secndshft

Since buying my Lemond two weeks ago, I've ridden roughly 30 miles a day. I was thinking I'd wait to start the full commute, but to be honest I'm thinking it's time. I teach at a university, so I have the blessing of a fairly flexible schedule. This semester my teaching load is on Tuesday and Thursday. Since I don't have specific obligations for Monday, it seems like the perfect time to get started. My commute will involve some city, suburban and country driving. Today I took care of a few last minute purchases and I'm working out the specifics of things like showering, etc once I get to work.

• Extra tubes (2--they are light enough)
• CO2 pump and cartridges
• multi-tool for tires, etc
•*extra chain link in the event I break a chain
• soap, deo, towels, etc (I won't be carrying this every day of course)
•*cloths
• extra shoes (I need to store a pair at school. I bought clipless pedals/shoes today...I love them)
•*hydration (I need to buy another water bottle tomorrow.)
• clif bar/lunch/etc

I have decided to go the backpack route. I've ridden with a backpack many times in the past and I think I prefer it to a rear rack and panniers, which I once owned. I guess that could change if I find myself in need of more space. I won't need a map since my route is pretty simple. It's essentially one long road for 20+ miles, once I get out of the city.

Thanks in advance.

Bluish Green

That looks like a good list. Do you have a place to store the bike, or will you need to lock it up?

For my commute, I keep a belt and shoes stored at work. I keep a U-lock locked to the bike rack out in front of the office; no need for me to haul it every day since I'm going from the same "A" to the same "B" each day.

Good luck!

HardyWeinberg

I think you're forgetting an actual pump for when the CO2 fails, and I don't see a patchkit itemized either it's worth carrying for when both of your spare tubes have problems.

secndshft

I forgot to mention that there is room in my office, which I can lock, for the bike. I do plan on placing a floor pump at school and carrying the hand pump as well. I do have a patch kit as well. Thanks!

redeyedtreefr0g

I think the chain link might be useless without a chain tool. When my chain broke I would not have been able to fix it roadside because I didn't have the tool yet to remove the pins- a multitool won't have that. I also learned that you can push the pin out just far enough to break the chain, but not all the way out- then it is easy to reassemble. Might be something you know already, but I didn't

Have fun!

secndshft

The multi-tool I bought has the chain tool, or at least that was how it was presented. It's this one:

https://www.parktool.com/product/i-be...hain-tool-ib-3

colleen c

Pack a pair or two latex surgical gloves. They work great for changing flats especially the rear tire where you have to deal with the greasy chain. I also carry some Wet Wipe packs to clean hand after flat changing.

Also in your list you did not mention any lights unless they are already attach to bike. Even if you commute daily before in daylight, you should have a backup front and rear light in case you left work late.

nashcommguy

Essential info.^^^ Get good lighting and tires. Don't cheap out on either of them. Niterider Mi-Newt Cordless 150 is basic and can be had for 50.00 online. Cygolite Hot Shot for the rear is 27-30.00USD online as well. VERY bright. Both are re-chargeable. For backups I use Sette Glo for the front and a set of Sette Glo 316 blinkies for the rear. Get some sort of puncture resistant tires as your commute is rather lengthy and cheap tires will cause far more headaches than the money one saves. Been there.

Btw, shower before commuting and do some minor touch up upon arrival. I've tried it both ways and the shower/ride allows for an odor free ride home. Just my 2 cnsts.

Digital_Cowboy

Most of the "larger" multi-tools that I've seen do have a chain tool. I have one such tool in my pannier bag.

secndshft

Thanks all. I did forget gloves and to mention that I have lights. I probably need better ones...