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#1 tired of trying to squeeze a lunch box and pump into your frame bag? Stop trying to find lunch box shaped frame bags! Use a frame bag shaped lunch box! Click-lock bacon storage tubs are the perfect shape for Planet X Podsacs medium frame bag and pump!
First commute of the school year for me today. 16 out of 26 working years commuting on a bike.
- bag packed the night before
- I've made it normal for myself
- 26 years on the water proof vaude pannier bags are looking like an excellent investment!
- waterproof jacket and trousers live in the bag so when it tips it down unexpectedly the commute is less unpleasant
- live and work somewhere close enough to ride in
If you have the time, and the trails, take the scenic route when you can! I only commute about once a week; yesterday's stunning weather was a good excuse to make the time to enjoy the commute ...
@hardtailonly I used to say that my dream was a job with a mountain bike commute. Ideally living one side of a fairly small hill from my job, with a 25 minute singletrack climb and a 5 minute descent in either direction.
Usual, full guards with front mud flap, simple reliable bike no need for bling. A flow mindset if riding in traffic. It's not who is right that is important but getting to destination in a calm manor. Good tyres, tube and puncture repair kit. Wet wipes. Spare clothes at work for when you forget. Porridge
Similar to tall_martin.
Dedicated bike for commuting. Spare 'winter wheels' and tyres so can be swapped out if icy. - at one point it was a spare winter commuter, but it's all in one now. Panniers and rack. Have kit ready night before, always pack the same (then you know what's missing). Waterproof pants and top are very handy, as are overshoes to keep your shoes dry - nothing worse than wet smelly shoes in an office.
Ortlieb panniers are about 15 years old !
Baby wipes are a life saver. Carry sudocrem, just in-case.
What mudguards do people have please?
My tip is to swap panniers for a rackbag, they’re more aero and make riding into headwinds less of a PITA.
I keep my shoes at work.
I've used SKS previously on 700c, currently on some Zefal 26", with home brew mudflap. I do carry my shoes, although could leave them if needed. I do have to carry the laptop two times a week, so use a laptop wallet and tuck the laptop in the pannier.
Use one pannier for your daily stuff, clothes shoes, and the other for waterproofs, pump etc, so you are only opening one.
I also use 1* for lower maintenance and better reliability.
Don't use old stuff from your best bike to keep the commuter going.
Buy cheaper, reliable, new stuff. Fixing a broken bike at 2pm in the afternoon on a sunny hillside in the Pennines is a lot nicer than having to fix a broken bike at 10 past 6 in the morning in the pouring rain at the side of on A road half way to work. In february.
Find somewhere to leave some stuff at work, shoes, towel, maybe energy bar and spare water bottle etc. Emergency stash, spare tyre, tube or two, quick link or two, brake and gear cable. (all depends how far you commute and if you have a back up! I did 60km a day for a couple of years with no back up/bail out option then 40km a day for 5 with limited options for back up.)
full mudguards, puncture proof tyres and a rack</span>
Yes, No, Yes.
Get decent quality touring or training tyres (or even tubeless!), and keep on top of maintenance/replacement. Nothing like "puncture proof" tyres to suck what little joy remains when cycling to work.
What mudguards do people have please?
SKS Longboards for the road, the front almost wraps all around the back of a front 700c tyre. Just enough clearance between the flap and tarmac to avoid embarrassment. Toasty dry feet every wet day(I have some aluminium ones for the gravel bike that haven't been fitted yet, watch this space).
Panniers needed for start and finish to the week only. Food and clothes for the week in on a Monday, dirty clothes home on a Friday (ymmv as I work for a cycling related business and we have set up the new office to allow all this).
Waterproofs and Velotoze live in the bar bag to avoid uncomfortable trips home on the days the weather forecast doesn't match the weather.
Edit:
puncture proof tyres
These do not exist, at best you'll get very resistant tyres which suck the joy out of a commute. Hedge cutting season is upon us and the crap on the road from flail trimming can get through Marathon Plus tyres, as can flints.
Find the most enjoyable route,even if it's longer.
Eliminate all faff.
Have a backup (bike) plan.
Minimise the amount of essential ,daily tat carried in rucksack,panniers,framebags.
Eliminate all faff.
Work on all the details of the bike,adjusting and improving until it's everything you need.
Be kind to your bike and give it a regular checkover.
Invest in quality clothing that suits your seasonal needs.
Eliminate all faff.
Schwalbe marathon plus. Over 10,000km on cycleways, gravel and shitty Welsh roads without a single puncture - plus they have a reflective bit that makes you very visible from the side.
Lights - I had one too many instances where I forgot to charge my lights and ended up on a slow, dodgy, dark ride home using my phone as a torch. Now invested in a dynamo light and never looked back.
Leave multiple sets of clothes at work, so you only need to commute with sarnies.
Ride a bike which is enjoyable to ride and feels fast. Draggy commutes are hateful
I commuted fixed gear for about 7 years until knocked off, changed route to mainly off road, which required a more robust bike. Currently using an old 90's MTB. Repainted it, but it's running period XT and LX components, but it's well maintained. None of it hand me downs from other bikes, so cassette/chain/large chainring/jockey's get changed every 12-18 months.
Studded tyres are great for winter - my route isn't gritted !
I've added winter boots to the equation over more recent years, a revelation compared to putting overshoes on every day to keep your feet warm.
We don't have shower facilities, so baby wipe showers are all we get, and getting changed in the disabled loo - a luxury as it's a fair bit bigger than a cubicle.
Oh and rob a fan or an oil radiator to dry out your sweaty kit - mine is currently on a radiator at the side of my desk. No drying facilities and open plan offices.
Have a checklist of things that are a disaster if you forget, for me that's work pass and phone
I keep spare pants and trousers at work these days having buggered that up a few times and had to sit there in lycra until the shops open
It's just a bike ride, don't get too hung up the detail of it.
Having said that, don't ride a rubbish bike just because it's 'only' a commute, it's the bike you probably do most miles/time on, so make it a decent one!
Need a lock and one of those cables that at least discourages thieves. One time I went to go home and someone had helped themselves to my front wheel.
I forgot a shirt once, jumped back on the bike, 20 miles later arrived back at work before 9am. Then someone said, why didn't you go to Asda at the end of the road. Doh !
Depending on route, some tyres with puncture protection. I rode many years without the need, but a change in route to a shared path full of glass shredded Conti 4 Seasons. Moved to Durano Plus and these were great. Currently on Lifeline Essential Commuters - cheap, roll OK and no punctures.
I did a canal route but at this time of year it was a mare with hedge cuttings - was getting thorns through the tyre at least once or twice a week with lightweight XC tyres.
Oh, CO2 just in-case. If you have a tight deadline - e.g. meeting first thing, this will save a few minutes pumping up the tyre.
<p style="text-align: left;">Single speed Surly Ogre, mudguards, rack panniers, dynamo lights, water proof panniers (Ortlieb) , puncture proof tyres small tool kit and pump.</p>
Waterproofs.
Don't cycle if it's very icy.
Have separate 'commuting' cycling gear - saves rummaging for stuff if you've gone and used it at the weekend on other rides. I've even got separate SPD shoes now. Oh and SPD's are a winner for commuting, especially if you have a walk to the bike stands/changing area.
Plan your route - you want one where you can make progress without being held up to much, and make it as pleasant as you can. I have a slightly different route on the way home as I've a "climb" in a quiet area of a park that's a known area for bike muggings - not an issue in the morning, but the scallys are out of bed by 5pm, and someone got robbed for their bike a few months ago.
@Bruice, only cycle if icy if you have studded tyres, otherwise sack it off.
Guards, rack, panniers, lights (always), quiet roads/times and the option for a frame mounted lock to enable pub/cafe/shopping stops.
Since everyone's here, what's the best commuting waterproof out there?
I would prefer to stick to wearing a rucsac as it's what I know and always worked for me, which unfortunately rules out wearing my Shakedry waterproofs (as does the matt black colour 🙄). Does anyone do a waterproof with thicker fabric on the shoulders, similar to my Arcteryx hiking jacket?
I can forgo fluorescent as I'll probably have a Hump rucsac cover or similar.
Robust, breathable, but not gucci. Does such a think exist or do I just pony up for whatever Gore is within budget?
Edit: oh and also, if I did have a rear rack + rack bag to carry some additional stuff, do I need to think about a more robust rear wheel than the Ultegra wheel currently on the bike? I have a memory of panniers and racks being a bit 'punishing' for nice wheels...
A flow mindset if riding in traffic. It’s not who is right that is important but getting to destination in a calm manor
This is just generally good advice, I get annoyed riding with other folk who just refuse to live and let live with drivers. I mean, they're not ALL Daily Mail reading frothers out to get you, some of them are just normal people trying to get to work 🙄
If you're not commuting in work clothes, I wouldn't bother with a waterproof, especially if less than an hour.
A flow mindset if riding in traffic. It’s not who is right that is important but getting to destination in a calm manor
+2
Doesn't matter who is right or wrong, if it's me that's getting a car in the face then the car has always got priority.
10 seconds late to work Vs a car in the face makes it a clear choice for me.
Spare underwear at work. You’ll forget one day.
Pack a set of dry gloves for the return ride if it’s raining
Less than five miles? Ride slowly and shower before you leave.
only cycle if icy if you have studded tyres, otherwise sack it off.
or three wheels ☺️
Not sure I dare say this, but when I replace my drivetrain, I shall be moving to a wax lubricant.
‘Flow mindset’ +3, no point being ‘right’ if you’re lying in the road.
mudguards, decent rack/panniers, either a dynamo or decent reliable lights and a proper routine to maintain charge.
proper kit is an investment that will pay you back many times over.
Robust, breathable, but not gucci. Does such a think exist or do I just pony up for whatever Gore is within budget?
Having tried some of the others, if it’s something for daily use, I’ve found it best to stump up for Gore. It’s not too much more expensive for massive improvement in durability. Two Endura waterproofs lasted less than (so far) one Gore jacket.
It’s a bit like Ortlieb. Try the alternatives, spend a bit more when they wear out, never go back.
I just use a Decathlon waterproof and slow down - in-expensive, and it spends most of the time scrunched up in a pannier.
As for wax, I just use Finish Line Ceramic wet lube and wipe the chain. Easy. Re-oil and wipe after a wet ride. Light oil protects the sprockets too. I regularly wipe the sprockets/jockey with an oily rag.
If you’re not commuting in work clothes, I wouldn’t bother with a waterproof, especially if less than an hour.
Fair advice, but between my morning wimpiness making the car seem more tempting when it's raining, and a sort of 'marginal gains' philosophy towards keeping the immune system topped up, I'd rather not risk getting soaked through or riding in sogged out Gabba/Orkaan etc. and THEN have a puncture or similar.
I've tried the sort of waterproof soft shell alternatives and feel they're a sort of all-or-nothing approach e.g. fine so long as you're moving and generating body heat, not so fine once you're stopped and cooling down. Plus I want to use the commute for Z1/Z2 sort of miles so I'll be pootling, probably not generating much heat anyway!
I bought an Aldi soft shell once.
As for lubricant I don't bother because belt drive 😎
@tthew if I was going to spec my ultimate commuter bike, then it would have a Rohloff with a belt drive.
Mines an Alfine. I'm not 100% sold on the reliability of if, there's the very occasional skip, like a flaky freehub pawl, (though it doesn't actually have these) but I don't think I'm ready to go quite so spendy as a Rohloff upgrade.
Putolined singlespeed, I might lube the chain again in a few years 😂
It was my CX race bike last year but I'm not racing it this year, will be a shame to convert it back to a commuter, it weights about 7.5kg right now before mudguards, commuter tyres, rack etc. 😭😭
Anyone else own a set of waterproof chaps? 😁
I seem to have ended up with two pairs, basically keep thighs and crotch dry (and warm). They roll up into a wee belt so if the morning looks iffy you can start with them stowed away but then unroll them.
Funnily enough they seem to have migrated to the very darkest deepest recesses of my kit drawer, I think I'm always too embarrassed to use them just because they're called 'chaps' 🙄
A flow mindset if riding in traffic. It’s not who is right that is important but getting to destination in a calm manor
This ^^
Never get involved in a confrontation - on a commute, chances are you'll be seeing the same drivers in the same sorts of places every day and the last thing you need is some sort of ongoing tit for tat.
On which note (although it was incredibly rare for me to have anything dangerous or outright antagonistic in my years of commutes), I found it quite useful having an idea of escape routes, safe areas and so on. That applied on towpaths and off-road cycle paths such as the Fallowfield Loop (Manchester) as well as roads - certain areas were known as ambush points.
Remember to enjoy it.
When I had to take a car to work it felt like I hadn’t finished till I got home. Now I’m back on the bike it feels like I finish work as soon as I’m on the saddle.
It doesn’t rain (heavily) that often
Store spares at work - clothes, puncture stuff, lights, snacks
Take the pretty route, not the fast one
Keep your bike light enough so you can occasionally detour and have fun on the way home
Find the prettiest spots. Every now and then make a flask of coffee as you leave for home. Stop for five minutes and appreciate it all
Much of what's been said applies - mudguards, tough tyres, its not a race etc. Whichever way you do it, getting stuff off your back on onto a rack is great. As a Brompton commuter rain or shine, and mostly in my work clothes, not having a sweaty back is great. Brompton bar bags work a treat. I'll add overshoes big enough to fit over work shoes for when it really rains hard was a good addition to the wardrobe. Light rain, use your jacket, heavier rain bung on the waterproof trousers, really heavy rain, whack on the overshoes as the rain runs off the trousers into your shoes. Need to be easy on/off so I had a non stretchy, velcro back pair of Gore ones that were ideal for the job.
Remember you're not racing. Use cyclestreets.net to find a quiet route, sit up and look around, it's a pleasure to use the time to explore your town, rather than just following a direct route you'd drive or bus. You'll probably still be there quicker. And Schwalbe marathon supremes are fast rolling but still very tough, I've not punctured them yet after about four years of bikeability.
-Leave as much stuff at work as you can, especially shoes they're too bulky heavy to transport daily.
-Full Mudguards make total sense, year round.
-Dynamo lights also make total sense. (battery jobs for extra visibility in the depths of winter)
-Avoid wearing all black if you can, contrast does help your visibility.
-Putolined chain just to minimise maintenance.
-Either a Pannier or a good bike mounted bag with at least 10L+ capacity (I have a Vaude seatpost mounted Klickfix thing that is brilliant) backpacks just make you a sweatier, uncomfortable mess.
-If showering at work and needing to transport a towel small microfibre jobs will get you dry.
-If you are transporting work wear, Roll it into a 'sausage' don't try to transport nice flat folded clothes in a bag.
-Sachet porridge is a good breakfast to leave at work if you ride in early.
-Check the forecast for the whole day (it might be lovely in the morning and piss down in the afternoon) take appropriate kit
-Arm/knee warmers, buff and a Gillet are very handy packable items in both spring and summer.
-Plan your route to avoid busier roads where you can, even if it takes longer.
-It's not a race (but you will probably try to chase the odd stranger down) remember you need to be able to function after you arrive (and probably when you get home).
take the pretty route, not the fast one 👍
I like it, this is the commute home for me taking the slow and scenic route, takes ninety minutes mind
I ride 8 miles each way on a part car/part bike commute. My bike leg is entirely traffic free.
Cache clothes at work when you take the car. Ironed shirts and trousers in a hanger bag, plus shoes, deodorant and a towel. If I need to I roll shirts and trousers for transport, less creases.
Don't shower unless you need to, so don't ride so hard on the way to work.
Hub gears, full mudguards, rack with rack top bag and a quick clip detachable bar bag. A simple and easy to maintain bike is key.
Tools including 15mm spanner for Alfine hub, CO2 plus a small backup pump.
Goretex shoes and extra flap on front mudguard.
I don't carry hardshell waterproofs. I have only ever had maybe 3 proper soakings in 5 years. One of those is was pissing it down but I HAD to get going. Within 10 seconds I was soaked, within a minute it had stopped, but I had a 34min ride to do absolutely dripping.
Studded tyres as soon as frosts start. My route is not treated.
Decent Lux stvzo front light. I am not on the road but do encounter lots of dog walkers who I thought were closet Nazis until I switched to a less antisocial light.
Get and use a bell. Smile. I say Hello!/Mornin'!/Evenin'! to everyone I pass. Say Thank You where appropriate. I consider myself an ambassador for all cyclists, but most importantly am ambassador for myself, so I am courteous and kind to everyone I encounter. I see a core of about 30-40 of the same people every day, and probably an equal number of randoms.
I have just moved to a Ebike (wow). Some weeks I was just too knackered to ride enjoyable, especially going home.
New bike has a kickstand (double wow). Get one!
Take time to look around you and watch the environment change as the seasons roll round. Appreciate the freedom to feel the sun on your face and the air in your lungs.
37 years cycle commuting here. now retired.
full mudguards, schwalbe marathon plus tyres, and strong wheels built by Spa cycles.
and ignore the weather, it is just a different coat day.
Having said that, don’t ride a rubbish bike just because it’s ‘only’ a commute, it’s the bike you probably do most miles/time on, so make it a decent one!
Agreed but decent doesn't need to fancy.
Use Google maps to compare elevation change on different routes. I added a bit of distance to my route to avoid unnecessary elevation loss then regained, thus avoiding breaking a sweat and needing a shower on arrival.
For a short commute, ride slowly to avoid getting sweaty and needing a shower.
Have tyres and wheels that are ok going up or down the odd curb.
Don't dress to look like a cyclist. Seem to get along better with drivers and pedestrians as "man on a bike".
Short mud flap on the front fender, makes a big difference.
Not a rucksack, horrible sweaty back.
Separate helmet from your MTB one that doesn't get muddy and so sweaty, and you don't bash about your best helmet every day.
Carry a bright orange hatchet in a holster on your right hand side, no more close passes.
Sks guards, Ortlieb panniers, d-lock, waterproofs, durable tyres. It's a short commute so I use battery lights wear work clothes and pedal slowly enough to avoid getting too sweaty.
I've forgotten bits of my uniform on occasion when cycle commuting to work. When this happens I comically announce it to the supervisor as an honest mistake and they go hunting for some uniform in the store room.
I've been using my karrimor pannier for over 20 years. Some repairs are needed. The left hand pannier is in almost perfect condition as I only use the right one.
I can dry my stuff in my 'office' if I'm not returning back to base before going home.
Recently I've been using a waterproof dry sack which can be used as a ruck sack that has been great for keeping the important stuff dry when it's hammering it down.
Wrap a banana loosely in your rolled up clothes and remember not to squeeze all the air out of your drybag when you strap it to the rear rack to minimize bruising.
Spare pants and socks at work for those days when you ride in, in lycra, in the rain having forgotten your pants and also need dry socks.
Downside, or upside depending on how you look at it. is you dont actually need to stop at work. You can if you want just keep going, as I did once. Decided on the route in I didn't need or enjoy working at a shop any more and just rode past it and went on to Loch Lomond for the day instead.
The other workers saw me coming along the road, and just keep going 😆 It was a lovely autumn day too. Crisp in the air but not too cold.
20 miles in and 20 miles home again. Lunch by the lochside.
I live just over a mile from my work and about 500ft higher up. Commute to work is a half mile plummet to sea level and then half a mile along the waterfront the wind is generally behind me. The ride home is a pita.
I live just over a mile from my work and about 500ft higher up. Commute to work is a half mile plummet to sea level and then half a mile along the waterfront the wind is generally behind me. The ride home is a pita.
I'm a perfect 25km, mostly a gentle downhill (albeit into the headwind) in the mornings, and a gentle uphill with a tailwind in the evenings. In theory that should be perfect as I can get a gentle workout in the AM and an enjoyable smash (if I want it) in the evenings.
If you don't have a shower, baby wipes are great.
I tend to take more than I need, e.g. shoes and work clothes, but shoes are usually filled with wallet, 'civvy glasses' in a case, bike keys and work pass - easy way to check I've got everything - if I've not got 4 items in the shoes, I'm missing something. Same with work clothes, trousers, shirt, pants and socks - need 4 things before I roll it up. Puncture kit etc is all in a soft 'bottle case' and is rarely used, just stays in the bottom of the panniers.
Very much into finding the most pleasant route. I used to do the long route, or the short route, some not so nice. Following a number of accidents, I avoid the busy traffic now, and where it does get congested, just go with the flow rather than carving through it. My current route involves going through 3 parks, some road, and half on the Fallowfield Loop. In 15 years of using the Loop, I haven't had any trouble - it's a bit of a mugging area, but that's not usually at rush hour - I'm more wary if I finish at lunch time, as you'll often see gangs of 'hoodied' lads hanging about. The canal routes have also been good, very pleasant, but filthy in winter and they eat drive chains !
Fortunate enough to have a complete commuter set up. The bike, lights and clothing are all just for that purpose. Lots of lights even in daytime. Schwalbe Marathon tyres. Waterproof panniers. Full length guards. Ultimate would be belt drive, for now it’s plutolined!
Dynamo lights F+R are the real breakthrough for me, beyond the obvious stuff like long, well-fitted guards and reliable tyres. A good tourer/bikepacker is also a good commuter - with my Brompton as the exception, it's got the dynamo lights and bag carrying ability but it's not great for any real distances. Brilliant train-city-office commuter though.
I used to vary my commutes a fair bit where possible.
Commuting into Manchester from the south east of town, I had various road options - mostly shit but on a SS road bike it was bearable - and a couple of off-road options like towpaths and various off-road cycle paths. Fine in dry weather on a CX but a day of rain would usually render it unrideable for a week - or at least thoroughly unpleasant getting covered in gritty liquid mud for 15 miles.
The variation kept it interesting. Early summer mornings riding in along the canal were stunning.
At work I had a locker with a full set of clothes and shoes, I took in underwear, socks and a T-short each day but had spares at work in case I forgot anything. Towel etc stayed in the changing rooms; I'd take in a fresh towel each week on the days I went in by train or car.
I was a 2-3 times a week commuter, 40 mile round trip. I had an off-road to canal to river route and a road route. I left clothes at work, and showered at the gym opposite (£20pm) and used the gym on drive in days. With rides on Sundays and day off if I was building up to a big event type ride I could rack up 200 miles a week.
The rides home were 90% shit, rides in 90% ace, but I’m on feet all day so…