Cycling to work - kit ideas

catflea

Now the summer (haha) is coming I figure its time to dust down the push bike (trek 1200 racer) and get some use from it and save myself some petrol pennies!

I'm intending that I will be riding to the station most days (approx 5 miles each way, with some pretty nasty hills on the way to) Now, I've never used a bike quite this heavily for commuting before (I've done it for about 1/2 mile each way before)

I'm just wondering what kit people think I might need to pack in the bottom of my rucksack (along with my work clothes & lunch!) if it goes well, I will consider finding some panniers that may suit.

Figured so far:
Puncture Kit
Spare Inner
Tyre levers
pump
lights & high vis
Lock
Helmet
deodorant!

any other thoughts?

Gordon861

Light weight waterproof for when it does rain.

Practice, the difference between 0.5 miles and 5 miles could hurt, if you aren't used to it.

Also, make sure your tyres are pumped to the correct pressure, a slightly flat tyre over that distance will be noticeable.

Snippa

Remember to always take water or some other liquid (I know that sounds stupidly common sense, but I frequently forget!). You can get those backpacks that store water, or a water bottle. Also good energy foods like bananas that help with slow release energy.

I have a list at home that I made after taking off on a bike with my tent last summer. It was the first time I’d done anything like that distance on a bike and there’s about an A4 page of “things I should have brought”. I’ll dig it out tonight and see if there’s anything on it no one else mentions

Keith

I started the 4 miles to work yesterday, I packed:-

1. Bike.
2. Helmet.
3. Oyster Card

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

You should take:

Puncture outfit (can be self-adhesive patches these days)
2* Tyre levers
Multitool containing a range of allen keys and screwdrivers
LED lights. Get the brightest you can, and an LED helmet light front and rear (if you're wearing a helmet) is extremely valuable

At 5 miles distance you won't really need liquid unless its an extremely hot day. Hi-viz is your call, I've never felt as though I needed one.

As an alternative to a pump you could use co2 cylinders, that's what I do, I have a track pump at home. You won't need deodorant, however, a small towel for the end of your journey is useful.

verybigchris

If you're taking a spare tube, you shouldn't need the repair kit - just swap the tubes over and fix the damaged one when you get home.

That's unless you're unlucky enough to get two p*******s on the same day, but if that happened you won't be in the mood to fix one anyway

joolsybools

Read a copy of Cycle Craft by John Franklin too and get a membership of a suitable cycling membership group (insurance etc).

joolsybools

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers! wrote: »

You should take:

Puncture outfit (can be self-adhesive patches these days)
2* Tyre levers
Multitool containing a range of allen keys and screwdrivers
LED lights. Get the brightest you can, and an LED helmet light front and rear (if you're wearing a helmet) is extremely valuable

At 5 miles distance you won't really need liquid unless its an extremely hot day. Hi-viz is your call, I've never felt as though I needed one.

As an alternative to a pump you could use co2 cylinders, that's what I do, I have a track pump at home. You won't need deodorant, however, a small towel for the end of your journey is useful.

I would disagree with this but I am a girl and I do drink lots of water anyway! You can get a thing that attaches to the frame to put a bottle of water in.

joolsybools

Edited that for you!

catflea wrote: »

Now the summer (haha) is coming I figure its time to dust down the push bike (trek 1200 racer) and get some use from it and save myself some petrol pennies!

I'm intending that I will be riding to the station most days (approx 5 miles each way, with some pretty nasty hills on the way to) Now, I've never used a bike quite this heavily for commuting before (I've done it for about 1/2 mile each way before)

I'm just wondering what kit people think I might need to pack in the bottom of my rucksack (along with my work clothes & lunch!) if it goes well, I will consider finding some panniers that may suit.

Figured so far:
Puncture Kit
Spare Inner
Tyre levers
pump
lights & high vis
Lock
Helmet
deodorant!
wet wipes

any other thoughts?

catflea

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers! wrote: »

You won't need deodorant, however, a small towel for the end of your journey is useful.

Trust me, I will!!!

As for the comment re having a spare tube and therefore not needing a puncture kit - it means I can fix it on the train! :rotfl:

I'm also considering puncture reduction methods and was thinking of getting some panaracer tyre liners (less than the cost of a weeks petrol for two)

Re the High Vis, I live in the back end of nowhere down unlit roads - better safe than sorry surely?

Thanks for the replies though guys, very useful! A test ride is in order in the not too distant to see how long it will take me (and just how unfit I really am!)

joolsybools

P.S. Get over to Cycle Chat or Bike Radar forum or any other cycling forum of your choice!