Newbie Requires Advice on Commute

[hackbike 666]

My issue is that I live 15 miles away from work, so it would be a 30 mile commute in total - now 20 years ago, I could cycle all day, up the Malvern Hills and back and still feel great, but I am not quite that fit now!

Yeah I know the feeling.

 

[Crankarm]

I think you'll have a much easier time of it if you start out with a fast road bike, and then instead only do a couple of days a week at first. You might be able to ride into work, take public transport home in the evening, and back in the morning, and ride home again on the evening of the second day.

Bromptons are brill bikes, but they are a distinct compromise when it comes to riding quickly and efficiently. Just because some people can do astounding things on a brompton means nothing - they would also be a lot quicker and more efficient on a decent road bike.

You ever owned a Brompton BM?

 

[Crankarm]

I would decide what you want from a bicycle. Yep the Brompton is more than capable of transporting you on your commute. So is a fixed frame bike road or touring, or even a 'bent bike (BM ). But irrespective of the type of bike, if you decide the cycling is just not for you, it will just sit in the shed and collect rust.

Your plan to initially combine your commute with bus is a good idea. How about cycling to work and back one weekend and see how you do?

Bromptons are great but like any bike they have to fit you. Whilst they can accommodate quite a range of sizes of rider, you are lucky to be able to road test one over a long period.

Commuting this distance I would definitely fit SPD clipless pedals and small bar ends (for a Brompton so as not affect the folding) which makes no end of difference, you can cycle further and not get so knackered or end up in pain. You may also need a seat post extension if you have longer legs. I would go for a 6 speed Brompton without rear rack or lights as they only add unnecessary weight and look ugly IMHO. Better to use the front touring pannier which is so easy to get a long with. You can fit your own aftermarket lights such as SMART.

But more importantly I would see if you can cycle the distance first before you spend any cash and cycle in rush hour which can be challenging........

You should also factor in the cost for decent clothing, SPD shoes, helmet, lights, gloves and joining a cycling club for 3rd party insurance.

You seem to be adopting a sensible approach. Get those pedals turning!

Good luck.

 

[johnr]

I wholeheartedly agree with Chap. A long-distance commute is certainly achievable on a Brompton and 6 gears will make it even easier. They are more than comfortable. Remember that they have very adjustable riding positions, moreso than many road bikes. In my opinion a bike for life so the initial expense is outweighed by their longevity and convenience. I have tried quite a few folders (Dahon 20" and 26" wheeled), Birdy and others but nothing beats a Brommie for me. For your information my M6L cost £725 (around £500 on the Halfords R2W scheme) and is one of my best purchases ever.

Interested to see you got yours on a Halfords scheme... did they give you any trouble? I've fancied getting a Brompton for my Union duties - have to travel to different sites and don't like leaving my bike at stations or places I don't know.

Most experiences with Halfords here have been absolutely rubbish and I've just kept putting off trying to sort something out because life's too short.

How long did it take you to get yours?

 

[Crankarm]

Interested to see you got yours on a Halfords scheme... did they give you any trouble? I've fancied getting a Brompton for my Union duties - have to travel to different sites and don't like leaving my bike at stations or places I don't know.

Most experiences with Halfords here have been absolutely rubbish and I've just kept putting off trying to sort something out because life's too short.

How long did it take you to get yours?

Can just imagine a Halfords youngster being stumped faced with assembling a Brompton not being aware they leave the Brompton factory already fully assembled. Make sure you get your hands on it before they do is all I can say .

 

[swee'pea99]

Your basic game plan seems sound, not to say inspired! 15 miles each way is bound to be daunting at first, so take the hex off - ride 'plan B'! Gives you tghe flexibility you need while you find your way towhat works foryou. One other factor - Bromptons tend to hold their value well, so if and when you decide to go the whole hog,you won't lose out big time when you get your first fixie!

 

[jonny jeez]

Hi Yeast, and welcome.

Sorry I missed this post and have only just spotted it.

I have a commute of a little more than 15 miles and I would say that the last 5 miles are without a doubt the easiest.

its the start that is tougher and we all have to start, so that means all our commutes are as hard as each others.

I would kinda go with BM's plan and just get a bike that is an all rounder, that way you can use it for other activities (like riding to football on a Saturday or riding home from the pub) and get more use for your rental/spend

On that basis I would just jump in and try the whole ride on a well chosen bike, then (as BM says) break the week up, not the ride ....and take the train home or in to work occasionally.

Having had the chance to ride in for a while I would truly say that 15 miles is not as hard as you may imagine...or others might.

I would put money that many people that have shorter rides could easily manage a few more miles if they "had to"...some do even take longer routes home just for fun.

Once you have done it about 3 times it will start to get a lot easier, after two weeks you will be challenging yourself to better your personal time!!

If it helps, I can tell you that the mornings are easier for me, the nights just get darker and quieter... winter is a bit of a bind, but summer commuting is fantastic, especially with the showers etc that you have at your disposal, you will be the freshest, fittest person in the office each day.

So come on...dive in, the waters fine!!

 

[threefingerjoe]

I can't speak for a Brompton, specifically, but a friend has a Bike Friday folding bike, and I am really impressed! Never having seen a folder before, I thought of it as sort of gimmicky...like an "emergency bike". After one 60 mile Sunday ride with the group, I saw that folding bikes are not a joke! It is a "FOR REAL" bicycle!

On your other points, I have to agree with what others have said. Try the commute on a weekend, when you aren't pressed for time. Consider the bike one way, bus/car home route for a couple weeks. Install bar ends, if you decide on a bike that doesn't have drop bars. Everyone won't agree, but I recommend carrying your lunch bucket or clothing on a rack...not in a backpack.

Once cycling to work becomes part of your daily routine, you'll really miss it on the days when you can't ride, due to picking up the kids after work, or appointment, or whatever. Eventually, you won't even want to drive your car for ANY reason! The daily commute may become the highlight of your day!

 

[BillyWhiz]

I commute 16 miles each way on a Brompton and have had no problems. In fact it is quite a comfortable ride. I have been doing the commute for almost a year. I started by getting the train for half the journey, but you soon get tired of that. One late train to many got me to cycle the whole distance. I thought I was going to die and it took me 1 hour and 20 minutes. It now only takes me 50 minutes (mostly country lanes and a few hills, one steep one 2 miles from home). I have lost shed loads of weight and have muscles in my legs now!
BTW I am 43 and was 17 1/2 stone. I am now 16 stone, but still have a bit of a beer belly... give it another year (or I could try improving my diet).
As long as you are relatively healthy, everything is doable.
My one tip is wear cycle shorts, it will save on the soreness.