DaveQ24

I have decided that I am going to commute to work at least 2 days per week in 2017, starting when the spring thaw comes some time in March.

I've wanted to do this for several years, but I perceived too many impediments - no shower facilities where I work, a suit and tie professional environment, and frequent and sometimes random out-of-office situations, at times as far as 30-40 miles from the office.

However, where there is a will, there is a way. My firm hired a new associate some months back who took over the more demanding part of my workload- and specifically the matters that took me out of the office. My gym is about 2 miles from work, so I can incorporate a workout, shower, and afterwards should be able to manage 2 miles without getting unacceptably dirty/sweaty.

In October, I bought a pedal-assist 2015 Haibike Xduro Fullseven RX (thanks to those on here who helped with that purchase decision, btw), and I also have a 2013 Prodeco Outlaw SS full-throttle E-bike if needed.

Work commute is approximately 14.5 to 16 miles depending on which route I take - rush hour drive time by car is typically 45-60 minutes due to heavy, generally slow traffic.

I have essentially everything I think I will need - for ncluding and racks and panniers - although I''m sure there will be a learning curve trying to integrate two areas of my life that haven't had any real overlap.

speedy25

Go for it! I hope it works well for you.

-SP

2old

Let us know how it turns out & good luck.

InTheRain

I've been commuting by bicycle for 8+ years. The last 2 years have been about 90 percent with my electric pedal assist bike. I have the same situation, no shower, no changing facility, and have to dress somewhat professional - not suit and tie, but nice slacks and a button down dress shirt. Fortunately, the ride into work is a slight downhill or level for the most part. The temps are usually cool (or downright cold) in the mornings. I can manage to get to work without too much of a sweat, and when I get there, I sit in front of a fan in my office for 5-10 minutes before I change into my work attire.

I rarely have a situation where I have to work out of the office, and when I do, my supervisor will drive us.

It's been working fine with the ebike.

TheNormanRider

Good luck with your plan, DaveQ24! E-biking is a great way to commute. I have a 10-mile ride one-way and it's a blast with the electric assist. While doable with a conventional bike, I have more fun on the e-bike. Only time will get you the experience you're after; be patient, that's the only advice I can give.

st1jrp

Dave,

I've got a similar plan to start commuting with my iZip E3 Dash here in Seattle. My route is from Ballard to Sodo and is just at 10 miles each way.

I used to commute via normal bike, back in the day, and learned many very important and valuable lessons on how to ride in City traffic.

Number ONE - ALWAYS ASSUME THEY WILL TURN IN FRONT OF YOU, PULL OUT IN FRONT OF YOU AND OPEN THEIR DOOR IN FRONT OF YOU!!!!!!!!! - I don't care if you're lit up like the National Christmas Tree, "THEY CANNOT SEE YOU!!!!

Fortunately, my route now is 70% residential street and bike path, which is fantastic. The only traffic exposure is about 2 miles near the waterfront and should be manageable.

The great thing about the Electric assist is that I can maintain a 20+ pace using assist level 3 and pretty much stay up with traffic in that one area.

As far as shower facilities, we are usually cool enough here in Seattle at 6:30 am that it really doesn't present a huge issue. Unless I decide to totally go animal my arrival is not precipitated with excessive perspiration.

Best of luck with your plan. Let's post here from time to time to see how we are progressing.

John

st1jrp

InTheRain,

What are you riding? Does the moisture concern you regarding the electronics on your bike?

I think they've built these bikes to be pretty unaffected but, still I worry.

With eight years of experience you certainly have a much more solid experience to share than my 3 weeks on my electric Bike.

Hope to see you on the road one of these mornings.

John

DaveQ24

Thanks for the encouragement.

John, my route is also lined with multi-use paths, so I would be largely off the road as well.

InTheRain

To alleviate your concerns, I have not had any problems with ebike electronics... rain or no rain. I ride a touring bike with a bionx ebike kit. I'm coming up on 2 years since I converted my touring bike to an ebike (thus I've only been commuting with an ebike for 2 years... not 8.)

I bought my kit from the ebikestore in Portland. I had the same concerns about moisture. The owner assured me that he would have been out of business long ago if ebikes could not handle moisture.

st1jrp

Caught a miserable chest and head cold to start the New Year. Still trying to hack out a lung even though the doctor told me I'm over the disease and just have some residual asthma.

That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. I couldn't ride because I was too sick.

Not riding had nothing to do with morning temps in the 20's and ice everywhere.

Am I the only wimp that couldn't deal with freezing temps at 6:30 in the morning?

Next week, just you wait and see, I'm getting back in the saddle - next week!

John

chris@propel

Cool to see this post. It's great to see more and more people commuting with ebikes.

Regarding the moisture - The main thing I would say is to not submerge the motor or any connections. Most can handle rain and such, but when you submerge something water can get in there.

InTheRain

If you're sick, it's a good enough excuse to use the car, bus, or train for your commute. However, I've had day-after-day of dark, early morning commutes with temps 12-25 degrees (very unusual for this area.) One day, I commuted on my scooter - much, much colder than a bicycle commute. Ice... that was a little tricky on the bike (a definite no go with a scooter) but I was careful when using the brakes and making turns. I prefer to ride in cold over wet... but I get much more of the wet around here. I commuted by car less than 10 days in 2016... expect the same for the next several years.

st1jrp

I'll vouch for you that the past two weeks have been in the 20's every morning here in the Puget Sound.

I know some of our Mid-West brothers will scoff but, in my book, you're an animal, InTheRain! It has been biting cold!

Getting over my cough and congestion just in time for the weather out here to warm into the 40's but start raining all day long. Looks like I'm going to get to test your contention that rain isn't a serious issue as long as I can stay out of the ditch.

John

Kindaslow

I am also in the Seattle area. When I was younger I did some bike commuting in Eastern WA, which is much colder, but dry. I would rather ride at 15 degrees in Eastern WA than 30 degrees in Western WA, due to the moisture in the air. Here in my area, there is a lot of ice at 35 and lower, given a lot of neighborhoods with trees creating shade all day. I have only had my Haibike for 3 months, but it does not appear impacted by the rain.

InTheRain

You're going to be fine. For me, riding in rain is not a big deal. What I complain about most is putting on rain gear and taking it off. I long for summer commutes in shorts, t-shirt, and tennis shoes.