Any tips for my first commute

[slowmotion]

One more "one last thing"...

Wear a helmet, please.

Brain damage is not at all cool.

 

[scottie]

good idea. And having those two days to rest will help - what's the pattern, will it be bike-car-bike-car-bike, or are the car days bunched up at one end of the week?

Have you got padded shorts? Gloves? Your pressure points will complain a little at first, but they'll soon settle down.

Also, if you really feel tired one day, or not up to riding, don't force it. Soon the endorphins will take over and you'll want to do it whatever.

I assume you have lights, waterproof jacket etc? I imagine your ride home at least will soon be in the dark...

Hi,
The riding days are bunched up at the end of the week. Have to take the car on the other two days to taxi the family around...(unfortunately biking not an option for them )

I am still to buy the protective gear, was wondering whether to get the yellow (can't wear anywhere else) stuff or a black with reflective stripes top. I was thinking about the Altura Evo which looks quite cool in black...
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Altura_Night_Vision_Evo_Waterproof_Jacket/5360044955/

Will get it from the local bike shop where I am getting the bike from though.

What about bottoms I take it that generally 3/4 bottoms/shorts are only worn in milder weather? It's just that I do quite a bit of footy and running on the other days and I have no problems wearing shorter bottoms in any weather. I suppose I will be moving faster on a bike and likely to getter wetter and more exposed to wind chill...however is this going to make much difference v running?

Thanks to everyone so far for their advice

 

[Arch]

If you're happy in shorts, wear them - it's what makes you comfy that matters, not what's 'done'. Your legs will get warm - after a few rides, you know how warm and be able to plan clothes accordingly to the temperature, so give shorts a try and see. I think windchill would only be a problem on long stretches of freewheeling when your legs aren't moving.

The only problem with black-with-reflectives is that your hi-vis isn't just for the dark and picking up headlights. In dusk, or mist, or heavy rain, the bright colour is what picks you out.

 

[Banjo]

Hi,
The riding days are bunched up at the end of the week. Have to take the car on the other two days to taxi the family around...(unfortunately biking not an option for them )

I am still to buy the protective gear, was wondering whether to get the yellow (can't wear anywhere else) stuff or a black with reflective stripes top. I was thinking about the Altura Evo which looks quite cool in black...
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Altura_Night_Vision_Evo_Waterproof_Jacket/5360044955/

Will get it from the local bike shop where I am getting the bike from though.

What about bottoms I take it that generally 3/4 bottoms/shorts are only worn in milder weather? It's just that I do quite a bit of footy and running on the other days and I have no problems wearing shorter bottoms in any weather. I suppose I will be moving faster on a bike and likely to getter wetter and more exposed to wind chill...however is this going to make much difference v running?

Thanks to everyone so far for their advice

Its all down to personal choice but i ride with 3 friends ,one has Orange one Yelloew and one black jackets. If they are a few hundred meters away in poor light conditions the man in black is much harder to see. When its fully dark the colour isnt an issue then its all down to lights and reflective bits.

I commute with 2 front and 2 back lights just incase one stops on the way.

 

[ed_o_brain]

On the hi-viz - other than making you a target for the minority of drivers who really don't like cyclists - I'm not sure what good they do. I never fail to spot the unlit cyclists, even if they are wearing all black clothing and I certainly never fail to spot the drivers who have forgotten to turn their lights on.

If you are concerned, just go for bright colours. At least then you still look like a human being and not a road cone.

For most conditions, I think good lights on recently charged batteries are the best thing by a mile. And tyres with reflective side walls. I do have a hi viz tabard that I will wear in super heavy rain or sometimes where I might disappear in the long shadows and glare caused by a low sun, but other wise it's red/mid blue jerserys for me.

 

[bauldbairn]

On the hi-viz - other than making you a target for the minority of drivers who really don't like cyclists - I'm not sure what good they do. I never fail to spot the unlit cyclists, even if they are wearing all black clothing and I certainly never fail to spot the drivers who have forgotten to turn their lights on.

If you are concerned, just go for bright colours. At least then you still look like a human being and not a road cone.

For most conditions, I think good lights on recently charged batteries are the best thing by a mile. And tyres with reflective side walls. I do have a hi viz tabard that I will wear in super heavy rain or sometimes where I might disappear in the long shadows and glare caused by a low sun, but other wise it's red/mid blue jerserys for me.

I agree regards Hi-Viz vests, recently bought new NiteZone two tone for the winter - you can wear them over anything ; waterproofs / fleeces /cycling jerseys in all conditions. Always have at least two front and rear lights - incase one packs in / falls off(rear). Reflective tyre sidewalls are also recommended as above + BLT slap straps(for your wrists) for hand signals at night. Adjust your riding with the changing weather conditions at this time of year - and watch out for leaves.

Good luck!

ps. Watch Magnatoms videos on his website for an idea of what to expect from other road-users.

 

[slowmotion]

On the hi-viz - other than making you a target for the minority of drivers who really don't like cyclists - I'm not sure what good they do. I never fail to spot the unlit cyclists, even if they are wearing all black clothing and I certainly never fail to spot the drivers who have forgotten to turn their lights on.

.

Are you saying it is better to be invisible because you have an uncanny knack of spotting people on bikes? How about the lesser mortals who do not share your wonderful skill?

 

[andyfromotley]

Don't undertake on the left hand side approaching a junction where drivers maybe turning left.

This is the single most important peice of advice you will receive.


Oh and lights light LIGHTS!

 

[Dayvo]

This is the single most important peice of advice you will receive.


Oh and lights light LIGHTS!

Brakes are good, too!

 

[andyfromotley]

Brakes are good, too!

Honestly you Norwegians are obsessed with health and safety!

 

[Arch]

I commute with 2 front and 2 back lights just incase one stops on the way.

Oh yes. last night, as I left a friend's house, she commented that I looked like a Christmas tree. Two front lights, a little 5 LED battery light and a backup single LED flasher (the sort that have button batteries and an elastic fitting). On the back, a solid 5 LED battery light, and a flashing backup single LED. Plus another single flasher dangling from the loop on the back of my yellow jacket, and the final touch, my 5 LED trouser ankle band from the poundshop!

If the worst comes to the worst, my last words will be "What part of me could you not see?"

 

[Theseus]

One more "one last thing"...

Wear a helmet, please.

Brain damage is not at all cool.

... until you gain enough skill and confidence to appreciate the risk profile of commuting wrt polystyrene energy absorption.

You may come to the conclusion that it isn't needed for you on your ride.

 

[iacula]

The first route to work you try is probably not the only or best route, review Google maps and talk to other cyclists about, safer, quieter and more pleasant routes

 

[adds21]

On the hi-viz - other than making you a target for the minority of drivers who really don't like cyclists - I'm not sure what good they do. I never fail to spot the unlit cyclists, even if they are wearing all black clothing and I certainly never fail to spot the drivers who have forgotten to turn their lights on.

I'm not being pedantic, but how do you know? I've certainly noticed many unlit cyclists in my time, but I have no idea if I've not seen some. IMO anything which helps make you seen, is good.