Any suggestions for a prospective commuter?
 

Hey all,

Well I'll be moving on the 1st. I'm currently lucky enough to be able to walk to work, since I live in the downtown area of Charleston. I've Google mapped a route for my new house to work and it's only 8 miles, so 16 mile round trip. There's really no hills to speak of other than a small drawbridge. Any tips for a newbie? I have lights and a helmet, was considering a rack of some sort and panniers so I don't have to wear a book bag. I forgot to mention, I work at a bike shop so I have some options as far as variety, looking for some outside opinions on gear though. Trying to be budget conscience as much as possible. How about clothing? It doesn't get too cold here, but the wind can be an absolute killer sometimes. I'm going to test ride the route this weekend and see how it is.

I'm currently riding a Quick 4, I figure with the relative short distance it will get the job done just fine.

Thanks in advance!

A light windbreaker (reflective if dark riding) might be a good idea. As for panniers & rack, those are really going to be specific to your needs vs your budget. What works for me may not work for you. That said, i feel racks with triangular mount pattern may hold pannier more securely if it is designed to lock into the v shape, otherwise if it's top mount only you could get a rack that extends farther back covering more of the wheel. I would suggest fenders, but i dunno if you plan on riding on wet terrain or in the rain. Several companies make fenders that cover more of the front wheel, and i'd recommend those over something with less coverage. Rear fenders can come with or without reflectors, if you plan on riding at night, get the ones with, or ome that can mount to rack that has a built in light. Front light is required in most places for any vehicle, some require front and rear, you should check with DOT for requirements.

Hope this helps!

- Andy

- Keep the things you need for the ride in order, right by the door. This eliminates excuses from riding as opposed to driving. Helmet, gloves, lights, pump, whatever.

- Attach a small tool bag to your saddle and keep only tools in it so you can just leave it and know it's ready for a flat or whatever.

- Have another bag or a basket for carrying other things. Panniers are really nice to have, but they're not for everyone.

- Pay close attention to how you feel and what clothes you wear so that you can build a chart -- on paper or in your head -- for which clothes are appropriate for the various conditions you'll encounter.