Commuting to work - am I mad?
Discussion
Long story short, I'm seriously thinking about starting to cycle to work, especially now we're starting to get into some nicer weather. However, work is about 13 miles away and while part of me thinks it'll take a week or two to get used to it, another part of me is wondering if I'm crazy.
Also, I live in Otley and work in Leeds, for anyone who doesn't know the area, it's not exactly flat..
So, is that a long way? Am I mad? Is there anything particular I should be looking at in a bike, thinking road bike, budget of maybe 500 quid, give or take 250. Probably on a cycle to work scheme, pretty sure my employer is registered.
Any top tips?
Also, I live in Otley and work in Leeds, for anyone who doesn't know the area, it's not exactly flat..
So, is that a long way? Am I mad? Is there anything particular I should be looking at in a bike, thinking road bike, budget of maybe 500 quid, give or take 250. Probably on a cycle to work scheme, pretty sure my employer is registered.
Any top tips?
13 miles, you'll only be getting warmed up!
Do it. For me, life just feels better after being outdoors for that amount of time each day. It's only an hour each way, if that, but it's better than an hour sat in traffic.
And you save a fortune on petrol.
And get thin.
And a tan.
And road bikes, fast ones, are cool.
Do it. Get to da Chopper! (or road bike)
Do it. For me, life just feels better after being outdoors for that amount of time each day. It's only an hour each way, if that, but it's better than an hour sat in traffic.
And you save a fortune on petrol.
And get thin.
And a tan.
And road bikes, fast ones, are cool.
Do it. Get to da Chopper! (or road bike)
d, 6 miles each way.
I started doing 13 miles each way (on my Triban 3 from Decathlon) a couple of weeks ago from basically the odd weekend ride and having some basic fitness from running.
It might take some building up, depending on how much cycling you're doing at the moment. I'm currently doing the trip 5 times a week (out of 8 journeys - if I drive in on a Monday morning with my bike and suit, drive back on Friday evening) as I found myself running out of steam mid week and my legs had nothing left!
It's much more pleasant than driving (only takes me 10-15 minutes more on bike due to traffic) and I generally feel like I have more energy during the day (though I have to eat more!).
It might take some building up, depending on how much cycling you're doing at the moment. I'm currently doing the trip 5 times a week (out of 8 journeys - if I drive in on a Monday morning with my bike and suit, drive back on Friday evening) as I found myself running out of steam mid week and my legs had nothing left!
It's much more pleasant than driving (only takes me 10-15 minutes more on bike due to traffic) and I generally feel like I have more energy during the day (though I have to eat more!).
I think threads that feature "Am I Mad" in the title and then go on to describe quite a mundane decision/car/bike ride should be banned!
Jokes aside OP, 10 miles is about perfect distance, not too far, not too close, I would start off doing it twice a week, see how you get on , job jobbed!
Up the frequency when you find you are enjoying it more, some people start off too keen and burn out quickly.
I do 20 miles a day on one of these: http://www.londonbicycleworkshop.com/94/products/r...
Its perfect for my commute, but a bit too nice, part of me wished I just spent £300 on a Triban3, some 28c tyres and mudguards. Then just run it to the ground for two years, maybe replacing the drivetrain after the first year.
If it was urban or no hills (by hills I mean 8% +) I would use a single speed, although as my route is hilly its not really suitable. Im all for MTFUing but I dont fancy mashing up a steep climb @ 6am when it is -1 with a heaving backpack on!
Jokes aside OP, 10 miles is about perfect distance, not too far, not too close, I would start off doing it twice a week, see how you get on , job jobbed!
Up the frequency when you find you are enjoying it more, some people start off too keen and burn out quickly.
I do 20 miles a day on one of these: http://www.londonbicycleworkshop.com/94/products/r...
Its perfect for my commute, but a bit too nice, part of me wished I just spent £300 on a Triban3, some 28c tyres and mudguards. Then just run it to the ground for two years, maybe replacing the drivetrain after the first year.
If it was urban or no hills (by hills I mean 8% +) I would use a single speed, although as my route is hilly its not really suitable. Im all for MTFUing but I dont fancy mashing up a steep climb @ 6am when it is -1 with a heaving backpack on!
Funk said:
I want to ride to work but no showers there. Puts me off the whole idea completely as I don't want to sit in my own sweat all day from the ride in. Thought about a flannel an 'rinsing off' in the disabled loos but it's still not appealing.
I used to do 9 miles commute into a previous work place which had no shower and it was fine. My work isnt very customer facing (working at computer all day) so is ok in that I dont have to wear a suit ect.. I used to 'flannel off' which was good enough to freshen you up. If you dont cane it on the way in it is ok (helpful if you have no hills!) then you can go a bit faster on the way back depending on mood. Even if its just a couple of days a week its worth doing I think.Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff