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?
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 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!
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 
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