Going to start commuting

[Rafreg]

Morning all

I'm new to commuting and I will be starting my commute in the next week or so (Still have to buy my bike). Are there any tips you guys and girls can give that will help me along the way? I get into work early and have time to shower etc... so that is not a problem. Also I have enough storage at work to keep fresh clothes. But for the actually commute itself I'm going from zero to 28 mile per day. I'm not daunted by it as I need the fitness (hence the scree-name) I just need to know any do's and don'ts

Many thanks

Gregg

 

[Beebo]

Good luck, but 0 - 28 miles is a big ask, that is at the top end of most peoples commutes. What bike will you be buying?

I went from 0 -24 mile but it took me a month before I was fully up to speed and able to cycle there and back 5 days a week.

Dont push it too hard, you may need to take a few days off or miss the return journey out.

Your bum will hurt for the first few days too.

Once you are a month in you will know if 28 miles is manageble 5 days a week.

 

[BSRU]

As your going from 0 to 28 miles a day, I would recommend either part drive/train and part ride or alternate bike commute days, just to start of with.

If you do too much too soon you may loose you appetite for commuting on two wheels due to over tiredness or injury.
It's harder to commute if your not enjoying it.

 

[jugglingphil]

Agreed with above posters.
Don't take on too much too soon, or you will set yourself up to fail.
Drive part way, cycle the rest. Increase the distance gradually.
Listen to you body, if your tired before you start, think about missing a day.

It won't be long before the 28mile commute is the best part of your day.

 

[400bhp]

If you do too much too soon you may loose you appetite for commuting on two wheels due to over tiredness or injury.
It's harder to commute if your not enjoying it.

Absolutely.

1-d days a week at first, then build it up.

 

[400bhp]

28 mile per day

Gregg

That's total per day right?

 

[SquareDaff]

I've been doing 20 mile days for the last year and still have Fridays where I just "run out of steam". Try alternate days to start with. Worst ache for me was my inner thigh and one achilles.

 

[Rafreg]

All very valid points thanks. I do run about 15 miles a week, but i am wary of the long commute. I will let you know when and how my first day goes!

 

[Rafreg]

Oh and 400bhp the answer is yes, 28 miles a day.

 

[Rafreg]

As for what bike. I am not sure. I'm think a hybrid due to the mixed roads and trails, although I would say mainly road. I keep coming back to the Specialized Sirrus.

 

[SquareDaff]

I've been looking at the Specialized Sirrus Carbon Pro - a flat bar road bike. For 20 miles a day I want something that is comfy but which can cruise quickly. Have also been looking at road bikes- but as a rather nasty virus highlighted a weakness in my back earlier this year, and given that I'm not getting any younger, I'm a little dubious about risking drop bars. Will have to pop around the LBS and try a few out for size.

 

[Melonfish]

Wow 28 miles a day, scary stuff!
i'm currently doing about 14 miles a day and i can feel that in my legs. i've not ran out of steam yet but i'd quickly envisage myself having a coronary doing 28 miles a day!
i'd follow what the guys say and start off either by part commuting by public transport or limiting the amount of days you did this till you built up your stamina.

couldn't imagine doing 140 miles a week. eek!

 

[Rafreg]

All such valid points. The fitness side of things I need as I'm joining the raf. Dig in that's all I can say right now.

 

[david1701]

if you want a road type bike with the dropped bars, a tourer or cross bike will cope with any paths, I ride a tricross from specialised which will take a lot of abuse (including thrashing on lanes) and take a pannier rack so you don't need a backpack.

As to building up, I know some guys drive in, then ride home and ride back in in the morning to pick the car up as a way to spread it out, or alternate days. Luckily the closest thing to a 'commute' I have is only 5 miles each way (but usually has at least one extension on it )