Seriously considering the cycle commute...

[dee.jay]

So I live about 5 miles from my work - and I've been playing with google maps a lot the last day or so - and I've been pleasantly surprised. Using that, coupled with a bit of local knowledge (I've only lived in this town for 5 years and my local knowledge is rubbish outside of the main roads) I've discovered I can make the entire commute and avoid cycling on all roads - there are good cycle routes for the first 4 miles, and the last 1.5 miles or so I can go down quiet side streets.
I work 12 hour shifts, so would have to leave a little earlier but can shower at work, so I'd be ready for my day.
There are suitable bike lock up points outside, and well I think it is certainly more than feasible! I can cycle 13 miles without being too knackered so I'm sure if I started seriously commuting by bicycle now - I would be used to it very quickly.

I'm aware I'll need some more accessories to go with my bike, i.e. a rack for pannier bags, and of course the panniers themselves. So far I've been riding around with a backpack on to carry my phone and water etc but now I've got a water bottle + holder (in fact I'll have two shortly) then I think I will transition to panniers for serious commuting because having the bag on the back is not going to work.

I just need somewhere to keep my valuables I suppose although my phone is the main one.

I have only just got a new hybrid bike which would be suitable - are the tyres that come with these generally suitable for all types of weather? I mean rain etc - Snow - forget it - we get it only a few days in the whole year and there is someone who lives on my commute who owns a 4x4 so getting to work on those days is a no brainer

I think I can probably permanently commute if I can get used to the inclement weather - I guess this will just need organising and owning the requisite gear for the rain. I don't own much because I've been too used to creature comforts (read: being a lazy git)

I'd need lights as well because the dark nights/mornings are coming.

So aside from lights, panniers and racks , oh and mudguards - do I need anything else?

 

[mangid]

It's worth carrying a repair kit, spare tube, pump, tyre leavers, instant patches, multitool. I keep mine in a waterproof bag that accompanies most places (even had to open it up at the airport the other day, and throw away the CO2 cartridge). It's worth learning to do your own maintenance, adjusting brakes, replacing blocks/pads, adjusting deraileur, cleaning chain (search Mickle method). It'll help if/when things go wrong on the commute, and and well adjusted, silent, bike always feels a lot quicker, you'll also end up keeping it a lot cleaner as you have to work on it. Not sure you'll need a water bottle for 5 miles. I commute using a rucksack, 40 miles, and have no issues with it, but other peoples mileage does vary. If you have knobbly MTB tyres it might be an idea to upgrade to slicks, people round here swear by Marathon Plus.

 

[cyberknight]

If you dont want to shower at work you could just take your time , 5 miles should be do able without the need for more than maybe a wet wipe to the pits and a squirt of deodorant .My commute is 10 miles and i dont shower but then i sweat at work anyway and we all smell of industrial welding by then end of the day so a bit of clean sweat is not going to be noticed.
Your tyres should be fine , i have ridden through all weathers including ice on road bike slick tyres so its doable if your careful , some people recommend studded tyres when its bad but if you intend to get a lift you should not need them.

Good Luck and enjoy it !

 

[DCLane]

A good idea would be to stagger the days at first; 2 or 3 days rather than the full 5.

Lights, guards (for winter) and spare tube / levers / pump / multi-tool is all you need.

I commute with a small rucksack 10+ miles each way and don't have panniers. Soon you'll be finding 'extra' roads to go down or that 'nicer but longer route'

 

[raleighnut]

If you get a rack and panniers have a look at the Topeak system, the top bag and drop down panniers slide and lock to the rack and then remove in seconds. The rack also takes standard side panniers (I use a pair of BIG Carradice ones when touring) and still use the top bag with the drop down panniers zipped away. Highly Recommended if a bit pricy. I've got a 'super tourist' on one bike an 'explorer' on another and a 'beam rack' which will fit on any seat post with 4 different size bags.

 

[fossyant]

Do it. Im in the situaion of talking my wife round to allowing me to continue. Ive had two bangs in 25,000 miles and more of commuting. Its great for your health. Doesnt help when a friend said to her he had given up cycle commuting when the kids arrived. He wasn't na cyclist anyway I said.

 

[ianrauk]

Just get on with it. Forr 5 miles you don't need a rack and panniers, a ruck sack will do unless you are carrying a lot.
Don't worry about a shower, babywipes are your friend and work very well as a wipe down. But seeing as you have a shower, might as well use it.

5 miles in the scheme of things is not a lot. It won't take you long to get used to the distance and you will soon be knocking the 5 miles out without even thinking about it.

 

[Drago]

Just do it! You'll soon figure out which equipment combo works best for your needs and tastes.

 

[ianrauk]

[QUOTE 3277462, member: 259"]Agreed with everyone. Five miles is nothing once you get used to it and you can take it easy in the morning and give it some welly on the way back. A well-stocked fridge waiting at home is a good motivator on a sweltering hot day.

I disagree with Ian (as usual) about panniers, I reckon they are great and you can get far more beer in them.

Always make sure you take a bit of money in case your phone doesn't work.[/QUOTE]


Hey, don't get me wrong. I use panniers on my commute. But it's much longer then the OP's 5 miles.
For that short a distance, if you are not carrying much then it's not worth the expense.

 

[dee.jay]

Thanks for all the advice!

Will take it on board

 

[Rykard]

I use panniers for my 3 mile commute. One food one clothes, also makes me look wider on the road

 

[dee.jay]

Yeah - there is no way I could go wearing any of my work clothes, I honestly sweat like a pig.

 

[potsy]

Would be panniers for me even for a 5 mile ride, anything that makes the journey easier/more comfortable can only be a good thing.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Rucksack all the way for me. Everyone is different though.

 

[Drago]

I've defected from panniers back to rucksack recently. My spokes get an easier time and the bike feels livelier beneath me. It's just a preference thing though.