Cycling to work?

Lilith1980

Hi all,

I'm moving house in just under two weeks' time. At the moment we live 1 mile from work and after the move we'll live about 8 miles away.

I had been thinking about cycling to work - this will probably sound crazy, seeing as I rarely walk into work currently and tend to go in the car with my OH (we work at the same place).

But with living a bit further out I wondered about being more MSE, and cycling will probably not do my fitness levels any harm either. We do go to the gym, but maybe this would replace the need for gym membership

Does anyone else cycle to work? Is 8 miles each way too much? I live in Staffordshire so I know there are some points along the route which are a bit hilly and I wondered whether I'd be able to keep the motivation, especially at the end of a long day and having to face the journey home. And then there's also the 'winter' to think about.

There is a direct bus route to my work from this new house, but saving a bit of money and getting more active is appealing to me. I just wonder whether I'll lose the enthusiasm if it proves too difficult. I tend to take on too much

Any thoughts?

Thanks

j.e.j.

I have also been thinking of getting a bike but it's so hilly around here I think I'd be knackered

Are there any cycle paths where you are, or would it all be main roads? You don't want to be breathing in exhaust fumes all the way.

dandelionclock30

You'll easily do this, unless you are very unfit indeed. If its really hilly/steep then just go slowly and if you need to stop for a breath then do so.You dont need to be thinking about the winter at the moment as its not even proper spring weather yet.
If you've not got a bike yet then dont get a mountain bike as they are not the best for commuting.Get a hybrid or a road bike.
You dont have to do it everyday if you dont want just go for few times per week if you fancy that instead. You will most likely beat the bus.

Lilith1980

j.e.j. wrote: »

Are there any cycle paths where you are, or would it all be main roads? You don't want to be breathing in exhaust fumes all the way.

I'm sure there are some cycle routes, but whether they run along where I want to go I have no idea lol. Might be an idea to have a 'dry run' and see how I get on

Lilith1980

dandelionclock30 wrote: »

If you've not got a bike yet then dont get a mountain bike as they are not the best for commuting.Get a hybrid or a road bike.
You dont have to do it everyday if you dont want just go for few times per week if you fancy that instead. You will most likely beat the bus.

Unfortunately I do already have a mountain bike Are they not robust enough?

EDIT: shows how much I have used it - just checked both mine and my OH's bikes and they are actually hybrids lol

Maybe I should just use it a few times a week like you say, rather than every day.

dandelionclock30

They are definately robust enough!, the problem is that they can be a bit heavy and the fork can bob a bit.So if your fork is a suspension fork then put it on locked so its stiff.
I'd also get a pair of shorts or 3/4 tights from somewhere cheapish like Decathalon and make sure you have a lightweight waterproof. I used to cycle to work and I took a clean t shirt in my rucksack because the one I cycled in got a bit damp on the back.

domdent

My commute is 7 miles with a long incline of 2 miles. taking it easy 35 mins door to door, by car its 25 to 30 mins.

I spent a few trips finding the best route.

I need a shower when I get to work, I have a spare set of bike clothes to use to travel home in as when it rains the kit will not dry in time.

I have clothes at work to change in to.

I fortunately have secure covered storage.

you don't have to cycle every day.

I use a mountain bike with road style tyres carry spare tubes for puncture quicker to change tube than try and fix puncture, keep cycle well maintained clean and re oil chain weekly.

3 chains and a cassette +oil per yr £50.00 2 tyres bi an £30.00, clothes winter summer depends on budget ?

I save £15.00 pw in diesel using the bike.

empressemma

Hi, my hubby cycles approx 6.5miles to work = 13 miles per day. He does it all year round, and the weight just fell off him!
You do need the correct kit though, he has a road bike for the summer and a mountain bike for the winter, as it copes with the ice/frost/slush/salt on the road better.
He has a waterproof and ordinary cycling jackets, they are longer at the back as your bent over, you don't want a draught!
Of course, he has a helmet, and those special clippy into the pedal shoes. He also uses those neck tubes as he can pull them up over his face (just up to the eyes obviously!!!) as his skin on his face got quite chapped last winter. Oh, and padded shorts/leggings too!
But if you're starting this time of year, you won't need too much till the cold sets in, and by then you'll be o used to it that you won't miss it! (Like he did after taking the car for a few days during very bad weather) he takes a change of clothes in a back pack. (Leaves work shoes at work so less weight)
I almost wish I could bike to work..... But I'm self employed based at home!!!!! :rotfl:

Hope that helps :cool:

domdent

Lilith1980 wrote: »

Unfortunately I do already have a mountain bike Are they not robust enough?

EDIT: shows how much I have used it - just checked both mine and my OH's bikes and they are actually hybrids lol

Maybe I should just use it a few times a week like you say, rather than every day.

I perfer my mtb its a hard tail with the front suspension turned off, its very robust and deals with pot holes better than a dedicated road bike.

road tyres work well on hybrids esp those you can pump up to 80 psi, a decent stand pump is required.

mud guards and lights ?

only go in when its dry at first until you are happy with the route, its important to go early in case of breakages, though a few trips at weekend will test the kit. I prefer full bike kit as it was -5c the other morning.

Within a few weeks its amazing how much better the body feels.

Lilith1980

domdent wrote: »

My commute is 7 miles with a long incline of 2 miles. taking it easy 35 mins door to door, by car its 25 to 30 mins.

I spent a few trips finding the best route.

I need a shower when I get to work, I have a spare set of bike clothes to use to travel home in as when it rains the kit will not dry in time.

I have clothes at work to change in to.

I fortunately have secure covered storage.

you don't have to cycle every day.

I use a mountain bike with road style tyres carry spare tubes for puncture quicker to change tube than try and fix puncture, keep cycle well maintained clean and re oil chain weekly.

3 chains and a cassette +oil per yr £50.00 2 tyres bi an £30.00, clothes winter summer depends on budget ?

I save £15.00 pw in diesel using the bike.

Thanks for this - only problem I'd have is we have no showers at work

I already have running gear (so leggings, lightweight waterproofs) but do get sweaty in those. Although I know someone else where I work who cycles in each day so he obviously can't have a shower either. Might need some industrial strength spray

domdent

Lilith1980 wrote: »

Thanks for this - only problem I'd have is we have no showers at work

I already have running gear (so leggings, lightweight waterproofs) but do get sweaty in those. Although I know someone else where I work who cycles in each day so he obviously can't have a shower either. Might need some industrial strength spray

If your route is flat its easier to prevent overheating, when its wet when using waterproofs its impossible.

My friend has commuted on his bike for years no shower at his work,takes it easy going works hard going home.