Tips on becoming a 'proper' cycle commuter

[Boothy]

I've just found out they are demolishing our showers shortly!!! Aggghhhhh!!

 

[hdc]

Read this.

Thanks for the link, Mickle!

 

[Martin p]

Hi there
At the moment my commute is Wadsley Bridge to Kelham Island, but it will soon be from Stocksbridge to Kelham Island. I think it will be enjoyable in the summer

Hiya sheffgirl , that sounds like a really nice commute Especially in the summer , be careful though as they are fast roads for motorists .
My commute takes me from Heeley green to Claywheels lane Hillsborough & that runs at about 12 miles on tbe road but im mixing it up a bit so may be a little more.
Good luck with the moved & commute .:-)

 

[sheffgirl]

Hiya sheffgirl , that sounds like a really nice commute Especially in the summer , be careful though as they are fast roads for motorists .
My commute takes me from Heeley green to Claywheels lane Hillsborough & that runs at about 12 miles on tbe road but im mixing it up a bit so may be a little more.
Good luck with the moved & commute .:-)

Thanks, I am looking forwards to it, but also finding it a bit daunting too I can mix it up a bit in the summer by riding through Beeley Wood for a bit of a change from riding through Hillsborough corner

I have acquired a nice bright rear light, now I just need a really bright front light

 

[sheffgirl]

8 mph average? How long does your current journey take?

At the moment it takes me about 15 minutes to get to work, but it is downhill then flat. I can get it closer to 10 minutes if i set off earlier to avoid the traffic.
I probably should have added that I ride an MTB. I know a road bike would probably be quicker but I'm used to it and I can't afford a second bike. I have been given the option of borrowing a road bike to have a go on, so you never know, I might be converted

 

[sheffgirl]

Well, I did there and back for the first time today, and cycled in yesterday. I managed 41 minutes yesterday, at an average of 12.6mph, which I don't think is bad Its just short of 9 miles each way.
Today I was 5 minutes slower, my legs were hurting a bit, but I figure I'll get used to it and hopefully in a few more days it will be easy, just gotta wait for my legs to get stronger

 

[slowmotion]

Well done. BTW, I strongly recommend porridge for breakfast. It's a fantastic fuel for cycling.

 

[PBB]

I've just found out they are demolishing our showers shortly!!! Aggghhhhh!!

That's bad - can you appeal? Why are they doing this?

 

[Boothy]

all cyclists and runners have sent emails to complain but with 24 hours notice there's not much we can do! They reckon we can use showers in other buildings on the business park. Thanks a bunch!!

 

[StuartG]

When you have cycled both ways in a coldy windy downpour and get on the bike next morning with a smile on the face - then you are an A1 registered real super cyclist. Doesn't matter what you wear, ride or wobble.

I do advocate reading Cyclecraft if you have not already done so. I don't agree with all of it but understanding why you do not agree is all part of learning to be a better and safer cyclist. Only the truly great can go fast and far. Decide which is more important to you.

 

[geekinaseat]

That's about the same distance as me, we fall into the grey area between being able to cycle in your work clothes if done slowly or going quickly and showering/changing at work. I chose the former and do 8 miles in an hour on the way into work (in my suit) then change and do the return journey in half the time

The one tip I have is get a pannier if you have to carry anything in with you, using a backpack = a very sweaty back!

It gets easier very quickly, when I started out I was a bit of a state when I arrived at work but two weeks in and you couldn't tell I had cycled.

I'd also recommend (not essential but I think you'd find it easier) swapping the mtb for a hybrid or tourer-esque roadie. Maybe a cyclocross (with gatorskins for the commute) would work if you wanted to use it off road too?

 

[geekinaseat]

It figures that just after posting I think of a load more tips:

• Spare inner tubes and a CO2 inflator are the way to go (be aware mtb tyres often need two cartridges to fill the tyre) rather than attempting to repair a puncture at the side of the road (you can always repair the inner tube at home and keep it as a spare)
• One of those little multitools and tyre levers are probably the only other tools you need, my handlebars once came loose (downhill at 20mph -eek) and having the multitool was a godsend to tighten them up on the side of the road
• I'm in London so contingency is easy (I always carry an oyster card and I'm never far from a tube or bus stop) but figure out in advance where you can catch the bus/train/whatever before you need it!
• A set of Aldi waterproofs in a pannier can prevent a morning working in a very wet set of work clothes (speaking from experience here!!!!!)
• Over winter I've had spoke reflectors and a set of cheapo blinky lights attached to the forks and rear triangle (so the lights reflect off the spokes) so I really light up like a Christmas tree -maybe unnecessary but they were cheap and simple way of making myself more visible (I dress like a ninja so I choose to make the bike more visible)

 

[jonny jeez]

I suspect you are good to go already.

And I don't think it'll take you anywhere near the hour mark.