Any bicycle commuters out there? What do I need?

[FoggyBlue]

Hi,

Does anyone here commute to work by bicycle?

I’m going to be starting this soon and wondering what I actually need. Any recommendations for good wet gear? Tips for when you arrive to work? Or anything any seasoned bicycle commuter thinks is worth knowing!?

I guess as well, it also depends if someone is already a cyclist (as in cycles for pleasure so already has general cycle gear- helmet, padded shorts, gloves etc) or if they are completely new to the game and have to buy everything from the bike upwards. When I started commuting it was just a change from being a fair weather cyclist to knowing I would have to do it in the rain too, so only needed the panniers and decent waterproof, I already had everything else I needed.
Also, in terms of the need for panniers, I know I said earlier that I use them as I think safer if you fall off and not landing on a large bag on your back. But in my previous job where I only ever took a sandwich in and out I would probably just use a bum bag for lunch, phone and keys. I am now a vicar so lugging around my robes, kit for kids clubs, home communion gear etc so couldn't fit in a rucksack comfortably and the panniers are a necessity.

I was just curious if OP felt inspired or overwhelmed.

I work at a university so I see and know dozens+ of cyclists, most really do just hop on the bike with nothing special. Most are fairweather-only cyclist-commuters & I suspect OP will be, too. There are lots of ways to be a successful bike commuter.

I think seasoned cyclists tend to think you need more stuff than you do.

For general cycling you can wear normal clothes. A light waterproof jacket in a bright colour is a good thing to have. Warm gloves.

That's all you need when starting out.

If you are going to be cycling through the depths of winter you need decent lights, waterproof trousers etc, but maybe see how you go in September/October before you commit to winter cycling.

I cycle to the my local station when I go into the office but I have no intention of cycling through the depths of winter, it's just too dangerous to cycle in the dark in my opinion unless you can use designated cycle paths.

one other thing to add, if you, OP, intend to cycle right through the winter, get yourself a cheap pair of cycling glasses with a set of different colour lenses. Use the clear ones if it's snowing or hailing.

Hi OP

I started cycling to work about a month ago. 7 miles each way. To start I made sure I had lights (both back & front usb charge), a helmet and knew the route.

I just wear gym kit & a ruck sack which I already had and have added fingerless gloves as most of mine is on canal paths and there are a lot of over hanging weeds etc. I am a fair weather cyclist and don't cycle every day.

I leave a bag at work with microfibre towel/soap/deodorant etc. Shower before I go, take a complete change of clothes in the rucksack and strip wash at work. I have to I am very sweaty.

Until you are certain you are going to stick at it in wet/winter I wouldn't buy masses.

I wear glasses/sunglasses but they are a very good idea as things (bugs etc) hit you in the face a lot!

It does feel good after you have done it.

I don’t feel too overwhelmed, though I am a bit apprehensive. It’s a short employment contract I have so no point in investing in a 2nd car so I won’t be a fair weather only commuter.

I’m used to walking in all weathers for work/university but not cycling in all weathers! I just hope it’s not too miserable!!

Thanks for all the replies! I’m not going to get everything at once. I’m hoping once I’m a few weeks in it will just all feel routine. Great recommendations for keeping hands warm, my hands do get very cold. Loved the shower cap for the saddle too.

I was surprised none of you seemed too bothered about what brand/type of rain gear to get. This is actually what I was most concerned about.

My showerproof cycle jacket cost me £20, no idea what brand it is (got it from sports direct), but has lasted 5 years so far!
Decathlon do some great stuff and are quite cheap. Unless you are cycling 100s of miles a week in torrential rain I wouldnt really worry about brands, just go for what clothes you like and which fit you.
Enjoy your commute - there is nothing like cycling!

Cycling in all weathers isn't so bad. If it's cold/rainy you're moving so generally you stay pretty warm. Get a helmet cover for the rain and always have a waterproof jacket with you. It was only ever my hands that got really cold and some good cycling gloves solved that. Even in the middle of winter lycra leggings are generally fine.

Basically, if it rains, you will get wet. It's ok if it's raining all the way, because you get all waterproofed up, but the sudden rain showers are a PITA! If you are going to change in the office, include spare underwear and make sure anything that must stay dry is securely wrapped in a plastic bag. If not, maybe stash a spare work dress and undercrackers etc at work, just in case? And you'll be reet.

Not bothered about brands (of clothes) as whatever you get, it’s going to get very dirty lol.

The best waterproof/windproof gloves I had were only £11 from a cycling shop. You don’t have to spend lots on clothing.

*what do i need?
*
A car.

Cold, wind, rain. One of these is ok. Two is unpleasant. All three and I’d consider getting the bus (which takes longer). I live in outer London and cycle nearly every day and hardly ever get rained on. I wear waterproof trousers about once per year, and usually end up regretting that. I check the forecast in the morning and dress accordingly. I’m not bothered about getting wet or muddy on the way home. If you start cycling now you don’t need lights, gloves or anything warm. See how it goes for now. Good luck, I love cycling!

Marshmy

No everyone has time to drive a car, nice as it maybe to drive it can take a very long time to commute by car & added to that what do you do with the dam thing once you get there? Storing a car can be quite a problem- often costs to park and sometimes no parking available

Been cycling my commute for 2 years now, rain or shine. Planned to be a fair weather cyclist but realised I hated trains more than crap weather

I already had a bike with mud guards and a basket. It is big enough for handbag, laptop and a change of clothes bag. Personally I prefer to change into dress and tights/shoes when I get to work. That means it doesn’t matter what state you get in en route, just change when arrived. If my hair is wet it goes in a bun or plait on arrival.

I bought nothing at all for the first six months, just wore cheap black Ieggings (not sports) and a top. I had a crap pac a mac cagoule in the bottom of a cupboard that did the job for rain, and then switched to an old snowboarding jacket when it got too cold.

The first thing I bought was a waterproof basket cover and a microfibre towel, but even then it was after a few months not immediately.

I ‘invested’ in some (non cycling) sports legging and a couple of t shirts, plus a hi vis cagoule and lights when I decided I was reasonably serious and going to keep it up.

I could do with some waterproof trainers I guess, but it’s never a priority! It’s not too bad to be honest- which d why I still do it despite living ten minutes walk from the station.

I think you only need special gear for ice and snow (i.e. special tyres). If you're used to walking I assume you already have a rain coat and gloves. If you've also got a bike, helmet and a lock plus lights if you'll be riding in the dark, you are good to go.

One of the lovely things about cycling is how accessible it is. You don't need to be mega fit and you don't need a load of complicated or expensive gear.

Of course cycling can be taken very seriously as a sport but as a mode of transport I don't think there's any reason to overthink it.

But I suppose my tip to contribute would be to set off a bit early in case of high winds as they can really slow you down. Depending where you live, I suppose in built up areas it wouldn't get as windy.

My commute is along the coast most of the way so often very windy! The flipside is it can really speed you up as well.

marshmy As if by magic, up pops a thread that partially answers your point. www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/3350394-Car-parking-costs-at-work-out-of-control?pg=1
Here, someone complains about paying £3.10 a day, or around £2,100 per year to park at work. As usual, a lot of other posters piled in pointing out how cheap that is.
That represents an awful lot of lights, rain-proof gear etc, plus enough to cover a family holiday!

One of the motivations for me to cycle was the cost of the train. I worked out that I could get a nice bike and all the kit I needed and within 6 months i'd have offset the cost. Plus, I quit the gym so made a saving there. I love that I see more and more people cycling to work. It's an awesome way to travel!

It’s madness to pay £2k per year to store a car if you can park for free and ride

Even without the cost of parking I have bike and accessories fully paid for from just not having to pay car insurance, tax, servicing and petrol. I also won’t be stuck sitting in rush hour traffic so guaranteed to be home to my children 30 mins after leaving work with my exercise out of the way!