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 Duppie on
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Seriously. You need a bike. Beyond that you don't *need* much. That's the beauty of biking. You can surely buy a lot of stuff (lord knows I do) but very little of that is necessary.
Oh, and a good quality U-lock. That's it.
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Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on
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Bike and lights are all need really but I recommend a rack, fenders and some kind of pannier.
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Permalink Reply by SlowCoachOnTheRoad on
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I bike 8 miles to work and back. I see a lot of women dressed in the same clothes they are likely to be working in, but of course each work place attire expectations are different. At my work place (I'm a guy) there is an expectation of "business casual" but fortunately for me we have a changing room and locker. So I keep my work clothes folded in a plastic bag inside my satchel which is inside my bike crate in th back (which is handy if you are carrying stuff - others carry their backpacks on their backs but I have failed to do that without causing big time sweating down my back and huge sweat stains on the back of my shirt). Anyway, I won't make assumptions about your maintenance skills, but I think all commuters should know how to change a tire just in case (though in Chicago you can always put a bike on a bus home so even that is not a complete requirement) - thus, I would recommend 3 plastic tire levers, a spare tube, and a portable pump. But I have never had to use them in years of going to work - been lucky I suppose that my flats did not happen during my commute, but I am ready. I would attach a battery-powered light to your helmet (I have two - the red one that flashes at the back and the white one that flashes at the front) in case you are heading back when it gets dark. I would add a bell to warn people of your approaching in those cases when you need to. I can keep my bike in my workplace's basement, but just in case something happens and I can't get in or I have to leave my bike in the Loop for any reason or park it in the Loop, I always bring my two Kriptonites - the long one to attach the frame and front wheel to the bike rack or street sign pole and the small one to attach the back wheel to the frame - I take no chances in the Loop! That is about all I can think of. But the best teacher is experience. Just do it (start doing a few miles on evenings or days off before you do a big commute if it is a bit of a distance for you). We humans are amazing animals when it comes to adapting. You'll quickly figure out what you need in accessories and clothes. Oh, the obvious - under arm deodorant when you arrive! But do it - the more of us on the road the better! I am already looking forward to the commute to work tomorrow - it gives you great energy and a sense of calmness throughout the day - and then when you see all those people biking for exercise in the morning you'll realize you won't have to anymore now that your bike is your prime means of transportation.
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Permalink Reply by maryrachel on
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I always keep an extra pair of lights in my purse. I also keep a stash of make-up and face wipes in my desk. It's easier to slather on the sunscreen and do the rest of the routine there. Dry hair shampoo is a lifesaver if you wear a helmet. I usually bike in what I wear to work but if it's super tropical or rainy I bring my work clothes in a plastic bag. If your ride is long you might want to pay attention to your shoes. Sturdy soles are best. Flimsy soles can get ruined pretty quickly. I swap mine out or keep an extra pair at work. In the end maybe I'm advocating for a giant bike friendly purse or a desk with infinite drawers :)
You're going to love it. A bike ride in the morning is the best way to start your day.
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+1 on fenders and front or rear rack. I use a soda crate.
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Permalink Reply by Thunder Snow on
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Lots of good ideas here. I'd add: a water bottle and bottle cage. I often keep a thin rain hoodie rolled up in my pannier or knapsack for rainy mornings. And if you're riding any distance, a granola bar or an apple in your bag can be nice at a rest break.
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Permalink Reply by Jason on
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you'll figure it out as issues come.
Ive seen too many people go out and buy a bunch of stuff prior to riding, and the end up using very little of what they purchased.
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Permalink Reply by Jay Tee Ess on
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I just started commuting in earnest last fall, and picked things up piecemeal along the way.
I second the rack and pannier, tube changing tools, and the pair of shoes at work.
I bring my work clothes in a plastic bag in my pannier (two plastic bags on rainy days) and ride in bike shorts and a bright yellow jacket. That way I don't have to worry about things getting wet, dirty, torn, etc., and I don't have to sit around the office all day in clammy work clothes in the cold of winter (or the air-conditioned cold of summer). Depending on your commute and riding style, this may not be an issue for you.
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. That kept me going down into the 20s last winter.
If you can manage it, I definitely recommend finding a route that passes through someplace pretty. I go over the hill in Lincoln Park and come down by the North Pond, getting a nice view of the skyline over the water. It slows me down and gives me a moment of peace that I look forward to every morning.
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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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