Are you ready to join the 1.3 million of us who rode our bikes into work in the UK between 2017 and 2018? Cycling to work is an easy way to get fit, save money, and enjoy the many benefits of riding your bike. But making the jump to becoming a cycle commuter can be a daunting prospect. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Read on for our guide on how to make the most out of your ride to work.
What type of bike do you need?
There’s no straightforward answer here, as it depends on what route you plan to take. For the majority of commuters, the ride will be undertaken on public roads, so opting for a road bike is a solid starting point. An entry-level road bike with an aluminium frame and a carbon fork is an ideal choice. We’d recommend, if the budget stretches, for hydraulic disc brakes too – the increased stopping power and wet weather performance makes them a much safer alternative to rim brakes.
For a bit more stability, some prefer to opt for a hybrid bike. Although visually similar to a road bike, the flat handlebars put the rider in a much more upright position. Flat bar bikes are designed specifically for use in towns and cities (some brands refer to them as commuter bikes), where better control and greater visibility are key to navigating the busy streets.
If the route has some degree of off-road riding, then you may need to opt for something a bit sturdier. Cyclocross bikes are becoming popular with commuters, as they offer similar geometry and set up to a road bike but with more off-roading capability. Unless the route is on a trail, we’d try and avoid using a mountain bike. Read our guide on gravel bikes for more information.
Whatever bike you end up using, we’d suggest fitting mudguards, lights and ensuring you have the right tyres for the terrain. Puncture-resistant tyres are a great investment and can save plenty of hassle in the long run – changing an inner tube in the pouring rain when you need to get to work isn’t much fun!
The same is said for kit – if commuting is going to be enjoyable, you need to be comfortable and confident that your apparel will hold up to the challenge. On really short commutes, you may be able to get away with wearing work clothes and a waterproof outer layer. However, you’ll likely want to pack your work clothes and wear proper riding kit.
Being prepared for every eventuality is going to make things a lot easier. If possible, leave your work clothes at the office and change into them when you arrive. If this isn’t an option, get a comfortable and secure backpack or add a pannier rack to carry them. Panniers are a great option, as it means the extra weight isn’t carried on your body. Although if you do opt for a rucksack, make sure it’s waterproof as rain can ruin the contents quite quickly.
Before
Now you have your bike and kit, you need to know how to get to work. Plan your route well, including a backup option if a road is closed. If you have a cycle computer with a navigation function, you could even upload the route directly onto the unit to take the stress out of remembering each turn.
It’s worth remembering that the most direct route may not be the most pleasant. Check any National Cycle Network routes, local cycle paths or quieter roads you can take – they may make the journey longer, but you’ll have a more enjoyable ride.
We would suggest getting everything ready the night before the commute – get out your kit, shoes, change of clothes and food so that in the morning, it’s simply a matter of getting up, grabbing the bike and going.
If there aren’t breakfast options at work but you plan on eating when you arrive, make sure this is prepared and packed the night before – you’re likely to be hungry when you get to work after expending more energy than usual.
A top tip is to do a practice run at the weekend so you’ll be more confident when it comes to the actual commute and you know how much time it takes to complete – being late on your first ride isn’t a great start.
During
You’ll likely encounter traffic on your commute – especially if you’re travelling on main roads during the rush-hour period. Therefore, its important that you have good road sense and you’re a confident cyclist. Things like being comfortable riding one-handed so you can signal with the other are important skills to master before thinking about commuting.
If there’s any advice we can offer, it’s to ride with confidence – Don’t fear traffic. Instead, hold your position on the road which will make it easier for traffic to predict your movement, and don’t ride too close to the gutter as this is where all the debris from the road ends up collecting, increasing the chance of punctures.
If you’re looking to improve your cycling skills, check out the Bikeability website where they offer free training courses for those looking to improve their cycling skills. For some top tips on cycling in traffic, check out this article from Cycling UK. Another piece of advice is to take the commute at your own pace. Don’t be tempted to compete with other cyclists, and make sure you give yourself enough time so that you’re not stressing about being late should you get held up.
After
First, make sure that on arriving at work you find somewhere secure to store your bike. If that means locking the bike up, it’s advisable to bring the lock and leave it at work before you commute as these can be pretty heavy.
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From a morning rush hour hotbed at peak of city living to the open roads of the rural countryside, commuting to work by cycling has become a go-to choice for many, with its immediate mental and physical wellbeing benefits, as well as the many long term financial and environmental advantages. And now, with the recent launch of the exclusive partnership between Giant Bicycles UK and British Transport for London, the range of options for dedicated cycle commuters has grown and improved – perfect for route optimisation and workplace productivity.
In their unique collaboration, the two entities have been able to provide a vast array of bikes and components, ready to be tailored specifically to commuter riders’ needs – transforming their daily journeys into experiences of freedom, exploration and adventure. From city to leisure rides, Giant Bicycles have got you covered with top-of-the-range comfortability and dependability thanks to a selection of incredibly well engineered frames with excellent welding and durability. Here at Giant, our philosophy is to always be at the forefront of technological developments, and the new partnership has enabled us to provide the perfect vehicles for cycling commuters, whether they’re on short rides to work, bustling city landscapes or exploring the rural countryside.
So, why make the switch to cycling?
Well, for those looking to improve their physical health, transporting yourself to work in the open air finally puts the power back in your hands. Not only will you save time; you will also develop increased muscle strength and endurance, as well as benefiting from improved stress management.
In the long run, cycling can also become an invaluable asset to your finances. For the same investment of money as a car journey, it’s estimated that switching to a bicycle will save you up to £1,500 a year – and keep those sky-high petrol prices at bay!
Reducing your carbon footprint without compromising on style and quality of ride can now be achieved with great ease thanks to the new partnership between Giant Bicycles and London Transport. With personalisation at its core, the range of options on offer are tailored to create commuters’ own unique riding experience, while aiding in environmental protection – from city-wide organised initiatives such as cycle lanes and traffic free roads, to the freedom of independent two-wheeled journeys which further encourage a decrease in the use of public transports and automobiles.
So, embrace the challenge – unlock your commuting potential with Giant Bicycles and let us help make the transition to cyclist mode as smooth as possible!