Hi, I’m new to the forum and looking for advice on starting a 17 mile commute. I live in St Albans and at the moment I work in central London and commute using a folding bike and the train (about 3 miles cycling). From spring I’m going to be working in north London (Colindale) and am considering doing the full commute by bike.
Firstly, I’d like to know if this sort of distance is doable? How long should I expect it to take (googlemaps says 1h30)? I’d probably try to build it up gradually … maybe using the train + folding bike one way then cycling the other way on a full sized bike at first (i.e. always leaving one bike overnight at work).
Secondly, I’m obviously going to need a new bike but haven’t got much of a budget (about £300) although I’m happy to get something second hand and also have the option of using a salary sacrifice scheme (which would increase my budget to about £450). I haven’t got much of an idea where to start though I’m guessing a road bike is going to be a better option than a hybrid over this distance? But would also like something suitable for all weather so that I can commute year round and I'm not sure what the quality of the roads/cycle lanes is like yet. I’ve noticed the Specialized Allez Sport mentioned on here which seems to be within my budget second hand … Any suggestions for other models or important features to look out for?
Thirdly, any tips on the best way to manage the commute? At the moment I just cycle in work clothes and take a backpack. What basic clothing/equipment am I going to need? Backpack vs panniers? Do you leave clothes at work or take them each day etc…?
Any advice, pointers or even encouragement would be great, thanks!
Firstly, I’d like to know if this sort of distance is doable? How long should I expect it to take (googlemaps says 1h30)? I’d probably try to build it up gradually … maybe using the train + folding bike one way then cycling the other way on a full sized bike at first (i.e. always leaving one bike overnight at work).
Secondly, I’m obviously going to need a new bike but haven’t got much of a budget (about £300) although I’m happy to get something second hand and also have the option of using a salary sacrifice scheme (which would increase my budget to about £450). I haven’t got much of an idea where to start though I’m guessing a road bike is going to be a better option than a hybrid over this distance? But would also like something suitable for all weather so that I can commute year round and I'm not sure what the quality of the roads/cycle lanes is like yet. I’ve noticed the Specialized Allez Sport mentioned on here which seems to be within my budget second hand … Any suggestions for other models or important features to look out for?
Thirdly, any tips on the best way to manage the commute? At the moment I just cycle in work clothes and take a backpack. What basic clothing/equipment am I going to need? Backpack vs panniers? Do you leave clothes at work or take them each day etc…?
Any advice, pointers or even encouragement would be great, thanks!