[JaredP91]

Maybe it’s the lockdown talking, or perhaps it’s because it finally seems like some money is being pumped into the UK’s cycling infrastructure, but I am seriously considering commuting to work via bicycle once the lockdown is over.

I have a relatively nice and short commute (around 12 mile round trip), so it is certainly achievable, but I do have a few feelings of trepidation i.e. how will I cope with the changeable weather? How do you stay motivated to commute? Also, as I am required to take my laptop between the office and home everyday, how can this be done without damaging it?

I’m hoping some of the experienced cycling commuters on this forum can offer some insights into any pros and cons I should should aware of before making the commitment?

As an additional point, I already own a bike and some accessories, but can I still use schemes like the Cycle2Work scheme?

Topic

[Rome73]

Upgrade your tyres, mudguards

Upgrade your tyres, mudguards, rack, pannier, lights. Clothes wise? – you will ‘learn on the job’ so to speak. It’s worth spending a bit extra on clothes though. Cheap cycling clothes are really uncomfortable and hot. Good shoes and clip in pedals are worth it – MTB style means you can also walk in them a little more elegantly. 

If you do go for the rucksack option I always found the Deuter brand excellent for cycling.  

And a camera. 

[mdavidford]

Definitely go rack and

Definitely go rack and panniers – makes the experience so much nicer than a sweaty rucksack. Your laptop should be fine in a half-decent sleeve.

If you can, keep your work clothes at work, rather than lugging a full change in and out. My approach is to cycle through e.g. Fresh shirt one day, underwear the next, etc. To minimise what I’m carrying.

Investing in SPD pedals and shoes is well worth it, particularly once you’re cycling on the odd wet day. That might be something you want to leave until you’ve tested your commitment to it though, as it requires a bit of extra cash and some practice at clipping in and out to get comfortable with it.

If you haven’t already, learn how to change a tube (once you’ve practiced a couple of times it’s easy) and carry a spare, mini pump, and levers.

Enjoy it – mix it up and explore a variety of routes if you can. 

[joncomelately]

Definitely do it! I’ve done
Definitely do it! I’ve done 30-40miles a week, every week for 6 years (and the last 2 of those with a laptop). I’m very lucky as I have showers and a locker at work, but would still do it if I didn’t have that access. As mentioned above:
– laptop in an ortlieb pannier, it’s been fine (often with a suit)
– full length mudguards
– lots of lights (and set up a charging station wherever you store your bike at home – mine’s in my garage with a 4 port USB plug to attach everything to)
– arm warmers and leg warmers help when it’s chilly first but nice later
– for year round commuting I really rate winter boots; expensive (although equivalent to 3 months’ parking fees at my work) but indispensable on my feet, and much less faff than overshoes

As for motivation, I focus on how much less stressed I am then when I drive in traffic, how much better I can control the time it takes to get to work, and how much healthier I am (3 young kids makes the commute almost my only form of exercise). I’ve never struggled to get on the bike (apart from when I really don’t want to leave the family, but that’s not the bike’s fault).

Good luck, and enjoy it!

[Hirsute]

Laptop – you can either go
Laptop – you can either go for a full waterproof ortlieb roll top pannier or you can buy a waterproof dry bag used for watersports or hiking.

https://www.kayaksandpaddles.co.uk/canoe/kayak/uk/shop/productpages/canoeing-kayaking-equipment/dry-bags.htm

You would stick this in your existing or cheap pannier.

[Tommytrucker]

Full length mudguards are
Full length mudguards are your friend.

[Richbeck]

Just give it a go – I did 10
Just give it a go – I did 10 years ago and have never looked back!
Providing you have a packable waterproof, anything is possible – the only seasons I struggle with is Spring when it’s cold in the morning and warmer on the way home – arm/leg/knee warmers work.

Carrying stuff has so many options- rucksack, panniers, saddle bag – lots with padded laptop sleeves! Worth leaving some clothes and toiletries at work – a lot can be achieved with a flannel!

Good set of lights – double up at the rear.
Cycle to work scheme is fab – you can buy kit like bags/lights etc in addition to a bike.

Good luck!

[Author]

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