Driving to work?

accap1f8

Hi all,

I've seen some very old threads on commuting to work on a bike but I have a few questions that didn't come up.
I don't drive a bike myself and would be starting from scratch if this is a realistic option.
So I wear a shirt in work everyday and I'm wondering:
Could drive with a shirt on under bike gear?
Would you be sweating after a 30min bike ride?
Would you need a shower after a bike ride?

So this probably wouldn't be viable if I had to shower after a bike ride to work.

Thanks

gerrowadat

I used to do an hour or so. You wouldn't need a shower no, unless it was a day like today with the heat or you got wet.

Bike gear itself can get a bit whiffy so keeping it clean would be important. And I wouldn't count on a dress shirt staying neat under gear, but you might be grand.

Personally I'd tend to wear a tshirt on the bike and have a proper shirt in a bag if possible.

Paulw

I'd be similar. Ride the bike in a t-shirt under the gear, and then change clothes when I get to the office. I keep a bag of clothes in work, or bring a fresh change on the bike with me.

accap1f8

It seems like it could be an option so.
I'm traveling through the tunnel in Cork everyday and it's only going to get worse. Seems like a bike could be a lot more stress free.
You wouldn't smell like fumes I presume?

zubair

If you wear the gear you shouldn't smell of fumes.

My workplace is more casual so i wear a polo shirt and chinos/ jeans for work, they go under my gear. I wouldn't wear a shirt in under the gear though.

Man it was hot today! :eek:

accap1f8

I might have to consider training now to see if I can handle a bike!

Hotblack Desiato

I wear a shirt to work every day under my bike jacket, I wear leather bike trousers and keep normal trousers in work and change into them when I get in.

No heat or sweating. We don't live in the south of France. The winter lining zips out when it's not needed, and my textile jacket has zip-open vents so no overheating. Even if it's really hot, as long as you're moving you'll get a cooling breeze, and on a bike you can keep moving a good proportion of the time.

Alkers

I wear and shirt, jumper and trousers under my bike gear daily (have left off the jumper the last few days). Only thing I don't wear is a suit jacket,if I need it I'll loosely fold it into a backpack.
Don't smell or be sweaty arriving into work.

Slightly different opinion here, I wear sport boots and trousers which are fine if not waterproof, but if I wore a shirt under my jacket, which is a light summer jacket and not remotely waterproof (full of vent holes) the shirt would be destroyed , soaked in sweat and unwearable.

No way the shirt can be worn under gear imo, I suppose it depends on how well it needs to look

Il be driving in full time in a few months and il be bringing in 5 shirts in a rucksack and putting them in a locker once a week.

Lumen

I'm also in the "non sweaty" camp, don't have any problems wearing a shirt under a fairly heavy Revit leather jacket with thick back protector.

accap1f8

And would you all recommend it as a commuting to work option when compared to a car?

Lumen

accap1f8 wrote: »

And would you all recommend it as a commuting to work option when compared to a car?

Seriously? :pac:

accap1f8

Lumen wrote: »

Seriously? :pac:

Yes, it's a serious question.
Some people may prefer to be in their car but don't have the time to be sitting in traffic.
I don't have a bike so this is why I'm asking questions.
People might hate it but just do it to save a few hours in a week.

Sonics2k

accap1f8 wrote: »

And would you all recommend it as a commuting to work option when compared to a car?

Realistically, if it's purely for commuting to work, then it's great, especially if you live in a city.

I grabbed my licence a few weeks ago and have been driving to work on the bike for the last week and a half.

For a bit of context, I live in Ballincollig, Cork and work in Mahon in Cork. In my car I have to leave my house at 8am to make sure I'm in work for 9am due to traffic due to traffic jams and all that. On my bike which a friend is allowing me to drive until I buy my own, I do it in 15 minutes without speeding.

Link to the route I drive each day, which can take about an hour in a car.
https://goo.gl/maps/14oGKZjAQLy

accap1f8

Thanks sonics. It would for commuting.
I'm coming from the opposite direction through the tunnel.
Would love to be able cruise all the way up the motorway and straight to the top of the lights. I'm going to the airport business park everyday and it's taking me an hour most of the time.
I'd say I could do it on 20mins on a bike

zubair

I bought my bike initially for Sunday spins but started riding it to work about 3 years ago. I ride all year round now and save at least 5 hours a week. Yes, there are winter days when i wish i was listening to spotify and drinking a coffee but when I arrive 40 minutes earlier than I would in a car I get over it quickly. That said, year round riding is not for everyone, i'm just fooking awesome!:cool:

Lumen

accap1f8 wrote: »

Yes, it's a serious question.
Some people may prefer to be in their car but don't have the time to be sitting in traffic.
I don't have a bike so this is why I'm asking questions.
People might hate it but just do it to save a few hours in a week.

I know a couple of people who stopped motorcycle commuting (in London) because they got fed up with being knocked off, but not because the experience was normally unpleasant. Irish drivers are much less aggressive, like big dopey whales that are easy to swim around.

Weather in Dublin is mild enough for ice to be a problem only rarely (few days a year), the rest of it can be dealt with my some combination of clothing and motorcycle choice.

Alkers

accap1f8 wrote: »

And would you all recommend it as a commuting to work option when compared to a car?

Absolutely, especially if your route involves congestion or tolls, both of which are reduced by being on the bike. Will you get rid of your car?

GBX

I got a bike because I just wanted one.. not just to commute ... but commuting on it is very handy. You wont regret it.

One thing is to make sure when getting insured that commuting is included in the policy. I know of some people who renewed their policies only to find it had been removed. Ask when getting a quote and make sure its definitely on it when you take the policy out.

Del2005

accap1f8 wrote: »

Thanks sonics. It would for commuting.
I'm coming from the opposite direction through the tunnel.
Would love to be able cruise all the way up the motorway and straight to the top of the lights. I'm going to the airport business park everyday and it's taking me an hour most of the time.
I'd say I could do it on 20mins on a bike

You won't be able to use the motorway on the bike till you pass your test and then you won't want to use the motorway

Lumen

Del2005 wrote: »

You won't be able to legally use the motorway on the bike till you pass your test and then you won't want to use the motorway

Fixed that for you.

accap1f8

Simona1986 wrote: »

Absolutely, especially if your route involves congestion or tolls, both of which are reduced by being on the bike. Will you get rid of your car?

No I would definitely hang onto the car.
Couldn't get rid of that!

accap1f8

Del2005 wrote: »

You won't be able to use the motorway on the bike till you pass your test and then you won't want to use the motorway

And I just looked at my full driving licence. The bike one is not there and I've had my licence over 8 years.
This means back to scratch and doing the driver theory test for which I need some ridiculous ID. Ah Christ!

frozenfrozen

your previous theory test will be on file and may be suitable for the bike.. ring the ndls and ask

Bushmanpm

accap1f8 wrote:

Yes, it's a serious question. Some people may prefer to be in their car but don't have the time to be sitting in traffic. I don't have a bike so this is why I'm asking questions. People might hate it but just do it to save a few hours in a week.

I don't think Lumen was being rude, if that's how you interpreted it, I think he was eluding to just how much fun two wheels are. I mean, we all know the risks and dangers yet still do it! Why? Because its one of those "...the most fun you can have with your clothes on!" aspects of life.
You'll get the bike, quickly do the licence because 1, you already have a fair amount of roadcraft and 2, you'll be eager to shorten your commute and I'm pretty sure in that small space of time you'll LOVE the fun aspect. Or scare yourself shítless and never ride again!
Good luck with it, you won't look back!

accap1f8

Licence expired in 2009 so have to start at the beginning.
Even this first hurdle is a balls. Going to welfare office with all my details to get this card.
They don't make things easy.

zubair

Just follow the usual steps as normal (all listed ion the sticky's) and the red tape doesn't feel so excessive once you're on a bike and doing the IBT.

session savage

I wear whatever I plan on wearing under my gear. Im 30min spin to work and have no issues. I do have a spare shirt here at the office though.. just incase. And I have a shower in a can in my drawer.

Pugzilla

I commuted with shirt and tie under my textiles. Only stopped using the bike because the commuting time was too short for it to be worth it.

BlackWizard

Just do it. One of the best decisions of your life.

accap1f8

Thanks for all your input.
The only thing putting me off is the process.
1.Go to a welfare off during work hours to get the ID
2. Get the theory test
3. Renew my licence to get the bike included during work hours

Only then I get to start the IBT training.

Pugzilla

Welfare office has nothing to with driving licences anymore.
It's all done through NDLS.
You need to do the bike theory test first though.

accap1f8

Pugzilla wrote: »

Welfare office has nothing to with driving licences anymore.
It's all done through NDLS.
You need to do the bike theory test first though.

And to do a theory test you must have some new ID.
No other ID is allowed apparently.
Unbelievable.

Del2005

accap1f8 wrote: »

And to do a theory test you must have some new ID.
No other ID is allowed apparently.
Unbelievable.

And to get the ID you can use your driving licence!

http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Public-Services-Card_holder.aspx

accap1f8

accap1f8 wrote: »

And would you all recommend it as a commuting to work option when compared to a car?

Not a chance. I drive in now and I wouldn't care if it took me an hour longer I'd prefer to be in a car listening to the radio in the warmth than pissing about on my bike in the morning. (I'm.not a morning person)

Unfortunately have no choice with work move, it's actually nearly quicker cycling so prob end up doing that.

Bushmanpm wrote: »

I don't think Lumen was being rude, if that's how you interpreted it, I think he was eluding to just how much fun two wheels are. I mean, we all know the risks and dangers yet still do it! Why? Because its one of those "...the most fun you can have with your clothes on!" aspects of life.
You'll get the bike, quickly do the licence because 1, you already have a fair amount of roadcraft and 2, you'll be eager to shorten your commute and I'm pretty sure in that small space of time you'll LOVE the fun aspect. Or scare yourself shítless and never ride again!
Good luck with it, you won't look back!

I have fun going out on the weekend acting like a lunatic , not weaving through traffic at 10 mph mostly in the wet with 20 mins of locking up bike, prep and additional shower , How anyone finds that fun is beyond me. I'd imagine 99% do it because it's quicker.

Op depends how long the commute is, If it was 30 mins on bike to an hour in car I'd pick car. It would have to be going from 1 hour v 2 hours before I would bike in.

Unless its a day like today then obviously take the bike.

I love riding my bike but not commuting on it, it takes the fun out of it for me. I'm pretty strict about wearing gear and conscious about locks/security so that adds a ridiculous amount of time to my commute if I bike.

Pugzilla

I would think twice about getting a bike if it's solely for commuting. If you have no genuine interest in motorbikes themselves and view them purely as a mode of transport, then don't bother.

Paulw

Pugzilla wrote: »

I would think twice about getting a bike if it's solely for commuting. If you have no genuine interest in motorbikes themselves and view them purely as a mode of transport, then don't bother.

WHY???

I bought a bike, solely for commute. But, once I had it, I did a lot more. I do commute on the bike, but also go for spins in the evening and on weekends. I never had an interest in bikes. For me, it was a case of buying a 2nd car for the house, or else I get a bike. I definitely don't regret getting a bike.

My commute is 15 min by bike. I have somewhere to park it, at work. But, if I was in the car, it would take 45 min, and I would have nowhere to park. I could take public transport, but that would be about 50 min. But, the bike means I get a little extra time in bed in the morning, and I get home quicker too. I save an hour a day on commute. That might not be much to some people, but it means a lot to me.

Yes, there is the hassle of changing gear, the rain, lack of fun during a commute, etc. Life is always about compromises. Would I take the car if I could?? Not a chance. I will always take the bike first, and car as the second option.

BlackWizard

It's also been said many times on this forum too that it is addictive. We are all at different stages and levels of this "addiction". Some of us have expensive bikes and others cheap. Some of us don't bother locking up the bikes and others weld it to the earths core each day.

I think buying a cheap bike and using it for commuting is a great idea. But definitely the daily rat race can be tiresome and take the fun out of biking. Every weekend my little club goes out for a spin and sometimes I just can't be arsed after riding the bike all week.

I would even suggest a scooter for the convenience *hides* or at least get a top box for the bike. This is when ya start going from "ah sure its just a bike for commuting" to "but I do want something cool looking and fun".

GBX

Pugzilla wrote: »

I would think twice about getting a bike if it's solely for commuting. If you have no genuine interest in motorbikes themselves and view them purely as a mode of transport, then don't bother.

What a load of boll*x. They are a mode of transport that many people you probably pass on the road only use for commuting. I'd be of the opinion the more bikes on the road and less cars the better. Do you consider yourself a "proper" biker who goes on spins and doesn't want too many bikes on the road?? What difference does it make if the OP is commuting as you are hardly gonna cross paths :rolleyes:

Lumen

Willow Small Fountain wrote: »

I have fun going out on the weekend acting like a lunatic , not weaving through traffic at 10 mph mostly in the wet with 20 mins of locking up bike, prep and additional shower

That just demonstrates how different people's experiences are.

I do about 30km each way in to Dublin and it takes me an average of 40 minutes (45 in bad traffic, under 35 over the summer). Whilst there's a bit of inner city bumbling which is slightly annoying, I can still listen to the radio just as I would in a car on on a bicycle.

It takes me about a minute longer to get dressed than if I was using the car, mostly due to faffing with headphones, and at the other end I just have to take off my jacket and change my trousers.

I don't use any additional locks, I just park on the footpath outside my office, take the key out and walk in. If I was using a car I'd be spending 10 mins just getting in to the multi-storey and walking to the office.

I really don't understand the showering thing. How do you get sweaty just sitting on your arse operating a couple of levers? Are you pumping your guns during your commute or what? :pac:

Pugzilla

You're not a real biker unless you've got at least three tattoos, do four track days a year and listen to death metal.

listermint

accap1f8 wrote: »

And to do a theory test you must have some new ID.
No other ID is allowed apparently.
Unbelievable.

got one of these last week as they wrote out to me saying its to be changed.

I was in there approx 7 minutes.

And done. place was empty.

Its not the welfare office btw.

galwaytt

Pugzilla wrote: »

I would think twice about getting a bike if it's solely for commuting. If you have no genuine interest in motorbikes themselves and view them purely as a mode of transport, then don't bother.

I don't agree with that at all: motorcycles are a perfectly good choice as transport. It is actually what they started out as after all, even before cars. When I started biking in the 80s I did so specifically as transport, car insurance being too expensive. 30+ years later that argument is even stronger when you add in modern traffic levels....

And even though I have bikes, modern scooters are a very good commuting choice.

Pugzilla

galwaytt wrote: »

I don't agree with that at all: motorcycles are a perfectly good choice as transport. It is actually what they started out as after all, even before cars. When I started biking in the 80s I did specifically as transport, car insurance being to expensive. 30+ years later that argument is even stronger when you add in modern traffic levels....

I'm in Galway myself. I commuted solely on a bike for 2 years. My journey was longer taking the bike. You've got the pain of changing and storing your gear 4 times day. Not fun when you're tired and just want to get home, worse when it's pissing rain (something quite frequent in the west). Bikes aren't that much cheaper as a transport if you're doing high mileage. Tires are more expensive than cars and have a shorter lifespan. Service intervals are more frequent.

I'm a fair weather biker now, and being on a bike is much more of an occasion. If there was no need for PPE I'd take the bike to work everyday though.

zubair

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-general-news/heres-what-would-happen-if-10-drivers-switched-motorcycles

Just a recent article on commuting.

D3V!L

Pugzilla wrote: »

You're not a real biker unless you've got at least three tattoos, do four track days a year and listen to death metal.

Thats me out, track racing is scary

galwaytt

Pugzilla wrote: »

I'm in Galway myself. I commuted solely on a bike for 2 years. My journey was longer taking the bike. You've got the pain of changing and storing your gear 4 times day. Not fun when you're tired and just want to get home, worse when it's pissing rain (something quite frequent in the west). Bikes aren't that much cheaper as a transport if you're doing high mileage. Tires are more expensive than cars and have a shorter lifespan. Service intervals are more frequent.

I'm a fair weather biker now, and being on a bike is much more of an occasion. If there was no need for PPE I'd take the bike to work everyday though.

Well, the SO works in Eyre Square. Traffic home on a Thursday or Friday can be 1.5 hrs...to Craughwell.

25 mins on the bike.

schaffer

Pugzilla wrote: »

If there was no need for PPE I'd take the bike to work everyday though.

I believe you only need to wear a helmet according to the law.

Paulw

There's a difference between the law and the need.

I wouldn't ride without full gear - boots, gloves, helmet and textile suit. I do have lighter summer gear, and heavier winter gear.

But, over the last few days I've seen people with helmets, shorts, t-shirts and runners. Might help them keep cool, but even a slow speed they would be ruined for life. To each their own, but that wouldn't be for me. :eek:

Pugzilla

schaffer wrote: »

I believe you only need to wear a helmet according to the law.

Yeah, but I never get on the bike without full gear regardless of distance.

Hotblack Desiato

BlackWizard wrote: »

But definitely the daily rat race can be tiresome and take the fun out of biking.

It's not as much fun as riding purely for, well, fun, but it's a f**-ton more fun than sitting stuck in a cage or standing at a bus stop.
Most days M-F it's by far the most fun thing I get to do. Even if it's p*ssing rain.

When it's NOT fun - frost or storm force winds - then I take the bus.