Quick Question on Uber

[Deleted]

I finally got my bike to the repair place for servicing- the chain needed tightening, for one thing.  So, now that we're getting nice weather and I'm about to have a functioning bike, I'm missing one layer of protection.  If I had a flat I could always call DH and he'd find me, we'd stow the bike and drive home.  DH is gone now and I'm not interested in learning to fix bikes on the road and toting all the necessary equipment.

Uber seems to be the answer.  I've never used them and would download the app, but my question is how you specify when you request a ride that they need to be able to transport your bike, too?  I suppose I could lock it someplace and come back and get it, but it would be easier to have the driver bring the bike home, too.

Thanks.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

When I was riding, I could fit my bike in the trunk of my Sentra with one seat down.  Does your front wheel come off?  If it does, then they should be able to fit your bike in just about any car.

[Deleted]

It probably does, but then I'd have to get it back on again so it wouldn't fall off!  The bike shop guy has been really helpful about whowing me how the bike works, though.  Ill ask him.  My main concern would be getting the tension on the chain right again.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

My bike has a clip on/off front wheel.  I need to disconnect the brakes, but they are easily reconnected.  It takes about 2 minutes to do this.  I used to drive meet up with a friend outside the city and ride past the horse farms in KY.  Riding to meet up with her meant I had to ride on some roads that weren't bike friendly, and I didn't like taking chances.

I'm not sure why you think that your chain tension would be involved.  This is the front wheel, not the back.  Is there a lever or a bolt at the axle on your front wheel?

[Deleted]

OK, I have to mentally picture it since it's in the shop. You're right-front wheel has nothing to do with the chain. Now that I think of it, this may be the best way to transport it when I go to Hermann, MO and ride the Katy Trail in September. I have a bike rack but it always makes me nervous to drive on the highways with it mounted on the trunk. It's never totally immobile and I worry every time I see it move even though a little vibration is normal.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Have you downloaded the Uber app? You can always request a larger car (seats 6+). Since it'd just be you, your bike should fit in the rest of the car. 

[Deleted]

Mar 4, 2017 19:30:33 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Have you downloaded the Uber app? You can always request a larger car (seats 6+). Since it'd just be you, your bike should fit in the rest of the car. 

I haven't yet- plenty of time for that since my bike is in the shop for a week.  I was hoping there would be some text box in the request in the app-you'd think that requesting a 6-passenger vehicle would result in a driver with a van, but I'd hate to get one who said, "No way I'm letting that greasy, dirty bike into my nice, clean van".  I'd rather that the driver knew ahead of time that he/she would be transporting a woman and a bicycle.

[twystedsystermi1]

How often do you actually plan to breakdown?

[Deleted]

Never, I hope, but I'd say I get a flat once a year and it's never half a mile from home. Just want to have a plan if I'm 8 miles out.

Fortunately I'm covered in the charity rides (typically 35 miles), where they have roving vans and a number you can call, but one is 35 miles on Day 1 from City A to City B, then the hard-core riders stay overnight and return to City A the next day. DH used to pick me up in City B and drive me home. I'll use Uber for that, too.

[twystedsystermi1]

Just please be careful. Motor vehicle drivers are idiots and give no regard to bicycle riders!

[Deleted]

Mar 4, 2017 23:28:22 GMT -5 twystedsystermi1 said:

Just please be careful. Motor vehicle drivers are idiots and give no regard to bicycle riders!

Thanks!  I try to be aware of that and I've heard horror stories.  I'm blessed with extraordinary good health but I know one bad driver can bring me down. 

[GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl]

Another option: my AAA region (Northeast) includes roadside bicycle service: free transportation within 10 miles (mileage fee thereafter). The bike must fit on a bike rack. If you are a member, check for this benefit in your region.

[Deleted]

Mar 5, 2017 10:33:20 GMT -5 GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl said:

Another option: my AAA region (Northeast) includes roadside bicycle service: free transportation within 10 miles (mileage fee thereafter). The bike must fit on a bike rack. If you are a member, check for this benefit in your region.

Thanks- I will definitely check this since I have AAA.

[Gardening Grandma]

Mar 4, 2017 16:32:06 GMT -5 @athena53 said:

I finally got my bike to the repair place for servicing- the chain needed tightening, for one thing.  So, now that we're getting nice weather and I'm about to have a functioning bike, I'm missing one layer of protection.  If I had a flat I could always call DH and he'd find me, we'd stow the bike and drive home.  DH is gone now and I'm not interested in learning to fix bikes on the road and toting all the necessary equipment.

Uber seems to be the answer.  I've never used them and would download the app, but my question is how you specify when you request a ride that they need to be able to transport your bike, too?  I suppose I could lock it someplace and come back and get it, but it would be easier to have the driver bring the bike home, too.

Thanks.

When they link you to a driver, you have their cell phone #. You can call tbe driver and ask if they can transport your bike.

[Cookies Galore]

Have the bike shop teach you how to replace a tube. It's usually a good idea to keep a spare tube in a small seat pack anyway. And there are miniature pumps that will snap onto the bike.

[tskeeter]

Mar 4, 2017 16:32:06 GMT -5 @athena53 said:

I finally got my bike to the repair place for servicing- the chain needed tightening, for one thing.  So, now that we're getting nice weather and I'm about to have a functioning bike, I'm missing one layer of protection.  If I had a flat I could always call DH and he'd find me, we'd stow the bike and drive home.  DH is gone now and I'm not interested in learning to fix bikes on the road and toting all the necessary equipment.

Uber seems to be the answer.  I've never used them and would download the app, but my question is how you specify when you request a ride that they need to be able to transport your bike, too?  I suppose I could lock it someplace and come back and get it, but it would be easier to have the driver bring the bike home, too.

Thanks.

Athena, I think you should have what you need to repair a flat tire on your bike, and know how to use them.  Even so, I suggest you have your bike shop install tire liners in your wheel.  The liners are a ring of puncture resistant material that will protect the tubes in your tires.  Can't promise you won't ever have a flat, but the probability is reduced.

[Anne_in_VA]

Athena,  once you ask for a Uber or Lyft ride, and once a driver has accepted your request, you can contact the driver by phone or text.  I've done it several times since their GPS apps send them to the wrong place.  

[Deleted]

Thanks, guys!  Lots of good advice I wouldn't have thought of on my own. I may call the bike shop and ask about installing liners- I just dropped it off yesterday so they probably haven't touched it.

Tried to get on the AAA site but it told me my membership was expired, which is just plain wrong- I have the card and I have the record of my having paid the annual fee in January.  I'm sure something got messed up when I dropped DH's name form the membership but it's a darn good thing I didn't need road service in the meantime.

Now I can't wait to get my bike back!

[thyme4change]

Uber now has a setting called "Uber Pedal" that has vehicles with bike racks. There is an extra fee, but it is like 5 bucks or something. I think you have to do Uber x and the specify pedal. I have never used it, but know people who have.