Why commuting gets no easier

[potsy]

It is entirely possible to commute without riding flat out every time you throw a leg over the bike.

Now this I have mastered

 

[Hip Priest]

You don't to ride at max power all the time. Try doing max power one day, then a gentle recovery ride the next.

 

[Paul J]

Maybe its a combination of your job as well as cycling. If you are lucky enough to have an office job that you sit on the phone or push bits of paper about then I reckon I could do 20 miles each way in all weathers. If you can do 20 miles and do a manual job you are one of the lucky ones who are obviously as fit as the butchers dog.

At the end of the day ride because you enjoy it, not because it saves money and or saves use of the car as this can become a chore, and we know what we think of chores.

 

[redcard]

This is why people think British cyclists are odd. 1000's commute in Europe every day, dressed for the destination not the journey, without participating in some bizarre, testosterone-fueled, time trial.

Should we be bothered what they think?

I don't get why dressing for the destination should somehow be held in higher regard. Haven't these people got changing rooms?

 

[GrasB]

This is why people think British cyclists are odd. 1000's commute in Europe every day, dressed for the destination not the journey, without participating in some bizarre, testosterone-fueled, time trial.

But not all europeans think like this. A good friend of mine said to me they prefer the UK & US ethos where you're not seen a total idiot for dressing in clothes that are truly comfortable to cycle in.

 

[MisterStan]

Some of use take the opportunity of commuting by bicycle to exercise instead of paying gym fees and being bored to death on treadmill.
Admittedly I am not too concerned with my speed, for me the distance covered is far more important.

This.

 

[bicyclos]

Cycling is a physical persuit that demands alot of effort to start with, then you have to get through the days work and to cap it off, commute home which can be a long tiring day.....and every day is a new journey... Its like life, does that get any easier?

 

[al78]

I've some my 20km in a suit, on a Brompton. At a pace that involved no perspiration. More often than not I do it in lycra as a tempo ride though. Going flat out 10 times a week and getting deep into DLOCK syndrome means I don't want to ride at the weekend.

Bet you can't do my commute in a suit on a summer day without perspiring .

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Bet you can't do my commute in a suit on a summer day without perspiring .

So far this summer? Piece of cake. Horsham to Haywards Heath is mine. what's yours?

 

[GrumpyGregry]

But not all europeans think like this. A good friend of mine said to me they prefer the UK & US ethos where you're not seen a total idiot for dressing in clothes that are truly comfortable to cycle in.

I don't think I ever claimed they did.
My Danish and German colleagues and friends seem remarkably comfortable in the clothes they cycle in, and have no need of showers on arrival. They just cycle a lot slower than we do.

 

[GrasB]

I don't think I ever claimed they did.
My Danish and German colleagues and friends seem remarkably comfortable in the clothes they cycle in, and have no need of showers on arrival. They just cycle a lot slower than we do.

Who said anything about showers? I can do 15-20mph without breaking into anything more than a light sweat after I've finished riding, I don't need a shower just a top up of deodorant. However at those kinds of speeds for any distance (over 5 miles or so) my work clothes become uncomfortable, they don't move correctly, they pull in odd places as the fabric cut isn't right for the body shape when cycling. Sure at sub-10 mph speeds my work clothes are fine, however I don't want to take 2 hours to do a 15 mile commute. This is where the problem is, a lot of countries the cycling ethos is such that someone who's doing that sort of distance would be thought of as as a bit of an idiot for wearing cycling gear for commuting even though for their comfort it's far better.

 

[al78]

So far this summer? Piece of cake. Horsham to Haywards Heath is mine. what's yours?

Broadbridge Heath to MSSL. Significant climb at the end before arrival, which is a significant cause of the perspiration, as there is no cool down period after the climb. I can't do it without feeling the need for a shower, even climbing the hill in a sub 30-inch bottom gear at 6 mph or less. If you could manage it without breaking a sweat I would be impressed (or it may be just me and my rubbish fitness).

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Broadbridge Heath to MSSL. Significant climb at the end before arrival, which is a significant cause of the perspiration, as there is no cool down period after the climb. I can't do it without feeling the need for a shower, even climbing the hill in a sub 30-inch bottom gear at 6 mph or less. If you could manage it without breaking a sweat I would be impressed (or it may be just me and my rubbish fitness).

MSSL? you may know my buddy the splendid David Walton.

 

[Crankarm]

Is the OP a plodder? If so don't plod. Concentrate on your riding technique so you are as efficient as possible then you will find you can ride 40,50, 60 miles each day without problem, or becoming knackered and do it reasonably quickly with good recovery time. If you haven't got SPDs or cleats then get some as this will grealy increase your pedalling efficiency and the distances you can comfortably ride. Eat properly and perhaps do some cross training. Get plenty of sleep.

 

[Deleted member 20519]

Is the OP a plodder? If so don't plod. Concentrate on your riding technique so you are as efficient as possible then you will find you can ride 40,50, 60 miles each day without problem, or becoming knackered and do it reasonably quickly with good recovery time. If you haven't got SPDs or cleats then get some as this will grealy increase your pedalling efficiency and the distances you can comfortably ride. Eat properly and perhaps do some cross training. Get plenty of sleep.

I've heard this a lot, how does being clipped in actually make you more efficient?