Cycling To Work For Beginners

If you’re starting to cycle to work, or thinking about doing it, watch this! From kit and routes to routine and bike security, we're here to tell you everything you need to know.
Welcome to GCN 0:00
Essentials for cycling to work 0:56
Where to ride 2:10
What to wear for cycling 3:44
Mudguards 4:55
Bike security 5:31
Find a routine 6:57
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[@gcn]

What do you wish you had known before you started commuting? 🚴👔

[@rastavoima]

Better wheater

[@commander993]

It's easy to overthink it!

[@paulcollingridge8387]

That it was best to exchange time & distance for safety. 4 miles of terror became 12 miles of delight over 30 years of riding!

[@rastavoima]

i live in finland and we have 5cm snow on the roud and -10 agree. Welcome to try its not fun​@@commander993

[@theisrandersen]

Biking loads in Copenhagen and does maintenance for most friends, they all get: 1 - Basket. I prefer rear, but front is fine. 2 - MTB platform pedals. 3 - Mud guards. 4 - Good tyres, i have excellent exprience with 32mm Continental Gatorskin. 5 - Folding bike lock like ABUS bordo big, and a bike that looks cheaps but runs great. Sidenote: Google is horrible at directions for bikes, use walking directions.

[@user-yx1qk4sk5t]

I got the cycling part covered, I just need a job.

[@jetrusty]

Same😂

[@nebulous962]

same :D

[@CheeseyWotsit]

😂

[@gcn]

We're hiring 😉

[@nebulous962]

@@gcn are you fine with remote work? Don't really feel like moving to new country for a job. 😀

[@vrdrew63]

I've cycled to work for several years, including through a couple of midwestern US winters. My recommendations: 1) Must have: Mudguards and full-time front and rear lights. A good headlight is a real game changer when the days get short and the nights are dark and full of terrors. Just be thankful we live in the age of bright, white LEDs. Keep the batteries for your lights well charged. 2) On-bike storage/carrying capacity is another "must have." I like waterproof panniers rather than backpacks. I keep work clothes in them during the commute, that way if I get wet and/or sweaty during the ride I can change at the office. And panniers allow you to pick up groceries etc. on the way home. 3) As stated above: I wear bike-specific clothes while riding, and just change in the workplace bathroom. 4) You will get a puncture at some point. Carry a spare inner tube, small pump, etc. Most important: Know how to change an inner tube before you need to. Practice while you are home, warm, dry, and comfortable. In the pouring rain, five miles from home, in the dark is not the time to learn that skill. Punctures are probably the only "mechanical" issue most commuters will ever encounter. But keep your bike well maintained. 5) Try and get your bike off the street while at work. If its an office building speak to the concierge/doorman/maintenance people. There is usually some "backroom" space in pretty much every building if you ask nicely and look hard enough. 6) Bad weather will happen. Sometimes not forecasted. If you're wearing cycling-specific clothing its not a big deal. 7) Ditch the clipless pedals. Makes things much easier if you need to stop by a convenience store, or walk your bike up a flight of steps. 8) Keep track of the "free exercise" you are getting. And keep track of the money you are saving by commuting by bike. It adds up to quite a lot over the course of a year.

[@DavidSanty]

MTB clipless can come with recessed cleats and regular shoe tread. As an all weather rider I wouldn't ever go back to flat pedals.

[@hippo71124]

Agreed on all parts - especially the mudguards, even here in Sydney. Almost every time I think I don't need to mudguards and take them off, it rains (reference, last night..).

[@chrislatchem1854]

For those 'specific to a place' weather conditions you can usually find solutions sometime borrowed from other sports. Not really for beginners but in Montreal winters, Ski -Doo boots are good when -20F or lower. Mitts not gloves or good, I use rechargeable hand warmers inside but I get cold hands easy. For RAIN: I like a cape, not rain suit, and strip a layer off under. The air circulates to keep you drier. Boots and waterproof bottoms for heavy rain are nice. I have used and like a windshield of some kind, like a ZZipper, or homemade one for snow and sleet, also streamlines or lowers the air drag for a cape. If have much city riding, I prefer flat bars, not too wide, faster braking,( less width between cars). I also like a mirror.

[@chrislatchem1854]

Oh and for icy roads studded tires are good. I have no solution for when roads have a foot or so snow on them, only forced to ride where cars have plowed a channel.

[@better.better]

I agree with them all other than ditching the clipless pedals. you can totally get cycling shoes that are walkable enough, and you're probably going to want to change your shoes when you get to work anyway. I have a pair of shoes that I just leave at work. by only wearing them at work, they last a lot longer, and have time to air/dry out when you're not wearing them so they don't stink. I also kept a pair of hikers in Dyneema composite fiber bags in my panniers back before I found cycling shoes I could walk in. "know how to deal with a broken chain" is something you didn't mention. and if you have cables for shifting or brakes, you should know how to adjust those and what to do to get home if your cable breaks (manually adjust the derailleur to a rideable gear) I've seen people recommend studded tires for the winter. personally I would only recommend those if you live some place where there's a lot of ice. studs don't do anything for snow, because they would need to make contact with the pavement; and on dry pavement between snow storms, they only slow you down. I just revisited this this past winter myself, and I stand by it. also, recovery sleep is important!

[@commander993]

I love all GCN videos, but the commuting content is DEFINITELY my favourite!

[@gcn]

Whoop whoop! Good to know we've found your happy place 🙌 Are you a commuter?

[@commander993]

@@gcn as of January this year, yes! Learning as I go and very grateful for the helpful videos! :)

[@paolocruz8392]

I agree. A sub channel would be nice. Reviewing commuter centered bikes, clothes, accessories, and how tos. Not all of us cycle for sport but for simple transportation.

[@jacksonhill1813]

@@gcnagree. Really like the more accessible content.

[@tomtucjr]

@@gcnI’ve been commuting by bike since September and it’s changed my life. I cycle about 10km to work in London and it’s lovely flat protected cycle lanes 90% of the way that I can breeze along on my single speed. Now looking to get a second bike to try out weekend rides and bike packing! Thanks for all the content GCN.

[@larsm.4255]

My Tips: 1. I bought an extra Kryptonite D-Lock which I leave locked at work. This way I don´t have to carry the extra weight every time. 2. On my one hour ride to work I don´t need to drink. So I use my two bottles as containers for breakfast (cereals with berries and nuts) and lunch (hotpot/curry/whatever). At work I just put them into the dish washer after use. 3. If you use bikepacking bags for the frame etc, your luggage won´t slow you down (also I hate backpacks/rucksacks!). 4. I always use Schwalbe Plus or SmartGuard tires and never had a puncture. They are heavy as fuck and take a bit of the fun but punctures are worse. Marathon Plus or One Plus for road bikes in 32mm. 5. You don´t need additional expensive winter shoes, just wear 2 pairs of socks and wear neopren shoe covers and you can easily ride even below zero °C in your mesh summer shoes (also ski masks are a must in winter) 6. good lights are fun, like the B+M Ixon Space which is like a car headlight and illuminates the whole street. Also consider a helmet with rear light. 7. do not pass on bells on your road bike. buy a lightweight aero one like the trigger bell v6. 8. use lube for wet weather if you live in Germany (like me) or Britain 9. mudguards are a must The most important thing is to stay warm but not overheat so.... 10. buy a wind jacket AND a rain jacket as backup (the rain jacket really is just for rain, not for cold). I always carry the wind jacket, even if I wear my thickest winter gear. In the beginning of the ride when I am still cold i can put it over my winter jacket and quickly get out of it if I get too warm. It´s super small and lightweight. 11. I have two pairs of gloves. For cold weather, and extra cold weather that´s about it, feel free to ask questions

[@gcn]

Wow what a comprehensive list! Some gems here 🙌 What tips did you wish you knew before you started commuting?

[@wololo4206]

Should deffo be taking water for anything 20min+.

[@Tiemuuu]

@@wololo4206 how much water you need depends on how intensive your ride is and also what the climate is like. 30 mins in 0 degrees celsius, riding at relaxed pace, it's very different from intensive training. I never hydrate during my commute and never felt like I needed to.

[@janetgonzales6779]

I've been commuting by bicycle for over 20 years. Haven't found a new tip in maybe the last 15 or so, even though I still watch plenty of commuting by bike videos for inspiration, mostly. Had never occurred to me to leave a lock at work, even though I sometimes find myself in need of one so I can run an errand during my lunch break, but I rarely have one because I am fortunate enough to be able to keep my bike with me in my office. So big thank you for the tip!

[@larsm.4255]

@@gcn literally this list

[@2m1fy18]

I love it, getting to work and being the most energetic is the best feeling. Also if you have had a 💩 day you can smash it on the way to get it out your system. Another getting up extra early to see the sun rise is just bliss. If your not doing it do it you won’t regret it

[@evigvandrare]

I normally commute to work, but haven't the last few months due to illness. The increase in stress and decrease in mental health driving to work is significant. First day back commuting next week! Can't wait!

[@yoavtzabar1666]

Don't worry too much about the route to work. Initially pick a route but over time you'll adjust the route so after a while you'll find the ideal route to work. My route to work involves roads, a cycle path through a park and a shared pavement cycle route. It took me couple of months to get it right.

[@chrislatchem1854]

Absolutely right! In time you will evolve the right route for right conditions...

[@IowaNinersFan]

Pick a main route and then an alternative or two in case of construction or bad weather. My route is 30 miles roundtrip - 4 miles involving roads and then rest is on either trails or through parks into downtown where I work.

[@nebulous962]

I see alot of people going to work with bike that have rusty and stretched chain so my recommendation is to maintain the bike drivetrain because it makes it much easier.

[@gcn]

Very true! You've got to stay on top of your maintenance 🙌 Choosing a bike that will be easy to maintain is a good idea too ⚙

[@RH-nk7eo]

I see bikes at the train station parking that I assume have been left there for years because the chain is completely rusted. Only to see them disappear that evening. It's frightening how poorly maintained some active bikes are.

[@IowaNinersFan]

If I had to do it all over, I'd choose a belt-drive bike for a commuter which can also serve as a bikepacking and touring bike (depending on the model and specs.)

[@Richarddraper]

Cycling to work is so much better than any other way of getting there and back. I enjoy my commute now so the commute time is my time, not an addition to the working day. I appreciate that I'm lucky to have secure bike parking in the basement, showers, a locker to store a change of clothes and flexibility to ride outside of rush hour. The main bit of advice I'd echo from the video is to choose the route carefully and take advantage of the extra options there are with a bike. There's plenty of quieter roads and routes out there.

[@user-ng3rf7wz1d]

Folding bike ftw. I arrive at work non-sweaty having ridden in my work clothes, fold and "park" the bike in the office (and charge it sneakily!), and tubeless tyres mean punctures are an irrelevance. What you didn't mention in your video is the supersized dollop of schadenfreude in riding past the queues of cars stuck at the multiple roadworks. Revel in that gloating feeling of freedom as you pedal past!

[@knorrepotje22]

watching this from the Netherlands is funny as hell.

[@gcn]

You've got the dream over there! 👀

[@curlysue3620]

Tips from a full time commuter. I even used my bike in work time to get to rural villages. I worked in uniform as police accredited community warden. Riding in steal toe caps, shirt with tie, is no fun at times. Ride a Victoria Pendleton Ebike, which I got via bike to work scheme. Locks, attach higher up, so sneaky thieves are more visible when trying your lock. 10% of bike value should be spent on gold standard locks. Gold is standard for bike insurance My work payed me 25p mile to use in work time. Charge your E bike at work. Get bike stamped by police pop up events, keep a record of your frame number. Have basket and pannier. I carry at all times, puncture kit, pump, lights, first aid, two locks, electrolytes, hi viz,. Summer sun block, winter waterproofs and spare .gloves. Water. Leisure stride into work, play time on return, seek out new routes. I use a social enterprise bike project, who only charge for parts only. They even run classes to learn how to maintain your bike or rides out to help with road conference. Safe riding all.

[@simonmandrakejones]

I started cycling to work (or at least to the train station) last year and it has been a great way to inspire me to cycle more. And I didn't need to buy a new bike. I spent some money (a lot of money and o he ) fixing up my old bike. So I now have a very functional beater bike (with a few scratches and a bit if rust) that will get me around but doesn't really look worth stealing. At least, it hasn't been stolen yet.

[@gcn]

Sounds like a great bike! 👌 Do you commute by bike no matter the weather?

[@lilbruin]

Working from a home office makes it tricky, but when I had an in-house gig and a commute, my favourite side effect was the (granted, slightly smug) feeling of having already accomplished something before I even started work! No matter how the rest of the day went, the ride never disappoints. Best tip: just do it.

[@gcn]

That's very true! Getting out the and riding first thing can really bring a smile 🙌 How about a fake commute? Ride around your neighbourhood and back to the home office 🚴

[@BikepackingAdventures]

During covid I created a fake commute. If you are now working from home you can dedicate a couple of mornings to a fake commute.

[@cycletricity]

I work from home a couple days per month, I do a 'fake commute' just to feel as though I am 'going to work' my fake commutes usually end up being longer than the actual ones!

[@lilbruin]

That's a good idea and I have tied it, but in the (Canadian: I know, I know) winter, I find it too hard to motivate myself so it stops for months at a time. Will start up again. Thanks for the reminder.@@gcn

[@BikepackingAdventures]

@gcn during covid I did fake commutes almost everyday, most of them lasted ALL DAY 😅

[@lolathecattheboys7817]

The only time when I bail out of cycling is when I don’t feel safe cycling in severe weather conditions. Instead I walk my 2.9 miles for work. Never learning to drive is why cycling is my main form of work commute. Love it too!

[@nigelwatts8938]

I've never learned to drive either. Just before the Covid lockdowns started the bus journey was taking me an hour or more for a mere 5 mile journey, since losing the money on my buss pass and now returning to work in the office a day a week I complete the same journey and get home quicker, even with a certain amount of faffing.

[@lolathecattheboys7817]

@@nigelwatts8938 that is the thing about buses . I used to catch a bus many years ago before I rode more and the route was so long too making many stops before mine . I don’t blame you for not catching the bus!

[@ferdianaditya]

i actually started cycling to work for a month now, and actually i like it, i can just cut the traffic jam and enjoy the ride

[@gcn]

We love to hear it 💥 The love for the commute will grow don't you worry!

[@SmartLittleFishy]

Yes! More videos like this. I've been biking to work for a couple years now. The advice I offer people that are on the fence about riding to work on their bike is twofold: First try it first on a weekend, when traffic is less of an issue, and the best route for a car isn't necessary the best route bicycling.

[@KiranMachiraju]

If you can't really do those uphill / downhill commutes, just get a pedal-assist e-bike and just turn on the pedal assist mode whenever you can't pedal anymore 😊

[@TimothyTakemoto]

That is what he said in the video.

[@uncleants]

Every day commuter myself. 1. Decent waterproofs that will fit in your pack or on your rack if you have one, 2. Flat pedals. Walking boots are a very good option in the wet :) Flat MTB shoes are good in the dry. You need choices for footwear that you can walk in like a normal person. 3. Two sets of lights if rechargeable. Spare battery otherwise 4. On cold days good, warm and water resistant gloves and something to cover your ears ... I use a cheap microfleece snood I got for a fiver in a camping shop. up over the ears under the helmet. 5. A set of tyre levers, an innertube and a small hand pump if the ride is long enough you can't walk it should you get a flat. 6. Set aside time at the weekend or what counts for the weekend if like me you work shifts, to pump your tires, wipe things down, oil the chain. If its a wet ride at least wipe the chain down when you get home, especially when the roads have been salted, everything else too if you have the time. These aren't things you want to do five minutes before you are due to leave. 7. I have the luck to have a bike shed at work, but have also had the misfortune to have had a bike stolen from it. I got a hefty 2kg motorbike padlock and chain off Amazon for twenty quid. It stays locked to the rack in the bike shed as I wouldn't want to carry it, but it will deter any scally chancer better than most bike locks 8. Enjoy the ride

[@silentdiscretion2657]

I can't wait to do my work commute again this summer. I'm buying a new gravel bike for it next month. It's a lot farther this summer than last. From 11.4 miles/18.3km to a whopping 19 miles/30.5km per round trip! I might have to size up on pants at the end of summer just to fit my quads lmao

[@kooooons]

Hey, If you can't wait, why not also commute by bike in winter? 🤭

[@silentdiscretion2657]

@kooooons I would if I could, but I live in montana. The roads are treacherous at best in the winter. Plus it's brutally cold on most days. I could fat bike and take a different/safer route, but that would take forever, and I live for speed lol

[@IowaNinersFan]

@@silentdiscretion2657 Didn't think people actually live in Montana except for celebs who are looking for hideouts to "get away." J/k. It's Winter so speed is really non-existent in cold-weather states IMO. Just remember that studded tires are your friends for Winter riding and as long as the roads are plowed, you can ride in it.

[@kellylingus]

As someone who rode motorbikes since I was 16, I always say run lights, front and rear, 24/7. I like merino shirt jacket's. They button up and wick moisture blah, blah, blah. 5c and above just a tee underneath. Perfection

[@derickcastillo9083]

Love this! I ride my bike to work 4 days out of five, and I try to figure out how to replace car trips with bike trips when ever I can. When I have to drive, I wish I was on my bike.

[@IowaNinersFan]

I ride my bike to work 7 days a week and always tell my co-workers that the best part of my job is riding my bike to and back.

[@leissp1]

I rode to work at least once a month for over 36 years and yes this is in Canada...Toronto to be precise. Once you establish the habit it is easy. Given our traffic it was about the same time as driving but I was ready to work in the morning and the ride home allowed me to destress from the day.

[@jonathantraves8425]

I’m sure that storage at home and at work is the number one issue stopping people cycling to and from work. I’d like to see incentives for landlords and businesses to provide safe storage.

[@gcn]

I would too. That's a great idea.

[@chrislatchem1854]

I found for winter biking in salt / slop conditions best to keep the bike outside if you can. Doesn't imports snow ice salt into inside, doesn't rust as fast. And the cables freeze up less.(If you cut the outer casing of cables at the low point of the curves (core out of course) it lowers the times the cable freezes with ice inside too). If freewheel, freehub freezes up you usually have to thaw it laying on its side and shoot some WD-40 or equivalent in. Frozen locks try alcohol, can heat small spray tube in your hand. If you have to, a bucket of hot water usually frees it up but you have to dry it inside and lube it before you can use it again.

[@jamescarn5723]

Home storage was my problem, although recently our council installed those bike hangers, which have been very successful. My solution was to get a Brompton, which fits in a plastic tub behind the sofa... They are not cheap, of course, but using the cycle scheme for a year the monthly cost was about 20% less than what I was paying on tube fares.

[@jacksonbangs6603]

For me cycling to and from work is flat and 5 miles round-trip. My shift starts at 6 in the mornning and gets done at 12 noon. This is nice because there is little to no traffic early in the mornning and when there is traffic most drivers are pretty good. My rout does go through a school zone so drivers are looking out for children walking or cycling to and from school.

[@emeQve]

something worth keeping in mind is checking that your office has access to the building's "end of trip" facilities. That way you can sweat all you want and get mud splashed over and so on but once you get to the office you have a shower and you start your work day fresh. It's one of the best feelings ever, also they typically include safe bike parking facilities. Companies and offices are more and more trying to appeal to workers so they're investing in this infrastracture so it's great to take advantage of it, especially nowadays where commuting by bike is not something the majority of people are doing meaning we don't need to wait for people to finish showering etc

[@tomlaurie2630]

So great that you pan out and put everything into perspective - about fears and about the "sneaky mind". Love it.

[@geoffreyhoney122]

Stellar, down to earth, accessible video Si!! Love this practical content backed up by science and stats!! You effectively covered all the bases. I started bike commuting in Southern Ontario in 2013 and had so much fun I didn't want to stop, even though we had really -20C weather with lasting snowcover back then. I learned through experience that wind layers and wool underneath were your friends, as were studded tires, mittens and downhill ski goggles in addition to your practical essential suggestions of mudgards, racks and lights. I wish that I had clued in sooner that I could leave dress shoes at work! I even got a buddy going by offering to mount their bike with studded tires! Super content that I love from gcn! Thank you!

[@tconnolly9820]

I currently have a workhorse manual bike I ride as much as possible instead of taking the car. Yes, I have and need a car because I live in a rural area. I'm also in the process of getting an e-bike so that I can go further and do more without the car. The reason I will very rarely commute 20km to work is because about 15km of that is on a very narrow winding country main road. And especially between 7.30 to 9.30 the traffic is nuts with drivers running late being recklessly focused on the "gotta get to work, gotta get to work, gotta get to work" adrenaline rush. There could be 20 cars backing up behind me. I do pull over every time there's a safe spot to let them pass and sometimes it can be hard getting out again. But when one overtakes aggressively, lots of others often follow suit no matter what's coming towards them. I've tried it and I have never been so close to being knocked off or hit so many times. Even trucks have passed me with another oncoming truck with absolutely no verge or shoulder for me to squeeze into. I felt if I continued it would only be a matter of time before I was injured or worse. And I did try holding the middle of the lane but that got pretty ugly on a few occasions. It wasn't worth the stress and danger. After 9.30 the rush is off and I'm okay to be on the road. Even for the evening rush hours it's much more relaxed. Drivers are tired and just want to go home and have dinner and watch some soap on television or whatever. So even when I get my new e-bike, I'm still not going to commute in the morning on Mondays to Fridays on that road. And there's no practical alternative route. It is what it is unfortunately for the foreseeable future.

[@halbailman]

My only 3 tips are: mudguards, extra t-shirt or long sleeve top in the cold, don't be a wuss. In Melbourne, Australia, nothing stopped me riding my 30 minute commute every day. Mudguards alleviate the most issues with wet weather (it's actually rare to ride in rain; normally roads are wet only), while winter I wore an extra layer. I was in t-shirt mostly all year and kept warm by brisk riding. I kept work clothes (jeans and shoes) at the office, and kept a spare t-shirt and socks if I got wet unexpectedly. If it was already raining, I strapped spares to the bike. On hot days, I used a small towel (kept at office) to wash myself of excess sweat. Finally, just do it! Once in the routine, it's difficult to go by any other means.

[@HerrMeier007]

We luckily have free bike sharing in my city. It’s such a blast to go around on a bike that’s always taken care of and not having to worry that it gets stolen or not even having to worry to pick it up if the day leads you somewhere unexpected.

[@nigelhughes6096]

Got myself a Brompton on cycle to work scheme. Perfect for my commute and fits nicely under a desk at work 👍🏼

[@Gekoman333]

A+ video! The “find a routine” point is especially important. Just keep in mind that, after a couple minutes of warm up, your body will naturally go into “cycling mode” and it gets easier. Even on my worst days, 5/10min into my ride, I feel twice as good (depending on the weather).

[@BangkokStreetCyclists]

This video is very informative and insightful! As someone who regularly commutes by bicycle in Bangkok (known for its dangerous roads, non-existing bike path, and notorious traffic) finding the right route, as mentioned in the video really is a must. I have known and documented bicycle commuters in Bangkok, who would avoid bigger roads that are driving beyond +40 km/h, and would instead slip through small roads and alleyways to bypass the traffic, which saves them a lot of time on the road comparing to getting stuck in traffic jam if you are to commute by car. Anyway, keep posting the commute content like this 🙌

[@a1white]

I’ve started wearing reflective ankle bands following your findings in the hi-viz video.

[@Alfthecyclist]

I've commuted daily for the last 7 years. It's about 1.5 miles of road with a 1.5 miles off road section sandwiched in the middle. I ride it no matter what the weather, and for 7 months a year it us knacker deep in mud. I'm also fat, lazy and over 40 (only just!). It's great fun (not so much when it's absolutely lashing it down), even during the winter when it's -6 and the sun is yet to rise!

[@TimothyTakemoto]

-6! How do tippy keep your hands from freezing?

[@Alfthecyclist]

@@TimothyTakemoto it's only a short commute, less than 20 minutes. I usually get there before I get frostbite! I've looked at some really expensive heated gloves, and some really expensive castelli gloves for subzero temperatures, but I usually buy whatever aldi/lidl sell!* 🤣 *I've had some fairly decent gloves from them in the past (for the price), but the last pair have been terrible!

[@TimothyTakemoto]

@@AlfthecyclistI extend my 20 minute commute to an hour to burn up my gluttony. I am looking into cheap heated gloves from China, and the Castellis. Thank you.

[@bluemootang3239]

What i love about riding my bike to work is i have a cross country bike, so i b hopping curbs and scaling hills and going thru feilds just to get around traffic, its also hilarious when i pull up to a backed up intersection thats red and i just hop the curb and make my way to the front and get through before everyone else. I do it safely and i make sure i use hand signals but it sure is great to be able to just hop a curb and scale a hill to get passed any busy intersection

[@erinsheppard2424]

I started cycling to work not long ago and average about once a week. I keep an extra repair kit under my desk at work in case anything mechanical goes wrong. Have two extra inner tubes, patch kit, floor pump, tool kit, and some old components from when I’ve made upgrades to my bicycle over the years. The worst that’s happened to me so far has been some flat tires, but it gives me peace of mind to know I can address a majority of the issues I’m likely to encounter.

[@richardbrameld1572]

Check a good weather forecast before heading out. Can be a miserable experience when it’s freezing headwind and rain. Also have a puncture repair kit on board (inner tube, pump, tyre levers and tools to remove the wheel.)👍

[@TheKanonenmike]

I really like your commuting content, cause it’s one of my biggest goals to replace my car with my bike(s). But could you please do a video where you talk about commuting in rural areas and through woods and fields? Commuting in the city with bike lanes and busses or trains as alternatives doesn’t seem that challenging - in my opinion and from my experience.

[@onebicycle3772]

Another nice and informative video Sai. I hope in one millenia UK will have lots of bike and public transport commuters than driving a car

[@zer0534]

My commute is 6 miles each way mainly on quiet scenic country roads. There is a drying room, changing room and hot shower. My bike has its own heated room for storage and I can charge it if I want (ebike) Only problem is I hate my job and the people I work with 😂

[@chrislatchem1854]

In Europe, I believe cycling to work adds 2 years to your life (I North America it subtracts two years!), but I do it anyway for a bunch of other reasons...mental mostly, I feel better when riding. Enjoyed your excellent vid for beginners and you have some interesting things for all of us. In Montreal lots of people commute with a milk crate lashed to back of the bike, makes it easy to just put your bag in it, no lashing or tying on (does add weight and uglyness though). I used to ride not my best bike for commuting, as lowers risk of theft, BUT now I want to have a bike I really enjoy riding as it it where I do most of my riding. Commuting can be the heart of a training regime, if you are planning a competitive or challenging event (I trained for BMB and PBP partially through commuting and know of some RAAM riders who did the same). Plus it is a slow enough way of moving that you can enjoy the world (but not TOO slow...personally, I hate to say it, but I find walking to slowwww...too zen, for me as yet, hope to change that in the future)

[@bruce2404]

My route to work goes along the river into Boston. It makes my ride 13 miles instead of 10, but it is so much safer and much more quiet. If you can get away from cars for even a portion of the ride, I recommend it.

[@markrskinner]

Absolutely nailed it.

[@mr_robertson88]

Been commuting for years, switching up the route throughout the year depending on weather and time I have. Feel alot more awake and alert when I arrive and ready to start work, have a change of clothes in a waterproof rucksack along with a towel and a waterless wash spray that I leave at work for them sweaty/soaked arrivals. I'm also lucky I can leave my bike inside so it isn't affected all day by the weather conditions the UK brings 😂

[@chrisridesbicycles]

I love Si‘s commuter series. Now we have covered beginners, can you make a video about how to integrate the commute with training for the more ambitious. I have a 30k hilly commute and it makes no sense to ride that on an e-bike and then hop on the indoor trainer at home.

[@trickcarisusa9438]

I really like to cycle to work or commute! Cycling is also good for recreational activities. Commuting content is the best content in GCN. I read on their website too.

[@nebulous962]

6:50 i know a chinese seller who sells airtag holders for bike. one was like a bell that actually functions but it also has place for airtag and other was like something you put under bottle cage.

[@nebulous962]

oh and one was for somewhere in the fork.

[@OperationDarkside]

Velcro Relector Straps are great for preventing loose trouser ends to get into the chain

[@andis0311]

Would love to hear some recommendations on commuter eBikes with a belt for someone as tall as Connor. Or perhaps just a single speed with Gates belt will do. I just don't want to deal with too much maintenance.

[@iansingleton]

PS! I love that Canyon! Hopefully it's gonna be my new ride later this year! What's it like off-road?

[@notl33t]

I'm a big fan of bike share and bike rental for commuting in a city given bike theft. I do 99% of my commuting via my local bike share and save a ton of money on personal bike maintenance and needing to buy a new bike regularly. Bike share means that you'll need to pay attention to times of day and also where the next bike you want to take is--I still find it easier than bringing my own personal bike back and forth. I appreciate the wearing of a helmet! I personally love using my helmet which has a good visor for eye protection and lots of places where I can attach a light.

[@gcn]

Bike shares are a great idea 🙌Schemes like this will make cities much more cycling friendly 🌆

[@RFord2]

I’ve been enjoying riding to work so much that I sold my car. My only challenge is the carrying capacity. I have a Radrunner Plus with the front basket and passenger kit for taking my son to school. The basket holds my work bag or a lunch perfectly but not both. I’m hoping to avoid wearing a back pack and the passenger kit doesn’t allow panniers. It’s a minor gripe. I will be commuting and running errands as much as possible.

[@user-ns2lw8ne6x]

Here in the Philippines, we call it, "bike to work". 🚴

[@gcn]

Makes sense 🙌

[@greg4712]

I cycle to work 18 miles each way, 5 days a week. I save so much money and feel great. Roll on the summer commutes!

[@edwinkarani5593]

Great for your health too.

[@greg4712]

@@edwinkarani5593 absolutely!

[@IowaNinersFan]

@@edwinkarani5593 Keep my sanity in check until I get to work lol.

[@nebulous962]

My personal favourite gear that improve visibility is those reflective shoelaces. They look great and are cheap.

[@gcn]

Great tip! Moving areas are the best to brighten up 🙌 Si did a recent video about this 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWSqoZmKjMmebrc

[@iansingleton]

I think Simon should get involved with Cycling UK and start campaigning for cycling infrastructure!

[@OG_Rider]

Interesting you mention the lower limbs. I've never thought about that before. I just like to cycle in shoes with no laces.

[@SpySappingMyKeyboard]

Dress colder than you think. On a cold rainy winters day I started out wearing a jersey and raincoat, and was more wet with sweat than I would have been with rain by the end of the ride. If it feels a bit brisk when you leave the house, it will be the perfect temp from minute 5+

[@cruachan1191]

I'd add that mudguards must be full length. I'm currently waiting to start a new job so haven't bought new mudguards yet and am using cheap crappy ones, so in weather that we had yesterday I got soaked and filthy (to be fair, wouldn't have ridden to work in that weather, my car was in the garage and went for a ride to kill time till it was ready). Also, we saw Si go through one, but remember that bikes can use bus lanes which means less traffic in your lane and you can go places cars can't. Crossing Glasgow city centre for example is very easy as between bus lanes and ULEZ there isn't much vehicle traffic these days.

[@TimothyTakemoto]

1) Make your commute longer to get thin, and avoid cars. 2) Keep emergency rain wear in the form of large washing up gloves and a mini raincoat or waterproof neckwarmer in a plastic Ovaltine jar in one of your bottle cages. 3) Gore Tex is good but lately there are breathable raincoats in stretch fabric at a tenth of the cost from4) Use 18650 battery lights. Cull batteries from old laptops. 5) Mount a light on your helmet with cable ties, to point at pedestrians and make cars dip. 6) Wear a helmet with a visor. You'll feel like you are in a car. You can mount myopia lenses on the visor. 7) Carry a spare tube *and tyre* (the glass that caused the puncture can be difficult to find, and puncture your replacement tube) 8) Use handlebar fairings in deep winter. 9) Wear double sized ankle reflectors and fluorescent green yoga pants plus crotch pads. (It is the moving part of your body that says "cyclist!") 10) Do femoral rotation exercise, the motion needed for, but not included in, pedalling. 11) Change at work. 12) Stuff newspaper in wet shoes. 13) Shower at work. Even if you arrive cold, a hot shower makes it all worthwhile. 14) Wax your chain. You can hold and remount a waxed chain without getting covered in black grease. 15) If you oil your chain keep polythene gloves in your saddlebag. They work as emergency rain wear too. 16) Keep a missing link chain link in your saddle bag. 17) If you use SPD SL, then carry cleat covers. 18) If your cycling shoes don't have replaceable heels add table leg pads using a T nut. 19) A relaxed fit using a tall head tube and or long stem and wide hip angle will allow cycling with a belly. When you get rid of it, switch to 1980s French cycling style to use core muscles which are essential for longevity. 20) Forget bells and buzzers. Learn to shout. Cycle commuting for the win!

[@jayski9410]

I work at LAX and have had 2 bikes stolen. Locks did not stop them. We're not allowed to bring them in the terminals so the thieves have all day (or night, we work 24 hours a day) to attack the locks. I now ride a beat up old bike and so far that's been the best protection.

[@jameslee-pevenhull5087]

Bike insurance, is attached to house insurance. Santander use Aviva, who use Davies Group. No problems. A photo and cost of replacement. I got a crime number. My house insurance is 'Any pedal cycle to the value of £5000'. £50 excess.

[@SystemParanoia]

I WFH and still manage to squeeze in a 10k commute round the local ring road.. only 2 horrifically horrible junctions ( I need a better route 😅 )

[@grahamricketts-bq1ft]

If using a Brompton get a smaller chainring, gearing is a bit high if your commute includes any undulations !

[@108kitsune]

I've been cycling with my Kawasaki ninja to work for over a year and love it!

[@kurre_kallkvist]

When I cycle to the train for work, I prefer to go to a station 2km further from home simply because of the beauty of the route. Since the train takes about 8min between the stations, it isn't costing me any time either!

[@AmvC]

5:35 you didn't mention your mountainbike-world seatpost :) the best upgrade you can get in a city, especially if you want (and you should want) to ride year-round.

[@gcn]

Dropper posts make great options for plenty of bikes 👌 Making bikes more accessible can only be a good thing.

[@AFV85]

Can you do a video for best way to handle the road's and what singnals are what etc? Sounds abit obvious but being new to an ebike not had it out yet as abit wary of the road's tbh! Like to know more on best way to handle the roads not so much rules of the road, im just used to on my old bikes trails and pathways but that was a good 12 plus years ago can't ride anywhere but a road it seems now?

[@gcn]

Hi Thanks for the comment and welcome back to the world of cycling! Hopefully this video helps out 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqO8foBteZekfJosi=GHSdZ0xVpLN6D0ch Cheers 👍

[@moctarfofana392]

The transit system in my city is terrible, so the only things that will stop me from riding 5 days a week to work will be a winter storm (freezing rain or snow), or extreme cold (temps beyond -20 Celsius)

[@jespermoeller6700]

Get your routines right. Get your variation of cloth ready for next morning, so that you are flexible. One extra thin baselayer can make a big difference. Dont look to much on the weather forecast, the weather is often way better then the prediction. Rain is ok if you are not to cold. Mudguards ftw, it can actually look good on a roadbike, pro's living and training in wet climate, have (long) mudguards in winter. Mudguards on a roadbike shows that you might be a bad ass all season rider 😏

[@PhillBurns]

I had an attempted mugging on my local cycleway (Route 72, Newcastle l - Walker area) when 3 spiced up kids (I could only see their eyes through the balaclavas but at a guess they were only 14/15ish and defo on something) This was in broad daylight 4:30pm on a Friday afternoon last May. I managed to get away after they tried to push me off, thanks partially to it being an ebike and getting me up to 15.5mph quickly, and heading for the nearest uphill knowing they wouldn't keep up, but it's totally knocked my confidence...I just keep thinking back at the fact they had definite intent and probably had a knife or some other tools on them. It has also become my single source of procrastination. There are many other routes I could take (admittedly all of them would still involve riding through sketchy areas) but I'm wondering if just using the main road is the safer option!

[@gcn]

this sounds a horrific incident, luckily you got away!

[@CycleXplorer]

One of my top tips is to take you clothes, towels, shower gel etc in on a day you're not riding. That way you don't have to carry much on the days you ride.

[@tallulahbeaverhausen4382]

Unless you have a 100% safe spot to "park" your bike (in your office, for example), it's not a good idea to commute with an expensive bicycle: it might be stolen, vandalized, scratched or dented by other commuters. A cheap and functional one does the job and if anything happens to it, you won't cry like you would if it was a 2000 quid bike.

[@IowaNinersFan]

I had a $300 Schwinn that got stolen from me years ago outside my work. Now my more expensive bikes go into the office with me.

[@better.better]

got to be careful using Kamoot for urban routes... it will try to route you through all sorts of crazy unnecessary detours, such as a horseshoe off of the main route you've been riding through a parking lot(car-park) only to meet back up on the same main route again when you could have just ridden on the main route in a straight line. I think it's goal is to try to keep you away from traffic as much as possible, but obviously nobody wants to actually do hundreds of 500 ft|m detours on the way to anywhere, especially when you're on a part of the route that you actually know, and I don't know where it tells you to take a left, so now you have to stop, and see where it's actually taking you, only to see that you're joining back up to what you're already riding on at the other end of the lot

[@joechamma]

I would love to ride to work on a regular basis. Being in a job that is physically exhausting (car washing) from morning to evening can really drain out your energy. Hopefully when i do get a different job, cycling would be easier...

[@stophdoggy6625]

Plan your route and test it out on a quiet Sunday ride. Mud guards a must Quality Puncture resistant tyres (Scwarby Marathon plus) You can get excellent back packs designed for cyclists which don’t leave you with a sweaty back. And enjoy the freedom and free activity ❤

[@liamticehurst1933]

My Reacto 5000 got stolen from my job even with it being locked up. Kindly work did a fundraiser which got me a Propel Advanced and a kryptonite lock. Definitely more secure but having had one stolen put me off riding to work for a while

[@ThePeanutization]

5:31 I've started cycling to work few months ago and already lost my first bike. Then I bought a second hand road bike for around $30, and spent another $25 for new brake pads, chain and cassette. Now in top working condition, appearance wise I only keep it clean and I did not bother to make it look any better. So looks not worth the trouble for the thieves.

[@darryldonnelly5363]

I've been cycling to work for about 10 years and throughly enjoy it i won't wear jeans though for cycling

[@gmivisualsjason3729]

I cycle to work every day in my van....... 😂😂 I'm a window cleaner by trade so carrying water fed poles with hose reels and hundreds of litres on my back isn't an option. However I'm a keen cyclist and make the time to get out a minimum of 3 to 4 times a week.

[@galenkehler]

Jupiter is always aligned with Mars. Insofar as you can always draw a line between 2 points in 3d space. 😊

[@silverghost8517]

I’d like to know if that sharp looking jacket is going to be available from the store. Great video too

[@gcn]

watch this space! 😊

[@gcn]

as if by magic, here is the new jacket! shop.globalcyclingnetwork.com/products/gcn-x-agu-commuter-cycling-rain-jacket

[@silverghost8517]

Thank you so much!@@gcn

[@ronaldvb3663]

Where I live biking to work is so common that it is quite incomprehensible for me why anyone would need a video like this. It al seems completely obvious.

[@Deedumdee]

How do GCN get their on-the-move footage? For roads presumably a camera car with an open tailgate or a motorbike with a passenger sitting reverse, but for cycle paths I can only figure maybe a cargo e-bike with a brave skinny guy in the back filming? And thanks for doing more videos not involving lycra! I think someone has been watching Shifter.

[@gcn]

Would you like to see a GCN behind the scenes video... 👀?

[@Deedumdee]

@@gcn Sounds like easy content! Seriously though it'd probably be an interesting peek behind the curtain; go through the process from pitching the video idea, planning it out, the filming process, then editing and publishing.

[@davenet94]

Loved

[@josemariramos2872]

That white bike looks nice - may I know what bike is that?

[@D1N02]

I use a higher gear on my commutes so i get a short but intense work out.

[@CycleXplorer]

What is the make of the mudguard/pannier race?

[@MatthewMabborang]

Is it possible and nice to ride your bike up and down the mountain where your workplace (or in my case, the university where I’m studying) is located for 5 days a week even if your house is a little near? 🤔

[@sarahd4784]

I use two locks, makes me feel a bit more safe.

[@grumbazor]

Its not a race. No need for spandex and showers if you dont push it to the limit but hidro fugal is always a good idea.

[@gur262]

I sweat easily enough. A shower would almost always be good. Even if it's winter and my clothing is the perfect balance, warm enough, not too warm, I'll sweat the second I stop.

[@anakindarthjedi9264]

I have heard tenways e bike is good for commuting

[@christopherbritton2256]

I do RIDE my bike to work but I only live 1 mile from work So before work though I do do bike RIDE loops.12 miles A-day at least 4 days a week

[@paulaus]

My suggestion is to ride the route on the weekend first so you can check out the directions without the stress of being on time to work. Also you don't have to ride every day especially at the start you can build up to it.

[@IowaNinersFan]

If I don't ride to work, I get really moody and my co-workers will notice the minute I get there 😁

[@user-74652]

As far as clothing goes, there is one thing I'd like to point out: Since I've started using cycling for transportation more often, I've noticed that my trousers seem not to last as long as they used to.

[@akaspookie]

I bought a cheapish bike, 650 CAD to start riding to work, as the pandemic years left me with more extra weight than I'd like, rode it for a few weeks no problem. One day seat post snapped where it attached to the saddle, mid-commute, and stabbed me but good in the butt cheek, walked it the rest of the way home, bleeding from me ass.

[@gcn]

ouch!

[@ianstewart8301]

Yeah for Science & stats!

[@Kimberlietriracer25]

Not completely positive but my friend locked up her bike at a lightrail station. When she came back, the bike was still there but they stole her saddle and seat post.

[@SystemParanoia]

Use an old bike chain in an inner tube to secure a QR seat to the frame semi-permanently Also, I don't advise leaving your bike at a train station all day/night! Get a folder instead!

[@Kimberlietriracer25]

@SystemParanoia I would never leave a bike at a lightrail station and she could have taken it in the train. I do see her apprehension though, you're taking a greater risk leaving a bike in Denver outside than in the suburbs stations. It's better to walk into the station and rent an ebike downtown.

[@SystemParanoia]

@@Kimberlietriracer25 the American subberbs are very different to here in the UK. It must be a nightmare having to travel 8+ miles to the nearest shop!! And even more of a nightmare having your bike stolen once you get there!