New commuter

[The Rookie]

OK, I feel a bit of a pansy, but as a pretty unfit (although not overweight) 42yo I intend to start of by driving half way (3 miles) and then cycling the rest (3.5), I work in an office starting at 8 so have to arrive in not to sweaty a demeanour to start work, after I'm happy with that I'll up my game to commute the whole way.

Weapon of choice is a mountain bike put together from a frame and front forks from the local recycling centre and bits and pieces of my old bike (not ridden for 2 years) and ebay, its a Giant rincon, fairly light for an older MTB with lockout and setup comfy for me (bad wrists so I have to sit fairly upright) and on road tyres pumped up HARD.

Just putting together a bracket to attach a (meant to be roof mounted) carrier (local freebay) to my towbar and I'll be off. Wish me luck!

Simon

 

[magnatom]

Welcome and good luck!

Let us know how you get on.

 

[Maz]

Good luck, Simon. Might be worth keeping work clothes at the office and change when you get there.

 

[eldudino]

I'd definitely suggest cycling in comfy clothes then getting changed at work into your office gear. I keep a couple of spare shirts, shoes and a pair of trousers at work. Less to carry when you're on your bike too.

 

[garrilla]

I predict that by the end of next week you will be readyto go the whole 6.5 miles to work.

By the end of May you'll be taking the 'scenic' route.

In June, you'll discuss selling your car to buy your self a Ribble as you just think getting to work on Road Bike would be better for your fitness.

In July, your wife will be concerned that that you want a 3rd bike because Autumn is approaching and you'll need a winter bike then.

In Aug, you'll be turfed out on the street but don't worry you wont feel the cold when you're homeless because you be able to layer-up with all the base layers, long- and short-sleeved Jerseys, Fleeces and Jackets you have since bought.

Welcome to the bike life.

 

[eldudino]

I predict that by the end of next week you will be readyto go the whole 6.5 miles to work.

By the end of May you'll be taking the 'scenic' route.

In June, you'll discuss selling your car to buy your self a Ribble as you just think getting to work on Road Bike would be better for your fitness.

In July, your wife will be concerned that that you want a 3rd bike because Autumn in approaching and you'll need a winter bike then.

In Aug, you'll be turfed out on the street but don't worry you wont feel the cold when you're homeless because you be able to layer-up with all the base layers, long- and short-sleeved Jerseys, Fleeces and Jackets to have since bought.

Welcome to the bike life.

+1

 

[HJ]

Welcome to the club...

 

[JamesM]

What's your route like for hills? I recently started commuting and found that I can get away with cycling in wearing proper cycling gear and having a quick wipe down in the toilets as I get changed.

My route is 14 miles, nearly all along the canal tow path. I do it in about an hour.

 

[hackbike 666]

Good luck Simon but im sure you will be fine.

 

[The Rookie]

I'll cycle in the right kit and change when I get there, I'm lumbered having to carry a laptop every day (and am a brown bagger, so will have a packed lunch as well) as well so space/weight in the backpack will be at a premium, I may drive once a week or so to stash shirts ready for the next few days, leaving trousers and shoes at work.

I have one steep short hill and one longer shallower one of the same height, so its not the easiest route, although there is an good cycle path for the last mile which will help.

Simon

 

[HJ]

Don't let the hills scare you, although they never seem to get easier if you measure your speed you will find over time that you are getting faster, then they start to become fun...

 

[Woz!]

Panniers are a godsend! I've never looked back since getting mine yonks ago. No more sweaty achey back.

 

[JamesM]

I'll second the pannier suggestion. I get my lunch, change of clothes (minus shoes) and tube,pump, repair kit etc in one. I've found it makes a huge difference to the sweatiness compared to having a backpack.

 

[garrilla]

I'm a backpack person. Even though I get sweaty, I don't like paniers - personal preference period. But everyday in my pack I'm carrying Laptop, accessories, lunch (salad box + bread + fruit), notepads (yes plural), books and small ecology of detritus. You will get used to heaving all these things about with you and if you are cycling for fitness an extra 10Kg is a good thing.

 

[thomas]

I'm a backpack person. Even though I get sweaty, I don't like paniers - personal preference period. But everyday in my pack I'm carrying Laptop, accessories, lunch (salad box + bread + fruit), notepads (yes plural), books and small ecology of detritus. You will get used to heaving all these things about with you and if you are cycling for fitness an extra 10Kg is a good thing.

Personally I wouldn't fancy carrying all that on my back. I do use a backpack, but I'm not carrying that much so it's okay. Panniers probably would be better, but not sure if I could actually fit them to my bike or would want the rack on it all the time anyway.

3.5 miles is what I did for my old uni job and for me quite an easy distance (plus, it's flat which helps a lot). Though, with a back pack loaded and starting cycling I think it's the sort of distance that encourages you to do it, even if it's not that nice out. I'm sure it won't be long before you feel you can do all 6.5 miles