If commuting isn't the best way to take up pedal power then it must come close.
Just imagine being seen in the mirror of a car commuter for a split second - then being seen again only through the
windscreen as you fly past (grinning!)....
Riding to work, college or school has to be one of the best ways of getting a fresh air fix, saving money, saving time and all
in a trip you've got to do anyway!
If it's a trip you've got to do, then why get stuck in a jam?
You can write a book on commuting by pedal power - but not here. If you can't find what you need on this page then there are some good
magazines that can help - see the bump links page. Here is where you can get the low down on:
Kit
Traffic & Rules of the road
Weather
Kit In Kit we'll look at the bike, suspension and saddles, clothing, lighting and helmets.
Bikes: Realistically you can commute on anything. However something which has gears and brakes easily accessible
and has an
"upright-ish" riding position is ideal. Traditional sit-up-and-beg bikes are good (except when there are big hills), any bike
with gears and brakes on flat bars is great. Simple bikes are better, there is no point in having zillions of gears if you've
got a sub 5 mile commute, there is more to maintain and more to go wrong. A commuter bike needs to be a reliable workhorse,
something which doesn't look too flash (so you get to keep it longer),something which is comfy (so you don't arrive at work in
pain) and has mudguards and or chainguard that protects you from the weather.
By all means have a cool cruiser, a Tour De France replica or a "downhill monster" but unless you want to pose, go very fast or
want to lug a heavy bike around, keep these for your biking playtimes - a commuter bike can be cheap, good fun and makes a whole load of sense.
For the low-down on pedal power in detail go to types of pedal power.
Saddles and suspension: When commuting you want comfort but you don't want to waste energy. Unless your commute is across the
hills, avoid suspension bikes (especially the cheapo supermarket styleee), all suspension will do is sap your energy and make
things hard work. Cheap suspension bikes will not only be hard work but will probably fail on you when just when you're in a
rush. Remember, you only get what you pay for. Try and go for a comfy saddle - for short distances most are ok, but if your
commute is a little longer (say 5 miles +) go for a shape that suits with minimal padding - it's far better.
A suspension seat post is a good way to add extra comfort too.
Clothing: Unless you've got good mudguards and a chain guard, you might want to take a change of clothes for the Autumn onwards,
or alternatively ask your employer to relax the office dress code!!
For short commutes on good surfaces, office clothing is fine, longer commutes will need something more cycling specific- partly so
you've got something fresh to wear but also something that isn't too baggy so it flaps in the breeze. Layering breathable gear is a good way to
arrive fresh - but a good "Gore-tex" type jacket will only work well if there are breathable layers underneath.
For cycling in the City, it's always best to wear something reflective, either a sam browne belt (around waist and over shoulder) or a
tabbard/gilet. In addition if you are wearing baggies with 40" bottoms, you can get flouro or reflective velcro bands in place of trouser clips.
Lighting: When cycling in the dark, it's crazy not to have decent lights. There are many high quality reliable options around powered by
conventional disposable batteries, rechargeable batteries and dynamos. Rechargeable lights are generally more expensive but represent a good
investment, especially as advances in battery design (mainly thanks to the mobile phone), are reliable and longer lasting. Dynamo lights have
also come on a long way in recent years and remain the definitive choice for seasoned commuters. The best dynamos are now incorporated in the
hub of the front wheel and are silent with negligible drag to slow you down - they're not cheap but are very good. If you go for dynamos,
take a look at the latest "standlights", these offer the brilliant safety feature of remaining on when you stop - something the old bottle dynamo
couldn't do. Another thing to think about is going for lights which are illuminated by LED's not bulbs. There is an increasing amount available,
they use less battery power, are brighter and more reliable than traditional filament bulbs.
Helmets: Much the source of debate, whether to use one or not. I use one and the modern designs are light with plenty of venting and look cool too.
It's up to you to make the choice, whatever you do try as many on as possible before you buy and make sure you get help in your bike shop.
If the salesperson isn't interested in helping, they don't deserve your business - go elsewhere. An incorrectly fitted helmet is a waste of time.
For access to kit and a list of local bike shops go to shops & service.
Traffic
Too much traffic: Many people state traffic is their biggest turn-off towards cycling. It's true it can get
busy and a little intimidating at times.
The trick is to be creative about your route - you can go many places a car can't. If you are in traffic, hold
your position - do not ride in the gutter and marginalise yourself - your journey is no less important than anyone else's.
Be clear about your intentions - signal early -anticipate crazy moves.
Idiot motorists: It's true there are many idiot motorists, but there are many
idiot cyclists and pedestrians too. Why don't we all just try to get along? Ride with a bell and don't jump lights or ride
pavements full of pedestrians and your trip will be stress free!
Be one step ahead - plan your moves, get a copy of the highway code and read it - you'll have a significant advantage over
the average motorist who probably hasn't seen one for years.
Visibility: It's not just about fluoro gear! Remember to be visible in truck or van mirrors so drivers can see
you- although truck drivers and motorcyclists are generally much more aware of their surroundings than car drivers
(they have to be) - make sure they can see you - MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT with other users. When riding past parked vehicles -
remember the half asleep car driver that opens the door without looking. Anticipate the worst and be pleasantly surprised!
Speed: If you dice with busy traffic - go faster and position yourself accordingly - crazy as it sounds, good safe progress
can be made with appropriate speed.
Weather
Perception: In preparation for writing this, I recorded the weather each day for a four week period and got rained on
once for 10 minutes and once for about 2 minutes which in total reprsents 1.5% of my total commuting time.
With a decent breathable cycling top - what's the problem?
There is no such thing as bad weather - it's how good your clothing is....why miss out on our great variety of weather by being in a car?
Preparation and planning: Get a decent rain/wind top and check the weather forecasts and before you jump in the car on a rainy day-
just remember everyone else has the same idea and the traffic will be even worse (and more dangerous).
Sunny days: Fantastic - stick on the shorts and sun cream and enjoy - stop for a beer on the way home.
Cold: Very exciting - a great break from the smog of your centrally heated home, your air conditioned car and your heated office.
After 5 minutes on the bike you'll be toasty, stick on some decent gloves and a thin liner under your helmet and breathe in the fresh air.
For hard core cold riding check out ICE Bike!
