Steel can be made lightweight, and lots of bicycles are still made of steel alloys.
But the United States really dragged behind Europe during this era. In Europe you could get bicycles that were lighter and had freewheels (aka you could coast) and I think they already had 3-speeds. In the USA you were still limited to much heavier fixed-gear bicycles.
Rain and snow aren't that bad for riding, depending on the conditions. There's all kinds of fancy rain gear now (it tends to be pricey and ugly, though) and people ride year-round in the Pacific Northwest--matter of fact, Portland has the largest percentage in the USA of folks who ride everywhere, AFAIK. And in terms of snow--I know plenty of people who cycle year round in Minneapolis and Edmonton. Lots of folks buy studded bicycle tires, which give a good grip even on ice.
That kind of distance is definitely a problem, I admit.
I gave up driving in 2001 because I couldn't handle the expense, so for me the choice is between walking/busing, and cycling, and depending on the weather I'd almost always rather be on my bicycle! I sometimes use the bus to make trips shorter, but usually it's just a bigger hassle than it's worth and slower...
Proper clothes helps a lot with hating the weather less, but it doesn't erase it entirely, that's a fact. I hate cycling in the snow myself because it goes in my eyes. I suppose if I lived somewhere where it snows all the time I'd buy ski goggles.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2012-09-01 05:32 pm (UTC)2. Snow
3. I live 31 miles from my office
That said, this text could go into a poster today with very little change. Still as true as ever.
no subject
Date: 2012-09-01 09:01 pm (UTC)Also notice that these are straight-gear, steel bikes.
no subject
Date: 2012-09-01 10:58 pm (UTC)But the United States really dragged behind Europe during this era. In Europe you could get bicycles that were lighter and had freewheels (aka you could coast) and I think they already had 3-speeds. In the USA you were still limited to much heavier fixed-gear bicycles.
no subject
Date: 2012-09-01 11:03 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-01 11:02 pm (UTC)That kind of distance is definitely a problem, I admit.
no subject
Date: 2012-09-01 11:05 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-02 12:08 am (UTC)Proper clothes helps a lot with hating the weather less, but it doesn't erase it entirely, that's a fact. I hate cycling in the snow myself because it goes in my eyes. I suppose if I lived somewhere where it snows all the time I'd buy ski goggles.
no subject
Date: 2012-09-02 12:01 am (UTC)I think he's basically this guy
no subject
Date: 2012-09-02 12:10 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-01 08:16 pm (UTC)I'm disappointed the text didn't say ...taking that old job and "shoving it!"
no subject
Date: 2012-09-01 10:53 pm (UTC)Also, this ad does a great job of explaining many of the reasons I ride my bicycle almost everywhere!
no subject
Date: 2012-09-02 03:11 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-02 04:39 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-02 03:29 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-03 09:29 pm (UTC)