First commute 23 miles

[mangid]

Hi Really appreciate the info! Quick question, how do I know what type of chain quick link to use? I've got an SRAM chainset but a Tiagra cassette, does that effect anything? I've no idea what type of chain I have.
Scabs are instant patches, sorry I think it's a brand name. I've got my tube wrapped in a cheapo food bag, held tight with an elastic band. I also have a tool tube, that I can carry instead of the second water bottle, which contains:

• Another inner tube
• A slightly larger multitool
• Small adjustable wrench
• Puncture repair kit

Just get one for your chain width (9/10/11 ...). I find food bags disintegrate fairly rapidly, got 5 envelopes from worldofenvelopes.com years ago, and have only used 1 so far, Tyvec is pretty indestructible.

I'm also paranoid enough to carry a Presta valve tool, although I've taken to Loctiting those in as soon as I get a new batch, one to many mornings with cold fingers and the valve coming undone when I took the pump off :-)

 

[Cameronmu917772]

Very valid point! Must remember to stick a couple of quid in the saddle bag for "Emergency rescue / bus fare".

I always carry a tenner with me on my rides and some how always find a pub halfway in . Plate of chips and a pint and I'm off again

 

[evo456]

If you can spare a second inner tube that would be good, or an old broken tube so you can use it to line the tyre if you get a big gash. Typically what I carry, this obviously varies people to people depending on preference.:

Multi-tool with chain splitter- if the rear hanger or derailleur go on a ride, I can get by by converting it to a fixed speed.
Skabs/instant patches
Pen or marking tool of some sort to mark where punctures are and area on the tryre to inspect embedded object
Spare tube
Mini air pump
Presta to schrader valve adapter - too many bent valves in my time + you'll be able to use petrol station air pumps in a pinch.
Money
Phone
Tyre levers
Chain link
Bottled drink- one should be fine, if not you can also purchase some somewhere.
Energy gel/choc bar/ jelly babies.
Zip ties
Front and rear silicon wrap around lights

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

I ride over to my parents' home 2 or 3 times a week. It is a round commute of 43-44 miles.
I carry 1 spare inner tube (my tyres of fairy resistant), plus patches, tyre levers, multitool, money, camera, phone, quick link/missing link, clothes, food, snacks and medication. 1 * 680ml water bottle, pump and I think that is it... oh and a waterproof top. I have left the chain tool behind for the time being because I put a new chain on recently - it will go back into my kit as I wear out the existing chain.

It gets easier but the thing to remember is that commuting those distances is different to leisure riding those distances - it's not the same and it's not a race and it's not a 'how quickly can I do this'. Arriving safely rather than quickly is more important and more to the point, arriving with spare energy and not wiping yourself out each and every ride is much more important. Ignore the idiots who fly past you (like one did yesterday to me) on uphill sections with a smug 'got you' smile and just accept that they are (probably) not doing the distances you are. Take your time and relax.

 

[Cameronmu917772]

I ride over to my parents' home 2 or 3 times a week. It is a round commute of 43-44 miles.
I carry 1 spare inner tube (my tyres of fairy resistant), plus patches, tyre levers, multitool, money, camera, phone, quick link/missing link, clothes, food, snacks and medication. 1 * 680ml water bottle, pump and I think that is it... oh and a waterproof top. I have left the chain tool behind for the time being because I put a new chain on recently - it will go back into my kit as I wear out the existing chain.

It gets easier but the thing to remember is that commuting those distances is different to leisure riding those distances - it's not the same and it's not a race and it's not a 'how quickly can I do this'. Arriving safely rather than quickly is more important and more to the point, arriving with spare energy and not wiping yourself out each and every ride is much more important. Ignore the idiots who fly past you (like one did yesterday to me) on uphill sections with a smug 'got you' smile and just accept that they are (probably) not doing the distances you are. Take your time and relax.

I am kind of the same. I went out yesterday and enjoyed my ride 32 miles in two hours had a great time on my own. The traffic was alittle dodgy but that's what happens round here. It wasn't until I tweeted my ride that I realised a whole load of people only ride 5 to 10 miles. My problem is finding an other competent rider with a similar attitude. Oh and finding new roads to explore.