Commuting - neo, long commute; advice?

Hello all.

I'm two days new to the board, and new to bicycle commuting. I've done several searches but haven't exactly found what I was looking for. So I thought I'd start a new thread.

I currently commute by train, but, in an effort to get some more exercise, I thought I'd take a shot at a bicycle commute. I think it's rather long, 18 miles. However, because I figure that it'll take me longer than I hope, and I like to get home fairly quickly, I'll be taking the train home. So it's just an 18 mile per day commute on the bicycle. I haven't purchased a bike yet, I thought I'd rent one from the local bike shop for a week, give it a try, and, if I feel my body can handle it, I'd buy a bike, maybe even the one I just rented. My budget is $600, but that's only because that's the price of an entry-level road bike. Spending less is better for my mental health. :)

Before I go out and plunk down some money on a rental, I thought I'd ask advice about an 18 mile commute for a neo. First some info. I'm in decent cardiovascular shape for myself. Used to be in uber shape, good for long, fast runs and hard sprints. Alas, a desk has put an end to that. But I run a few times per week at about 8 min/per for at least 3 miles, usually 4, sometimes 6. The route is neighborhood, and not hilly, but not flat as the TX plains. About 6 months ago, I used to ride a mountain bike 2 miles to the train station, in about a 7 minute all out sprint, to a 10 minute fast pace. I did that for three months, and then moved within walking distance of the train station. :) I do remember seeing 50ish-looking men(i'm late 20s) pass me on my sprints, I assume, heck, I hope, because they were on road bikes. So I figure that a road bike would be much more efficient for a road commute. About 10 years ago I rode 10 miles to the HS on a mix of busy road/quiet suburban street, on an old, too big for me mtn bike. It was another way to cross train for my athletic extracurriculars. It took me an hour, and I was way too tired. I don't have fond memories of that experience.

Second, the questions.

1. From what I've put described, does 18 miles sound too far?
2. Would you do it on an entry-level road bike?
3. How long do you think it would take to do?

Let me know. Thanks.

1. no, but you might need to work into it.
2. yes. All my bikes are roadbikes and one of my commute routes is 20 miles each way.
3. I'd give yourself an hour and a half for the one way commute. The first time, give yourself 2 hours.

1) 18 miles is not too bad, but ease into it a little slowly so you don't overdo it the first couple of days.

2) An entry road bike would work and will certainly be the lightest, most responsive choice. However, you will also want to think about clothes and other gear you need with you or that you need to pre-stage at your workplace. If you need to carry clothes, laptop, etc. you might want to consider a rack and panniers to make it easier. Attaching racks to a road bike can be more difficult. There are ways to do it or you could look at a hybrid that will have points to attach racks, etc. An entry level hybrid would be cheaper and certainly a good hybrid could be found for $600.

3) I think 90 minutes sounds about right once you get into it. Don't push too hard those first few days, your speed will pick up pretty quickly.

Once you get riding check out the Very Long Commute Club threads, you'll find a lot of support and comiseration with other people who ride that far or further to work. Good luck.

Thanks for the opinions. Once I give it a shot, I'll let you know how it goes.

I ride 35 miles each day and my a lot faster then most commuters. I tell you this so you will know that the times and average speeds I tell you about are on the high side of commuting.

I run 17 to work and 18 home. It takes me 55 min. to work and 58 min. home. I started on a Wal-Mart MTB. It took me 1 hour 45 min on the MTB. Then when I got a road bike my times droped to 1 hour 15 min. Now that I have been on the bike commute for 6 months I have the time down to 55min.

So Yes do get a road bike.

Any bike will make the commute, but how long do you want it to take? As long as it is a road bike you should be ok on the ride time.

Like the rest have said, take it easy and get your body into the commute before you try to kill yourself with the go fast. for the first week shoot for 90 min. then each week try to take that time down 2 min or so. Till you get the commute time where you want it. At 90 min. you average speed will be 12 mph which is a good starting point.

You sound like you're in good shape, I wouldn't worry too much about the ride. Drink plenty of fluids, and take it easy.

Make sure you get a bike you're comfortable with! Road, or something more along the lines of a touring bike. Touring bikes usually have a slightly more upright posture, longer frame, and plenty of mounting points, for racks, fenders, and such, while still allowing you to get down into the drops for wind and such.

I'm doing 17 miles a day (8.5 miles each way) on a Raleigh Technium, with a rack and panniers on it.

Other than the fact that it's a bit too big for me (too much reach...) I love it. One of these days I'll get down to the bike shop with a few dollars in my pocket, and see what we can do about that.

Do note: Backpacks suck on commutes.... you'll get to work with your back DRENCHED and sweat running down. The only real advantage vs. panniers is that they're a little more aerodynamic. (Well... more than MY panniers, anyway)

If you can fit whatever you need to carry into a trunk on top of the rack, I'd recommend that over panniers, as it sits behind you and doesn't really increase drag. The advantage of panniers is that 1) They can hold more and 2) They sit lower, making the bike more stable than if you have a lot of weight up on top of the rack.

Also, make sure you save money for equipment... pump, patch kit, multi-tool, a couple spare tubes at a MINIMUM for tools, and make sure you know how to use them! Nothing would be worse than finding out 9 miles into your ride that you don't know how to use the tools you brought.

If you're going to ride at night or in bad weather, you'll need a decent light... lots of threads about them.

You'll probably also want some cycling clothes... they really make a HUGE difference on a long ride, or when it's hot out!

I went cheap, I wear some Under-armor type shirts I bought at Walmart for $10 (Hmm... they just went on clearance on the web... I should run over there and see if they're clearing them out in the store, too), and microfiber compression shorts underneath my clothes. If it's over about 85 degrees on the way home, I just wear the wicking shirt, otherwise I wear regular t-shirts over it.

If my ride was any longer, I'd buy cycling shorts to wear (I'll probably end up getting them before the end of summer, anyway)

A road bike will probably be fine. Comfort and sketchiness might be more important issues that make you not feel like doing the commute. The perfect bike for doing you 100th commute in 1 hour might not be the perfect bike for doing the first attempt.

Something with the seat even with the handlebars makes it easier to check traffic behind you, and keep your neck up for most of the ride on the top bar. Wide handlebars make stability over potholes, or when pedals slip, easier. suspension seatpost can smooth out those potholes, and basically are desirable if you coast and brace over bumps instead of trying to pedal through them. Drop bars make it easier on your hands.

A lot of people here are probably eyeing triathlon bikes as their next commuter because of personal expertise with riding, but that doesn't make it an appropriate first commuter.

Hello all.
I haven't purchased a bike yet, I thought I'd rent one from the local bike shop for a week, give it a try, and, if I feel my body can handle it, I'd buy a bike, maybe even the one I just rented.

Second, the questions.

1. From what I've put described, does 18 miles sound too far?
2. Would you do it on an entry-level road bike?
3. How long do you think it would take to do?


We're about the same age, with similar physical backgrounds. I was in great shapeuntil I got my cubicle job, too. I'm taking my time getting my body back in condition. You won't be in great shape after a week; it will take a month or more to know how your body will respond over the long haul.

I second CigTech's post about a new bike really cutting your times. I too rode a mountain beater for a month or so, and when I got my new fitness/commuter bike I was astounded at how much easier it was! I didn't want the drop bars of a road bike, and I thought wider tires would help with the ride comfort and tire durability. So a road bike isn't the only way to go...just whatever fits your tastes.

I ride 28 miles in and 17 back.
28 miles takes me about 1hr 45 minutes. Lots of hills.
The 17 miles takes less than an hr. Going down hills.

The return route uses a bus.
When I first started, 4 miles took me an hr due to my fitness level, route selection, and a horrible bike.
A few months later and a new bike I bumped up to 15 miles each way. A year later and I am now riding 200-250 miles a week.
If I can do it you can. :)

1. No. It sounds like a good challenge
2. I would actually pick a touring bike. However, an entry level roadbike would work. Technically, you can commute on any bike. It's a matter of priorities. Ex: do you want to carry items to and from work on your back or on a rack?
3. Give it 2 hrs. You will discover that your times will drastically improve over the next month or two.

At the beginning, I viewed 4 miles or more as a long distance. Now it takes in excess of 30 miles each way to make me feel the same.
Heck, I frequently tow my 2 year old son in a trailer on the weekend with a minimum distance of 40 miles each ride.
Starting weight: 202lbs
Current weight: 165lbs
Goal: 160lbs

I ride 11.2 miles out and 11.2 miles back.

I do it on a cheap halfords hybrid bike.

38x700c Slick tyres, normal handlebars just with added barends for more hand positions (I found I was having tired hands just holding them normally) and nicer for climbs and powering into the wind.

and a pannier rack on the back to carry a cheap satchel. Served me well so far, and looks to serve me well over the next few months at least.

I intend upgrading my handlebars to trekking bars at some point and converting it to a single speed, but the frame is a decent start to the bike so I can just do cheap upgrades as I go. :)

Certainly no need to spend out on equipment that you have no need for just at the moment.

I need my eyes checked. I swear your post said 112 miles in and back. he he

ROFL!!! :D I'd love to do a century but I think if I tried it right now I'd die about mile 25. :D