Commuting logistics

[redcard]

Anyone who has read my previous thread will know I plan on cycling 10 miles of my journey, then getting the bus or train for the remaining 15. I plan to park my bike up at the station. My intention is to do this 3 times a week

I'm looking to carry as little clothing as possible, probably leaving my work clothes at work and getting changed there. If I get properly into cycling, I'll probably be getting the proper gear - shirt, tights, shoes. I think I'm going to feel a bit self-conscious getting on a bus wearing tights especially, so I'm considering what I can do to help me blend in as a regular commuter.

I'm thinking maybe a black Berghaus RG3, or maybe a regular black overcoat. How about shoes? I'm guessing I'm gonna be changing from trainers, and am gonna end up carrying these on the bike.

Any tips on organisation?

 

[PaulSB]

I suspect you will end up carrying a lot of gear you don't really need. I commute cycle, train, cycle in full Lycra. I may look a prat to others but don't care especially as I know I'm properly kitted out for what I do.

If practical, and I accept in some areas it isn't, take the bike on the train. It at least proves what you are doing!!!!

 

[redcard]

I suspect you will end up carrying a lot of gear you don't really need. I commute cycle, train, cycle in full Lycra. I may look a prat to others but don't care especially as I know I'm properly kitted out for what I do.

If practical, and I accept in some areas it isn't, take the bike on the train. It at least proves what you are doing!!!!

I'll probably be getting the bus, and getting the bike on there isn't an option.

Should get a "Really, I'm a cyclist!" sticker for my back.

 

[ufkacbln]

There are a number of options, if you don't want to simply brazen it out

Craghoppers do a lot of cheap, but reasonable out door trousers. i find their Kiwi "Pro" stretch trousers ideal for touring, or cycling to those meetings where lycra is not the "image" you want to present. A pair of Altura liners or inner shorts and you are sorted.

For shoes, look at some of the "casual or trainer type SPD shoes. Not as efficient as a proper pair of racing shoes, but again have the flexibility for public transport as you can walk comfortably

As for organisation, I have a locker at work that I arranged. I go in on a Monday fully kitted, pannierised, and tooled up. Bring back last week's washing, store everything and then go back to carrying essentials during the week

 

[I like Skol]

Lose the tights and get a pair of baggy shorts (either cycle specific or not). I ride in normal heavy cotton or denim shorts on my 2x10 mile commute unless the temps fall below 4-5 degrees when I do don tights for the sake of my knees. I suggest the MTB 'look' is a lot more normal when seen without a bike.

 

[jonathanw]

Lose the tights and get a pair of baggy shorts (either cycle specific or not). I ride in normal heavy cotton or denim shorts on my 2x10 mile commute unless the temps fall below 4-5 degrees when I do don tights for the sake of my knees. I suggest the MTB 'look' is a lot more normal when seen without a bike.

Agree totally. I commute on a road bike in endura baggy MTB shorts (either standard or 3/4 length depending on the weather) with clickfast padded liners. They look like perfectly acceptable shorts, but with the added advantage of pads for when you are in the saddle. This will prevent self conscious worries about the "linford" effect of lycra tights

 

[tongskie01]

you dont know what people around u are thinking unless they say it in your face. so dont worry, wear lycra.

 

[gavintc]

I commuted with the bike on the train between Edinburgh and Glasgow for 3 yrs in lycra. Initially,I was self conscious and then realised there are some benefits. You will only get someone sitting next to when the train is full. So. for most of the journeys you get 2 seats to yourself.

 

[HLaB]

I used to take the train to my work and cycle back I found logistically that was better; I wasn't sitting in the office sweaty, felt less time constrained and I could leave my shoes at work (train/cycle in spds).

 

[boydj]

Agree totally. I commute on a road bike in endura baggy MTB shorts (either standard or 3/4 length depending on the weather) with clickfast padded liners. They look like perfectly acceptable shorts, but with the added advantage of pads for when you are in the saddle. This will prevent self conscious worries about the "linford" effect of lycra tights

I do the same - with MTB shoes and pedals you can wear your cycling gear on the bus and not look too out of place. You can get a running hi-viz bib to wear over a darker jacket when you are cycling so you don't have to have the hi-viz look on the bus. (If you think you need hi-viz that is)

 

[Gooner Mad Dog]

I went to Sport Direct got myself a Muddy Fox cycling jacket in sale £20, cycling padded lycra 3/4 length cycling pants £10 from Lidl, I put some old tracksuit bottoms over the pants and kinda disguises you , I can shower/ change at work luckily and do 21-22miles per day.