Fed up with cycling commute, shall I give it up?

[Iamsocold888]

I work in different places sometimes so it’s somewhere between 4 and 7 miles from home depending.

It can take me 25-40 minutes depending, but I’ve just stopped enjoying it, especially in this freezing weather. It’s horrid when it rains too, which it recently did almost every day for a month.

I don’t drive , have failed my test almost 10 times over the years and have given up the idea of ever being able to drive.

Even though I live in a big city, the bus system isn’t always great. I sometimes start very early and finish late and there are hardly any buses, plus I have to take 2 different ones, so sometimes it’s just a lot quicker cycling.

For instance I might start work at 7am on a Sunday, there are no buses before 7 and it’s way too far to walk so I have to cycle.

I’m just getting really fed up with it, plus there doesn’t seem to be a route that isn’t hilly. I can’t afford the decent electric bikes either.

Just find myself wishing I could take the bus or drive, not sure what else I could do apart from find a nearer job to home.

Which bit of you is cold/wet? I usually get too hot if I bundle up as I generate a lot of body heat once I get going, but everyone's different. The thing I find most important are the gloves and shoes. Good waterproofs make cycling in the rain absolutely fine imo. Wind is much worse than rain.
I love cycling no matter the weather but of course yanbu to find it tough in the winter. The health benefits are enormous, though. Might it help you to stay positive to focus on what a good thing you are doing, for your body, the environment and your community?

A silk balaclava will help to keep your face & neck warm and they are not at all bulky, perfect for under a cycle helmet.

I know you say you have given up on driving .However have you considered an Automatic at all? I struggled with a manual and an Instructor I didnt gel with (Nothing untoward just didnt feel comfortable) Passed within a year with an Automatic ,and a lady instructor . My DH cycles and thermals are great plus hat ,gloves and a balaclava or scarf around face .

For everyone recommending a scooter/moped. You still need to take a test to ride one on L plates, and do the theory test before you can get going

Also for warmth I can definitely recommend a pair of silk lining gloves. They make such a difference.

Wear layers. If you can afford to, wear the best you afford.

And a buff can be pulled up at the to go over your head and st the front to cover nose and mouth.

I ride a motorcycle all year round and these things have really helped.

If you are ever feeling a bit flush there is a full range of heated clothing you can get but it's not cheap.

You should pick a gear so your legs are spinning round almost effortlessly (obviously on a hill that won't be so easy).

That isn't true for everyone, some people are more efficient in harder gears.

It sounds difficult OP. I love cycling but having to do it every day through the winter would change that I'm sure. It's also physically harder in the winter and you will naturally be slower.

I cycle and it's about 4 miles and getting an e-bike has been a game changer. My friend got her new one from Halfords and despite their reputation it really is decent. Mine is my existing hybrid that I had converted (it was cheaper than buying an e-bike but I am not sure that would be the case now with bike prices going manic).
I also have a really good buff that's wool but thin enough to go over my ears under my helmet.
I have really good waterproof trousers (mine were £100 and I can wear them all day) so I will cycle any day it isn't icy.

You'll have a provisional licence so complete your CBT for a motorbike / moped and use that. You can get one of those two wheel at the front bikes, stable, safer, bigger. Or get an electric scooter.

Ive got waterproof/ windproof over trousers. They cover my feet too so no more wet feet. Waterproof gloves and one of those hygge headband that I pull up over my nose and cover my ears with.
My commute is five miles there. I'm undoing layers by mile 2🙂

Thanks for all these ideas, the e bike or converter would be great, will have to get a few hundred pounds together first. Yes I do have a provisional, looked into the cbt and that seems really good too. Are electric scooters permitted on public roads ?

I don't think e-scooters are legal. Also the ebike converters don't have the best reviews either as DH looked into it for me.

How much does swytch cost?

£590 apparently :/

Electric bike you can use on cycle paths but moped is road only. Depending on the route options open to you.
I used to stop cycling to work Nov-Feb as it’s just too grim, dark wet and felt unsafe.
Good luck finding an option that works for you.

If you are in Scotland you can get interest free loans for ebikes over 4 years here.

My ebike converter is a Bafang, it's great.

www.heated-clothing.co.uk/collections/frontpage