When you first bite the bullet and start cycling to work there are loads of things that you aren’t sure of. We asked the BikeRadar forum users what they wish they’d known at the beginning. Here are some words of commuting wisdom from those who've been doing it for years…
- What's the best bike for cycle commuting?
- 10 tips for safer city cycling
- 30 reasons to take up cycling
Choosing the right bike
1. Try a singlespeed
"I spent a few years riding a Specialized Allez (with gears) and then swapped to a Gary Fisher Triton (singlespeed) and I was grinning from ear to ear. Singlespeed for commuting in a city is great fun! I only wish someone had told me about it sooner." Clarkey cat
2. Test the waters before blowing your budget
"Make do with riding whatever bike you’ve got available until you know what kind of bike you ‘should’ be buying. Then get the best bike you can afford. Too many people jump at whatever model the bike shop recommends and in a couple of months they wish they’d got something else. Personally, I just wish that someone had told me how much fun it was – I’d have started ages ago." UndercoverElephant
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3. The best bike for you is the one you want to ride
"Buy a bike that you think you’ll ride. If that’s a hybrid or mountain bike then go for that. But if you are riding further than 10 miles each way you need a road bike. And if you are riding uphill you need a road bike. And always remember that there are 1000s of people cycling to school, to work and just to get around.
"They’re not posting on forums, they’re not upgrading groupsets or investing in the latest carbon fibre Italian exotica. They’re all ages, shapes and sizes. They’re just riding their bikes. You can do it too." TailWindHome
Getting into riding
4. Just get out and do it
"It really isn’t as difficult as you might think. Honestly. Just get on and do it. On whatever bike you have available. Once you get the bug you can start tinkering, fettling and upgrading. But first off, just get out and do it. You’ll wonder why it took you so long to try it." Ketsbaia
5. Let it go
6. Be sensible around traffic
7. Fuel yourself properly
8. Read up on the technique of riding in traffic
Picking the right gear
9. Pick low-maintenance, reliable kit
10. Load your bike, not your back
11. Invest in some proper clothing
12. Love your washing machine
13. Learn how to fix punctures
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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