New to commuting

[jamman]

Hi,

been cycling for a fair while and I'm really wanting to cycle to and from college to save money, time and not have to wait for / be on a bus haha,

Just wanting some general tips on what kind of kit to wear that will fit into a reasonable size gym bag during less than pleasant weather.

Also where is good for buying good quality bike locks??, as I definitely don't want it to be knicked.


The college bike racks are right at the front where lots of people go by, but you never know.

I was considering getting 2 d locks and a chain, I've seen some decent d locks but need help finding a good old fashioned kind of chain to put thieves off.

 

[jonny jeez]

Hi,

been cycling for a fair while and I'm really wanting to cycle to and from college to save money, time and not have to wait for / be on a bus haha,

Just wanting some general tips on what kind of kit to wear that will fit into a reasonable size gym bag during less than pleasant weather.

Also where is good for buying good quality bike locks??, as I definitely don't want it to be knicked.


The college bike racks are right at the front where lots of people go by, but you never know.

I was considering getting 2 d locks and a chain, I've seen some decent d locks but need help finding a good old fashioned kind of chain to put thieves off.

Hi Jamman.

first...how far is the ride (it makes a difference for the kit recommendations).

second...check out our guide...for people just like you

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12757785/revamped draft.pdf

takes a few seconds to download but is crammed full of good ideas that may make your ride safer and more enjoyable.

 

[jamman]

my ride is about 3 and a half miles, so not very far really.

thanks ill look at the link, also been reading cyclecraft

 

[jonny jeez]

my ride is about 3 and a half miles, so not very far really.

thanks ill look at the link, also been reading cyclecraft

I'm guessing you plan to ride that in around 20 minutes or so...longer if you want to wear your "day clothes" and keep the sweating down.

I'd be inclined to do just that and ride in the same gear I'd wear at college all day, you could take a very "ecclesiastical" pace (love that expression!) and not work up any sweat or require any special gear.

if you want to put a pace on then I'd consider some padded shorts (Lycra if you like) a fleece (light and tight) and maybe a waterproof jacket for those wet mornings (of which there really are surprisingly few).

You could also consider cycle shoes but that requires new pedals as well (plus they are heavy to carry about all day)

then there's a buff, gloves, glasses, lid, wicking underwear, hat, bib tights...the list goes on.

hence my original comment.

PS to all those that'll flame me for suggesting 20 mins...I know, I know...but Jamman is just starting out (commuting) here...best to aim for a gentle speed i think

 

[jamman]

I'm guessing you plan to ride that in around 20 minutes or so...longer if you want to wear your "day clothes" and keep the sweating down.

I'd be inclined to do just that and ride in the same gear I'd wear at college all day, you could take a very "ecclesiastical" pace (love that expression!) and not work up any sweat or require any special gear.

if you want to put a pace on then I'd consider some padded shorts (Lycra if you like) a fleece (light and tight) and maybe a waterproof jacket for those wet mornings (of which there really are surprisingly few).

You could also consider cycle shoes but that requires new pedals as well (plus they are heavy to carry about all day)

then there's a buff, gloves, glasses, lid, wicking underwear, hat, bib tights...the list goes on.

hence my original comment.

PS to all those that'll flame me for suggesting 20 mins...I know, I know...but Jamman is just starting out (commuting) here...best to aim for a gentle speed i think

I think wearing the clothes for college would suit me,
I do sports and exercise so wearing a pair of shorts and a t shirt would suit me just fine.

 

[jonny jeez]

I think wearing the clothes for college would suit me,
I do sports and exercise so wearing a pair of shorts and a t shirt would suit me just fine.

Sounds perfect.

I'd suggest all you may want to buy is a puncture repair kit (but to be honest you could walk the bike in if you really had to, chances are you would only have a mile to go in either direction) and maybe a lightweight wet weather suit (kagool and pants affair) just to cover up if its chucking it down.

 

[CopperCyclist]

PS to all those that'll flame me for suggesting 20 mins...I know, I know...but Jamman is just starting out (commuting) here...best to aim for a gentle speed i think

Bugger. Up until this point I was starting to develop an air of smugness tinted with a touch of pride that I do my 6.5 mile commute in 20 mins

 

[jonny jeez]

Bugger. Up until this point I was starting to develop an air of smugness tinted with a touch of pride that I do my 6.5 mile commute in 20 mins