Starting the commuting thing.
 

So I started cycling for for the exercise. But about 2 weeks go, as I was filling up my 1999 Chevrolet Tahoes 30 gallon tank, I said I will start biking. Well at least some of the distance. I have a friend who lives just over halfway into my 18.6 mile commute. So I started driving there, and biking the 8 mile remainder. I don't have top of the line equipment, but its pretty good for what I am doing. It is an older cannondale commuting road bike. I have a cateye HL-EL530 headlight. Very bright. I also have a Nite Rider taillight. When at night, I use the blinking, during the day, I don't do lights. Just picked up some shoes with cleats, and the bike came with the pedals. I have the saddle bag, but I usually use a backpack, where I pack clothes, lunch, tubes, tools, and other stuff. I carry to bottles, one is for milk for protein when I get to work, one for water.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=200393
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=200392

I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions on what else I could use, or need to make this commute easier. In a few weeks when I have this commute down to almost a science, I have a friend 3 miles back where I will start parking and riding.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Sounds to me like you're pretty well set up. Keep riding, and see how fast the ride gets better for you.

There are only two things I might suggest. I'm more comfortable with the bike carrying the load than my back. You might want to try getting a rack and panniers at some point. Some place like Nashbar can probably set you up with some inexpensive alternatives; if you like them, come back and ask for name brand upgrades.

Second, if you don't already have a rain jacket, you might want one of those when you end up riding through a shower. Definitely turn your lights on, and many car drivers are blind anyway and only get worse when it rains.

I second what pdlamb said. That pretty much covers it.

You might consider adding fenders depending on your appetite for riding in the rain. I carry my tools and tubes and things I need for EVERY ride in a saddle bag, and use a backpack for my commuting-specific items like work clothes and a towel.

well the only reason i use the back pack instead of the saddle bags is because when I get to work, I would prefer to leave as little to the eye as possible. The whole illusion of safety thing, cause if there is nothing but a bicycle, I am hoping (knock on wood) a would be thief will move on to a car with its windows down.

First off welcome :thumb:.

You can always bungee your backpack to your rear rack. It takes the weight off of you and onto the bike. I did this until I put a milk crate on the back of my bike so I can just throw my backpack in it without strapping it down. I can also use it for grocery shopping.

My suggestions would be fenders, a good lock, and puncture resistant tires. you can also throw your flat repair kit in an unused water bottle.

Lights.

Oh, I'd ugly up the bike a bit. It looks too good -- and it has the C word on it, making it a thief target.

I think you are on the right track. I can't add anything, but I am a newbie. I just started and I have a shorter commute.

I am happy I have mirrors and a trunk rack with panniers. It is easy for me to detach it and carry it into the office.

It gets warm and humid in Houston; so, I carry a towel in the trunk bag.

I rode the route without the load and didn't work up a sweat. On my first ride with 2 computers and some other office gear, I did perspire and notice more power output was required.

Before you know it, you'll be riding the whole distance. That's an easily achievable commute. Be warned, riding at night is addictive. But start saving money for a brighter headlight. Brighter is always better. And redundant taillights are a good idea. And reflectivity.

Bike Nashbar regularly sells their "ATB panniers" at a heavy discount. I think I got my pair for TWELVE BUCKS and they've held up well for several years. Not flashy. Kinda dorky black panniers. Dorky is anti-theft insurance. A thief will steal a shiny WalMart MTB before they look at my purple Bridgestone XO-2. LOL