I have now been cycle commuting for three years now. I’ve been cycling four different routes in that time:
1. Clapham Junction – 9 miles.
2. Waterloo – 6 miles
3. Richmond – 14 miles
4. Feltham – 23 miles
Most days I cycle to Waterloo otherwise I will try to get to Richmond and if the day is nice and I am feeling energetic I will go all the way to Feltham and avoid the train altogether.
It’s been interesting, beneficial in terms of health, but sometimes irritating when other road users(that includes cyclists) are thrown into the equation. What follows is a list of useful tips and information for anyone starting a cycle commute. These tips are biased towards a cycle-train commute because that’s what I mostly do(apart from route 4).
Starting out
1. Start small. Cycle a couple of miles to start with and do this for a week to build up your strength and stamina. Build up to cycling your full commute three/four times a week and see how you feel. Don’t overdo it because then you will not enjoy it.
2. Plan your route. Test your route at the weekend. Once you have the basic route memorised you can ‘tweak’ to suit the weather conditions and traffic.
3. Keep your chain well oiled. Rub off the gunk and spray it every couple of weeks. Do this more frequently if the weather has been nasty. Every so often give your faithful steed a good clean.
4. Smile at other cyclists
Must haves
1. Get hold of some ‘technical’ tops. Cotton is a no-no as it holds sweat and makes you cold and clammy. Camping shops such as Millets sell polyester, high-wicking, fast drying garments and they are quite cheap. Look out for the end of season sales to get some bargains. Get some long sleeve as well as short sleeve tops for cooler days.
2. Get some shorts. Don’t bother with over trousers because they will make you overheat. Invest instead in some decent baggy cycling shorts. If you are caught in a shower these will dry very quickly.
Let’s talk about lycra. I have found that I can comfortably cycle 23 miles without lycra shorts but will get a bit claggy at the end. So lycra shorts would be worth considering for longer commutes as they provide not only padding but also do not hold sweat and dry quickly. It’s best to wear something over your lycra on the train so that you don’t scare your fellow human beings unnecessarily :-).
3. Get a puncture repair kit or even better a spare inner tube. Don’t forgot some tools too. I’ve had two punctures in one year. You probably will have a puncture at some point.
4. Get a rain jacket. I bought a heavy one but in hindsight a lightweight one would be better as it packs smaller. Sometimes if it’s not raining heavily I prefer not to wear one as I tend to overheat and sweat. Rain is good!
5. A lock
6. A pump
7. Rucksack or pannier depending on your needs. I have been using a rucksack but I now have to carry a laptop so I will be investing in a pannier system
8. Helmet, remember safety first
Good to have
1. Water bottle holder and bottle, useful if your commute is longer than five miles.
2. Clipless pedals and shoes, once you get used to them and have christened them by falling a couple of times(it will happen believe me) these are great and make the commute more comfortable. Get mountain bike shoes that have a proper sole that you can walk in.
3. Cycling gloves, still on my list of things to buy.
4. Padded cycling underwear. Cheap and easy on the bottom although for longer commutes will get sweaty, so lycra shorts are the way to go.
5. If your budget can stand it then merino wool tops are fantastic. They are great when it is hot or cold, efficiently wick sweat away from the skin and can be worn several times before needing a wash. A long sleeve merino wool top will cost around £30.
What to take
Try to pack just the essentials. The aim is to keep weight down as much as possible.
1. A change of clothes. This includes underwear, socks and your work attire.
2. A hand towel for drying the face after the ride.
3. Puncture repair kit and tools.
4. Deodorant, products e.g. hair gel, moisturiser
5. Other items including keys, lunch, ipod, book etc.
6. A drink of water or some diluted smoothie with a pinch of salt. If you are cycling more than 6 miles it is useful to take an energy bar or banana in case you feel the dreaded bonk coming on.
After the ride
You will probably be quite sweaty after your arrival at the station. A quick wipe of the face and a glug of water does wonders though. You will soon dry off on the train. If your workplace has a shower then fine. Personally I find that a quick wash of the face and armpits followed by deodorant and some face moisturiser(I am a new-age man after all) is enough for commutes of 10 miles or less. The underwear will need changing. Socks can stay unless it has been raining. If your office has a smart dress code then you will have to keep a pair of shoes at work. I am lucky enough to work in a casual office so my cycling shoes are fine.
I’ve probably missed a few things but this should get you going. You don’t need all the gear to start with. As your confidence builds you will know what is right for you and what you need to make your commute comfortable. Remember once you’ve taken the plunge you won’t regret it :-).