licenses for the new flood of immigrants who are now classified as "unofficial" drivers. I was told by a DMV tech on the phone that "they can't travel". (how is that enforced? Source for the term: CT DMV's website. My own "Non driver ID" that I just got (req'd to open a bank account) has a gold star on it, and I was born here. Lahaina in Maui is the US's new Smart City land grab and launch of the Social engineering experiment. People in Europe are rioting daily over refusal of Smart Cities. France, Germany... I have no problem with bike lanes and preventing jaywalking accidents. But there's a much deeper agenda here. It's all been accelerated lately because people world wide are finally waking up.

[@johnmclean8643]

I need a car to haul my DH bike to MTB parks over 100 miles from where I live 🚵‍♂️…

[@TimFitzwater]

That’s a haul!

[@johnmclean8643]

Use the Nitto rack.. I had trouble with broken spokes when I moved my touring bike saddle bags back they would flex into the wheel and pop the spokes..It took me a while to figure out what was going on..The square Nitto will support and prevent problems 🚲…🧊

[@TimFitzwater]

A few people also told me the rack I put on is a front rack 🤓- no wonder I was getting heel strike! Need to switch it but still haven’t.

[@bhipwell]

Hey Tim, great videos. I too enjoy your music selections. Looks you have a great grocery getter and I fully understand not being able to completely ditch the car. Even though I live a couple blocks from the RTA here in Cleveland. My work requires a car. I feel using the bicycle to replace the car when sensible, for those of us in this area is still helpful to traffic and the environment. Thanks again for the great videos!

[@TimFitzwater]

The RTA is great - but it is pretty limited too. Cheers - I appreciate it!