Cycling to work tactics

V_Chic_Chick

Given that it's flat I'd just cycle 10% slower to avoid getting sweaty, thus avoiding the need for a shower (showers at work are a bit more faff for women though, and I'm yet to work somewhere that has them).

Invest in a decent set of waterproof panniers. I swear by my pair of Ortlieb Roller Plus panniers. They have kept my laptop, notes and textbooks perfectly dry, even when in torrential rain. They've even carried crutches, following a cycling accident, after which I continued cycling (it was easier than walking with crutches and using public transport). One Ortlieb is a good size for everyday use, but I use the second one when I am going to the supermarket or doing something else that involves moving more stuff than usual. You can get shoulder straps for them too, which makes them much easier to carry around. Mine pretty much gets used as a handbag. Using panniers is much less tiring than a backpack - I simply don't notice the weight in panniers, even when I struggle to carry the things to the bike because they're so full!

Invest in a pair of waterproof trousers (mine were £12 from Cotswold Outdoor) and a breathable waterproof jacket thing. That, coupled with a helmet and possibly glasses will mean that you barely notice the rain.

Mudguards. I'm yet to understand why people continue to ride bikes without mudguards in a wet city like Manchester. The muddy streak up the back just isn't a good look!

Buy a bell - peds seem to have a horrible habit of taking up the entire space on a towpath, utterly oblivious to those who need to pass.

Get a local bike map (usually free) from a local bike shop. They sometimes show alternative routes that are (a) non-obvious, and (b) not shown on google maps as being passable.

crabyducky

When I was last working I used to have a rucksack, would fit everything.g i.needed including spare lights and batteries, spare tyre and unitive, almost every took needed to fix things on my bike as well as any clothes etc I would need for work. The rucksack came with a detachable waterproof cover that was made out of reflective material which made me feel safer, I used it even when it wasn't wet.

A good set of waterproofs is a must and gloves, nothing worse that freezing cold hands

Tish_P

I cheat by working somewhere I'm allowed to be scruffy most of the time! I'm also pretty slow, so I don't get any sweatier than I would walking. Can you slow down, or would that make your commute take an intolerably long time?