Biking to Work

[Ralph Wiggum]

After a few years of hemming and hawing, I broke down and retired my ancient Schwinn mountain bike last night and brought home a new Trek 7.2 FX (a "fitness hybrid" bike). I'm looking forward to getting back into some riding (nothing too serious, but logging some decent rides).

Anyways, I'm hoping to commute with it a few days a week during the warmer weather months. Just looking for any advice from those who ride to work. Have you run into any problems being a bike commuter? Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Ryan

[DT08]

Ryan,

Hope you're still checking this post. Have you biked to work yet?

Here are things I have found to be important. Bike slower than normal if you don't have a shower at work or don't have time to cool down before you have to work. Always carry raingear for the unexpected shower. Flat tire repair kit is a must as well. Fenders are a plus.

Hope you do it and stick with it. Great way to build up some easy biking miles and a really fun way to relax before and after a work day. When I lived in Indianapolis, IN I had 7 miles to drive to work. I could bike there faster than I could drive during rush hour. Good luck. Too bad they won't give us "cash for clunkers" type credit for all the gas you can save when biking to work.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Hi DT08,

Yup, I've been biking to work a few times a week. So far, things have gone well. I've got 5.5 miles each way--takes me about 15 minutes to drive and about 22 minutes to bike, so it doesn't take much longer and I am getting exercise and leaving my 13 MPG SUV in the driveway.

We've got a locker room and shower at work--if not, I don't think I would do it because I sweat profusely

If anyone is thinking about it, I'd say give it a shot. I haven't biked regularly in a few years, but now that I've got my new bike, I am really enjoying it again. Plus, my wife got one, too, so it gives us a good excuse to get some exercise together.

[DT08]

Ryan,

Great to hear it has gone well! As we lose light look into some flashing LED head and tail lights as fall approaches. I am jealous as my current job situation doesn't really allow for bike commuting. If you get really crazy look into some Nokian studded tires for the winter! Have fun -- if nothing else it is fun to have more gear to research and look at.

[Ralph Wiggum]

As we lose light look into some flashing LED head and tail lights as fall approaches.