Starting to commute by bike
Discussion
I've probably picked the wrong time to think about this, what with Autumn and Winter coming up, but I'd like to start commuting into work by bike. I've got a Triban 5a, that I've had for just over a year and done 1100 miles on it so far and I haven't been out on it much recently due to low light and can feel myself almost missing being out on the bike apart from at the weekend.
I've been putting off commuting due to the fact there is no shower facilities at my work place, it's dark at night, cars wont see me and other lame excuses but after a bit of Googling there is reasonable suggestions on what to do when there is no facilities to use. Now, I've got all the lycra gear I need, just need to understand panniers. I realise you connect it to the back of the bike, but then do you just put a couple of bungee cords on to it to hold your waterproof bag? I doubt I'd be taking much with me, lunch, change of clothes, D lock, and a couple of small odds and sods. Light's is another thing I will need, but have seen there have been a couple of light threads of recent, so will look at that.
Anything else I've forgotten?
I've been putting off commuting due to the fact there is no shower facilities at my work place, it's dark at night, cars wont see me and other lame excuses but after a bit of Googling there is reasonable suggestions on what to do when there is no facilities to use. Now, I've got all the lycra gear I need, just need to understand panniers. I realise you connect it to the back of the bike, but then do you just put a couple of bungee cords on to it to hold your waterproof bag? I doubt I'd be taking much with me, lunch, change of clothes, D lock, and a couple of small odds and sods. Light's is another thing I will need, but have seen there have been a couple of light threads of recent, so will look at that.
Anything else I've forgotten?
Wet wipes.
If there's no shower facilities at work, you can achieve basically the same thing with three wet wipes - one for the face, one for the pits and one for the balls.
Also, if you can get a rack to fit the Triban 5a without fouling the brake caliper then you're a better man than I am. The b
d thing just would not sit right. Regarding pannier bags, and again, I speak from experience: buy cheap, buy twice. The good ones will have a retractable clip at the top which secures them to the rack, and a sliding clip on the side which keeps them flush to the rack and stops them rattling about.
As you may be able to detect from my tone, I now use a backpack!
If there's no shower facilities at work, you can achieve basically the same thing with three wet wipes - one for the face, one for the pits and one for the balls.
Also, if you can get a rack to fit the Triban 5a without fouling the brake caliper then you're a better man than I am. The b
d thing just would not sit right. Regarding pannier bags, and again, I speak from experience: buy cheap, buy twice. The good ones will have a retractable clip at the top which secures them to the rack, and a sliding clip on the side which keeps them flush to the rack and stops them rattling about.As you may be able to detect from my tone, I now use a backpack!
Edited by Usget on Friday 31st October 15:29
marting said:
Ortlieb seems to be a pretty solid option in terms of longevity and quality. Little bit pricey mind.
You ain't half kidding 
Usget said:
Wet wipes.
If there's no shower facilities at work, you can achieve basically the same thing with three wet wipes - one for the face, one for the pits and one for the balls.
Also, if you can get a rack to fit the Triban 5a without fouling the brake caliper then you're a better man than I am. The bd thing just would not sit right. Regarding pannier bags, and again, I speak from experience: buy cheap, buy twice. The good ones will have a retractable clip at the top which secures them to the rack, and a sliding clip on the side which keeps them flush to the rack and stops them rattling about.
As you may be able to detect from my tone, I now use a backpack!
Yep, realised I missed wet wipes. Seems like I may have to ask the question about what rack to fit over on the Triban forum then, seems mudguards is another hotly discussed topic over there as not much fits! If there's no shower facilities at work, you can achieve basically the same thing with three wet wipes - one for the face, one for the pits and one for the balls.
Also, if you can get a rack to fit the Triban 5a without fouling the brake caliper then you're a better man than I am. The b
d thing just would not sit right. Regarding pannier bags, and again, I speak from experience: buy cheap, buy twice. The good ones will have a retractable clip at the top which secures them to the rack, and a sliding clip on the side which keeps them flush to the rack and stops them rattling about.As you may be able to detect from my tone, I now use a backpack!
Usget said:
This chap's setup seems to be what you're looking for.
Might be a bit excessive, considering my commute will only be 7 miles each way Daveyraveygravey said:
If it's only 7 miles why bother with a rack? Rucksacks are fine and it sounds like you aren't taking a lot. Can you leave the lock at work? I'm lucky in as much as I can ride for an hour and not be too whiffy
For 7 you should be fine with a backpack. Actually with a half decent backpack you're fine for a lot more than that. Just grab a cover for it to keep the wet out.Pic was taken mid way through a 600km Audax - for commuting I dont bother with the bar bag (or bottles unless it's summer), the same backpack is currently tucked under my desk.
Backpacks are fine but panniers are preferable from a comfort point of view. They also mean that you'll be much less sweaty, which is relevant since you don't have a shower.
If you can't quite stretch to Ortlieb (which do come as a pair, so they aren't quite as bad as you'd think!) then Decathlon do some cheap but decent bags. They can probably offer some advice on which racks fit as well.
If you can't quite stretch to Ortlieb (which do come as a pair, so they aren't quite as bad as you'd think!) then Decathlon do some cheap but decent bags. They can probably offer some advice on which racks fit as well.
I've been cycling to work since I changed jobs in February, but I am lucky enough to have a shower at work. And an iron and ironing board. And washing machine and tumble dryer!
However, I occasionally need to carry bulky or heavier objects to or from work, which can limit the rucksack option somewhat. For the occasional times I need to do this, I bought one of these:
http://www.rutlandcycling.com/281957/products/ulti...
It is heavier than the moon, and the QR on the seat post doesn't seem to like staying tight, but it does the job. Might be an option for you, if you can maybe take a week's worth of work clothes etc in, and then remove it for the other 4 days?
However, I occasionally need to carry bulky or heavier objects to or from work, which can limit the rucksack option somewhat. For the occasional times I need to do this, I bought one of these:
http://www.rutlandcycling.com/281957/products/ulti...
It is heavier than the moon, and the QR on the seat post doesn't seem to like staying tight, but it does the job. Might be an option for you, if you can maybe take a week's worth of work clothes etc in, and then remove it for the other 4 days?
I've just fitted SKS Raceblade Longs to my Triban 500 only about £30 and they fit fine. Not had much chance to use them in anger yet, and although they're clip on/off I think I'll leave them on when commuting.
Sorry, thought somebody was asking about mudguards... I'll get me coat...
Sorry, thought somebody was asking about mudguards... I'll get me coat...
Edited by Fugazi on Monday 3rd November 13:34
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