The Basics of Commuting by Bike
Commuting by bicycle is an excellent way to get regular exercise and jumpstart your workday. Riding to work can give you a morning mood boost, and is also a great way to save money and help the planet. Getting into commuting by bike can be a bit daunting to beginners, there are a vast array of accessories geared towards the commuter cyclist and it can be difficult to know what things are really necessary to a beginner. In reality, there are only a few basic things you need to get started, and ensure your commute is safe and enjoyable.
First and foremost, you’ll need a bike that meets the requirements for your route. Depending on the terrain you may encounter, a variety of styles may work for you, including road, hybrid, and mountain bikes. The average commute to work is usually all on pavement, and in that case a road or hybrid bike would best fit the bill. Though you can commute with any style of bike, bikes with flat bars are often preferred as they give riders a higher vantage point for seeing traffic and obstacles. It's also recommended that you equip the bike with a durable and puncture resistant tire that is designed for wet and dry weather. Good handling in any weather and less flat tires will make your ride much safer and more enjoyable. There are tires at a variety of price points from companies such as Panaracer and Continental; if you have questions on what tires fit your bike a great place to start is talking to your local bike shop.
Even with quality tires, you’ll still more than likely have to change a flat tire at some point. For this occasion, and other similar issues, you’ll need to have a good set of tools to bring along. This includes a tire lever, tire pump, and a tool to take off the wheel if necessary. You’ll also want a small multitool for quick adjustments, and an extra inner tube. You can find tools that are designed specifically for commuters, and are compact for easy carry in a tool roll or bag. It's a good idea to practice doing flat fixes and other basic maintenance at home first so you're familiar with how to do it on the road. If you need help with learning how to do basic maintenance, ask your local shop if they host mechanic classes. There is also a vast wealth of information found on Youtube and bike forums as well.
Depending on the time of year, it may be dark on your way to and from work. It’s highly recommended that you invest in a quality set of lights. At the very least, it is important that traffic can see you in the dark. If you are riding where there are few street lights, you may also want to get a headlight bright enough to see in front of you so you can avoid any accidents. Most lights have the lumen rating listed somewhere on the package; a rating of 200 lumens is sufficient for being seen by traffic, and a rating of 400 or more is recommended for riding in unlit areas. Lights on the cheaper end also often use disposable batteries, but if you are able to spend a bit more initially, you can find rechargeable lights, which will save you some money in the long run.
Though warm, sunny days are preferable for riding, the weather will eventually turn on you. It is important to have clothing for any weather you’ll encounter, be it rain or cold. A good raincoat and set of rain pants will help keep you dry in wet weather, and a warm jacket, gloves, and ear protection will help you brave unexpected temperature drops. Fenders are also extremely useful for keeping you dry; you can either install permanent fenders on your bike or just get a clip-on fender to install on rainy days. Depending on how much storage you have at work, it may also be a good idea to keep an extra pair of socks and shoes there in case the ones you’re wearing get wet on the ride in.
Getting started on commuting by bike can seem a bit overwhelming, but with a few basic necessities you’ll have a safer and more enjoyable ride. Cycling to work is a fun and rewarding way to bookend your workday, and once you get into the habit you’ll wonder why you didn’t start earlier.
