Wisdom from Years of Bike Commuting

Given the time of year, I want to approach a topic that is near and dear to my heart.  Commuting on a bike, not that kind, like the good old-fashioned pedal kind.

I figure there are plenty of you that either just got a new bike, or are preparing to undertake a resolution to start commuting to work on your bike. As a seasoned bike commuter, I wanted to impart some wisdom that I have acquired over the years.  In all honesty, take these with a grain of salt, we all know how my last year went with the biking.

History

I've been commuting to work on a bike for a good 7+ years now, it pre-dated our FIRE journey.  I started more out of frustration with the traffic where we live, and the fact that I could take a bike path the entire way to my office.  When I started I was riding 17 miles each way.  I could do it in a little over an hour, which oddly enough was the same length of time I could drive my car.. AHHH LA...

Traffic in LA, HOORAY!

Since then, I've changed jobs a couple times.  My commute went from 17 to 3 and now it's at 12 miles one way.

Let's walk through some of the things I have learned:

Bike

There are several types you can look into: beach, mountain, etc. They all have 2 wheels and pedals.  I have a road bike (you can see it at the top).  It might be a little bit more expensive than some other options out there, but if I'm on it for 2 hours a day, I want it to be comfortable and trustworthy.

Fit of bike - Unbeknownst to me, bikes have sizes like clothes.  I ride a M/L (54-56cm) frame as I'm about 5'-10" tall.  For another type of bike this isn't as important, but for a road bike it can make quite a difference in your comfort and riding efficiency.  Too big and you're stretched out uncomfortably, too small and you can't get your stroke correct.  Also, your legs should be almost straight at the bottom of the pedal stroke, this is where you get the most power.   Yes, that means you probably can't touch the ground when sitting on the seat.

Gears - Gears are optional, it's even trendy to have a fixed gear bike.  That's dumb, but ok.  Gears are for your advantage.  When you're riding distances, you want to have your pedal cadence about 60-90 pedals per minute.  This takes the strain off your legs and puts it on your heart, which can handle it over longer periods (think doing lunges vs jogging).  Use the gears to keep your cadence in that range, up a hill or into wind, it gets harder, so down-shift to make pedaling easier.  With the wind or down hill, up-shift to gain speed accordingly.  All while keeping your legs going at the same speed.

Maintenance - Your bike is a machine and it requires regular maintenance.  It's easy enough to work on a bike with a couple of basic tools.  Simple things I can do at home: spoke replacement, tire rotating, basic wheel truing, fixing flats, patching tubes, etc.

I also feel it's worthwhile to take it to a professional every 5,000 or so miles (about once a year for me).  Keep up with the maintenance and you will be thankful.

Fixing popped spokes

GatorSkin Tires - This isn't absolutely necessary, but after fixing about 5 flats over the course of 2 months, I got sick of it.  I picked up some puncture proof tires.  They're a little pricier than regular bike tires, but I haven't had a puncture flat since.  I think they're worth it, here's more info.

Gear

Reflective Gear - You want to be visible as much as you possibly can.  Commuting through heavily trafficked areas can be dangerous.  Even with reflective gear, you might have some trouble.  I have a road worker's vest that I put over my backpack.  It's pretty visible.  I like this because I can wear it, or wrap it around my backpack.

Lights - Commuting typically means that you will be riding around in the dark for at least a portion of the year.  Get some lights, not only so other people can see you, but so you can see where you are going.  I like USB rechargable ones, so I can charge them while I'm at work.  It's bright enough that I've gotten yelled at by cars, which is great, because it means they saw me.

Bag for Tools/Spare - Take a look at the top picture, see under the seat, that's a spare tube and tire irons so that I can change a flat when I'm in route.  I also have a small pump that goes in my backpack.  These are really nice to have when you get stranded.

Helmet - PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE WEAR A HELMET!!!!

It might be ugly, and uncomfortable.  You never know if you actually need it.  I'm writing this post right now because I had a helmet on and they are way more comfortable and stylish than a coffin.

Lock - You may or may not need one, but I'd suggest having one.  You'll never know if you need to stop somewhere and leave your bike during or after a ride.  I have a cable lock and keep it wrapped around the head tube.

Clothes

While you can wear what ever you want and do not need anything specific, biking clothes can make a bit of difference.  If your commute is less than 3 miles, I don't know that I would bother with special clothes.

[Mrs.Wow side note: Biking apparel is not sexy.  Think spandex shorts with a diaper.  Every morning and evening I second guess my marriage}

Word to the wise: Dress for the ride home.  It might be sunny and warm when you leave, but once you're out, you don't have access to your full assortment of clothes.  Dress for the evening chill, rain or even snow (not for me in LA) on the way home.  You'll be thankful.

Shorts - Yes, bike shorts.  The ones that are padded for your comfort on long rides, to help you avoid getting saddle sore.  I have a few pairs to rotate through.  In the winter, I have tights and bike pants that I wear over them.  The pants are weather-proof, so that helps as well.

Shoes - I wear clip-ins, but you don't need them.  I use them because they're comfortable and make my pedaling more efficient. With clip-ins you can actually get more power.  Not only do you output power on the pedal stroke down, but you can actually pull on the up-stroke to create a power stroke on both sides.  Takes a little getting used to, but it's immensely helpful getting up hills.

It also means that I can put nicer work shoes in my backpack and not worry about it.

Gloves - I only wear them in the winter since my hands chill off quickly in the cold air.  My gloves are bright yellow, easily seen and can also be used as blinkers.  Pro Tip: If it's cold and rainy, get some latex gloves to wear under your main gloves. Waterproof, warm and cheap.

Every morning Mrs. Wow is reminded she's the luckiest girl in the world.

What an irresistibly handsome devil!

Safety

Treat the bike path like a road - This means stay to the right, pass on the left. Give right-of-way, use signals, etc. It will be greatly appreciated by other bikers.

Follow the road laws as much as possible - I'm not a saint when it comes to this, but follow the road laws when you're on your bike.  Don't run red lights or stop signs without at least slowing to make sure no one's coming.  Stay in your lane, or along the side of the road as much as you can.

Find a path that has less traffic on it - There might be a bike path, or a road with a bike lane.  Take it!  Even if it's a little longer or out of the way.  Avoiding car traffic as much as possible is a good thing.  When many drivers fail to see other cars, that means they will definitely not see a biker.

Use Hand Signals like blinkers - People in their sound proof metal box cars are more interested in their phone or their radio than you.  That means it's your responsibility to communicate with them as much as you can.  Using hand signals can attempt to communicate you next move.  You don't have to use the specific ones, but a simple right turn/ left turn work wonders.

Wear a helmet - Did I mention that before? It's extremely important!!!!

[Mrs.Wow side note: Please wear a helmet!  It may mean the difference between life or death.  I firmly believe that Mr.Wow may not be alive if he was not wearing a helmet when he was hit]

My head was in that!

Other

Be Considerate of People in your Office - You stink!  You just biked 12 miles to work.  Shower if you can, at the very least take a bird bath.  And hang your sweaty nasty clothes away from other folks.  Maybe a closet or something where they can dry.

[Mrs.Wow side note: I wish he had the same consideration for when he's at home.  A stinky man and stinky bike clothes are commonplace in the waffle household.]

Learn to use your Tools - I was on my way home the other night and a girl had a flat.  I stopped to help.  She had no idea how to use any of the tools that she had with her.  Before you venture out, try changing a flat with your tools at home. It's important to know what you are doing in the event that something should happen to you or someone else while on the road.

That's it

I've learned a lot over the years.  I hope some of this will help.  It's been a long ride.  It's hard for me to go back to driving my car or even the moto to work after getting used to biking.  Plus, I'd lose the 2 hours of cardio everyday.

Enjoy biking, learn from my mistakes and let me know anything missed. Most importantly, RIDE SAFE!