With gas prices through the roof, endless traffic, and parking headaches, many people are choosing to leave their car at home and commute to work by bike. If you're considering using your bike for daily transportation, it's important to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. In addition, during a good part of the year, you should anticipate riding in the dark. This article covers essential gear and clothing to make your daily rides comfortable and safe.
Helmet
If you're on a bike, wear a helmet. Traffic can be at its worst during weekday rush hour, and it would be foolhardy to ride without protecting your head. Regardless of experience, any rider can take a spill, or be hit by a car. Wearing a helmet can make the difference between walking away with a few bruises, and serious injury.
Be Visible
After protecting your head, the next priority is to be seen on your bike. Purchase one or two bright blinking lights for the rear of your bicycle, along with standard reflectors. These are relatively lightweight, and great for being seen in dawn, twilight, and evening hours.
To see the road ahead and be seen by approaching vehicles, a good headlight is mandatory. There are several quality halogen headlights on the market, which can be purchased in a package. You'll save money, as these include both headlight and taillights. If you commute home late, a reflective vest and ankle straps are a good addition. A compact, reflective vest will grab the attention of drivers who otherwise might not see you. This simple item will go a long way in keeping you safe.
Clothing for Riding
Unless you live in an arid climate, a lightweight, breathable rain jacket and pants are essential. Many manufacturers sell rain gear, which packs neatly into a small bag. Instead of dreading wet weather, you'll appreciate having this on-hand, and you'll arrive at your destination, comfortable and dry.
For winter commutes, a balaclava to protect neck and face is a must. In addition, neck protection will keep you comfortable on colder days. Several companies, including Buff and North Face, make tubes of seamless fabric. These can be worn over the neck, or pulled up bandito style, to protect the lower face.
If you'd like to splurge, a pair of bike shorts is a nice addition for longer commutes. Otherwise, lightweight synthetic leggings, or knickers, are ideal for three-season riding. When winter commuting, opt for a pair of fleece pants, gloves and socks. These will keep you warm, even when wet.
Change of Clothes for the Office
Even in an office with a relaxed dress code, you'll be more comfortable having a change of clothes when you arrive at work. Rather than carrying a change of clothes every day, you can drive to work once a week, and leave work clothes in your office or desk. You'll be happy not having to compromise your selection of riding gear. In addition, you won't have to suffer through meetings in sweaty clothes.
Fenders
Although they add a bit of weight, in inclement weather, fenders will keep you from being splattered by gravel, water and slush. In addition, as a courtesy to other riders, full fenders will keep bike commuters behind you from being doused by your rooster-tail.
Tire Repair Kit
Even if you keep your tires properly inflated, and watch for potholes and glass, you might experience the occasional flat tire. To be prepared for this event, pack a spare tube, tire irons, and small hand-pump. Also, become familiar with changing a tire at home, and you won't have to learn this on the road.
If you commute in an urban area, an alternative to making road repairs is to lock up your bike, and hop on a subway or bus. You can return by car, and pick up your bike in the evening when there's less traffic, and make the repair at home.
Bike Panniers
Finally, to keep everything together, a side pannier is a must-have accessory. Invest in a good quality nylon fold-down side basket. This should clip easily to your rear rack, and have a carrying strap for toting everything from bike to office. You will find that a folding pannier is great for picking up groceries on the way home. To make your mornings easier, you can keep the bag in your home office, loaded with whatever you need for the next day and ready to go.
Keeping this gear on-hand will simplify your bike commute, reduce the stress of getting out the door, and help you enjoy the ride to work. Besides saving on gas, you'll enjoy the benefits of a great workout, while contributing to a greener, carbon-free environment. Happy riding!
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