Ten years ago, I took my bike to work every other day, across San Francisco. But that stopped in 2002 or '03, and the way I bike has changed a lot since then. So advice to bring me back "up to speed" is most welcome.

I'm planning to wear a merino (wool) base layer, under the pants I'll wear for the day, if it isn't raining very hard. I have goretex pants for downpours, but prefer not to change if it's avoidable, and an uninsulated goretex jacket for the rain and wind. I already wear the wool shirts throughout the day - I develop software, and have a 'casual' work environment. Probably I'll want to leave a pair of shoes under my desk, and fill a drawer with clean, dry socks.

The building's management says I can't bring my bike inside. Would you treat this as a deal beaker? It's an office building, but there have been repeated problems with 'outside' people stealing purses and laptops from offices. Also, it's Seattle and rains a lot. HR recommended buying a cheap bike, but I like the way mine handles. They don't make it anymore, or many road bikes with disc brakes, so I'd be very upset if it were damaged or stolen...

Other than that, it's only about six miles each way, and as flat as can be hoped for around here. I rode 50 mi on Saturday for fun, and went kayaking the next day, so I'm not worried in that sense. Planning to do a practice run one evening this week and see how long I should give myself in the mornings.

What else do I need to know or plan for?

I'd bet that most people here can't park their bikes indoors, so no, it's not a deal killer.

Some people use covers for their bikes when they have to park them outdoors. I don't need one since I can park under cover (though not indoors) if there is bad weather, so I can't really recommend any in particular.

I'd surely get a decent lock. Many recommend a redundant locking strategy.

Also, I'd surely get lights so you can be seen and so you can see where you are going.

Fenders is a pretty good idea for when it rains. I added mud flaps to mine and it has been a big improvement to the double rooster tails I used to feature.

Make sure you can handle a flat tire.

+1 on the merino wool and also keeping the shoes at work. I carry what I wear during the day in a waterproof bag -- socks and underwear don't take up much room or weigh much.

Depending on how you want to carry stuff, you might add a rack, or use a backpack or messenger bag. You can figure that out after you've been at it awhile.

Other than that, just ride.

I think you've got it just right on your riding clothing. However, if it's possible, you may want to take a week's worth of work clothing to the office at the beginning of the week and just change clothes their. The bike... I can see how you would worry about it. I guess if I were in that position, I would evaluate what my parking options are. If they aren't so great (outside, in a high traffic area) then I might opt to go with a less expensive bicycle that doesn't attract a lot of attention or is easily damaged.

For me, it wouldn't be a deal breaker. I would have to have a really nice bike ($10,000+) and the job offer would have to be much lower paying (less than $40K per year) before I would even consider passing on a job on the basis of my bicycle habit. But, I guess it depends on how much of a "habit" or "addiction" you have to cycling.

Looks like you have to invest in some good bike locks.

i'd be pretty pissed if i couldn't bring my bike inside. that said, good lock, and just try to stick to it. i get major fair weather-itis down here because i'm spoiled rotten.

So, the only lock I have at this point is a cable one with a combination. It's great for show, but I'm not going to rely on it for eight hours a day, five days a week. I'm thinking I'll need a U lock, and since I've already got the other one, I may as well use both.

Because they don't make me take my laptop home, I don't have any need for a backpack, and I don't have a rack on my bike. How would people suggest carrying the locks? I've never had any luck mounting them to the frame, for various reasons, and my current bike has the wires on the inside of the frame, so that's probably not an option regardless.

Some riders leave their locks at their jobs/school/homes.

+1. Figure out where you're going to lock up and leave the lock locked to the rack/post when you leave.

Does your building have a service entrance / dock / maintenance area where you can leave it? Most stairwells have dead space where you can keep a bike.

I'll ask specifically about the stairs, but doubt I'll be allowed. The good news, at least, is that the bike rack is in front of a big window and the building's deli. I don't know how much deterrent that will provide, but it's better than none.

So, just attach the lock to the bike rack, and leave it there overnight. I like it. Anybody ever come back the next day and find their lock has been "removed" by maintenance? I guess that'd be a sign that the lock wasn't worth the money ... I don't want to wear out my welcome doing this, but I want to carry a bunch of bike locks even less.

Thanks for the tip. I'm going to try it, and probably be very happy not having to carry the locks around.