Originally Posted by
cppb
...I also have decent (not great) lights, so I appreciate the advice on getting better ones. One of the primary reasons for not driving is to save on gas, so I don't want to drop $150 on a set of really expensive ones. What I have are a pair of knock-off tactical flashlights with bike mounts. They are each brighter than my 1-watt cateye that was $40 even though they cost like $10 for the pair. They are the best "see" lights I've ever had, but still may not be adaquate for a country road at 4am. I might order a set of the non-knock-offs to add more lumens but still split the difference between cycling-specific lights.
I am mot curious about the idea that this will have zero training benefit. I appreciate the idea that I might not want to ride on the weekends, but frankly, most weekends I ride about 40-50 miles once or twice, so if I am doing that up to six times a week I am really improving my milage. Also, while there will be about 10 miles each way that are city, "junk" miles, 30 each way are on about the same kind of roads I ride when I train anyways. Does this change your assessment, or is it mostly due to riding while waking up and being more focused on getting from point A to B than on a good training ride?
I guess you can try the lights you have, but stash spare batteries at work. Many of the LBSs and internet stores are selling off their lights inventory, so this is a chance to get a "turn night into day" set of lights. Don't forget tail lights - regular blinkies are IMO useless for alerting overtaking traffic - I'd go with Planet Bike Superflash or the knockoffs at a minimum, and a big Cateye or Dinotte taillight if you want to be spotted a 1/2-mile to mile away. And run 2 H/L & 2 T/L for redundancy (I have a Dinotte 200 and a PBSF on my helmet for the 2nd set). I'd probably keep a spare kit in case the AM one get too messy for the ride home. Definitely attend to bike maintenance to mimize the chance of mechanicals. Look at lightweight rando setups for ideas on how to carry what you do want with you without compromising bike speed.
And plan on increased physical and mental wear and tear. I am about tarwheel's age and although I've been a year-round 4K miles commuter and rec rider, I've definitely felt the jump from 8-10 miles to 24-25 daily, and take it easy (which for my distance doesn't add that much time) when I need it.
I use my road bike on some commutes (12 mi each way) and what I've found useful: trigeek behind seat bottle carrier; I use one (modified) to hold my 24oz Nissan Thermos coffee thermos. Profile Design aerobar computer/light mount and a spare handlebar mount (Dinnotte 600L) so I can easily move my big headlight between bikes. Crudbuster clip on fenders (UK, check ProBikeKit and the other UK vendors and, yes, they fit 23mm tires) to keep muck off me and the drivetrain when the no-rain-until-evening forecast is off. Debating replacing the backpack with a (shudder) seatpost rack and trunk bag or small panniers.
I think a long commute is great for sub-FTP "sweet spot" training. I try to go at 90-95% FTP for 10-15 minutes and use traffic lights (I have 2-3 long ones each way) for recovery. May start doing sets of shorter harder intervals on the way home some days if I think I won't be too busy that evening. Good luck!