New Commuter: What cycling items will I need regularly as a commuter or full time Cyclist
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Josh L. on
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I'll dissent from most of the people here. Take less crap, less stuff. But be safe.
1) Get a pannier to safely carry stuff, groceries, computer, etc. Speaking of panniers, I just posted a new one I have for sale. :) I recommend Ortlieb or Banjo Bros. if you want something much less expensive. It does not have to be huge. You need a rack for a pannier..another necessity.
2) Make sure you have lights. The front light should be removable so it is not taken.
3) Tubes, air pumps are not worth the hassle. The few times you get a flat you can put your bike on the bus or taxi to a bike store. Or be even smarter and get Schwalbe Marathon tires. In three years of riding every day I have not had a single flat with these tires! And I had many before. These are the epitome of vorsprung durch Technik and simply don't puncture. Seriously, everyone I know who rides on these tires says that flats are a thing of the past. At $8 a tube these tires pay for themselves given they lead to 0 flats. The downside is they are a bit slow but hey you are commuting in Chicago, this isn't the Tour de France.
4) You only need gloves in cold weather. Which means all year here. Seriously, just Nov. through May. Air on your hands feels good. And less stuff! For long rides I take gloves but not a six mile commute to work.
5) Get a kryptonite lock and the cable that comes with it. If you don't have good quality rims, and no quick release, it's unlikely (but not impossible) your wheel will be stolen if you park in the Loop.
6) Fenders are a tough call. I only get splattered in the winter and only on a few days. But I could see where at least a back fender might be nice if you wear good clothes. Which brings me to my next point below - don''t wear nice clothes while biking!
7) I am of the male species but I definitely recommend a change of clothes. I run too and I find the higher end running gear is perfect for biking. So Under Armour cold weather tights are perfect Nov. through May and then I wear an Under Armour cold weather running shirt in the winter with my heavy winter jacket. I find running tights - instead of pants 0 make for much faster and more enjoyable biking. No I am not an Under Armour sales rep.
In warmer weather I wear as loose fitting clothes as possible and shorts so I am not sweaty when I get to work. Even today when it was in the fifties when I went to work I warmed up fine. don't shower at work and except for the really hot days I don't arrive drenched in sweat but of course not "pristine". But maybe that's why nobody wants to sit next to me. Thanks to our frigid climate this is really an issue only July - Aug and maybe the first two weeks of Sept.
I don't bike when I have important bus. meetings with clients because my clothes will get messed up. I do have a "commuter bag" that keeps the clothes nice for biking but it's just too much hassle to pack.
Unfortunately your hair will get messed up with a helmet but you must wear a helmet. I have been thinking about how to design a helmet that doesn't mess up hair but have not solved this dilemma. I would say that less than optimal looking hair is the price for commuting. But well worth it. You will have crappy hair but be much more toned.
So in summary..carry less stuff. Be safe with plenty of lights (front, back, and ideally on your helmet), rack, pannier, Kryptonite and you are ready.
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Permalink Reply by Alex Z on
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I agree with those who counsel less stuff. In two years of commuting (first 10 miles one-way, then 5), I've been fine with just helmet, lights, lock.
I would hate to see someone who wanted to bike to work get turned off by the thought that in order to do so they need to buy a bunch of gear.
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Permalink Reply by D on
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+1 to the idea of buying the best anti-flat tires you can afford (after you stick with biking for a month or two know the investment is worth it). You can ditch all of the extra tubes and patch kit stuff if you have very good tires; plus there is always CTA if you somehow get stranded.
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Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on
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I'm going to fix a flatted Schwalbe Marathon on my wife's bike today at noon. They are highly puncture resistant for sure, but they are not flat-proof. I'm not saying that you necessarily need to carry flat repair stuff, but you should not be riding under the illusion that any tire is flat-proof. It is emotionally hard enough to get a flat when one is aware that it can happen. To have the illusion that it won't happen and then to experience it could be kind of painful.
The $8 a tube math is also misleading. Almost all tube punctures can be patched. Bulk patches are like 25 cents each. Even when bought with a patch kit they are still typically way less than a dollar each.
jolondon30 said:...
3) Tubes, air pumps are not worth the hassle. The few times you get a flat you can put your bike on the bus or taxi to a bike store. Or be even smarter and get Schwalbe Marathon tires. In three years of riding every day I have not had a single flat with these tires! And I had many before. These are the epitome of vorsprung durch Technik and simply don't puncture. Seriously, everyone I know who rides on these tires says that flats are a thing of the past. At $8 a tube these tires pay for themselves given they lead to 0 flats. The downside is they are a bit slow but hey you are commuting in Chicago, this isn't the Tour de France.
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okay maybe flat proof was an exaggeration but that is consistent with my experience. Let's agree that Marathon's lead to very, very few flats.
Tony Adams 6.6 mi said:I'm going to fix a flatted Schwalbe Marathon on my wife's bike today at noon. They are highly puncture resistant for sure, but they are not flat-proof. I'm not saying that you necessarily need to carry flat repair stuff, but you should not be riding under the illusion that any tire is flat-proof. It is emotionally hard enough to get a flat when one is aware that it can happen. To have the illusion that it won't happen and then to experience it could be kind of painful.
jolondon30 said:...
3) Tubes, air pumps are not worth the hassle. The few times you get a flat you can put your bike on the bus or taxi to a bike store. Or be even smarter and get Schwalbe Marathon tires. In three years of riding every day I have not had a single flat with these tires! And I had many before. These are the epitome of vorsprung durch Technik and simply don't puncture. Seriously, everyone I know who rides on these tires says that flats are a thing of the past. At $8 a tube these tires pay for themselves given they lead to 0 flats. The downside is they are a bit slow but hey you are commuting in Chicago, this isn't the Tour de France.
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It doesn't take as much stuff as you think.
1. A cross or road bicycle with gears. Yes, you can commute on a single speed with balloon tires. It will be slow, The benefits of a "real" bike (whether an old Steel Classic or a new modern bike) is worth it.
2. A rack and paniers. Get that load closer to the Center of Gravity. It will also bring the clothing and the like into the office in a clean fashion.
3. Lights -- particularly a rear light. Not so much for YOU to see, its for you to be SEEN.
4. Clothing. Bike clothing, or at least athletic clothing helps a great deal. I wear REI brand baggy bike shorts with the Chamois and a bright Orange high tech running shirt (about $12 at target). Add in bike shoes and cleats. And I always wear gloves because they serve too many purposes...
As for tools, it depends on your staring and ending point. For the most part the CTA provides a good breakdown alternative if you are in the City. But if you are going to be out beyond the ready reach of the CTA (for example, Elmwood or Melrose Park) you may want to carry a "Park Tool" and a spare inner tube and a small pump or air cart system. Since I always stay within a mile or so of a CTA alternative, I don't always carry the breakdown kit.
Oh.. and a lock.
What you don't want is a backpack (which adds to the sweat AND throws off the Center of Gravity) . and a single speed with balloon tires. (They just aren't fast enough for safe riding)
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Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on
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I didn't realize they made special gloves for people with long fingers and special pants for people with long bicycles. You learn something new every day...
Jay Tee Ess said:For winter riding, I wore long-fingered cycling gloves, a pair of long bicycling pants, and long johns and a fleece under my jacket, with a balaclava on top.
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agree with everything here. I too find standard athletic clothing - in my case running gear - perfect for running. I use running shorts most days June - August and some kind of very lightweight shirt.
As to backpacks, I also believe there is a potential safety issue. When you have your stuff in a pannier, it is much easier to react - and God forbid jump off your bike (it happens) - in those situations where you have to quickly move (door, pedestrian, etc.). A backpack does mess with your balance and increases the back sweat factor (for lack of a better term).
David crZven 10.6 said:It doesn't take as much stuff as you think.
1. A cross or road bicycle with gears. Yes, you can commute on a single speed with balloon tires. It will be slow, The benefits of a "real" bike (whether an old Steel Classic or a new modern bike) is worth it.
2. A rack and paniers. Get that load closer to the Center of Gravity. It will also bring the clothing and the like into the office in a clean fashion.
3. Lights -- particularly a rear light. Not so much for YOU to see, its for you to be SEEN.
4. Clothing. Bike clothing, or at least athletic clothing helps a great deal. I wear REI brand baggy bike shorts with the Chamois and a bright Orange high tech running shirt (about $12 at target). Add in bike shoes and cleats. And I always wear gloves because they serve too many purposes...
As for tools, it depends on your staring and ending point. For the most part the CTA provides a good breakdown alternative if you are in the City. But if you are going to be out beyond the ready reach of the CTA (for example, Elmwood or Melrose Park) you may want to carry a "Park Tool" and a spare inner tube and a small pump or air cart system. Since I always stay within a mile or so of a CTA alternative, I don't always carry the breakdown kit.
Oh.. and a lock.
What you don't want is a backpack (which adds to the sweat AND throws off the Center of Gravity) . and a single speed with balloon tires. (They just aren't fast enough for safe riding)
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Permalink Reply by Naomi Ruth Jackson on
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What you need depends on the length of your commute as well as the nature of your job.
Figure out what you can leave at work and what to carry on your person while riding.
I personally love to mix active wear and street clothing, and I carry a small bag of make up and hygeine supplies, as well as a spare tube, hex tool and tire iron.
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Permalink Reply by Bez on
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What Naomi said is exactly right. The only things you technically need are a bike, helmet, lock, and the drive to do it.
What you want in order to make your ride more pleasant or comfortable depends on your needs and available facilities at your stopping point. Do you have to look super fresh and professional all day at work? Do you have a shower available? How into it are you likely to get? What kind of bike are you riding?
For myself, I have a fairly casual office job at an ad agency and a gym with a shower across the street. I also like to track my miles and listen to music while I ride (not really a debate for right now...). I also ride a CC/Mountain bike with tubeless tires. Due to these factors, my commuting kit is:
cargo shorts and t-shirt
messenger bag with a change of clothes and various things I need for the day (tablet sometimes, wallet, etc)
small CO2 pump and fix a flat (just in case)
multi tool and skewer key (again, just in case)
helmet
gloves (more imortant that you think, if you fall you don't get skinned palms and they help to prevent nasty calluses from gripping your bars)
bluetooth earpiece (I use an app to put the music through only one side)
phone (tracking miles and music)
sunglasses
2 ulocks and cable
water bottle in the cage
I used to have panniers, but I found that I preferred having the weight on my person, allowing me to actually use it. The benefits may be all imagined, but I like it.
At the end of my ride, I hop on the train then hoof it across downtown (looking forward to Divvy...) to my gym where I shower and get dressed for my day. I also have the ability to leave some parts of my outfit to be washed, so I often bring an extra shirt for the evening and throw the one I ride in into the wash with my gloves and headscarf (for under my helmet).
Honestly, while my kit seems like a lot, it actually isn't and didn't really cost that much initially. When I started, I made due with what was on hand (an Adidas sling pack and drugstore glasses, if I recall correctly) and just upgraded piece by piece.
Your mileage may (and probably will) vary.
Naomi Ruth Jackson said:What you need depends on the length of your commute as well as the nature of your job.
Figure out what you can leave at work and what to carry on your person while riding.
I personally love to mix active wear and street clothing, and I carry a small bag of make up and hygeine supplies, as well as a spare tube, hex tool and tire iron.
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Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on
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A charged-up cell phone. Never bike anywhere without it.
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Yes, start with what you got and see what you need as you go along.
I do have to take issue with this "road or cross bike" nonsense. Whatever bike you have now is probably fine, at least to get started. If you are acquiring a bike for commuting, I'd consider a much wider range of bikes than just road or cross bikes. Road and cross bikes in their default configuration come with drop bars which are really only good for one thing: speed. Going fast should be the last thing one is concerned with when commuting. Much more important are the abilities to see and be seen. Bikes that let you ride in a more upright position can make for a more comfortable and more safe commute. Town bikes, dutchies, hybrids and even rigid mountain bikes can all make perfectly adequate commuters and will help you be seen and make it easier for you to see what is going on around you.
David crZven 10.6 said:It doesn't take as much stuff as you think.
1. A cross or road bicycle with gears. Yes, you can commute on a single speed with balloon tires. It will be slow, The benefits of a "real" bike (whether an old Steel Classic or a new modern bike) is worth it.
2. A rack and paniers. Get that load closer to the Center of Gravity. It will also bring the clothing and the like into the office in a clean fashion.
3. Lights -- particularly a rear light. Not so much for YOU to see, its for you to be SEEN.
4. Clothing. Bike clothing, or at least athletic clothing helps a great deal. I wear REI brand baggy bike shorts with the Chamois and a bright Orange high tech running shirt (about $12 at target). Add in bike shoes and cleats. And I always wear gloves because they serve too many purposes...
As for tools, it depends on your staring and ending point. For the most part the CTA provides a good breakdown alternative if you are in the City. But if you are going to be out beyond the ready reach of the CTA (for example, Elmwood or Melrose Park) you may want to carry a "Park Tool" and a spare inner tube and a small pump or air cart system. Since I always stay within a mile or so of a CTA alternative, I don't always carry the breakdown kit.
Oh.. and a lock.
What you don't want is a backpack (which adds to the sweat AND throws off the Center of Gravity) . and a single speed with balloon tires. (They just aren't fast enough for safe riding)
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