Cycle to work - Questions?

onenightinmay

Hi All,

I am going to start avoiding the rat race and start cycling to work. I am just wondering can those of you who do cycle to work at the moment give me some general pointers on what gear you use. Even things like what the best rain gear is, hybird V mountain bike, where to shop for bike accessories and tips in general would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

El Stuntman

buy a gun

Slice

Apparently aluminium framed hybrid bicycles are the way to go - they're lighter and don't rust as easily. According to my housemate a comfortable seat is also important if you're using it regularly since uncomfortable seats can cause impotence for guys, though I also don't know how true this is

HJ Simpson

I would go for a hybrid unless you actually plan on going off road. I wouldnt go for a dropped bar racer style bike because of the bent over position in traffic
In terms of clothing get proper cycling shorts and thights. Not very attractive but comfortable. A back pack is grand if its a short journey or if you dont sweat much. I use panniers as I find them better I sweat loads and find a backpack means a spotty back. I can also get more stuff into them. Get a hi viz vest and a good light front and back. Get water proof socks.
If you have a shower in you work its great if not baby wipes are your friend!

Get a reasonable water proof/breathable jacket. I wear base layer tops under my rain jacket when it gets cold I put on a microfleec as well.

If you have place to store you bike in work great if not think about getting a second hand bike and two locks.
Most importanly get a HELMET it wont stop a truck from crushing you but if you are side swiped it might save your head.
I wear water proof socks and shoe covers when its wet. Like today!

If you havent cycled in heavy traffic before just leave yourself plenty of time to get where you are going so you can take your time and wont need to take chances.
Enjoy it we all use the excuse that its quicker by bike it might be. Its healthier definately. The real reason we cycle to work is we enjoy it!!

proteus

Like Homer says, get proper clothing. Cotton based clothing like jeans etc retain water when its raining and are cold against the skin. Check out the main cycle shops for goretex clothing or similar which is light/water resistant/warm.

See this thread for related information on clothing http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055006533

Since its coming into Autumn/Winter, its is really necessary to get lights.
LED based lights are quite bright and the batteries last longer.


Oh, and remember to get a GOOD lock, it would cost about €25-€35. Most bicycle thieves* are opertunists who use bolt-cutters to defeat the lighter chain locks.


*Not authoritive, But I've seen plently of cut locks and chains lying around town and I've had bikes stolen by this method.

Raam

my two cents...

Lights: if you want to be seen, anything which works will probably do.
If you want to see where you are going on unlit roads or badly lit roads, then be prepared to pay a few quid, I bought a set for 130 or so, but you can get them cheaper. Re-chargeable is best as you will get browned off paying for new batteries all the time. I usually carry a smaller emergnecy light with me in case I forget to recharge.

Wet gear: shoe covers are great, but aren't 100%. If your shoes do get wet, stick newspaper in em when you take em off. I use covers when it's raining heavy.
I don't bother with wet-gear for my legs, just take the hit. I usually wear cycle shorts or leggings (dead sexy). It helps if you have a shower available in work.

Top: I have a few different jackets, some better than others. Shop around, see what's available. Good gear costs money. Cheap stuff is just that, cheap. Handy to get one with a drop at the back so that if covers your butt., but doesn't look great when walking around (some of them fold up so they have a bomber style).

Jerseys/t-shirts/base layers: It's best not to wear anything cotton as once it gets wet it stays wet. Polyester type stuff is better.
Base Layers are quality stuff, I use em all the time. On cold non-wet days, just stick one under your jersey and it helps keep you warm.

Pants: I wear the padded arse stuff, very comfortable

Bag: whether or not you use a pannier or a rucksack, get a rain cover for it

Hat: get something which easily covers your ears for those biting days.

Gloves: get something warm and water proof if possible. Thats the part of me which get's most cold.........and my feet.......and my ears.

Helmet: I don't bother with one, but then my route doesn't take me near much traffic.

Gizmos: cycle computers are great, they give you something to guage how much fitter you are getting

Bike: I used to use a mountain bike, but switched to a road bike cos it is faster. You don't have to use the drops all the time, but it's handy to have em in case of a head wind.

Pedals: you can get clipless (ironically these are the ones which you clip into with the sole of your foot), cage (these have clips for the toe, hence the others are called clipless cos they don't) or platforms. I use clipless cos they are more efficient (I use the bike at weekends for longer cycles).

Pump and spare tubes: you'll be glad you brought these along when you get a puncture miles from home

Mudguards: I don't bother with them because I change my clothes once I get into work

Best feeling about commuting to work: the healthy buzz it gives you

P

Capt'n Midnight

proteus wrote:

Oh, and remember to get a GOOD lock, it would cost about €25-€35. Most bicycle thieves* are opertunists who use bolt-cutters to defeat the lighter chain locks..

LIDL did bolt cutters for 7.99 a while back so you can decent chains are a must.