22 mile commute - what stuff do I need, and how should I start?

[sabian92]

Hey,

So I'm officially sick of the bus. I spend 40 minutes each way 3 days a week on a packed bus back and to between home and uni. £60 a month is cheap enough but it's just not a nice way to travel. And it's full of smelly people I realised that the Trans Pennine Trail goes about a mile from my front door to about a mile from my uni building (and to about the same place I get a free gym membership to through uni, so free shower!).

I've got a rack, 2 16 litre panniers, 2 short sleeved jerseys (cheap ones, not merino or anything like that but do a decent enough job in the summer), a Helly Hansen thermal top (which pongs after about 10 minutes...), bib shorts and Altura leggings. I used to commute to college but that was only 3 miles and a lot easier as I wasn't spending an entire day there, and I could bring my panniers inside with me as I was just in the one classroom. Now with lecture halls etc... not so sure. There's parking outside the front door but I wouldn't leave panniers on a bike there (even though people leave their motorbikes unchained, a pannier is a lot easier to wheel away!)

I know I'll probably need something waterproof on my top half, a long sleeved merino jersey so I can wear it both ways and something to carry my laptop in (BSc Computing student). How should I keep myself warm? I presume layering is best but I'm honestly not sure how to do that. Bibs, thermal top, long sleeve jersey, waterproof if it rains and cycling tights?

I'm willing to leave ridiculously early to get there in time as i'm not fit at all but it is mostly flat from what I can see. I plotted it on Bike Hike and it looks flat enough that it'd be a nice pootle rather than a horrible, miserable uphill struggle (can you tell I don't like hills? ) and obviously 44 miles a day 3 days a week will get me fit pretty quickly. I have the option of the train *but* the only route from the train station I can get off at is on the main roads into Liverpool (Live in Runcorn, go to LJMU) so I'd rather avoid them especially as I'm hardly the fastest out there. The TPT is about 40% off road and the rest isn't too bad road wise so I'd prefer that.

Cheers.

 

[wiggydiggy]

You sound good to go, maybe try the route at a weekend to see how long it will take.

It might be a bit blowy in the morning with the wind coming up the mersey but once you hit Hale onwards it'll get more sheltered.

I did the TPT a year ish back and enjoyed the liverpool section a lot.

 

[big bike campaign]

make sure your bike is maintained correctly,
Tyres inflated to correct pressure and no damage to the the tire, carry tools, pump and inner tube you don't wanna get caught out!!
Chain well greased no damaged links , gears changing smoothly
Brakes working efficiently back and front,
Hi viz jacket, back and front lights early nights closing in wanna be able to be SEEN
A Horn so you can be HEARD
a HELMET need i say...

follow us on twitter @bigbikecampaign

 

[furball]

Just give it a go but break yourself in gently and see how it goes. I wouldn't try three days a week to begin with especially if you think you are not fit.
The first time you do the journey, do it on a day that it isn't important that you get to your destination by a specific time. Eat lots and get plenty sleep.
Cycling will generate heat so as long as you wear something next to your skin that wicks sweat away from your body and you have a decent waterproof jacket, you should stay warm even if it is raining (maybe overshoes as well). The clocks change next week so you will need good lights.

 

[sabian92]

You sound good to go, maybe try the route at a weekend to see how long it will take.

It might be a bit blowy in the morning with the wind coming up the mersey but once you hit Hale onwards it'll get more sheltered.

I did the TPT a year ish back and enjoyed the liverpool section a lot.

Would you say get better lights or are "be seen" ones alright?

I use Marathon+ so do you reckon I'd be safe with no spare tubes? Not really got the £££ for a frame pump at the moment.

Just give it a go but break yourself in gently and see how it goes. I wouldn't try three days a week to begin with especially if you think you are not fit.
The first time you do the journey, do it on a day that it isn't important that you get to your destination by a specific time. Eat lots and get plenty sleep.
Cycling will generate heat so as long as you wear something next to your skin that wicks sweat away from your body and you have a decent waterproof jacket, you should stay warm even if it is raining (maybe overshoes as well). The clocks change next week so you will need good lights.

Yeah, I wasn't going to, I still have 2 months of a bus pass to use anyway I'll try it on a day off. 22 Miles is a LOT more than I've ever done but at least it's flat. I've got a thin showerproof jacket but that's it. It's not cycling specfic and to be honest a bit crap at even fending off showers.

Any light recommendations?

make sure your bike is maintained correctly,
Tyres inflated to correct pressure and no damage to the the tire, carry tools, pump and inner tube you don't wanna get caught out!!
Chain well greased no damaged links , gears changing smoothly
Brakes working efficiently back and front,
Hi viz jacket, back and front lights early nights closing in wanna be able to be SEEN
A Horn so you can be HEARD
a HELMET need i say...

follow us on twitter @bigbikecampaign

Not entirely sure I need a horn... The rest I can agree with but a horn is a bit far!

 

[400bhp]

- Layering is better

- Don't bother with waterproof - take a waterproof top with you if you must in your bag (I use waterproof trousers only when it's hammering down).

- Try combinations of kit out to see what works best with what temperatures. A lot of us commuters probably can work out what stuff to wear within a couple of degrees of the weather forecast.

- Watch the weather forecast for the next day then decide what to wear.

- If on the unlit TPT section you'll want to see with lights. See the Cree thread.

- Leave as much stuff as you can at college/gym. Saves on weight/faff. Perhaps ask if they will let you leave a towel/shoes and toiletries somewhere. Even better if you have a locker at college.

- Get into a routine, then you are less likely to forget stuff. Ideally get bike and bag ready the night before.

- Can you leave your cyling kit somewhere not in your bag? It will dry out/be less smelly if it can get air to it. If not then use a specific bag (plastic or drawstring for example) to store your kit in.

- a very good D lock (possibly 2) is a must and better if you can leave them at college.

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

Would you say get better lights or are "be seen" ones alright?

......

Any light recommendations?

2 Magicshine clones. Use 2 when you need 2. 1 is plenty enough to see / be seen by on even urban roads on the lower setting. Then the other is a backup just in case the battery pack goes flat, as there isn't 22 miles worth of warning. About £20 each, 2 of them are cheaper than 1 less bright CatEye.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_o....Xcree+XM-L+1800&_nkw=cree+XM-L+1800&_sacat=0


One is enough with a backup standard "be seen by" light if on a budget

 

[sabian92]

- Layering is better
- Don't bother with waterproof - take a waterproof top with you if you must in your bag (I use waterproof trousers only when it's hammering down).
- Try combinations of kit out to see what works best with what temperatures. A lot of us commuters probably can work out what stuff to wear within a couple of degrees of the weather forecast.
- Watch the weather forecast for the next day then decide what to wear.
- If on the unlit TPT section you'll want to see with lights. See the Cree thread.
- Leave as much stuff as you can at college/gym. Saves on weight/faff. Perhaps ask if they will let you leave a towel/shoes and toiletries somewhere. Even better if you have a locker at college.
- Get into a routine, then you are less likely to forget stuff. Ideally get bike and bag ready the night before.
- Can you leave your cyling kit somewhere not in your bag? It will dry out/be less smelly if it can get air to it. If not then use a specific bag (plastic or drawstring for example) to store your kit in.
- a very good D lock (possibly 2) is a must and better if you can leave them at college.

So just a thermal top, long sleeved jersey and a thin waterproof jacket just in case? I don't think I have access to lockers on my uni campus but I can ask at the gym. Pretty sure during the day they'll not need every single locker!

I don't think I can leave it anywhere outside of a bag - will have to leave it in a locker or similar.

I have Kryptonite Kryptolok at the moment plus an Almax motorbike chain It does weigh 9kg though...

Cheers for the advice, will look at the Cree thread.

 

[I like Skol]

- Layering is better

- Don't bother with waterproof - take a waterproof top with you if you must in your bag (I use waterproof trousers only when it's hammering down).

- Leave as much stuff as you can at college/gym. Saves on weight/faff. Perhaps ask if they will let you leave a towel/shoes and toiletries somewhere. Even better if you have a locker at college.

- Get into a routine, then you are less likely to forget stuff. Ideally get bike and bag ready the night before.

- Can you leave your cyling kit somewhere not in your bag? It will dry out/be less smelly if it can get air to it. If not then use a specific bag (plastic or drawstring for example) to store your kit in.

This is good advice from someone who knows.

If you have a locker then I would suggest maybe doing the trip by bus once a week with as much gear as possible to make the cycling days easier.

Doing this sort of distance is a huge undertaking time wise (but what else would a student be doing?) and is probably going to take 1.5 to 2hrs at each end of the day but if you are prepared for that then go for it and good luck

 

[400bhp]

well, I broadly have 4 outfits for commuting dependant upon feels like temperature:

1. 18 deg plus:- shorts and summer top

2. 14-18 deg: shorts, summer top & base layer. If base layer doesn't have long arms then will wear arm warmers.

3. 4-14 deg: longs, shorts underneath, autumn fleeced lined top, base layer (may not bother with base layer if 12-14 deg)

4. below 4: base layer leggings, longs, shorts underneath,base layer top (2 base layers if below zero), winter soft shell jacket.

Oh, and you'll need a load of shorts too. A clean paif for each day.

 

[400bhp]

This is good advice from someone who knows.

If you have a locker then I would suggest maybe doing the trip by bus once a week with as much gear as possible to make the cycling days easier.

Doing this sort of distance is a huge undertaking time wise (but what else would a student be doing?) and is probably going to take 1.5 to 2hrs at each end of the day but if you are prepared for that then go for it and good luck

Aye - stuff as much in your locker as poss.

Are we looking at 22 miles each way? I read it as 22 miles total.

If the latter, take stuff on your bike once a week. FYI I take a rucksack full or shirts and clean towels once a week and bring the dirty stuff back. Usually every Friday.

 

[I like Skol]

Hey, and obviously 44 miles a day 3 days a week will get me fit pretty quickly.

Are we looking at 22 miles each way? I read it as 22 miles total.

I would hope you of all people would be better with numbers than that! Bl**dy accountants

 

[400bhp]

skim read

I aint no acountant - bloody bean counters

 

[I like Skol]

I aint no acountant - bloody bean counters

 

[sabian92]

This is good advice from someone who knows.

If you have a locker then I would suggest maybe doing the trip by bus once a week with as much gear as possible to make the cycling days easier.

Doing this sort of distance is a huge undertaking time wise (but what else would a student be doing?) and is probably going to take 1.5 to 2hrs at each end of the day but if you are prepared for that then go for it and good luck

I'm only in 2 1/2 days a week so a day a week on the bus is a bit of a waste. I know it's a long way and I'm in at 9am Monday/Tuesday/Thursday so it will involve getting up early but gives me an excuse to go to bed earlier

well, I broadly have 4 outfits for commuting dependant upon feels like temperature:

1. 18 deg plus:- shorts and summer top
2. 14-18 deg: shorts, summer top & base layer. If base layer doesn't have long arms then will wear arm warmers.
3. 4-14 deg: longs, shorts underneath, autumn fleeced lined top, base layer (may not bother with base layer if 12-14 deg)
4. below 4: base layer leggings, longs, shorts underneath,base layer top (2 base layers if below zero), winter soft shell jacket.
Oh, and you'll need a load of shorts too. A clean pair for each day.

I've got 3 pairs of shorts so I can wash and rotate as needed. Reckon it's worth taking a pair of clean shorts for the return?

I can sort of work around that anyway, clothing wise. I might need bigger panniers though

Aye - stuff as much in your locker as poss.

Are we looking at 22 miles each way? I read it as 22 miles total.

If the latter, take stuff on your bike once a week. FYI I take a rucksack full or shirts and clean towels once a week and bring the dirty stuff back. Usually every Friday.

It's 22 each way, 44 in total but it is reasonably flat. I realise it will take some building up to it. I don't have a locker assigned to me so I'll see if I can have one semi-permanently at the gym. I think I'll just have to take stuff I need for that day. I'm going to look like I'm on tour aren't I