The weather is getting nicer. The days are getting longer. And the traffic isn’t getting any better…. Maybe it’s time to think about commuting by bike. Commuting to work by bike is a great way to stay active and reduce your carbon footprint. Whether you’re new to bike commuting or looking to refine your routine, these tips and essential gear recommendations will help make your ride smooth, safe, and enjoyable.
Route Planning. When selecting your route, we recommend starting with Google Maps, Ride with GPS, or Strava routes. In Google Maps, you can select ‘Biking’ in map details to give you some sense of bike friendly roads (but it’s not always perfect). Choose routes with bike paths, bike lanes, and quieter streets whenever possible. Do a trial run on a weekend to gauge timing and potential obstacles. If you will be riding on roads, drive the route and think about how safe you would feel on a bike. Sometimes the most direct or shortest route won’t be the best. And it might take a few tries to find the best route, but don’t let that deter you from bike commuting. Once you’re on the road, ride with the traffic, obey traffic signals like you were a car, and use hand signals… We avoid using headphones while riding to help stay alert.
Commuter Bike Options. As with any type of riding, the right bike will make a huge difference. Your selected bike might be based off commute length and terrain. For a short commute, an inexpensive hybrid bike might be just perfect. An e-bike might be ideal for longer commutes, but make sure you have enough battery life for a round trip or that you can charge the battery at work. Be skeptical of bike manufacturer range estimates as they are based on ideal conditions in the lowest assist setting. As a rule of thumb, expect to get half the manufacturer's estimated range in real world conditions. For a hilly commute, maybe an e-bike but also a lighter hybrid or road-bike could work to make those climbs a little easier. If you can, select a bike that is suitable for mounting a rear rack.
Safety Gear. Be sure to have all the necessary safety gear to be seen and heard when riding on roads. A properly fitting helmet is a must. If you’re e-biking, we recommend Xnito e-bike helmets, which are designed for higher speeds up to 28mph and meet Dutch NTA-8776 helmet standards for e-bikes. Front and rear bike lights add visibility, even during the day, so always have them charged and ready. Wear bright and reflective clothing. As discussed in "6 Reasons You Need a Bike Bell", a bell alerts other cyclists and pedestrians you might pass. If you really want some bell flair, be sure to check out our Ding Kong bike bell.
Bike Locks. Aside from safety gear, you’ll want to have a sturdy bike lock. U-Locks are best for security, and we often combine a U-Lock with a cable for extra security. Also, lots of office buildings offer bike lockers or bike cages, so be sure to see if yours does. Those offer an additional layer of security and keep your ride out of the elements.
Accessories. Our favorite category is of course accessories. Our shock-absorbing cup holders can carry your coffee, tea or water bottle while our insulated stem-bags carry larger bottles and keep your beverages cold. Our bigmouth burrito or bar snack handlebar bags can carry your phone, snacks and repair kit. Be sure to check out our Essential Tools article to learn about what to carry on every ride.
While HandleStash doesn’t make panniers yet, we do think they are a valuable accessory for commuters, carrying your laptop, fresh clothes, and maybe even your lunch. Having a rear rack with panniers allows the bike to carry your stuff as opposed to you wearing a heavy backpack. We like this Ortlieb pannier bag as it is easy to take on and off the bike and also doubles as a backpack.
Pack Smart. We recommend commuting in comfortable clothes and in layers. For short commutes of a few miles you will probably be ok in regular clothes, just make sure to roll up the leg of your pants on the chain side so they don't get grease on them.
For distances further than 3-4 miles you may want to consider cycling specific clothing. Whether that be a fancy bike kit or just some gym clothes, that’s up to you. Bring fresh clothes to change into or leave some in your office. Pro Tip: leave an extra pair of work shoes at work just in case you forget to bring them one day. Don’t forget the deodorant and if you don’t have access to showers at work, body wipes likes these from Klean Freak and dry shampoo can do wonders if you have a sweaty commute.
Cooler Weather. Warmer gloves and a balaclava will be the first warm gear you'll want for cooler weather, and a cycling specific jacket is nice for longer rides in cooler weather because they're designed to protect you from the wind in the front but vent in the back. Temperature tolerance varies by person and by effort, but most folks will want to start adding cool weather layers at temps below 55F on a regular bike and about 65F on an e-bike since you'll be moving faster at a lower exertion. For temperatures below 45F you'll want to start looking at gear for true winter commuting.
Conclusion. We're in favor of riding whenever you can. Bike commuting can be a rewarding experience with the right preparation and gear. By planning your route, equipping yourself properly, and following road safety rules, you can turn your daily ride into a fun, and even relaxing way to start and end your workday. Most importantly, you'll know you've earned that beer when you get home. Ready to make the switch?
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