Originally Posted by
tjspiel
The problem with this forum is that it's filled with people who've made commuting into a hobby as opposed to just a way to get to work.
Yup, that's me, I tend to buy bike stuff ...just because.
Originally Posted by
crazybikerchick
Just do it! YOU will be the best gauge of what you are missing (if anything) and can make tweaks to your own set up to improve your comfort. Your equipment may also change as your commuting expands - if initially you are doing fair weather and daylight only you'll need less than if you are riding in sub-freezing weather and heavy rains.
The only things you NEED are a safe bike (e.g. working brakes, no loose parts going to fall off) with air in the tires, and a good attitude.
If you are going to be commuting at all when it is dark, then your local law probably requires a front and rear light, and I would not recommend riding without them.
If you cannot bring your bike inside at work, you'll likely want to pick up a lock appropriate to the theft risk of the area you are going to be riding in. In some places any lock will do - just something to keep the honest people honest, for most places a u-lock would be recommended, and for high risk places (usually in major urban cores) you are best off with something heavy duty.
There are a myriad of ways to carry things by bike and you'll probably figure out what works best for you as you go. Depends on if you are bringing much to work or not - for instance if you plan on changing your clothes how are you getting them there? Backpack? Pannier on a rack? Leave them at work on days you drive?
+1 this,
Make up a list of things suggested in this thread, then think about it with the addition of your own experience on the commute, then prioritized purchases ( if needed ) based on that.
The only fear I have, is that you'll have one day that is close to disastrous, i.e. arriving to work looking like a drowned rat, torn clothes, late, shivering... whatever.. and that killing any thought of doing it ever again. If you have a backup plan, don't be afraid to activate it, consider the situation, and if necessary, break out the cell phone, or whatever. Sometimes overcoming adversity can be great, we aren't you however, you're the one who is
there.
I assume that the boyfriend is an important resource in this, use him, if he's worth keeping, he'll be delighted to help. Don't let him push you into stuff that you're not ready for though.
Generally, from the tone of your post, it sounds like you've got your head screwed on right, get out and ride!
Also, please report back, we'll be waiting for your posts.