Bicycle Commuting Guide

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Bicycle Commuting Guide

Aug 15 2010 3:01:16 pm EST

Topics: Cycle Touring,

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It is possible to perform a variety of daily functions with a bicycle. I’ve traveled to work, to the grocery store, and even across multiple states on a bicycle. In this article, I review the basic considerations and essential equipment. For detailed images of my current setup, visit this gallery.

For a detailed guide on long distance bicycle touring, visit this article

What Kind of Bike?

I’ve ridden a mountain bike, road bike, and touring bike during my commutes. I prefer a touring bike because it covers the widest range of terrain, it’s comfortable, and it’s built to carry loads. I currently use a Cannondale touring bicycle.

Each type of bike has its strengths and weaknesses:

Note: I’ve never ridden a recumbent, my analysis is based on research and consensus among sources.

Type	Strengths	Weaknesses
Mountain Bike	Excellent off road. Comfortable frame geometry. Durable	Slow on the road, much slower than road or touring bike. Suspension may require special racks for panniers
Road Bike	Fast on road. Lightweight	Difficult or useless offroad. May not be capable of holding weight of panniers or trailer. Uncomfortable posture.
Touring Bike	Good on road and off. Durable, built to handle racks and weight.	Not as fast as road bike on road, or as fast as mountain bike on trail. Cannot handle extreme terrain, only gravel and dirt, limited trail.
Recumbent	Fast and comfortable	Not as common, requires special parts.

How to Carry Things

I’ve used a backpack, panniers, and trailer to carry supplies. I use a backpack to travel short distances with low weight. I use a single pannier for heavier loads over longer distances. It’s called Vario, from Ortlieb. It has a quick release attachment for bike racks, and converts into a backpack.

I use a trailer: BOB Yak, to carry larger loads like groceries or camping gear.

Equipment	Strengths	Weaknesses
Backpack	Easy to take with you when you leave bike	Makes back sweaty. Puts weight on back, shoulders, arms, and butt.
Panniers	Keeps weight off back.	Harder than backpack to bring with you. May interfere with bike maintenance. Difficult to balance.
Bike Trailer	Carry more gear at less cost than panniers. Takes weight off bike. BOB trailer can lock up with bike.	Kicks like mule when heavy. More tires on the road

Equipment

I use the following equipment and bike components for commuting:

Equipment	Description	Note
Helmet	To prevent scrambled brain	Try multiple helmets before buying. Some feel more comfortable than others
Cycling Gloves	Protect and pad hands	I use leather rock climbing gloves because they last longer.
U-Lock	Secure unattended bike	Use smallest u-lock possible to prevent leverage for prying. Use in tandem with a cable lock.
Cable Lock	Secure unattended bike	Use with u-lock, requires thief to use different types of tools
Bottle cages	Frame mounted bottle holder	I have two
Rear Rack	For mounting panniers and gear to bike	May require modification if pulling trailer.
Bike Bell	Get everyone out of the way	I find it more polite and effective than screaming
Rear View Mirror	Watch traffic and cyclists	I use handlebar mounted mirror
Change Clothes	Change out of sweaty cycling clothes	Everyone will like you better
Rain Gear	Serves as wind breaker too	Because of sweat, you’ll be wet anyway, but you’ll stay warmer.
Gaiters	Protective fabric along shins and boots	I use these to prevent pants from getting greased or stuck in chain.
Bike Lights	Front and rear	Important for low light conditions. Required in many municipalities
Reflective Sash and Wrist Bands	Maximize visibility	I wear reflective gear all day
GPS Receiver	With handlebar mount	For navigating unfamiliar territory

Repair Kit

I’ve used every part and tool from my repair kit, even on commutes less than 5 miles. Of course, I had to learn how to use them. Lennard Zinn writes an excellent guide on mountain and road bike repair. I’ve learned everything from ‘Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance’

The following repair kit is for short to medium distance travels. For multi day trips, I carry more parts and tools.

For adjusting spokes

Equipment	Description	Note
Gloves	Keep grease off hands	Keep bag to put in when done
Terry Cloths	For wiping equipment and hands	Keep bag to put in when done
Hand Cleaner	To clean hands	Sold in small batches
Tire Repair Kit	Tube patches with glue	Sometimes, tube may need replacement
Tire Levers	To pry off tire	3 is a good number. Never broke a Pedros.
Tubes	To replace totaled tubes	Make certain they are the right size, if pulling trailer, get trailer tubes too. Protect from sharp objects
Frame Pump	To inflate tires	No need for CO2.
Adjustable Wrench	For various nuts and bolts
Metric Hex Keys	Carry only what you need
Screwdriver	With flathead and philips bits
Fourth Hand	For pulling cables	A lot easier than pliers
Pliers	Miscellaneous tasks
Spoke Wrench	Make sure it’s the right size
Cable End Caps	To crimp on cable ends	They seem to pop off from time to time

Considerations

I consider it very important to obey the rules of the road. Don’t ride on sidewalks, ride on the right side of the road. Don’t blindly ride into intersections. Signal when turning. Don’t ride on roads where bikes aren’t allowed.

Keep an eye out for negligent motorists and pedestrians, especially in areas where bicyclists aren’t common. Use a bike bell and be prepared to brake suddenly.

Don’t leave a bike unlocked and unattended. I had one stolen when it was left unlocked and out of sight for thirty seconds. Use a u-lock and cable lock against an immovable and sturdy fixture.

Stay hydrated with gatorade or other electrolytic fluids. This prevents energy loss and cramps. Don’t push distances your body isn’t prepared for. Take days off when exhaustion sets in.

If hauling groceries, a bike behaves differently. It can kick like a mule or brake like a dump truck. Work up the weight of your loads over time to see what you can handle.

Keep riding! I’ve been doing it to varying degrees since the 1990‘s. I see more bicyclists over time, but I think more Americans, in particular, need to pedal.

As a reminder, for detailed images of my current setup, visit this gallery.

For a detailed guide on long distance bicycle touring, visit this article

Dates:

2011

2010

2008

2007