Any Summer Commuting tips?

1. If you go slow you wont sweat much probably, but if its hot you are gonna sweat anyway. I sweat like a pig so I stopped bothering about it but at the moment I am not working so... If you dont have to work in a suit then cycling speciality clothing dry very fast. You can have a "fake shower" too... [IMG]files.cyclingforums.combig smile.pngOpen ↗[/IMG]

2. I think you allready know the answer to this but there lots of online guides for how to secure your bike properly and stall a theft attempt or just make your bike undesirable for theft. You should probably remove everything that is removable from the bike after locking it up for any amount of time, unless you live in an area where there is no theft. In some areas here you see 500euro bikes left with just a 4mm wire lock... Which is good because stronger locks are much heavier usually.

3. No, dont get a backpack... Unless you want one specifically for some reason. A rack pannier that has a handle and shoulder straps should be fine too and yes backpacks make you sweat more. There are some pack packs that have an extra mesh that keeps your back away from the backpack for that reason but still the straps will probably cause sweat. Ortlieb (a good pannier manufacturer) has lots of rack panniers options with shoulder straps, handles etc. Plus if you get a pannier its best if you get a waterproof one or if you waterproof it by placing a waterproof cover over it or keep your stuff in a smaller waterproof container in the pannier. If you commute often chances are that you will encounter rain at some point.

eg.

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4. Other advice hmmm. Basically if you start commuting the same route every day you are probably gonna start getting used to it so much that you wont just be faster but you will also start doing it without "thinking much" and then is when you start getting prone to accidents... [IMG]files.cyclingforums.comwink.pngOpen ↗[/IMG] Plus try a few different routes, the shortest one is not always the fastest or the nicest. [IMG]files.cyclingforums.comwink.pngOpen ↗[/IMG]

Another one would probably be to try to find the best possible tires for the route you are gonna be using. [IMG]files.cyclingforums.comwink.pngOpen ↗[/IMG]

Thanks! How much would shoes/pedals help? I have already spent far more than expected. What order would you make the following purchases? Also, recommendations in each category would be great. I am investing in this, so I want to buy stuff that will last and look good on the bike. Shoes/pedals Rack/paneer Horn Butt creme Hydration Spare tubes Cleaning/maintenance supplies Any special underclothing? Lycra? Cycling computer anything else? I hate smelling bad, but the clothing issue may be a problem as I wear a shirt and tie.

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by PresumptuousGuy

Thanks!

How much would shoes/pedals help?

I have already spent far more than expected. What order would you make the following purchases?

Also, recommendations in each category would be great. I am investing in this, so I want to buy stuff that will last and look good on the bike.

Shoes/pedals
Rack/paneer
Horn
Butt creme
Hydration
Spare tubes
Cleaning/maintenance supplies
Any special underclothing?
Lycra?
Cycling computer
anything else?

I hate smelling bad, but the clothing issue may be a problem as I wear a shirt and tie.

Hmmm

Probably something like that:

1. Spare tubes, CO2 inflator
2. Rack/panιer
3. Hydration, (bottle?)
4. Cycling Shorts
5. A good lube depending on the conditions, wet for wet use or dry for repelling dust (allthough the chain and casssette will get black anyway so you might save some $$ and just get a normal oil and wash the bike regularly).

The rest of the stuff you dont really need I think... A computer is nice to have but not necessary for commuting... A horn? Dunno... Maybe just a bell for pedestrians?

Pedals could help. They make cycling easier.

Anything else... hmmm, tire levers? and also maybe a presta to shrader adaptor just in case you have a flat near a gas station and want to use the pump there instead of a 3$ CO2 catridge. Also maybe gloves or a very comfy bar tape?

I have a mini pump in my on board tool kit. Is this not adequate for this bike? Should I buy a bike alarm?

What are the specifics of your commute? How far? What is the terrain like?

If you haven't already, I would speak with your employer about amenities for bike commuters. Indoor storage, lockers and showers are great (I have them). Even small things like bike racks make it easier on you.

Enhancements for commuting alternatives can sometimes be subsidized. It just takes someone at the workplace to champion the cause.

The terrain is flat, amenities very unlikely in the near future.

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by PresumptuousGuy

I have a mini pump in my on board tool kit. Is this not adequate for this bike?

Should I buy a bike alarm?

A pump is probably even better, if you are willing to carry one, as CO2 escapes the tubes and the bike tire is flat by the next day. CO2 catridges are a lightweight emergency thing so you can go back home in the case of a flat. Not to mention that some times CO2 can explode the new tube making it an even costlier repair...

Having a good floor pump with a pressure gauge at the garage for keeping the tires at optimum pressure is good too.

I saw a bike alarm once. You might surprise an attempted theft or you might just lose another few $$ in case the bike gets stolen...

It might be good to think "logistics" when selecting your commuting bike... If it's enjoyable to ride too it's a bonus. [IMG]files.cyclingforums.comsmile.pngOpen ↗[/IMG] Total expenditures per month for commuting by bike are around 5 euro for a tube and some lube (if a tube is to be needed)... So nicer - faster components make sense if theft is not an issue... [IMG]files.cyclingforums.comwink.pngOpen ↗[/IMG]

Thanks, theft is easily my biggest concern.

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by PresumptuousGuy

Thanks, theft is easily my biggest concern.

This is a chain lock by Kryptonite. It would probably require a double cut from a heavy tool to be breached. Some U-locks you might be able to cut on one side and then brake the lock with leverage. You might wanna check the weight, price and also the security rating from an independent testing organisattion like "Sold Secure", "ART" etc..

This one might be a bit lighter and stronger, but it still weighs around 2kg. Is there a chance of leaving the bike in a closed space somewhere?

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A backpack would be a wise choice if you have something you MUST carry around. As for locks, there are plenty of good brands out there to keep your stuff safe. Common sense really does go a long way.

I've got a kryptonite ulock now, my locks weigh almost as much as the bike, but make me feel better. Just rode from Orlando to Cocoa Beach for my first real journey on it. Lying in bed tired/sore, but feeling good too.

They are good locks. After using one for years it alleady got some short of attack (maybe more actually, who knows) because I found the dust cap grinded by something and the orange plastic over the crossbar went white at a point, probably from an impact with somehing.

If you dont put it on a backpack and it rattles, you can apply some electric tape in the ends of the shackle next to the crossbar. [IMG]files.cyclingforums.comwink.pngOpen ↗[/IMG] Oiling the lock barrel also helps with rust and stuff.

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That's what I'm working with right now. Picked up a jetflow hydration back pack for the ride home.