Cycling to work - kit ideas

catflea

In my younger days I used to do the same ride on the odd occaision on a cheap, heavy mountain bike so know its do-able - just in those days I was going to the shops so if I had to stop it wasn't a biggy. Now if I miss my train I'm late for work and up a creek hence the questions about useful kit and puncture prevention.

The tyres on my bike are uber skinny and should be pumped up to 120psi :eek: hence some of the concern....

happyshopper

Another vote for anti-puncture tyres. I put Schwalbe Marathon pluses on my hybrid last July and haven't had a puncture since on a daily commute of c15 miles.

elyobelyob

Just to add on my 2p ... and I've gone a little beyond stuff you need to carry I'm afraid

If leaving outside work, make sure you lock both wheels as well as frame. Leave a chunky lock behind (my brother was wondering why he sees so many locks 'abandoned'!). I would take a small but secure lock with you, in case you decide to pop into a shop or so on way home. You are much more able by bike. Remove stealable things like lights and remove quick release for saddle.

I would suggest gloves, as if you do come off for any reason, hands are often first to hit ground (unlike head as most people assume).

I won't get into helmet debate, except to say on some rides I do, on some rides I don't. Make your own choice, by having one available.

High pressure pump, no point carrying a rubbish pump.
Park tool patch repair kit (see wiggle.co.uk)
Spare tube
Tyre levers
Mobile (don't forget to put in ICE number)
Cash
Correct clothing. There is a reason you see people in lycra, the padding works. You can disguise by putting shorts over top.
Clothes that wick and dry quick. Putting on damp clothes at end of day is no fun.
Keep your body free from things like rucksacks (even the water carrying ones) - you will sweat more where there is no wind.
One 750ml sports bottle of water was enough for me on a 17 mile each way journey
Try and get access to a shower, otherwise all methods mentioned are good. I would shower *before* leaving in that case.
Slow down for the last 5 minutes to get body temperature down, near impossible in summer though!
Don't race, and never ever undertake a lorry.
Take a one day council run course on bike mechanics. It's the tricks in maintenance that make these worthwhile.
Take an adult cycling lesson (or read Cycle Craft by John Franklin) - road positioning is fairly crucial. (Watch out for opening doors, by leaving more space).
Learn how to pack your stuff well (http://www.onebag.com/)

To leave at both ends ...
Chain lube
Get company to invest in track pump if others also cycling, have one at home. Makes life far easier.

Do realise that cycling is safe. However, as with any other form of transport, you cannot equate for what others are doing on road, so things like ICE number etc are just to make sure and are easy to do.

Alternatively, get a Brompton or similar quality folding bike - if you get a puncture, call a cab. Don't bother carrying anything. I've done my 17 mile commute on a Brompton with no problem, probably 20% longer in time, but I only have a two geared version.

catflea

A lot of the kit being mentioned is fudgin expensive! I'm trying to save money, not spend it :rotfl:

I wasn't aware there was a debate over helmets - care to provide a summise?

I've got most of the basic stuff already kicking about, and with a bike thats worth having I already have a Kryptonite lock! The insurance wont cover it if its got a generic lock....

custardy

catflea wrote: »

A lot of the kit being mentioned is fudgin expensive! I'm trying to save money, not spend it :rotfl:

I wasn't aware there was a debate over helmets - care to provide a summise?

I've got most of the basic stuff already kicking about, and with a bike thats worth having I already have a Kryptonite lock! The insurance wont cover it if its got a generic lock....

helmets

some say they will prevent injury
some say they dont
some say they can cause injury

every argument will have a link to an injury/death to support their argument

elyobelyob

Cycling can be expensive if the equipment is high quality. There is a saying in the cycling community regarding some bikes you can buy - "Bicycle Shaped Object". Cheap bikes are a waste of money. Cheap equipment is the same.

From my list ....

£20 for a really great portable pump ... http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Zefal_HPX_Classic_Frame_Fit_Pump/5360043670/

~£2.50 on the go puncture repair kit ... http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Park_Tools_Puncture_Repair_Kit_Super_Patch/1620887595/

Clothing is as good as you pay .. as you will see with any clothing line in any mode of life.

As I save £140 a month in travel, plus probably £60 in gym fees ... I am quite happy to buy great equipment. Only problem is that I can afford to eat cakes and drink more beer - that can add up.

catflea

I see your point, but I really cant justify spending a fortune on kit when its going to add up to more than I'm going to save in a month! Especially since its not going to be a year round thing (fair weather cyclist ) Guess its going to be a case of see what works and upgrade as nessecary.

BTW, definatly not a "bike shaped object" in my garage Trek 1200 2004 Model. I have a friend who holds a cycle sprint record for a course in Cornwall somewhere who tried to buy it off me for waaay more than I paid - I refused

elyobelyob

I wasn't suggesting your Trek was a cheap bike. It's more expensive than the road bike I did Lands End to John O 'Groats on!

Out of interest, what was your method of transport to get to station before?

I see the purchase of equipment as a positive thing, and getting quality long lasting even better. More efficient the pump, the less late for work etc.

Cycling the last three miles on a half pumped up tyre is no fun. On a road bike you *have* to have a high pressure.

Even if you do 5 miles a day each way, 5 days a week, pretend 4 weeks in a month, for 6 months .. that's 1200 miles a year. A good amount of cycling.

Plus, you get to really enjoy it, and start going out on weekends, join a local wheelers club ... etc etc ... that's my life anyway

I already had a cheap track pump, and have just upgraded it as it was such a great bit of kit. The other one will live at work. None of it goes to waste. I even pumped up my g/f's tyres I was so impressed with it.

Now, £250 on a set of all terrain front lights .. I find it hard to justify that purchase ... they're great though (although getting replaced with a decent torch instead now).

teeb

Any kind of 'long distance' or 'commuting' cycling and I take a tiny little first aid kit. It's just a couple of wet wipes, some germolene and a couple of wrap on bandages and weighs next to nothing, but it's handy if you happen to get grazed. It's dirt cheap to get all those bits and pieces, too.

verybigchris

elyobelyob wrote: »

Leave a chunky lock behind (my brother was wondering why he sees so many locks 'abandoned'!).

Just a word of warning ... I'd never advise leaving a lock out in the open. It just gives thieves as much time as they need to work out how to open it while there's nobody around - I've heard tales of several bikes being pinched this way.