Back to Buying guides
Cycle to work: commuting by bike
The question ‘why cycle to work’ is getting old, the question now needs to be
‘Why not?’ And the answer is: there is no good reason not to; sure, if you live
50 miles from work and drop four kids of at school on the way then maybe a bike
isn’t the best option, but for the rest of us it’s something that can have a
hugely positive impact on our lives.
Firstly you needn’t ride every day and if the weather is particularly horrid
then nobody is going to begrudge you taking the soft option. How much you do and
how often is up to you. What we will try to do here is give you a few ideas and
options as to the kit will make your riding experience a comfortable, safe,
pleasant and above all practical one.
The Bike
The options here are seemingly endless, but this is a good thing and with a
little advice you will be able to make the right choice for you. Obviously any
bike can get you to work but some quicker and/or more comfortably than others
and this raises the question of whether you want a dedicated commuting bike, or
simply a bike you want to use for pleasure but that you will sometimes commute
on.
The many different types of bike are explained in our
bike buying guides but here are
some recommendations for commuters…
Hybrid bikes were made for the daily commute, a great blend of speed, comfort and
practicality. Go for a
sport hybrid for speed/fitness or get a
classic hybrid
for total practicality and comfort.
Make an excellent choice for shorter rides and commutes that may involve more
than one form of transport as they can be folded up for easy transport in
trains, taxis or buses.
Road bikes (drop or flat handle bar) can turn any commute into a training ride,
or simply be the most efficient way to complete a lengthy commute. Whatever the
case it’ll be the quickest (if not the most comfortable) way to work.
Being designed to take on mountains, MTB’s will cope perfectly with commuting
over any terrain. They won't be the most efficient commuter but it will allow you
to go off-road at the weekends.
Comfort, distance, speed and big luggage capacity; if these are your
requirements then a touring bike may be just the ticket, and if the commute ever
becomes too much then you can always take some time off and ride around the
world.
The Kit
It’s no good riding the best bike on earth if your trying to ride uphill in the
rain wearing a 3 piece suit and flip flops. Proper riding gear will make all the
difference to your comfort and enjoyment.
Obviously your cycle clothing requirements will depend on your riding style. A
30 mile dash on a road bike will require some lycra, and rigid cycling shoes,
whereas a gentle 3 mile trip along a bike path on your folding bike wont need
much beyond everyday clothing. There are however some items of clothing that
will make any ride more pleasant.
Waterproof cycling jackets, We may hope for the best, but take it from us, you will be rained
on sometimes whilst riding to work. Fortunately, modern designs and fabrics mean
this needn’t be a damp, uncomfortable affair.
Some of our favourites include…
Padded shorts, usually a touchy subject fashion-wise but whatever their looks,
proper padded cycling shorts make a huge difference to comfort levels on
anything but the shortest of rides…
Helmets, are simply a must have safety item for any cyclist. There is no
sensible argument against their use and whilst we all hope never to crash, if
the worst happens then a properly fitted cycle helmet can make all the
difference…
Cycling gloves, little things that can make a big difference, whether waterproof
and insulated or fingerless and vented there’s something for all weathers…
Cycling shoes, these can make as much difference to cycling as proper running
shoes will to a marathon. Ranging from semi rigid soled leisure shoes to super
rigid racing numbers they will all improve efficiency and if you go for
clipless MTB or Road pedals then you’ll need the shoes to match…
A quality bike, professionally maintained will need satisfyingly
little attention from the rider but it’d be fantasy to pretend that you’ll never
need to attend to a mechanical on your own. A few basic items:
pump,
multi tool
etc, kept in a small
saddle bag will cover most eventualities and be barely
noticeable…
Slime! Not a statement but one
of the all time top tips for commuters. It’s an ‘orrible,
lurid green slime that goes into your tyres (don’t worry, if you buy it with a
new bike from us then we’ll fit it, of course) and instantly seals small
punctures (up to 1/8”) so you can keep riding.
Lights,
it’s the duty of every responsible (not to mention legal) cyclist to
light up after dark and with most commutes taking place early morning and
evening lights are a definite must have. Some modern lights have battery run
times measurable in days, yet remain small enough to fit easily in a pocket…
Security, you wouldn’t leave your car any length of time without locking it and
the same should go for your bike. A lot of bikes are stolen, but it’s nearly
always the ones left with poor locks or worse still, not locked at all. Don’t
become another statistic, get a good lock, and use it.
Luggage, most of us need to carry something to work; a change of clothes, lunch,
a laptop, your lock! There’s a reason you don’t see too many cyclists using
normal rucksacks, they are uncomfortable when in a riding position for any
length of time. There are a huge number of options, from panniers, to trailers,
take your pick; it’ll make carrying your daily essentials a pleasure, not a
chore.
Mudguards, can make the difference between getting slightly damp, and totally
soaked; you really wouldn’t believe how effective they can be. From full length
touring mudguards to actually fashionable clip on guards, there’s a set to fit
any bike…
Feeling daunted?
If the mere thought of cycling to work gets up a sweat then don’t worry. It may
seem wrong but try riding your route one day when you’re not in work, it’s the
best way of gauging how long it will take and whether you’ll need a quick drink
and a brush of your hair or a shower and a warm down when you get there.
If you’re not already a keen cyclist and are worried about how tiring it might
be, don’t be. Perhaps you could get a lift part way, or ride in and get a lift
home, only ride in 1 or 2 days a week, just ride as much as you’re comfortable
with.
Remember that it will get easier the more you do, requires zero petrol, always
gets you fitter and is cheaper (and more fun) than going to a gym.
If the thought of riding in busy traffic concerns you then remember that the
best route in a car may not be the best way by bike, check out for quieter
routes or for dedicated cycle paths/lanes in your area (Sustrans are well worth
a look). If you have no other choice than to ride in traffic then ride how you
would drive: courteous, confident and aware.