MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
Ok have just sold car, haven't really thought about consequences told wife I didn't mind commuting everyday to work by bike. So now I have no choice 10 hilly miles each way.
What do I need for regular commuting bliss. I'm slightly worried about rain and broken glass causing untold punctures...
how do people guarantee they don't have too many hold ups...
Schwalbe Marathon Plus
panniers and mudguards would be my first choice
Mudguards followed by a good set of lights
I dont have glass, but do have 8 miles of hilly, rough (like really really really badly maintained road and old hydro road/LRT) and use a 26" slicked up old Trek or my ST4. Only one puncture in a year of doing it. Mudguards, rack and waterproof shorts rock. As do mahooosive over gloves, winter boots, a buff and snug winter tights - but then I have spent 4 months commuting in sub zero conditions...
I did have a hybrid / nexus bike, but after slowing for potholes/speed bumps etc too much, and struggling the hills with the gearing I swapped for the old Trek.
Tyre wise, I've found Specialized Nimbus tyres to be very reliable; long lasting and puncture resistant.
Good quality waterproofs are essential. Somewhere to shower and change at work would be very good.
If you need to leave a bike locked up, then the best (most expensive) lock you can afford. A shabby looking bike is an advantage here.
Lights are a given.
The number of a car driving friend/colleague/cab firm, in case it all goes wrong!
Do you have a bike already for it?
Is route all road or any off-road?
If you don't have a bike yet for commuting then if I was doing 10 hilly miles I'd be looking at a hybrid (don't like drops) with 700x28s or 32s for a little more comfort and any cycle/tow paths.
Get bar-ends if using 700c wheels.
If 26" wheels then any slicks or semi slicks will do.
I prefer a rucksack (30-35L) to panniers but thats just personal choice but definitely need mudguards.
Disc brakes if you don't want to be forever replacing rim pads.
Hi vis clothing of some kind on jacket/rucksack.
You'll get fit as f*** won't need any gym membership and its great for de-stressing after work.
Schwalbe Marathon Plus +1
high end waterproofs.
carry a basic toolkit and pump [u][i][b]always
[/b][/i][/u]
take the bus and a backpack/suitcase full of spare clothes to work once in a while so you have a reserve.
Planning amd preparation. Leave as much work clothing at work as possible, lay your cycling kit out the nght before, check the bike for mechanicals the evening before so you're not trying to fix a slow puncture at 7am and running late.
ALWAYS carry lights, a waterproof and a tool pack/pump. I have specific ones that live in my commuter rucksack so never just use them for home mechanics then forget to put them back in the rucksack.
Have a backup plan - a train station/mates house/bike shop that you can call on in an emergency.
Commuting wrecks bikes and kit - make sure it's either stuff that's going to last or stuff that so cheap it doesn't matter if it falls to pieces. Get the best most puncture proof tyres you can afford.
Insurance - British Cycling or Cyclists Touring Club both offer insurance aimed at cycle commuters. It may seem minor now but when you're looking at £800 of wrecked bike, a £200 GoreTex and a month off work you'll be glad of it.
OK, I'll just add my usual bolshie cyclist bit, so remember, avoiding cycling in the gutter, no matter how much you feel your being bullied to, will also help avoid punctures.
The tyre-swept area of roads also tends to have less glass than cycle 'facilities' so thats worth thinking about too.
Always go for BIG! lights over the crap, cheap lights and Hi-viz combination that some commuters favour.
Thanks for all the advice, i don't mind drops, I'm going to be using old dawes tourer for now.
I have panniers on order, I've tried fitting mudguards but can't seem to get the to stop rubbing...?
Hopefully the rain falling tonight won't be setting in for the rest of summer but knowing my luck it will.
Looking forward to being a whole lot fitter.
First week of it starting monday.
Always carry £20 with me for an emergency. The two times I've had a puncture, it's been close enough to walk home and get another bike. So clearly you need another bike 😉 The best thing you can have is a chilled attitude on the road, because people are going to get close and do stupid things. Sure you can have a rant now and then, but don't let it get to you. I got rid of the car in December and it's been ace. No 6am motivation needed now, I've no choice in the matter.
Schwalbe Marathon Plus
+1
And lots of big lights front and back...