Must Have: A Bicycle

Now that you’re unemployed, there aren’t many things you should own. Most materials possessions are immaterial in your everyday, unemployed life. However, there are a few things you must have like a bicycle; by far the easiest, cheapest, and most fun way to get around town.

Why bike?

San Francisco is a great city for riding. There are beautiful neighborhoods and parks, and a great system of roads, bike lanes, and paths to explore the city intimately upon. There are tons of cafes and bars to move between, and there’s a great community of cyclists of all types, shapes, and sizes.

You’ll find free bike valets at major events as well as  bike racks and secure lock-ups throughout town. You can access rides out of town by bridge, ferry, or BART, and wherever you go, you’ll find people to ride with. There are also sorts of organized rides like the Butter ride and Critical Mass, to large organized road rides throughout Marin, the Peninsula, and the East Bay.

You’ll also save you money, time, and yourself. If you’re a driver, riding a bike will save you money on gas, insurance, and parking, and from the pain of having to drive a car in San Francisco. If you take the bus, it’ll save you from MUNI-misery and fares, and it’ll cut your time to your destination in half. For example using MUNI to get from the Outer Richmond to the Mission can take 45 minutes and utilize two to three bus lines. A bike ride will take 30 minutes or less, and there’s no telling what you’ll see and discover along the way.

What to get

We’re not going to try and tell you what to get, but it’s out recommendation that you follow the Chinese on this and get something useful or utilitarian. For most people, a fixie or track bike is not that. Also, avoid a pure beach cruiser.

Bianchi's Milano townie-style bike in their signature celeste green.

If you are mainly cruising town, running errands, and commuting within the city get something laid back with wider tires, upright bars, and three or more gears. Choose something you can throw a basket or rack or two on, and load down with groceries. These bikes are commonly called 10-speeds, cruisers, townies, cafe racers, and hybrids.

Masi's Speciale steel road bike.

If you are looking to get out on longer rides or explore more than just the city, but still want something you can go to the store or cruise around on, then look for a road, touring, or cyclocross bike.

If you want to ride trails then get a mountain bike, but otherwise avoid this type of bike. All of the aforementioned styles are tough enough to handle whatever you throw at them.

Where to get it

Depending on what you want (or what you want to spend your few unemployment dollars on), you can either go used or new.

For used try:

• Ebay
• Craigslist
• Refried Cycles
• Don Rafa’s Cyclery
• Box Dog Bikes

For new:

• Citizen Chain
• Roaring Mouse
• Freewheel
• Lombardi Sports
• Sports Basement

Other things you’ll need

A few more must haves.

We recommend getting some sort of rack, pannier, or basket. Also, be sure to get lights–white for front and red for back(Nomad Cyclery on 27th and Irving has a great two-for-one deal) and an excellent lock (don’t skimp). Try any of the above shops for any equipment needs. And finally, for where to ride in the city: get this map (PDF).

These are just a few suggestions to get you started. If you have any questions, drop it below in the comments and we’ll do our best to help you out. And, we’re huge bike enthusiast, so you can expect regular tips, information, and hopefully some organized rides from Fun-Employment in the future.