If you want to make your bike commuting experience a little more comfortable and convenient, there are several things you can do. We’ve compiled a list of equipment suggestions in this story. I would suggest you start out with the items listed under “Accessories” then decide after a couple of rides if you need anything else.
Resist “gearing up” in the beginning and try commuting with just the essentials. You’ll identify what does and doesn’t work over the months and you’ll purchase or adjust to suit your commute and your style.
Make sure you always wear a helmet when you ride!
Accessories
• “Blinky” Lights. A flashing white light on handlebars is the law in most Northwest states. Keep them on during the day as well as night for optimal safety. I use three on the rear: helmet/seat/bike frame. Mount lights on the left side closest to traffic.
• Fenders. A Northwest “must-have” item both for comfort and safety. “Full coverage” fenders are the best, but half-sized “quick-release” fenders are also a good choice if your frame’s wheel clearance is too tight to slip a full-fender between the frame/fork and tire. Apply red reflective tape to the center of both fenders.
• Pump. Full-sized frame ones are the best.
Mini-pumps are OK, but they take much longer to fill tires to a safe operating pressure. (Topeak makes a nice frame pump and their “Morph” line is a good choice for a smaller pump.)
• Inner Tubes. Make sure they fit your particular wheel/tire dimensions and valve-type. For example, most wheels are 700 X 28mm or 26" X 1.75" and are either Schraeder or Presta. Tire size is marked on the tire’s sidewall.
• Tire Levers. Get three. Black plastic with red holders are the best. Don’t use metal ones.
• “Y” Allen bolt wrench. Park brand 4mm, 5mm, 6mm with “Bondhaus” tip will fit 95 percent of a modern bike’s bolts. It’s great for making saddle and handlebar adjustments to dial-in your optimum position for long-mileage comfort.
• Bike lock. A high-end ($50 – $100) U-Lock is the only thing I recommend (On-Guard is the best). Cable locks, in my opinion, are worthless. Go to YouTube.com and search “bike theft” to see a good example of why cables should be avoided.
• Rearview mirror. This should be mounted on your handlebars or helmet-mounted to give you better scanning options in heavy traffic.
Optional Equipment
• Helmet-mounted light for added safety. If you have to choose between a helmet or handlebar-mount … go for the helmet type. At night you have the ability to look not only in front of you but also gain the attention of drivers coming out from side streets or contemplating a turn. Absolutely invaluable in low-light commuting.
• “Commuter-sized” tires. i.e. 700c x 25 – 38mm for comfort and safety.
• Computer. Wireless-type is easiest to set up. It keeps you motivated to see how many miles you log over the year.
• Seat Pack. Big enough to hold tubes and tools.
• “Ergo” Seat. If present seat is uncomfortable, first check its adjustment. Women should take a look at the Terry brand “Butterfly” model.
• “Ergo” handlebar grips. Place handlebar gel-pads underneath bar tape for extra padding. (The Ergon brand is my favorite for flatbars.)
• Handlebar bag for carrying rain jacket, route map, etc.
• Clipless pedals/shoes. It’s generally safer to be “clipped-in” than have your foot slide around on a wet pedal. We like the Crank Brother’s “Egg Beaters.”
• Water bottle or hydration system to keep you well-hydrated. (Deuter brand is my new fave.) Clean daily to keep the dreaded “mung” from growing inside!
Carrying your stuff
• Day Packs. These have “OK” carrying capacity, but your backside gets hot and sweaty in the summer.
• Messenger-type bags. Rides low, keeps your backside cooler than backpack.
• Panniers or “saddle bags,” Classic commuter equipment. Ortlieb brand bags are completely waterproof and a great commuter choice for the Northwest.
• Large under-saddle bags: Carradice/Berthoud brands carry a day’s clothing change.
• Rack “trunk:” “6-pack sized” rectangular bag fits on top of rear rack.
• Gym/Duffle Bag: Secure to rack with bungee cords.
Clothing
• Embrace your inner dork: Don’t ride in traffic without high-visibility clothing. A reflective vest, triangle, GloGlovs (gloglov.com) and/or reflective leg bands are a great start.
• Consider going to Goodwill, Value Village, et al and get a pair of cotton chinos and a cotton shirt as your first commuting outfit. If you want to add a little comfort, go to your local bike shop and purchase a pair of “Adiamo” short liners to wear under your pants/knickers/shorts/skirt/kilt (unless you’re a “real” Scotsman).
• Once you become more committed to commuting, try a pair of good quality bike shorts and/or tights for improved long-distance comfort.
• Turn your “business dress” (pressed) clothing inside out and loosely roll into a folded bath-sized towel. Try the Eagle Creek “Folder.”
• Keep multiple shoes and “unmentionables” in back of filing cabinets at work.
• Long-fingered gloves. (Cycling-specific are best but any are fine.)
Rain Gear
Jackets: We like the Showers Pass and Gore Bike Wear rain jackets. The design has been around for a while and is a tried-and-true product. REI also has good values under their bike-specific Novara line. Get the yellow ones for best visibility. (Dark colors are useless at night for visibility.)
Pants: The Showers Pass rain pant is a great design that keeps the rider dry under the most severe conditions. You’ll be glad you opted for rain pants when you arrive at work.
Booties: Showers Pass and Sugoi make great shoe covers. These help your feet stay relatively warm and dry. Little else is worse than cycling with cold tootsies.
Chris Cameron is the Director of Bike Commuting programming for the Cascade Bicycle Club (www.cascade.org) in Seattle. Bike commuters along his 6-mile commute know him from the tell-tale screaming of his trouser’s tortured waistband button ... proving that unfortunate axiom that calories spent from miles traveled MUST EXCEED calories of lovely, lovely Northwest IPA intake. |
