OP
OP
Matthew_T
"Young and Ex-whippet"
- Location
- Prestatyn, North Wales
I would probably still take it all if I only had a commute of 4 miles.
Preparing for the commute - What to take?
- Thread starter Matthew_T
- Start date
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cyberknight
As long as I breathe, I attack.
- Location
- Land of confusion
lol
mine is 10 miles each way but i work shifts so i commute at times when their is no bike shop open, although there are non on my country lane commute .I was once stuck on the way to a night shift in the middle of winter with a double puncture and 1 tube , it was so cold that the glue from the repair kit was not working properly and the wife took over an hour to get to me by which time i was getting close to hypothermia so i would rather carry an extra few bits .
When i get on the nice bike at the weekend it feels like a feather !
cyberknight
As long as I breathe, I attack.
- Location
- Land of confusion
Check your tyre widths, i think the blizzards are only 23 and 25`s .I currently use them and for what they cost they are ok but i would rather get something a bit stronger for commuting , i have a set of gators in stock when the blizzards die.I found blizzards have a thin sidewall .
If i was looking for new tyres for long distance commuting and i had the frame clearance i would be looking at marathons or durano plus .I do like gators but its down to personal choice.
OP
OP
Matthew_T
"Young and Ex-whippet"
- Location
- Prestatyn, North Wales
Well the Vittoria on the back is 23 and the Conti is 28 so my bike currently looks a bit strange from side one.
However, the bike feels fine and I havent had any problems with cornering, etc.
My route is along a promenade shared path which in multiple places has small stones covering the path. I think I will need some either puncture protected tires or something with a thick layer of rubber.
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
Tubes and a waterproof cover for that pannier - the link you have shows one for £8. My Topeak MTX bag has a cover I ordered seperately - you get caught out and you kit will be swimming with that type of pannier.
I assume the top bag is for a laptop.
Seems to be lots of capacity - you taking spare clothes or commuting in civvies ?
I assume the top bag is for a laptop.
Seems to be lots of capacity - you taking spare clothes or commuting in civvies ?
Cheshire Celt
Legend
- Location
- Alsager
Surely a punctured tube is no better than a punctured tube on the bike tubes are pennies get a few spares
OP
OP
Matthew_T
"Young and Ex-whippet"
- Location
- Prestatyn, North Wales
I have added the rain cover.
The top bag will be for my papers and possibly a laptop (I wont be taking it every day).
addictfreak
Guru
- Location
- Boldon, Tyne and Wear
Bike + mudguards in winter
2 tubes
Multi tool
Pump
Clothing wise depends on season, but at the moment S/S jersey, Bib shorts, helmet and of course shoes.
But I'm lucky to have showers, drying facilities and a locker full of clothing which I stock up from time to time.
2 tubes
Multi tool
Pump
Clothing wise depends on season, but at the moment S/S jersey, Bib shorts, helmet and of course shoes.
But I'm lucky to have showers, drying facilities and a locker full of clothing which I stock up from time to time.
Latex gloves (messing about with oily bits and tyres covered in dog bombs
Pump (good enough to at least get tyres firm enough to get you home)
Two spare tubes two spare valves, spare batteries for the lights (all my lights take the same batteries which makes it easier.
Clean socks and pants (water proofs don’t keep you dry but do keep you warm, but sitting all day in sweaty wet grundies is no fun,
Long sleeved top (if your jacket is still not dry you can at least start out warm)
Baby wipes, clean off the sweat and the if needed clean the grit from the gears and bike Chain
Tools, only the ones you need for basic running repairs
Multi tool in a side pocket, that quick fix in the rain
Drybag liner for the inside of my rucksack. Rain will find a way in, especially when you’re carrying electronics
Emergency Cash and mobile phone
Pump (good enough to at least get tyres firm enough to get you home)
Two spare tubes two spare valves, spare batteries for the lights (all my lights take the same batteries which makes it easier.
Clean socks and pants (water proofs don’t keep you dry but do keep you warm, but sitting all day in sweaty wet grundies is no fun,
Long sleeved top (if your jacket is still not dry you can at least start out warm)
Baby wipes, clean off the sweat and the if needed clean the grit from the gears and bike Chain
Tools, only the ones you need for basic running repairs
Multi tool in a side pocket, that quick fix in the rain
Drybag liner for the inside of my rucksack. Rain will find a way in, especially when you’re carrying electronics
Emergency Cash and mobile phone
endoman
Senior Member
- Location
- Chesterfield
I don't commute both ways every day, I can leave bike at work or get a lift either way. 15 miles minimum, today I made it 25 riding in through The Peak, and often do 30 - 40 on the way back. All work clothes etc are kept at work so mine's a minimal load. Bike is securely stored indoors and I can dry all clothes during the day at work.
2 Tubes, 2 CO2 canisters, ( spares at work) multitool, chain tool and quick link. Phone. Lights when it starts darkening, arm warmers, knee warmers as needed at the moment.
2 Tubes, 2 CO2 canisters, ( spares at work) multitool, chain tool and quick link. Phone. Lights when it starts darkening, arm warmers, knee warmers as needed at the moment.
Miquel In De Rain
No Longer Posting
Kitchen sink.
Hawk
Veteran
- Location
- Glasgow Southside
I think you should get better panniers, and probably a better pannier rack. I spent £120 on my combo and would say it just about gives the desired performance, i.e sits securely on rack and is totally waterproof, and quite large.
I did get an M-Wave product, threw it away within 3 days
I did get an M-Wave product, threw it away within 3 days
AndyRM
XOXO
- Location
- North Shields
Wrap your electronics/stuff you want to keep dry in plastic bags (without holes in). Cheap and easy.
Ditch the waterproof trousers and see if your college gym (assuming it has one) will allow you to use the changing rooms to dry off/grab a quick shower. If not, a disabled toilet and towel are your friend to dry off.
Repair or bin your punctured tube. Less than f*ck all use as you'll have to stop to re-inflate or risk damaging your wheel when it inevitably goes flat.
And from an aesthetic perspective, match your tyres. Unless you plan on chucking in a CX race on the way home, then you're cool.
Ditch the waterproof trousers and see if your college gym (assuming it has one) will allow you to use the changing rooms to dry off/grab a quick shower. If not, a disabled toilet and towel are your friend to dry off.
Repair or bin your punctured tube. Less than f*ck all use as you'll have to stop to re-inflate or risk damaging your wheel when it inevitably goes flat.
And from an aesthetic perspective, match your tyres. Unless you plan on chucking in a CX race on the way home, then you're cool.
addictfreak
Guru
- Location
- Boldon, Tyne and Wear
Bloody hell, some of you carry a lot of stuff! I don't take that much on holiday!
