Bike Commuting Essentials - DON'T Commute Without These!!

Bike commuting is more than just waking up one morning and deciding to ride your bike to work. This video is about the bike commuting essentials if you want to be successful in the long run.

[@Monsterflosse]

One thing about lights - pleeeaase don't use the flashing ones, at least not as the only ones. I know, it seems like they catch so much more attention, and that's kinda true. But as a bus driver I can tell you - they make it SO hard to see where exactly your position is when it's dark around you. Especially viewed from mirrors. They are distracting and make you invisible for the second when the lights are off. Continuously switched on lights are way better. Stay safe!

[@BikeCommuterHero]

Good point!

[@RaiderWarpath]

To continue that train of thought, consider context with lights. Keep flashing for daylight, so not to disorient others. Use a pulse setting or similar at dusk or night. And one courtesy consideration, Adjust beam angle when you are on road vs bike path. Blind cars as needed for awareness, but when on bike paths make sure the top of your beam is below eye level. Oncoming riders will have difficult seeing in poorly lit paths. Consider lowering the light output when off the road.

[@DeputatKaktus]

YES! This is so true. I hate those flashing lights with a passion. Obnoxious beyond belief, those. They can trigger a migraine episode, too, according to my significant other.

[@memesandgaming8777]

I have flashing ones, but after I ride a little bit longer, the rear stays on for a few minutes. Probably a capacitor or something.

[@kegalormoon]

A never really used the flash its pretty distracting on the bike aswell a would shield my torch with my hand if it's directly pointing at a car for a few seconds till its has passed a just with car would dim theirs beams at times

[@peterburns1716]

Every commuter should bring along a lightweight waterproof jacket in case of unexpected rain or a sudden drop in temperature

[@kottelkannim4919]

This is helpful for commuting in places where the weather is not predictable (that is without watching the forecast).

[@RCPrepping]

I bought a electric assist bicycle in March 2022 as an alternative means of transportation. My alternate is now my main. I only drive my truck if my wife and I have to go somewhere together or if the weather is not favorable. I also lost 36 pounds in four months.

[@BikeCommuterHero]

Congrats to you for your transformation! Keep up the good work! Pedal on!

[@Pappysan]

Only thing I would add is on the water bottle. If you have a frame mounted bottle cage use a double walled insulated bottle or if you use plastic bottles (I do) use only room temperature water so you don't get condensation constantly dripping onto your crank and chain.

[@HimynameisJermHicks]

I literally laughed out loud when tip #1 was you need a bike.

[@BikeCommuterHero]

Kinda obvious alright. Haha

[@DarkTypeWriter]

I ride a motorcycle half the time and rely on the mirrors to watch out for cars making bad, aggressive moves around me. When I get on my bicycle I HAVE to have the mirrors there. It's a reflex that saves me and I really need that information to guide me safely thru the ride on busy streets and stroads -- even on the arroyos (which I can only take the bicycle on, no motorized vehicles allowed) to watch out for physical assaults in the non-bike-friendly and violent spaces.

[@HalimiSaidi]

I have an electric horn as I ride on the road and need to communicate with other road users. I feel that the horn is more audible especially to cars and trucks with their windows shut. I still have my bell to ding on quiet bike/multiuse paths

[@jaytee66]

Very informative without being preachy

[@BikeCommuterHero]

Thank you!

[@L943973]

1) carry a old compact bike cover to use when I goto places that I'm not familar with. II cover the entire bike so it doesn't draw as much attention. You can put duct tape on it to make it look beat up. 2) Also recommend a jacket with reflective material for nite rides. 3) waterproof pant shell, and foldable rubber overshoes for cloudy days. 4) nitrile gloves to supplement your riding gloves; it will keep you dry in the rain and warmer in the winter. 5) If you commute to work and the lock is too heavy, lock it at the rack at work; less weight and you'll never forget the lock 6) spare zip ties. Had a rack bolt brreak and a zip tie held it in place until I got home. 7) travel pack wet wipes for after fixing your bike on the road or someone else's bike on the road. 8) 2 spare tubes 700c. Hate to see people walking their bike home. (have cargo bike so I can carry a lot)

[@nodrvgs]

number 8 is so lovely aww

[@josephtorio8223]

Just basing on the quality and information contained in this video, i'm surprised yiu don't have more views and subscribers. Good luck, hope your channel grows.

[@BikeCommuterHero]

Thanks Joseph, I appreciate your kind words. It’s still a very young channel. My plan is to continue to provide value to help people, and I’m sure it’s going to grow. Pedal on!

[@tconnolly9820]

This is the first video I have looked at on this channel so I have yet to see where the rest of them will take me. I have been riding a lot more since the pandemic changed my routines. I have got more interested in the practical and utilitarian aspects of biking including commuting although I don't actually do that very often myself. An explanation for another time. But I now try to use the bike at every practical opportunity instead of the car for local trips, chores, weekly shopping etc. But looking around the interweb and KZbin and virtually all organisations supposedly representing "all" cyclists, it's very hard to actually find much that isn't geared towards sports or recreational cycling with all of the heavily geared commercialism for the "SuperBike" and all of the expensive accessories. I'll let someone else find the actual figures but I would guess that 90-95% of people who cycle daily or regularly around the World cycle for necessity, practicality and for utilitarian reasons. If you go looking on KZbin you would be of the opinion that it's completely the other way around and nearly everyone cycles for sport, recreation and adventure. Of course you could always preface your search by adding those rather unique 5 letters that brings up bicycle utilitarian and commuting videos straight away..... D U T C H. But that's the exception. I thoroughly enjoyed this video and the host.

[@markedingle4781]

If you wear a backpack, there is a new product to be aware of that lifts you backpack off your backpack called a "backpack spacer" (can Google that). It makes your backpack a lot less hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable when biking to working, or hiking, traveling, etc.

[@Tinker1950]

Gibberish

[@nicholascherry5962]

Thanks so much for sharing dude! You gave me lots to think about I currently have 2 cars and i have a small dent in the door. It's $1,000 to fix. I'm so not excited about cars anymore and have been wanting more exercise in my life and more time outdoors. Switching to bike commuting is going to be in my near future. For $2k I can get an incredible Ebike to replace my car! I'll take your advice and give my commute time to grow on my before I make a purchase so I know what bike fits my preferences.

[@BikeCommuterHero]

I'm glad you found value in it. Getting around on a bike makes so much sense for so many people. Once you learn how to systematically use it in everyday life, you'll never look back. The good thing is that you can still keep a car for the necessary occasions, but you'll be looking for excuses to get on the bike instead of driving after a while.

[@jollygoodgordon5580]

im riding my bike daily to work but i dont wear helmet, should i? i ride an e-bike

[@jasonchadney7850]

This was an encouraging and positive video thank you.

[@alvinmwangi]

this was very informative, without fluff. I appreciate this, great video!

[@TheeLeeSwank]

great tips for a beginner like myself, thanks comrade ☺️

[@alfredoangeles5235]

small towels. It's like our air conditioner in the wild.

[@fisharefriends598]

Dry bag with change of underwer and socks. Also personally. I don’t have shower at work…. If it rains I don’t bring a rain jacket… I shower on the way in

[@BikeCommuterHero]

And you're as happy as a fish in the water.

[@HimynameisJermHicks]

I commute allot by ebike and I love these tips they are awesome. Thanks and keep up the great videos. 👍 😁🚲

[@stamK.]

My advice is to use at least 2 rear lights, always on and mounted on different positions. One high on seatpost, the other on the rear rack or the seatstay. I had a bike with 3 (seatpost, rack, seatstay) that was actually visible from a very long distance away (more than 1km)

[@BikeCommuterHero]

Good advice! Never underestimate visibility.

[@NuMuzikZYX]

I think one is enough -350 lumens. If they are like 50 lumens then yes you need 3

[@joshuas.8239]

I mount two lights to my back pack. That are very bright

[@tconnolly9820]

350 lumens is not a very bright light. Brighter is better and safer front and back. And I would say, always have a backup for front and back in case your battery runs out or it may be lost or stolen. This happened to me recently. Front light went out and I had a scary 7km ride home on pitch black country roads. Learned a valuable lesson.

[@scottsmith2052]

Multiple rear lights are important for a couple of reasons. One is redundancy if one fails. Two is better visibility. Three is legal, so that you can point out to an officer that you had more than the required number of lights for the conditions. Last, I mount mine off-center to make the bike appear wider and more to the left than it actually is.

[@lt3533]

I would add a yellow security vest, a safety reflector arm, several lateral reflectors on your wheels (1 or 2 per wheel) and trousers clips

[@AdebowaleAdesida]

I carry a mini first aid kit with me for emergencies.

[@BikeCommuterHero]

That’s not a bad idea.

[@markcouch4235]

Yep, at least a ziplock bag with a little bottle of Neosporin, some bandaids, and alcohol wipes.

[@HorizonHikes]

Rain gear is super important to have with you as well. Jacket, pants and I even bring waterproof socks especially for the cold, rainy days. These also act as a great windproof layer when it’s cold!

[@lafamillecarrington]

Panniers are really useful. Backpacks lead to a horribly sweaty back, and you can carry more in panniers. Use your ears - you will hear vehicles approaching from behind. That means NOT listening to music whilst riding.

[@ozzyosbourne9900]

thanks for the video. Subscribed

[@TaiwanFlorist]

Vaseline/Inflammation ointment,3M bandage for scratches on skin for instant care.

[@legostarwars1361]

HOW BAD IS BIKE THEFT IN BUDAPEST ON A SCALE OF 1-10?

[@davidrees7479]

Cycling cape and gloves

[@HalimiSaidi]

efficiency might take a hit but visibility will be thru the roof! I like.

[@robertlackey7212]

Toilet paper.

[@BikeCommuterHero]

Definitely! How could I miss it! I need to remake the video. Thanks for the tip!

[@Eagle-zl4gz]

No helmet for me

[@robertocarloordonez4150]

I wish your channel more success. You're producing a lot of really good materials. Their on-point and they don't beat around the bush. I hope you keep your vids this way because "less is more" if you know what I mean. I find them brief and very informative, especially your reviews.

[@BikeCommuterHero]

Thank you! I try to keep it on point. I still have a lot to learn.

[@khandam7709]

10 miles each way! awesome!

[@Yolo-kb6hu]

Somewhere dry to keep your bike, if you don't have a shed, a plastic tarpolene cover. A disk brake lock alarm is good if your bike is near by, and are cheap small and light and difficult to remove.

[@PRH123]

I've always brought my road bikes into the house. To leave them outside is basically unthinkable.

[@anthonyperez9736]

1:17 - 1. Bicycle 2:30 - 2. Lights 2:53 - 3. Helmet 3:21 - 4. Backpack/Pannier 4:00 - 5. Basic Tools 4:32 - 6. Spare Tube 7. Mini Pump 8. Tire Levers 5:13 - 9. Water 5:33 - 10. Bike Lock 5:50 - 11. Bell 6:15 - 12. Bike Mirror

[@raduturcanu8393]

Nice video! Budapest as a city looks certainly inspiring for cycling. It's good to jump on a bike and feel good whenever possible, even if you go to job, home, going out and such, especially if you're cycling into a beautiful city. It's a good advice to go commuting with whatever you have for several weeks and then to buy exactly what you need, because that way you'll be able to figure out exactly what you need. I'd suggest to consider using a pannier, a rear wheel lock mounted on bike and a kickstand. Greetings from Bucharest!

[@DeputatKaktus]

Those chintzy cable locks are also called „gift ribbons“ by police here.

[@BikeCommuterHero]

That's funny!

[@nodrvgs]

thank you for the video

[@poorks]

what are the arguments against a helm? I'm pretty sure branches are not the only reason you wear one lol (sorry but that sounded soo dumb) you should've done a pros and cons section about helmets too pros: live dont get brain splattered across car windsheilds your children will grow up with you alive cons: not stylish makes head feel hot

[@BikeCommuterHero]

I like your comment, and branches are certainly not the only reason I wear a helmet. In hindsight, I should have explained it better. My bike infrastructure is OK, but it just isn't safe enough. Tom, on his excellent channel, Shifter, brings up some arguments in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGquiqarjMZ1r9k. He elaborates them better in the article linked in the description.

[@PRH123]

Unless someone lives in a place where it doesn't rain, fenders (aka mudguards) are essential. Otherwise water and mud will go all over your back, in your face, all over your shoes, pants, and all over the chain, cogs, and crank of your bike.... The clip-on fenders that are styled like motorcycle fenders that you see many people using are basically useless. A useful fender is harder to install, but it actually works. The fender should fit close to the tire (1-2 cm space) and wrap as far around the tire as possible, especially in back of the front tire.

[@Profile__1]

I would be highly impressed if someone could bike commute without a bike.

[@edwinkarani5593]

Great infor.

[@chadmyles-theclevelandcyclist]

I do feel like purchasing lights for bikes can be a challenge because finding good ones that will last has always been a problem for me. This especially becomes a problem when trying to purchase a tail light. I don't understand why tail lights designed for touring racks are so hard to find. Most of the major brands don't even make them. The few tail lights I've been able to find stop working as soon as I am caught in the rain when I need them the most. Then there I so many crappy lights on the market that are so useless you might as well not even have lights on your bike. I remember one night I was riding home from downtown and there was a rider ahead of me that I didn't see until I was almost on them. The tail light they were using barely had any illumination and if I couldn't see them on a bike I'm certain drivers couldn't see them either.

[@nhankhanhtran1331]

Thanks. This is very helpful. Im using a cheap mtb to commute everyday and planning to change to a touring one

[@BikeCommuterHero]

I love touring bikes! They are so versatile and can take so much beating.

[@wakkadakkaify]

bike is an essential thing for bike commuting? wow would've never thought that!

[@Liquidine]

Awesome tips! I love it!

[@BikeCommuterHero]

Thanks Cody!

[@kazhankazhanovych6895]

6:28 damn, this reminds me of Kyiv`s Dnipro river quay

[@gblan]

Don't need a lock at all. Just fold the Brompton up and put it under the coat rack.

[@jm_sc]

I use-a a pannier/backpack AND a backpack bcs everything I carry doesn't fit my pannier. Small lights and a flat=tire kit. And that's it, I wouldn't like adding anything else bcs my bike starts to look bulky and goofy (plus it's heavy enough lol). I don't use bells bcs I mostly ride with buds and assume othe people would too (don't judge me, kind of experienced, keep your safety to you level)

[@PRH123]

You shouldn't mention it if you fear being judged :)

[@bikelanez7376]

Thank you as a new bicycle commuter myself I find this is extremely helpful. 👍

[@BikeCommuterHero]

Cheers! The main thing is to enjoy the ride!

[@holubm]

yes, strong headlight and must be targetted upwards to annoy all people that cycle or walk in the opposite direction ! Hive such a weapon in bad hands and you blind everyone around!

[@PRH123]

I turn off my headlight on paths or sidewalks. On a dark path where I need the light, I cover it with my hand when approaching a person. It's faster than trying to turn it off, and you still get some light below and to the side, and also the person walking can still see you. They also seems to appreciate it, people have said "thanks" to me for doing that. However, when an e-tard on an electric scooter is coming at me with lights on, I put the light on full and return fire... :)

[@tmayberry7559]

My advice small first aid kit and extra battery bank

[@kazhankazhanovych6895]

nice tips for starters, from my decade of experience

[@autumblak]

Safety first

[@BikeCommuterHero]

Always

[@mudithmanu]

Comfortable seat

[@KingUry2-2-2]

Thanks buddy you did great 💕..

[@jones2277]

Is biking realistic for a woman who is pregnant?

[@constancepullen810]

I rode until 2 weeks prior to my 4th child's birth. My pelvis was loosening up preparing for birth and it was very uncomfortable, especially with a 30 lb. Child on the back of the bicycle!!!

[@ronjanke4101]

Gr8

[@joshuas.8239]

Bike commuters are on another level of humanity. Everyone else sucks. Sorry not sorry

[@BikeCommuterHero]

That's a bit pretentious, but I agree that bike commuting is amazing :D

[@coledibiase5971]

People who work more than 30 miles from home? People who live in dangerous area's? People who have medical disabilities?

[@Learning5515]

@@coledibiase5971definitely a inconsiderate individual.

[@sidduhiremath4763]

❤️this video🙏

[@garethwatkins6347]

He speaks English better than me and I'm English !

[@Demetriiuz]

What possibel "good argument" could you have for not wearing a helmet ?