Commuting Tips

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on October 4, 2008 at 5:14pm

i need that! so cool.

Permalink Reply by Adam "Cezar" Jenkins on October 22, 2008 at 8:46am

The biggest tip I can give is that, at least in the summer, one should get panniers. They make a world of difference, sweat wise. Also, puncture resistant tires.

Permalink Reply by Joe Studer 8.0 mi on December 30, 2008 at 9:46pm

For me the bike commute is by definition happy. The following two things make that happiness possible and practical for me:

- these garment bag style panniers that allow me to pack the dress clothes I need for work (including suits) with little to no wrinkling (I got mine online at twowheelgear.com, but have seen a similar bag at Performance); and

- having a place at work where I can shower and shave each morning (our building has a small fitness facility with locker room and shower).

The other thing I use on my commute is a little speaker system that mounts to my stem and allows me to listen to music without blocking out environmental noise (cyclesound.com). Sometimes the tunes just make the ride that much better.

Permalink Reply by Jim "Niterider" on January 24, 2009 at 12:27am

Carry enough clean clothes to work once a week so you have somwthing to change into when you get to work. Leave your ride clothes in a fish net bag to try out when you change. Other neat thing is you can ride with dual messenger bags and a pack and pretty much carry all your necessary items. When at work disable your ride so no one can steal it or lock it up in a secured area such as supply closet, private restroom, etc. Out of site, out of mind.

Permalink Reply by Greg Coleman on May 29, 2009 at 8:17am

I'm in total agreement with the pack it cubes. having relatively wrinkle free clothing to work in is nice when I change from my winter gear or if it's less than splatter-free on the ride in.

I, too, have a music system that I've been using for a year and change now. It's an Apple product so you need an iPod, but the sound quality and controls are pretty nice. This made what used to be a two hour commute to and from work very enjoyable. :) Also, they seemed to have dropped the price a lot since I got it.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/TN914LL/A

I have also begun to appreciate giving myself an extra fifteen minutes before I start work to have a snack after I arrive to help get those carbs and calories I just burned back in the system so I don't bonk while I'm at work.

I have also devised a few routes to compensate for winds heading against me on my route to and from work. While the alternate routes are not my preferred ones, the option to reduce wind resistance has made some rides a lot nicer, ESPECIALLY after a particularly tiring day.

Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on May 29, 2009 at 10:51am

That's a very cool speaker system. I might have to get one of those.