Thinking about commuting on a bike. Help please
Discussion
Hi there, I'm considering chucking in making my commute by car as its starting to cost what I consider to be rather silly money especially as I live relatively close. I spend around £120 on petrol a month, and then another £70 just to park my car. This will obviously increase as petrol costs continue to skyrocket!
I was just after a recommendation for a decent bike to commute on, the commute is about 5.5 miles each way, mostly country roads, with a small amount of town riding. Ideally I wouldn't want to spend much more than about £600.
I also wanted to ask if anyone else here commutes to work by bike? If so how do you find it?
I am very fit already and often run the 5.5 miles home from work, and usually cover about 30 miles a week. I'm slightly worried though as I work in an office, which unfortunately has no showers. So while I'm sure I wouldn't be drenched in sweat, I might smell a bit funky?! I would be able to get changed while at work but no shower. Does anybody else do this here?
Thanks for any help!
I was just after a recommendation for a decent bike to commute on, the commute is about 5.5 miles each way, mostly country roads, with a small amount of town riding. Ideally I wouldn't want to spend much more than about £600.
I also wanted to ask if anyone else here commutes to work by bike? If so how do you find it?
I am very fit already and often run the 5.5 miles home from work, and usually cover about 30 miles a week. I'm slightly worried though as I work in an office, which unfortunately has no showers. So while I'm sure I wouldn't be drenched in sweat, I might smell a bit funky?! I would be able to get changed while at work but no shower. Does anybody else do this here?
Thanks for any help!
If you are fit and the ride is not too hilly you will be fine riding in and just getting changed on all but the hottest days of the year. Just remember to really hold yourself back on the way in and go for it on the way home!
Baby wipes, as mentioned above, are your friend.
Get a pannier and rack so that you don't get a sweaty back from a rucksack. Mudguards are a must too.
I am very tempted by this commuter bike:
Charge Mixer 2010 - £649
Or ex demo for an extra saving of £20 and probably room for a bit of negotiation mudguard wise:
Charge Mixer 2010 Ex Demo - £629
It ticks all of the commuter bike boxes. It has discs for wet weather performance, hub gears for easy maintenance, can take mudguards and a rack (according to Wiggle customer support) and looks pretty plain.
It is probably above your ideal budget once a lock, lights, a pannier, a rack & mudguards have been added though. There are some other models that may be of interest but the Mixer is the one that caught my eye a few weeks ago. I just can't justify it!!
Baby wipes, as mentioned above, are your friend.
Get a pannier and rack so that you don't get a sweaty back from a rucksack. Mudguards are a must too.
I am very tempted by this commuter bike:
Charge Mixer 2010 - £649
Or ex demo for an extra saving of £20 and probably room for a bit of negotiation mudguard wise:
Charge Mixer 2010 Ex Demo - £629
It ticks all of the commuter bike boxes. It has discs for wet weather performance, hub gears for easy maintenance, can take mudguards and a rack (according to Wiggle customer support) and looks pretty plain.
It is probably above your ideal budget once a lock, lights, a pannier, a rack & mudguards have been added though. There are some other models that may be of interest but the Mixer is the one that caught my eye a few weeks ago. I just can't justify it!!
Baby wipes and a disabled loo are just as good as a shower 
I'd suggest spending money on appropriate clothing - cut for cycling. Merino wool sockets and tops are brilliant and worth the money. They don't stink either no matter how sweaty you get.
If your commute is realatively flat then I'd suggest a single speed. Decathlon used to do a bright orange one for £90 that would have been ideal. Was made from solid metal though judging by the claimed weight.
I'd second using panniers and a rack. Yes there are those that like carrying backpacks but it's not for me.
Mudguards are also worth the money.
Get a good selection of lights too. At least two front and back - one to see with and one to be seen. Reflectors maybe nerdy but work so use 'em.
Finally, security. I personally like to use two locks of different types. D-Lock and Chain or wire rope. Make sure the diameters are more than 14mm.
I'd suggest spending money on appropriate clothing - cut for cycling. Merino wool sockets and tops are brilliant and worth the money. They don't stink either no matter how sweaty you get.
If your commute is realatively flat then I'd suggest a single speed. Decathlon used to do a bright orange one for £90 that would have been ideal. Was made from solid metal though judging by the claimed weight.
I'd second using panniers and a rack. Yes there are those that like carrying backpacks but it's not for me.
Mudguards are also worth the money.
Get a good selection of lights too. At least two front and back - one to see with and one to be seen. Reflectors maybe nerdy but work so use 'em.
Finally, security. I personally like to use two locks of different types. D-Lock and Chain or wire rope. Make sure the diameters are more than 14mm.
I'm going against the grain here, but as you are a fit chap and it's only 5.5 miles I'd question if you'd even need to change clothes. Don't wrap up too warm and keep to a gentle pace on the way in and you shouldn't need to work up a sweat. Any time you'll lose cycling slower you'll gain back by not having to change anyway.
Mr Will said:
I'm going against the grain here, but as you are a fit chap and it's only 5.5 miles I'd question if you'd even need to change clothes. Don't wrap up too warm and keep to a gentle pace on the way in and you shouldn't need to work up a sweat. Any time you'll lose cycling slower you'll gain back by not having to change anyway.
Agreed, apart from when the weather is not good. Even full mud guards do not protect the bottom of your trousers or your shoes. A minor accident is a whole lot worse if you have just trashed a few hundred pounds worth of suit too. I used to ride 6 miles, half on flat canal towpath and half on roads with minor gradients. There was always a bloody head wind but I took it easy and stole aero tows when available. I just worse shorts & t-shirt or waterproofs and had no problems. The ride home was somewhat more spirited though...
Thanks guys, given me a few things to think about!
To be honest I think I would still get changed at work regardless, would make me feel a bit cleaner I think. And like you say just take it pretty easy on the way in, and then charge on the way home! I'm pretty sure with work I get a discount on Wiggle, so I may well consider that charge mixer, looks like a very nice bike.
To be honest I think I would still get changed at work regardless, would make me feel a bit cleaner I think. And like you say just take it pretty easy on the way in, and then charge on the way home! I'm pretty sure with work I get a discount on Wiggle, so I may well consider that charge mixer, looks like a very nice bike.
cramman said:
But, its not a money saver you think, you'll be looking for new things to buy as soon as you start. Its addictive and I for one can't stop.
MMMMMMMMMMM, Shiny Things!!!!!! You will NEED them, and there is no doubt that, if you keep up the cycling, you will become very adept at creative accounting, so as not to reveal the true costs to the Commander-in-Chief Domestic Appliances. Good Luck. That is all.I stand corrected. Shiny/carbon fibre/Ti, whatever it's made from you can bet it'll need hiding from the Long-Haired-General. Amazing how you can be waterboarded over a new bottle cage, but she'll then go and spend 4 times as much on a haircut. At least my 
bottle cage will still look as good in 4 weeks time and not need replacing with something exactly the same, but different. Hey Ho.
bottle cage will still look as good in 4 weeks time and not need replacing with something exactly the same, but different. Hey Ho.cramman said:
Cycling to work is the way forward.
But, its not a money saver you think, you'll be looking for new things to buy as soon as you start. Its addictive and I for one can't stop.
Agreed, although you dont need to make it excessively expensive.But, its not a money saver you think, you'll be looking for new things to buy as soon as you start. Its addictive and I for one can't stop.
You've got the bike, helment and lights but the killer is the clothes.
Shoes
Bibs x 4 (full length legs (winter / autumn), 3/4 knees, full bib shorts)
Tops (a couple as you wont want to wear the same one for more than 2 days)
Overshorts (if your not on a road bike)
waterproof socks
Overshoes (wind resistant for cold mornings or waterproof for wet days if you dont have winter boots)
Jacket
Gloves x 3 (waterproof, long finger, short finger)
Oh and not to forget a bag.... and dont even get me started how many i have
LOL..... it goes on and as people have said getting past the itch to mod the bike or upgrade the lights (i've got 3 front pair on my commuter and 2 on the rear ranging from 20 quid to silly) is really hard.
But with the cost of petrol, servicing and deprication you'll save yourself from does offset this slightly. Also the lack of gym membership saves a few $$ a month.
More shiny overbudget loveliness... http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CBOOPOMPALF/on-one-pom...
Don't listen to these 'take it easy on the way in' saps!
It'll never happen.
What will happen is that you'll start the first few hundred yards going steady...then you'll look ahead and see your 'target'. Another cyclist!! Then you'll up your pace almost without thinking about it...it's a natural 'I must get past them but without looking like I'm trying' state of mind that works on the caveman part of your brain.
It becomes even more intense if you're like me, riding a full sus in normal clothes and the chap ahead is a lycra'd up, shaved leg, weight weenie road riding chap...then the game is properly on. (You just have to NOT remind yourself that if you do pass him, he's probably cycled from Perth on his daily commute to Canary Warf where as you're on a short blast - so don't punch the air in triumph as you pass him, he may move to the big ring).
Then when you really get into it, you'll be trying to knocked seconds of your best time...
Then you'll find yourself trying to keep up with cars...
Then you'll figure out drafting...
Then you'll take an interest in cadence...
Then you'll regail the silly communting racing stories that you'll build up over time...
Then you'll have red mist situtation and cycle furiously to point out the errors of their way to the chap driving the transit that just clipped your elbow...
Then you'll be working out your Food Chain Number and start keeping a tally...
No? Just me then?
PS...this forum can be good for tips http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/index.php?c=7
It'll never happen.
What will happen is that you'll start the first few hundred yards going steady...then you'll look ahead and see your 'target'. Another cyclist!! Then you'll up your pace almost without thinking about it...it's a natural 'I must get past them but without looking like I'm trying' state of mind that works on the caveman part of your brain.
It becomes even more intense if you're like me, riding a full sus in normal clothes and the chap ahead is a lycra'd up, shaved leg, weight weenie road riding chap...then the game is properly on. (You just have to NOT remind yourself that if you do pass him, he's probably cycled from Perth on his daily commute to Canary Warf where as you're on a short blast - so don't punch the air in triumph as you pass him, he may move to the big ring).
Then when you really get into it, you'll be trying to knocked seconds of your best time...
Then you'll find yourself trying to keep up with cars...
Then you'll figure out drafting...
Then you'll take an interest in cadence...
Then you'll regail the silly communting racing stories that you'll build up over time...
Then you'll have red mist situtation and cycle furiously to point out the errors of their way to the chap driving the transit that just clipped your elbow...
Then you'll be working out your Food Chain Number and start keeping a tally...
No? Just me then?
PS...this forum can be good for tips http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/index.php?c=7
hondafanatic said:
Don't listen to these 'take it easy on the way in' saps!
It'll never happen.
What will happen is that you'll start the first few hundred yards going steady...then you'll look ahead and see your 'target'. Another cyclist!! Then you'll up your pace almost without thinking about it...it's a natural 'I must get past them but without looking like I'm trying' state of mind that works on the caveman part of your brain.
It becomes even more intense if you're like me, riding a full sus in normal clothes and the chap ahead is a lycra'd up, shaved leg, weight weenie road riding chap...then the game is properly on. (You just have to NOT remind yourself that if you do pass him, he's probably cycled from Perth on his daily commute to Canary Warf where as you're on a short blast - so don't punch the air in triumph as you pass him, he may move to the big ring).
Then when you really get into it, you'll be trying to knocked seconds of your best time...
Then you'll find yourself trying to keep up with cars...
Then you'll figure out drafting...
Then you'll take an interest in cadence...
Then you'll regail the silly communting racing stories that you'll build up over time...
Then you'll have red mist situtation and cycle furiously to point out the errors of their way to the chap driving the transit that just clipped your elbow...
Then you'll be working out your Food Chain Number and start keeping a tally...
No? Just me then?
PS...this forum can be good for tips http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/index.php?c=7
No not just you.It'll never happen.
What will happen is that you'll start the first few hundred yards going steady...then you'll look ahead and see your 'target'. Another cyclist!! Then you'll up your pace almost without thinking about it...it's a natural 'I must get past them but without looking like I'm trying' state of mind that works on the caveman part of your brain.
It becomes even more intense if you're like me, riding a full sus in normal clothes and the chap ahead is a lycra'd up, shaved leg, weight weenie road riding chap...then the game is properly on. (You just have to NOT remind yourself that if you do pass him, he's probably cycled from Perth on his daily commute to Canary Warf where as you're on a short blast - so don't punch the air in triumph as you pass him, he may move to the big ring).
Then when you really get into it, you'll be trying to knocked seconds of your best time...
Then you'll find yourself trying to keep up with cars...
Then you'll figure out drafting...
Then you'll take an interest in cadence...
Then you'll regail the silly communting racing stories that you'll build up over time...
Then you'll have red mist situtation and cycle furiously to point out the errors of their way to the chap driving the transit that just clipped your elbow...
Then you'll be working out your Food Chain Number and start keeping a tally...
No? Just me then?
PS...this forum can be good for tips http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/index.php?c=7
I know what speed i need to do between lights to ensure i'm not either two fast or two slow to have to stop them...
Also like to change my bikes up i've got a carbon tarmac Spech with sunday best road tyres (not great for everyday commuting) or if i'm up for a challenge i'll go on my Orange Five with my nobby nic 2.3 tyres.....
Edited by CooperS on Saturday 12th March 19:02
CooperS said:
No not just you.
I know what speed i need to do between lights to ensure i'm not either two fast or two slow to have to stop them...
Also like to change my bikes up i've got a carbon tarmac Spech with sunday best road tyres (not great for everyday commuting) or if i'm up for a challenge i'll go on my Orange Five with my nobby nic 2.3 tyres.....
Yep...somedays is my ss road framed bike, others it's the full sus, and if it's ot raining, then it's my hardtail Zaskat LE....but i didn't want to overload the OP with bike options. I know what speed i need to do between lights to ensure i'm not either two fast or two slow to have to stop them...
Also like to change my bikes up i've got a carbon tarmac Spech with sunday best road tyres (not great for everyday commuting) or if i'm up for a challenge i'll go on my Orange Five with my nobby nic 2.3 tyres.....
Edited by CooperS on Saturday 12th March 19:02
I also worked out that the cost of commuting by car or bike is about the same. The thing with bikes is that I'm always kidding myself that new upgraded bits are worth it as 'it's got to be cheaper than driving'...but it never is!
hondafanatic said:
Don't listen to these 'take it easy on the way in' saps!
It'll never happen.
What will happen is that you'll start the first few hundred yards going steady...then you'll look ahead and see your 'target'. Another cyclist!! Then you'll up your pace almost without thinking about it...it's a natural 'I must get past them but without looking like I'm trying' state of mind that works on the caveman part of your brain.
It becomes even more intense if you're like me, riding a full sus in normal clothes and the chap ahead is a lycra'd up, shaved leg, weight weenie road riding chap...then the game is properly on. (You just have to NOT remind yourself that if you do pass him, he's probably cycled from Perth on his daily commute to Canary Warf where as you're on a short blast - so don't punch the air in triumph as you pass him, he may move to the big ring).
Then when you really get into it, you'll be trying to knocked seconds of your best time...
Then you'll find yourself trying to keep up with cars...
Then you'll figure out drafting...
Then you'll take an interest in cadence...
Then you'll regail the silly communting racing stories that you'll build up over time...
Then you'll have red mist situtation and cycle furiously to point out the errors of their way to the chap driving the transit that just clipped your elbow...
Then you'll be working out your Food Chain Number and start keeping a tally...
No? Just me then?
PS...this forum can be good for tips http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/index.php?c=7
All so very true. It will consume you, but its brilliant.It'll never happen.
What will happen is that you'll start the first few hundred yards going steady...then you'll look ahead and see your 'target'. Another cyclist!! Then you'll up your pace almost without thinking about it...it's a natural 'I must get past them but without looking like I'm trying' state of mind that works on the caveman part of your brain.
It becomes even more intense if you're like me, riding a full sus in normal clothes and the chap ahead is a lycra'd up, shaved leg, weight weenie road riding chap...then the game is properly on. (You just have to NOT remind yourself that if you do pass him, he's probably cycled from Perth on his daily commute to Canary Warf where as you're on a short blast - so don't punch the air in triumph as you pass him, he may move to the big ring).
Then when you really get into it, you'll be trying to knocked seconds of your best time...
Then you'll find yourself trying to keep up with cars...
Then you'll figure out drafting...
Then you'll take an interest in cadence...
Then you'll regail the silly communting racing stories that you'll build up over time...
Then you'll have red mist situtation and cycle furiously to point out the errors of their way to the chap driving the transit that just clipped your elbow...
Then you'll be working out your Food Chain Number and start keeping a tally...
No? Just me then?
PS...this forum can be good for tips http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/index.php?c=7
Now, do I buy those mavic shoes I don't need to go with the new bike.
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