Want to ride to work but on a tight budget + outside storage

[jamin100]

Thank you. Im defiantly going to try and give it a go on Monday just need to get some bits first.
I've just got back from Aldi on my lunch break as i hoped to get a jacket, lights, bottle & gloves but unfortunately they had no jackets in my size and only had the gloves available out of that list.

I go do without a few of those things to begin with as I have a hi-vis vest I can wear Monday but i need to get some lights this weekend as I'll be leaving the house around 615am on Monday and it will be dark. There is another aldi store on my drive home so i'll pop in there and see what they have.

 

[Beebo]

Remember no matter how good your saddle is your bum will hurt for the first few days, it takes a while to get saddle hardened. You will need some padded shorts.

When I started commuting I was about a stone heavier than you are now and nearly cried on the second day when I sat back on the bike

 

[jonny jeez]

Hi Ben.

You might have the worst possible bike for the job (a full suss MTB.... YUK)

NOOOOO...Chitty (My old retired MTB) was a susser with gripshift and she was a beaut.

The grip shift allowed super fast getaway from the lights as its so simple to shift up 4 or 5 gears at a time to reach crusing speed.
and the front forks smoothed out the potholes anf ruts.

Nothing wrong with a freebie MTB (although... can you lock out the rear shock, that might bob a bit on the hills?)

your bike choice is fine for a 10 mile commute...trust me , mine is 20 miles (each way, so its a 40 mile round trip) and I did that for 3 years (about 3 times a week one year) with no issue

but listen to everything else Skol says...its good advice

 

[jonny jeez]

Remember no matter how good your saddle is your bum will hurt for the first few days,

that's a good point, the second time you ride in will be pretty uncomfortable but by the third ride it will be fine.

 

[mikeoc]

Hi, I am in Streatham too and I started cycling to work last week - my reason is because I have been riding a Vespa in to work the last 2 yrs, and while I love it, my tummy was getting less and less toned - time to take action!

I eventually got my bike from Decathlon, after spending the last couple of months checking out prices (and reviews) of secondhand bikes, and new bikes in the end of season sales. Bikes have gotten a lot more expensive in the 20 yrs since I last rode a bike! My commute is in to the top end of Bishopsgate, so about 8 miles, so I wanted a road bike. I did consider drop handles, so was looking at the Triban 3, but when I test-rode it, the drop handle position felt really alien to me after all this time, so went for the Forme 3, which is the same bike, but with flat-handle bars, and easier to use gears.

At the moment, it is taking me about 40 mins, which I think is pretty good. I'm just enjoying the ride at the moment, rather than pushing myself, at this stage. Cycling home takes an extra 5 mins, what with having to cycle up Brixton Hill. Have to echo what someone else said about the saddle - have had to invest in padded shorts, while my backside gets used to it (have also raised it to help distribute my weight). I also did a 'dry run' to work, on the Sunday before, to check out/practise my route etc.

I got all my accessories from Decathlon too - lights, helmet, clothes, hi-visibility jacket and backpack cover etc. All very cheap, compared to shops like Evans.

If the company you work for is in Cyclescheme you could also get a substantial discount on a new bike - up to 40% off.

Am fortunate to have a locked bike shed at work, where I can store my bike, and at home, am leaving it in the back garden locked, and with my scooter cover on, to protect it from the weather (which is just sun sun sun at the moment!)

So good luck with your cycling!

Mike

 

[jonny jeez]

Hi, I am in Streatham too and I started cycling to work last week - my reason is because I have been riding a Vespa in to work the last 2 yrs, and while I love it, my tummy was getting less and less toned - time to take action!

I eventually got my bike from Decathlon, after spending the last couple of months checking out prices (and reviews) of secondhand bikes, and new bikes in the end of season sales. Bikes have gotten a lot more expensive in the 20 yrs since I last rode a bike! My commute is in to the top end of Bishopsgate, so about 8 miles, so I wanted a road bike. I did consider drop handles, so was looking at the Triban 3, but when I test-rode it, the drop handle position felt really alien to me after all this time, so went for the Forme 3, which is the same bike, but with flat-handle bars, and easier to use gears.

At the moment, it is taking me about 40 mins, which I think is pretty good. I'm just enjoying the ride at the moment, rather than pushing myself, at this stage. Cycling home takes an extra 5 mins, what with having to cycle up Brixton Hill. Have to echo what someone else said about the saddle - have had to invest in padded shorts, while my backside gets used to it (have also raised it to help distribute my weight). I also did a 'dry run' to work, on the Sunday before, to check out/practise my route etc.

I got all my accessories from Decathlon too - lights, helmet, clothes, hi-visibility jacket and backpack cover etc. All very cheap, compared to shops like Evans.

If the company you work for is in Cyclescheme you could also get a substantial discount on a new bike - up to 40% off.

Am fortunate to have a locked bike shed at work, where I can store my bike, and at home, am leaving it in the back garden locked, and with my scooter cover on, to protect it from the weather (which is just sun sun sun at the moment!)

So good luck with your cycling!

Mike

Hi Mike...and welcome to you too.

Well played for cracking on and taking the plunge. I also have a motorcycle that I occasionally ride in on, although of late it's been left in the garage as I've found a new motivation and have been riding in (on the pushbike) almost every day for the last couple of weeks.

PS...I had the same tummy issues...Ahem

 

[ray c. flagg]

Recently knocked down my shed, and like you have three kids so bike in the house was a not a good idea.... so as a temp measure i bought a bike cave (http://www.tidytents.com/bikecave.htm) 10 min to set up and can be fixed to the wall/floor, have had the bike in it for about a month no problems ;-)

 

[mikeoc]

Hi Mike...and welcome to you too.

Well played for cracking on and taking the plunge. I also have a motorcycle that I occasionally ride in on, although of late it's been left in the garage as I've found a new motivation and have been riding in (on the pushbike) almost every day for the last couple of weeks.

PS...I had the same tummy issues...Ahem

Thanks, and hi to you too! Am loving the cycling. Have been a bit spoilt with the weather tho, ask me again when the cold snap hits!

 

[I like Skol]

NOOOOO...Chitty (My old retired MTB) was a susser with gripshift and she was a beaut.

The grip shift allowed super fast getaway from the lights as its so simple to shift up 4 or 5 gears at a time to reach crusing speed.
and the front forks smoothed out the potholes anf ruts.

Nothing wrong with a freebie MTB (although... can you lock out the rear shock, that might bob a bit on the hills?)

your bike choice is fine for a 10 mile commute...trust me , mine is 20 miles (each way, so its a 40 mile round trip) and I did that for 3 years (about 3 times a week one year) with no issue

but listen to everything else Skol says...its good advice

I didn't say it wouldn't do the job, just pointing out that it isn't the best choice. I accept beggars can't be choosers and any bike is better than no bike so go for it.

By the way Jonny, thank's for the quote!.

 

[MGBLemonrider]

I've been doing 11 miles each way for just over 2 years.

When I started I did one trip on an old rigid MTB took 55mins, killed the bike. Borrowed a 1980's road bike, times straight down to 45mins. Faffed about for a month before working out needed decent puncture resistant tyres and a decent (track) pump to keep them nice and hard just as the bike went terminal. I was lucky had come into a small bit of money that nearly paid for my bike. Dawes Giro 400 and times quickly down to around 35mins.

But I recon I save easily £850 on fuel a year. So has paid for it self in the first year and the clothes, lights and change of tyres. For the second year I treated my self to a hub dyno (Son) and light (Edlux). Mine lives outside at home and also when chained up at work, gets ridden all weathers doesn't do it much harm. Rinse off the salt and wipe and oil chain and cables. I don't do this as often as I should and therefore probably don't get the mileage out of chains that I could.

Swimming here cost £3-70 off peak or if you buy a book of 12 £3-08. so that's an extra £40 you're saving a month.

Start off on the borrowed MTB and bank the savings for a lighter faster bike and kit. Then keep the MTB for when the ice and snow arrives. I'm not sure they're any better as I crashed out in the snow last year as it covered a traffic calming measure that had me off, so had a week in a colleague's car.

I fancy a Rohloff Thorn and could make a business case that it would pay for it self in 4 years, but unless I bank some of my "savings" I can't see the wife springing for it.

I'm 46 and 16 1/2 stone 6'00" and probably not as fit as you so very doable.

I've got access to showers and can hang kit out so Lycra padded shorts and short sleeve jersey fingerless gloves is my norm. Change to longs when the temperature drops. Jacket only when really cold. Don't worry about rain unless it's cold then use jacket. Overshoes and mudguards as shoes don't dry out between rides. Cycling kit dries very quickly so you may be able to wash it between each day so don't need much.


Sorry for the long post.

 

[BlackPanther]

I used to go swimming 4 times a week until the local pool closed for refurbishment. I'd swim for about an hour each morning before work.
I'd like to try riding to work but firstly dont know if i'd make it and secondly dont have a bike.

In the snow & ice etc when i wouldnt be using the bike it can go in my parents garrage.

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Ben

Hi.

You sound like you're in a similar position that I was 2 years ago. I had an old cheap mountain bike, and wondered if I could ride the 11.5 miles to work. I measured to the half way point (on the motorbike) on the Friday, and then rode to there on Saturday, to see how long it took. I made it in 25 mins so I figured the whole way would take 50 mins, so I went for it. I didn't have the right gear (or the right bike) but I made it to work on time....drenched in sweat.

I then bought a hybrid (Dawse Tanami) and promised myself I'd ride in at least once a week but try for twice a week. Within a month I was riding in most days....then every day. 2 years on, I still ride in every day, although earlier this year I bought my first rode bike which is a LOT easier.

I wouldn't dismiss a road bike without having a try on a modern one first. I find my Specialised Allez more comfortable than the hybrid, especially the choice of hand positions available on the drop bars.

If you're the kind of man who can commit (and stick to) swimming 4 times a week, then I'm sure you'll find yourself being a regular 2 wheel commuter in no time. One of us, one of us, one of us.

As for protecting against the elements, ACF50 spray is awesome.