New to cycling looking to start commuting
- Thread starter Kyledefy5
- Start date
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Matthew_T
"Young and Ex-whippet"
- Location
- Prestatyn, North Wales
Tires depend on what type of roads your commute consists of. Gravelly, muddy tracks will require something substantial. However, smooth roads will require a slick tire, 23c to 35c.
I use a race bike to commute and have a 23c on the back and a 32c on the front (not the best of combinations). I find that on wet leaves, even though I have 40kg over the rear wheel, I am still slipping uphill. What would be best is for me to have either two 32c or 25c tires as it will be much more evened out.
I use a race bike to commute and have a 23c on the back and a 32c on the front (not the best of combinations). I find that on wet leaves, even though I have 40kg over the rear wheel, I am still slipping uphill. What would be best is for me to have either two 32c or 25c tires as it will be much more evened out.
gaz
Cycle Camera TV
- Location
- South Croydon
Start off doing 2 to 3 days a week with tuesday and thursday as a rest day. This will help you get used to the regular exercise. Alliteratively ride in on monday, take other means home on monday and back on on tuesday, ride home tuesday etc..
Leave as many clothes at work, for example I leave my suit and shoes at work, this means all I need to take to work each day is a shirt, socks and pants. Some people leave their shirts at work and get them dry cleaned.
Roll your shirts in your bag, it helps prevent creases.
full length mudguards are pretty useful, keeps most of the water from the road off you and the bike. As such meaning you need to clean your bike less and your bum won't get as wet.
Eating will depend on you. Things like bananas and pasta are obviously good to eat.
Leave as many clothes at work, for example I leave my suit and shoes at work, this means all I need to take to work each day is a shirt, socks and pants. Some people leave their shirts at work and get them dry cleaned.
Roll your shirts in your bag, it helps prevent creases.
full length mudguards are pretty useful, keeps most of the water from the road off you and the bike. As such meaning you need to clean your bike less and your bum won't get as wet.
Eating will depend on you. Things like bananas and pasta are obviously good to eat.
Hip Priest
Veteran
Have a peak at the commuters guide (sticky thread). I'm not sure how experienced you are at riding in traffic, but I found it invaluable. Have a look at Gaz's Silly Cyclists series on YouTube as well. Lots of helpful tips about what to do and what not to do.
Tyre wise, go for something with a good reputation for puncture protection. The ones on my commuter are bulletproof, but they're 32mm and a little heavy.
Tyre wise, go for something with a good reputation for puncture protection. The ones on my commuter are bulletproof, but they're 32mm and a little heavy.
Sittingduck
Legendary Member
- Location
- Somewhere flat
40 mile round trip ain't to be sniffed at, imho. Good luck though! 
Andrew_P
In between here and there
Says the man who has cracked 1100+ miles in Jan...40 mile round trip ain't to be sniffed at, imho. Good luck though!
Sittingduck
Legendary Member
- Location
- Somewhere flat
Supersuperleeds
Legendary Member
- Location
- Leicester
I ride between 15 and 20 miles each way on a couple of slices of toast and a cup of tea in the morning, plus plenty of tea drinking during the day.
I also roll my shirt into a dry bag and put it at the bottom of my rucksack, then let the creases fall out as I have a shower.Trousers and shoes stay at work.
Tyre wise I am on marathon plus, brilliant tyre.
Don't forget to carry a spare inner tube and tyre levers and pump. Also would suggest a pair of latex gloves, that way if you get a puncture or other mechanical problem you aren't going to get your hands all dirtied up.
Don't forget the bike lights
If you are going to use a rucksack get a pack cover for it
I also roll my shirt into a dry bag and put it at the bottom of my rucksack, then let the creases fall out as I have a shower.Trousers and shoes stay at work.
Tyre wise I am on marathon plus, brilliant tyre.
Don't forget to carry a spare inner tube and tyre levers and pump. Also would suggest a pair of latex gloves, that way if you get a puncture or other mechanical problem you aren't going to get your hands all dirtied up.
Don't forget the bike lights
If you are going to use a rucksack get a pack cover for it
addictfreak
Guru
- Location
- Boldon, Tyne and Wear
I do 18 miles when commuting to work. I use my road bike on 23c tyres all year round, although in snow I change to MTB. Tyres on the road bike are gator skins which are great. Food wise I generally have porridge and a banana before setting off.
I'm lucky that I don't have to carry anything, all my stuff is in my locker at work so I can travel light. I'm off work for a while and I can't believe how much I'm missing the commute!
I'm lucky that I don't have to carry anything, all my stuff is in my locker at work so I can travel light. I'm off work for a while and I can't believe how much I'm missing the commute!
I do 23 miles each way,but only twice or 3 times a week. This is usually during the warmer months as i don't have shower facilities when i get to work.
Good breakfast and a sandwich at lunchtime,followed by some fruit an hour before the commute home is enough fuel.
The water bottle is continually refilled
Good breakfast and a sandwich at lunchtime,followed by some fruit an hour before the commute home is enough fuel.
The water bottle is continually refilled
Jimmy Doug
If you know what's good for you ...
I do 20 miles each way. I love it in the morning; less so in the evening. You may find it very hard going at first. I suggest gradually increasing your weekly mileage. Perhaps you could ride in the morning, and take the train in the evening (or vice versa) two or three times a week, and gradually work your way up until you can do the full five days. I cycle thousands of kms a year, but if I stop cycling to work for a while, I have to start back gradually. You have only had your bike a few weeks, so you may find it'll take a few weeks.
