Commuting to the train station
Discussion
Any advice or top tips about cycling the 5 miles to the train station and back? Bike will be left at the train station and I will need to get changed somewhere.
I've got a decent set of lights, high vis waterproof coat. Going to swap out the downhill tyres to something more road friendly. Using the spare bike, which is an old one that doesn't owe me anything.
Any practical advice?
I've got a decent set of lights, high vis waterproof coat. Going to swap out the downhill tyres to something more road friendly. Using the spare bike, which is an old one that doesn't owe me anything.
Any practical advice?
Hackney said:
Consider your fellow passengers if you get particularly sweaty over 5 miles.
Locks. Lots and lots of locks.
Five miles should be ok if you take it easy (Sweat)Locks. Lots and lots of locks.
I would advise changing at the office and if you are short of a shower, then use wet wipes, deodrant and keep a a selection of clothes at your office, so you only have to bring one pile of clothes in per week rather than one set every day.
Commuting to anywhere by bike is much more involved than just the cycling bit.
Ideally you should have multiple lights of the sane manufacture or ones where the mount is fixed to the light so you can swap at the side of the road rather than having to switch batteries.
Variety of cycling clothing will help you manage sweat levels (if you are that bothered). take note of what layers work for you in different temperatures and learn to plan the clothing based on the forecast.
I cycle/train/cycle to work every day on a Brompton and whilst I may not be the fastest cyclist, I am very organised with my clothing and set up at the office. I'm usually first in the shower ahead of lots of other cyclists because I keep my building pass in the same pocket everyday and other riders are there faffing about with bags and pulling their clothes out trying to find their pass or locker key.
We're coming into winter now so a decent hiviz jacket - cycling specific, the cut is different - gloves, lycra balaclava, mudguards, Abus folding lock on the frame bottle holder mounts, another good U-lock, for a commute that distance I would also want ergo grips if it's a flat bar.
Dynamo hubs are massively popular here in DE and make huge sense, the new LED lights are cheap and really bright.
I do like my rear rack and panniers. Not having a rucksack on helps the sweat situation massively.
Basic flat kit as well, of course, with a pair of latex gloves and a rag in it.
50 miles a week in all weathers is going to be hard on the bike. Learn at least how to clean it, even better, how to maintain it properly. Things will wear out and break.
All sounds a bit doom-mongerish, but it's just the benefit of my experience and mistakes!!
Dynamo hubs are massively popular here in DE and make huge sense, the new LED lights are cheap and really bright.
I do like my rear rack and panniers. Not having a rucksack on helps the sweat situation massively.
Basic flat kit as well, of course, with a pair of latex gloves and a rag in it.
50 miles a week in all weathers is going to be hard on the bike. Learn at least how to clean it, even better, how to maintain it properly. Things will wear out and break.
All sounds a bit doom-mongerish, but it's just the benefit of my experience and mistakes!!
Can ony reitterate the bit about locks.
Mate of mine had his Brompton nicked from the station the other day (long story, but he normally puts it on the train, but thought he'd leave it at the station for an hour while he went to the dentists).
Came back and it was gone. And so were lots of others.
Apparently gangs regularly get trains out of London to commuter towns and target the bikes locked up there. They dress in cycling clothes so as not to arouse suspicion as to why they're at the bike racks and do it at a time when they can take full-size bikes back with them on the train (i.e. outside of Rush Hour).
He was just unlucky that on the one day he left his bike there, they were also there. But he only has (had) a cable lock.
Mate of mine had his Brompton nicked from the station the other day (long story, but he normally puts it on the train, but thought he'd leave it at the station for an hour while he went to the dentists).
Came back and it was gone. And so were lots of others.
Apparently gangs regularly get trains out of London to commuter towns and target the bikes locked up there. They dress in cycling clothes so as not to arouse suspicion as to why they're at the bike racks and do it at a time when they can take full-size bikes back with them on the train (i.e. outside of Rush Hour).
He was just unlucky that on the one day he left his bike there, they were also there. But he only has (had) a cable lock.
Edited by Kell on Tuesday 18th October 16:11
5 miles should be ok sweat wise, as long as there is no big hill.
If you feel the station is not very safe I recommend the following to make it look a bit rubbish (assuming your happy to make the bike look rubbish. If not I wouldn't leave it at the station):
Spray paint the frame and wheels badly. Preferably in a rubbish colour like pink or slime green. Overspray on to the tyres.
Cheap mug guards. Don't be afraid to crack one of them.
Some box tape holding the cables on. It does not have to be structural, just look like it is holding things in place.
ACF50 all over then ride in the rain (avoid the drivetrain). It protects everything but also attracts dirt.
Remove the seat
Also before and after pictures.
If you feel the station is not very safe I recommend the following to make it look a bit rubbish (assuming your happy to make the bike look rubbish. If not I wouldn't leave it at the station):
Spray paint the frame and wheels badly. Preferably in a rubbish colour like pink or slime green. Overspray on to the tyres.
Cheap mug guards. Don't be afraid to crack one of them.
Some box tape holding the cables on. It does not have to be structural, just look like it is holding things in place.
ACF50 all over then ride in the rain (avoid the drivetrain). It protects everything but also attracts dirt.
Remove the seat
Also before and after pictures.
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