Commuting - Any other kit needed?

Okay, I've got the bike (an aluminium framed Giant Boulder) which I've fitted (well actually the nice people in the bike shop fitted) with Vredestein (sp?) Spider tyres - supposedly puncture resistant and with a smooth centre tread, slime tubes, mud guards, basic lights, a krypton U lock, mini frame pump and rack. I've bought an under saddle bag to hold a spare tube and tyre leavers and have ordered a pair of Altura Skye Panniers.

I've got a helmet and a lightweight hideously bright yellow vest with reflective strips. :D

I'm planning on getting a handlebar mounted mirror, but other than that are there any other essentials/highly recommended bits I need (please bear in mind I want to maintain a friendly relationship with both my bank manager and wife)? :(

Oh and if the tops of my thighs ache after 5 miles but recover within 20 mins is doing 10 or 12 miles straight off likely to be a silly idea? :o

Thanks

Richard

It sounds like all the hard work has been finished.

Get on that bike and ride man, ride.

Richard - do you plan to ride in the rain? Actually the way the weather is in the UK you can start your journey in the sun and finish in the rain so I guess the answer is "yes".

So you must coinsider:
waterproof clothing
winter clothing

Goretex is expensive but it will last, so it is good value long term.
wet feet and shoes are horrible, especially in winter so, consider waterproof socks (sealskins or Porell drys from most bikeshops & YHA shops) as well as neoprene overshoes.

Carradice make a duxback poncho thing with a hood. covers your whole bod, draps over the bars. Looks very uncool but very effective like riding inside a tent! But strong winds will blow you backwards ;)

The mileage thing and sore thighs is as much a factor of speed as it is distance. The sore thighs might be an indication you're trying to ride too fast, too soon. 12-13 miles will be no problem, just take your time. Speed endurance will come with fitness as time goes by.

Why on earth did you decide autumn/winter was the time to start commuting? :D

Stew

latakiahaze - Also consider these items:
* Spare bandages, basic first aid stuff can be good for your under saddle bag.
* Velcro straps to prevent chain muck from getting on your pants legs
* An Allen wrench. (On my key ring, I carry one Allen wrench which is the exact size for adjusting my brakes, etc.)
* Even in cold weather, taking a little water along is a good idea.

Also, if you haven't done so already, test your frame pump. Some frame pumps seem great unless you ever have to actually use them. Go through the same steps that you would go through if you actually were replacing a flat inner tube, and see if you can fully inflate a mounted inner tube. Some frame pumps are not good to fully inflate a tire, and may damage the valve stem to boot.

Why on earth did you decide autumn/winter was the time to start commuting?

Stew

I'd been toying with the idea for a while, but it wasn't until the new school term started that I remembered how horrible the rail journey was.... Plus I don't think you can beat a dry, bright Autumn day. I might take the cowards route on truly wet days, initially was intending to wear quick-drying lightweight walking clothes and changing at work...

Richard

On both my bikes (commuter and road) I carry a Topeak Alien tool kit. It is small and has all the tools you are likely to need in any emergency.

I also have a helmet mounted mirror on both helmets.

You might consider a hand towel and wash cloth or wipes so you can clean up (sweat, mud, dirt) once you arrive at work. And reapplying deodorant is a good idea.

Good luck. Let us know how your commute goes. :thumbup:

Everyone has offered good things to consider, and you may discover others on your own. But it sounds like you have the basics.

As far as the distance, just start off with 2-3 days a week and work your way up. The nice thing about a bike is that you can slow down some if you get tired and still not lose too much time.
Regards,
Raymond

Thanks for the advice

Looks like I'd better bring a suit into my office in readiness and give it a go - I might even work out how to use the gears properly by the time I struggle in... :)

I've got a small first-aid kit and a couple of Allen keys - I looked at more comprehensive tools but to be honest at the moment any thing more than tightening a bolt is probably beyond me - any good idiots guides to basic bike maintenance?

I'll let you know when I've had my first go...

Richard

Richard,

There is still one very important thing you've missed...

...but I forgot what it was! ;)

Have more fun than the next guy! :D

PT

Richard, as usual, you have gotten some good advice.

Ten or more miles is doable, but you should work up to it. My first ride this summer was 7 miles, and when I got back home, my legs were so weak, that I fell down when I got off the bike! But, I just kept working at it. Three and a half miles out, then turn around and head back home. Pretty soon, this got to be easy, so I started stretching out my rides. Within about 2 weeks, I could easily do the 7 miles to work, so I started commuting. As my fitness level increased, I then started adding to my rides, so now, depending on my schedule, I ride between 20 and 40 miles a day.

Your thighs get sore because you have damaged the muscles! Sounds bad, but this is how they get stronger! If you get sore, take a day off, as it is the day of rest that your muscles actually repair themselves and you get stronger! On my weekends, I take a little tour of 50 to 80 miles, and then take the next day off.

I work in an office where I can wear casual clothes, and I keep a weeks worth of clean clothes in my big desk drawer. When I arrive at work, I get cleaned up in the restroom, then change into my work clothes, and I'm ready for the day! I sometimes have to drive in to work during the week, or I find myself there over the weekend, so I bring in a fresh supply of clothes and haul the dirty stuff home.

I am lucky enough to have a very supportive local bike shop who have taught me some of the basics of maintenance. You can also find some resources on the 'net, such as Sheldon Browns. (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/beginners/index.html)

Have a ball on your bike, and keep us informed!

If you are going to get genuinely heavy rain (like tropical downpours or the equivalent) forget about waterproof clothing. It will not keep you dry. Concentrate on keeping warm on the bike and having a dry change of clothes for when you arrive at work.

If you are going to get genuinely heavy rain (like tropical downpours or the equivalent)

Sounds like you're familiar with English weather!

Being honest with myself I'll probably start off just cycling when it's dry or only light showers. I haven't decided what to do when it reaches the stage of leaving work in the dark yet. I might just cycle in for the time being.

Richard