Beginners Guide to Cycle Commuting

Kernel_Sanders

Richard53 wrote: »

And please don't commit the ultimate consumer crime: spending hours and hours in the local shop, getting advice, trying things for size, narrowing your choice down to the final decision ... and then going home and buying it on the internet for £20 cheaper. Not fair, not fair at all.

Funnily enough I nearly did just that a fortnight ago, (although only spent 'minutes and minutes')! However the bike shop was Halfords and the Careera Subway was £20 cheaper on their website even though the shop would have still set it up/do first service for free.

Former_MSE_Andrea

A great guide WierdNev! We've stuck it for you

Weird_Nev

Thanks Andrea!
I'll do my best to keep it updated as and when I get time or new questions!

TomJ

On route selection: You can use http://www.opencyclemap.org/ to find cycle routes in your area. From it's key page, "The OpenCycleMap global cycling map is based on data from the OpenStreetMap project. At low zoom levels it is intended for overviews of national cycling networks; at higher zoom levels it should help with planning which streets to cycle on, where you can park your bike and so on."

It is also marked with point of interest to cyclists, such as bike shops, parking places and pubs...

Estelle_Page

Hi!

Thanks for sharing this! Really makes me want to cycle to work! ;-)

Medstudent

Just found this having just starting commuting by bike 2 days ago. I was using my flatmates terrible mountain bike with front and back suspension, it gets better in that I will now be using my own terrible mountain bike with front and back suspension. But at least it is 1) slightly lighter and 2) less rusty. Investing in a better bike will have to wait until I have saved enough from not taking public transport (~£20/week).

Only really happened because where I am based for the next 7 weeks is 4 miles away but 1:10 by walk/bus and I have been able to do it in 23-26 minutes cycling (something that amazes me how constant this is considering how I have felt one journey should have been WAY longer due to being tired and seemingly getting all the lights at the wrong time! Also the same time as TFL says which is never as accurate for anything else).
Currently a bit tiring on the hills but it is cycle track 80% of the way so as someone who has never cycled in london is greatly appreciated!

Really useful looking guide. Will look at making those mudguards.
This plus my cycle obsessed flatmate may hopefully be enough to get me doing more than just this commute. Not that parents are impressed because they seem to be of the view that cycling is certain death. My studies pointing out the cardio vascular risk reduction benefits probably more than outweighing the increased risks from accidents didn't really work...

Lets hope I can keep it going until I am getting less tired each way!

warehouse

Great guide OP.

Regarding canal paths. I regularly cycle over 13 miles along one to my place of work. It's a beautiful way to commute to work, perfectly flat and fairly quiet all route.

If anyone's thinking of using a tow path then it's absolutely vital that you get the best puncture proof tyres and inner tubes you can afford. In over 2000 miles of towpath cycling this year I haven't had a single puncture, (touch wood).

You also need to maintain your bike a bit more due to the dusty/muddy nature depending on season, and the fact that certain parts will rattle the bike to bits if nuts & bolts aren't checked regularly.

Finally, suspension on a canal tow path ride is mandatory!

TomJ

I've just discovered the best route planning tool for cyclists: http://www.cyclestreets.net/

It gives you the choice of quickest route, quietest route or a balance of the 2, shows an elevation profile of the route, even estimates how may calories you'll burn.

TomJ

I've just discovered the best route planning tool for cyclists: http://www.cyclestreets.net/

It gives you the choice of quickest route, quietest route or a balance of the 2, shows an elevation profile of the route, even estimates how may calories you'll burn.

Marco_Panettone

TomJ wrote: »

I've just discovered the best route planning tool for cyclists: http://www.cyclestreets.net/

It gives you the choice of quickest route, quietest route or a balance of the 2, shows an elevation profile of the route, even estimates how may calories you'll burn.

That's the same route planner as http://lcc.org.uk use as well.