Tuesday, 8/21/07 at 3:36 PM
by Kelli Poindexter
by Kelli Poindexter
Commuting Tips
Commuting on your bike is a great way to get fit, save money and the environment, and build strength. If you’re currently commuting or have been thinking about starting, here are some basic items to consider.
The most important item is to make sure your bike is in tip top shape. Check your bike for safety or go to your local bike shop and have them check over your bike (many shops will check your rig for free). Brakes, derailleurs, chain, and tires are key components to have operating properly. To keep your commute as smooth as possible, keep up with regular maintenance on your bike. Check up on the key components above at least weekly. Keep your tires pumped up at maximum pressure for street riding to prevent flats. Invest in a floor pump. They have gauges and are easy to use. That way you know you’ve started each ride at the proper tire pressure. Clean your bike drive train and frame regularly. Just like a car, your bike is much happier after a cleaning and you will notice on your next ride. Supplies to consider for the maintenance up keep are a good bike lube (DO NOT use WD40 on your bike, it will ruin it), and a degreaser for getting the crud off. Degreaser used with a chain scrub tool will make your cleaning session a lot quicker and easier. A basic Allen wrench set (4mm, 5mm, and 6mm are most common on the bike) for minor adjustments of those accessories that occasionally wiggle loose, like water bottle cages. I find that a Phillips head screw driver is also handy. The more you know your bike you’ll find tools specific to your components that may also be necessary for regular maintenance.
Gear to carry with you is somewhat personal preference and need. I’ll break it down here based on essentials (I like to call it the minimalist approach), and then extra options. A lot of what you’ll need is based on what your commute entails. How far is it? What is the terrain? What will you need when you get to your destination? Ask yourself these questions when planning your commute and it will help you determine exactly what you need to carry.
The Essentials. You should also carry with you some basic emergency supplies. The more you commute the odds go up that you’ll need these supplies at some point. I like to carry a saddle bag on my bike with my emergency supplies in them. That way I always know that I have them with me. Your saddle bag should contain a mini tool, tire levers, a patch kit, and a spare tube. An inflation device is also a key supply. Either purchase a pump which can be mounted to your bike or carry a CO2 device and cartridges with you. If you’re prone to flats, a pump will save money and the environment over a CO2 system, but CO2 will get you back on your ride faster. Also, if you tend to get a lot of flats, it may be worth investing in Kevlar beaded tires and extra strength tubes.
Hydration is the next essential. No matter the distance of your commute, be sure you are drinking enough fluids. Water bottle cages can be mounted to nearly every bike. One bottle of water or electrolyte drink per hour is recommended. Another option is a hydration pack. Cyclists tend to drink more when they use one. These packs can also have extra storage space for a change of clothes or whatever you may need to have when you get to your destination. Depending on the distance of your commute you may need to take some ride food with you also.
Visible, comfortable clothing is also essential. There are lots of options here. Many people prefer bright yellow jackets or reflective items for safety. Studies have shown that even having apparel with contrasting colors is enough to provide safety. Cycling apparel is designed to make your ride more comfortable. Materials used wick away moisture to keep you cool in hot weather and warm in cool weather. In addition, shorts have padding in them to relieve pressure from the saddle.
Don’t forget your helmet. The most important safety item for your commute!
Extra Options. These items will depend on individual needs. How much do you need to carry with you on your commute? Change of clothes, work supplies, a laptop maybe. Carrying a back pack or messenger bag is one option. However, if your commute is long, you have preexisting back issues, or just a lot of stuff to carry this may not be comfortable. Installing a rack on your bike maybe a better option. To do this will require that your bike has bosses on it where installation is possible. Many racks have weight limits also. Once you’ve got a rack on your bike, then you need to decide what type of bag or basket to attach to it. There are lots of options. I’m partial to the Topeak rack and bag systems. Their bags have rails on them that slide onto the racks and lock into place. There are many size options. Panniers are another popular choice. These hang from the sides of the rack allowing more storage on top of the rack. Baskets attached to the top or the sides are other options. All these options will increase the weight and possibly the balance of your bike. A few other notable additions for your bike are lights (mandatory if you’re riding at night, but also good for extra visibility and safety), a lock, bell, and mirror.
I hope these tips help you on your way to successful commuting! I’d love to hear from any commuters out there who have come across other great commuting supplies.
Happy Commuting!
Kelli
The most important item is to make sure your bike is in tip top shape. Check your bike for safety or go to your local bike shop and have them check over your bike (many shops will check your rig for free). Brakes, derailleurs, chain, and tires are key components to have operating properly. To keep your commute as smooth as possible, keep up with regular maintenance on your bike. Check up on the key components above at least weekly. Keep your tires pumped up at maximum pressure for street riding to prevent flats. Invest in a floor pump. They have gauges and are easy to use. That way you know you’ve started each ride at the proper tire pressure. Clean your bike drive train and frame regularly. Just like a car, your bike is much happier after a cleaning and you will notice on your next ride. Supplies to consider for the maintenance up keep are a good bike lube (DO NOT use WD40 on your bike, it will ruin it), and a degreaser for getting the crud off. Degreaser used with a chain scrub tool will make your cleaning session a lot quicker and easier. A basic Allen wrench set (4mm, 5mm, and 6mm are most common on the bike) for minor adjustments of those accessories that occasionally wiggle loose, like water bottle cages. I find that a Phillips head screw driver is also handy. The more you know your bike you’ll find tools specific to your components that may also be necessary for regular maintenance.
Gear to carry with you is somewhat personal preference and need. I’ll break it down here based on essentials (I like to call it the minimalist approach), and then extra options. A lot of what you’ll need is based on what your commute entails. How far is it? What is the terrain? What will you need when you get to your destination? Ask yourself these questions when planning your commute and it will help you determine exactly what you need to carry.
The Essentials. You should also carry with you some basic emergency supplies. The more you commute the odds go up that you’ll need these supplies at some point. I like to carry a saddle bag on my bike with my emergency supplies in them. That way I always know that I have them with me. Your saddle bag should contain a mini tool, tire levers, a patch kit, and a spare tube. An inflation device is also a key supply. Either purchase a pump which can be mounted to your bike or carry a CO2 device and cartridges with you. If you’re prone to flats, a pump will save money and the environment over a CO2 system, but CO2 will get you back on your ride faster. Also, if you tend to get a lot of flats, it may be worth investing in Kevlar beaded tires and extra strength tubes.
Hydration is the next essential. No matter the distance of your commute, be sure you are drinking enough fluids. Water bottle cages can be mounted to nearly every bike. One bottle of water or electrolyte drink per hour is recommended. Another option is a hydration pack. Cyclists tend to drink more when they use one. These packs can also have extra storage space for a change of clothes or whatever you may need to have when you get to your destination. Depending on the distance of your commute you may need to take some ride food with you also.
Visible, comfortable clothing is also essential. There are lots of options here. Many people prefer bright yellow jackets or reflective items for safety. Studies have shown that even having apparel with contrasting colors is enough to provide safety. Cycling apparel is designed to make your ride more comfortable. Materials used wick away moisture to keep you cool in hot weather and warm in cool weather. In addition, shorts have padding in them to relieve pressure from the saddle.
Don’t forget your helmet. The most important safety item for your commute!
Extra Options. These items will depend on individual needs. How much do you need to carry with you on your commute? Change of clothes, work supplies, a laptop maybe. Carrying a back pack or messenger bag is one option. However, if your commute is long, you have preexisting back issues, or just a lot of stuff to carry this may not be comfortable. Installing a rack on your bike maybe a better option. To do this will require that your bike has bosses on it where installation is possible. Many racks have weight limits also. Once you’ve got a rack on your bike, then you need to decide what type of bag or basket to attach to it. There are lots of options. I’m partial to the Topeak rack and bag systems. Their bags have rails on them that slide onto the racks and lock into place. There are many size options. Panniers are another popular choice. These hang from the sides of the rack allowing more storage on top of the rack. Baskets attached to the top or the sides are other options. All these options will increase the weight and possibly the balance of your bike. A few other notable additions for your bike are lights (mandatory if you’re riding at night, but also good for extra visibility and safety), a lock, bell, and mirror.
I hope these tips help you on your way to successful commuting! I’d love to hear from any commuters out there who have come across other great commuting supplies.
Happy Commuting!
Kelli
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