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Becoming a Bike Commuter

Posted by: Canyon Kyle on October 22, 2009 at 9:11AM PST

A good example of a steel commuting bike with fenders and racks.

There are few things simpler than riding a bike to get around. It’s a pleasure most of us learned as a child but gave up somewhere around age 16 when we picked up a set of car keys. Maybe later on we started riding again to get in shape, or because we saw Lance Armstrong powering up the Alpe d'Huez and thought, “Wow, that whole biking thing is pretty cool.” And now, when we think about climate change, ways to reduce our carbon emissions, and all those people on bikes we see each morning, we wonder if we could actually become a bike commuter.

If you ever considered biking to work but were kept away by worries about logistics, rain, or what your co-workers might think, you'll find a series of tips here on the Crossroads blog to get you to work on your bike at least once a week. Today's post is about bikes.

It's not about the bike: Pretty much any bike you have can be used as a commuter. And one of the great things about biking to work is saving money, so don’t feel like you need to buy a specific bike for commuting. But, if you are in the market for a bike, or you are thinking of fixing up the one you have, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Comfort is important. You’re not going to actually ride a bike that you don’t enjoy riding, no matter how pretty it is or how much someone talks it up. For a lot of people, a comfortable bike is one that lets you sit upright instead of crouching down in an aerodynamic position. You can find hybrid and relaxed-geometry road bikes that fit this description, as well as mountain bikes.

Big wheels rule. Large (700c) wheels roll easier and are more efficient than small mountain-bike wheels. You usually find 700c wheels on road bikes but you can also find mountain-bike-type bikes with large wheels. And unless your commute involves lots of dirt roads, slick tires are best because they have less resistance than knobby ones. (One of the simplest ways to upgrade your mountain bike for commuting is to put a pair of slicks on it).

Fenders and racks are great. If you are committed to commuting, you’re going to end up riding in wet weather at some point. Fenders keep water and muck off of you and make your trip much more pleasant. (Some type of eyewear is also advisable.) Racks let you carry bags of clothes, your lunch, and anything else you might need. Racks are not mandatory, but they are a good idea.

Steel is Real. Steal bikes are great for commuting because they are durable, absorb road vibration, and last for years. They are also less likely to get stolen than a fancy carbon-fiber bike. Aluminum bikes are fine – I’ve ridden several over the years – but they are not as comfortable as steel bikes and don’t last as long. If that’s what you have, though, ride it with pride. I’d even break my own advice to get an aluminum Cannondale Bad Boy.

Be Seen. Make sure you have a headlight and taillight on your bike so cars can easily see you when it's dark out. Even if you generally bike during the day, be prepared for low-visibility situations in case you have to stay late at work.

Have questions about commuting or finding the right bike? Ask them in the comments below. Future posts will discuss finding a route, getting to work nice and clean, and other commuting-related bike issues.

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(12) Comments

Posted by: Brian F. on October 22, 2009 9:29AM PST

Thanks to Canyon Kyle for this post. He's a frequenter at the Bike group here on Crossroads, which is here:

http://connect.sierraclub.org/Groups/Bicycle

Posted by: Cara Longpre on October 22, 2009 10:18AM PST

I love riding my bike to work -- coasting down Valencia Street in the morning is such a peaceful alternative to the bus/BART shuffle, and the all-uphill ride home is a great way to decompress after the workday.

Posted by: CityCyclist on October 22, 2009 10:33AM PST

Just relaxing a bit during the bike commute is probably the single best piece of advice I've heard. Of course that doesn't mean not being cautious and vigilant about watching for cars, etc. It means not treating your ride to work like a race. Anyone else remember those old Disney cartoons where Goofy would get into his car and undergo a Mr. Hyde-like transformation? That's how I feel sometimes about the commuters (in cars and on bikes) who do all kinds of crazy stuff to shave a few minutes off of their transit time.

Posted by: MizMarcy on October 22, 2009 10:36AM PST

I have to admit I am afraid to ride my bike to work. Just crossing the street here is dangerous! But that said, it would be preferable to be shoved and pushed by supposedly grown men on the MUNI and having to listen to other people's boring cell phone conversations as I clutch on for dear life while the bus hurtles our bodies through space. For a fee.

Posted by: EnviroChuck on October 22, 2009 11:34AM PST

I used to ride my bike to work when I lived in San Francisco's Lower Haight Street neighborhood. I, too, could coast most of the way down Market Street, and the up-hill return trip was not too bad. Though, it probably would have been even nicer if I'd had CityCyclist's advice back then. There's something about not wanting to lose momentum at every intersection, that made me want to beat the lights before they turned red.

Posted by: EnviroChuck on October 22, 2009 11:37AM PST

Yah, but the bus still beats every one of those people driving to work in separate cars!

Posted by: MizMarcy on October 22, 2009 11:38AM PST

Truer words...

Posted by: John Byrne Barry on October 22, 2009 12:31PM PST

I rode in early this morning. Started in the dark. The sun was just coming up as I crossed the Golden Gate Bridge. Today, as always, every single bicyclist I saw headed in the same direction passed me. So I take CityCyclist's words to heart. It's never a race.

But I still get a little sweaty, so the shower here at work is key.

Posted by: EnviroChuck on October 22, 2009 12:44PM PST

Wait a minute. Berkeley is across the Bay Bridge. Did you take the long way, through Napa? No wonder you started in the dark!

Posted by: Jeff The Chicagoan on October 22, 2009 9:21PM PST

So the first key is to have a good map...
All you guys talking about tackling hills sure makes this Chicago boy smile. The highest thing I gotta tackle is the bridge over the Chicago River ( which is bad only cause it is in the first 1/4 mile).
My last job had me doing a 'hybrid' commute, a bus rack for 8-9 1/2miles then 3-5miles on the bike. I usually would ride home rather than bother with the bus.
My tips for city commuters depends on the security where ya leave the bike all day. If it is secure go with a lightweight frame and save yerself some work but if the bike is going to be outside exposed to weather and possible theft/vandalism stay with the best steel frame you can find and camo the frame with city style, I have seen everything from flat black paint to duct tape to bumper stickers used to disguise a nice double butted cromoly frame. If you prefer riding style then be sure you can be secure, remeber if it is the nicest ride in the rack it is the first to disappear.
Jeff
The Chicagoan

Posted by: Max Menna on November 5, 2009 11:32AM PST

My wife and I have been bicycle commuters in Washington, DC for more than a decade and when we looked at buying a home that became one of the primary considerations. We also do almost everything from groceries to dinner parties on our bikes. If you want to learn about 'civilized' cycling look at bikes in Great Britain in 1950. My daily commute is done on slightly modified 1954 Rudge for the last 6 years. Mudguards, chainguard, pump, generator lights, a rear rack and a basket out front makes for the ultimate in everyday transportation.

Posted by: Barb Zalokar on August 25, 2010 12:24PM PST

On my commute to work, the bike path crosses over a freeway. It is such a liberating feeling to be propelled forward while the traffic below backs up. (I'm lucky to work at a Y, complete with locker room and showers)

At the end of the day, there is nothing better than hopping on my bike for the 45 minute commute home.