In the last post we talked about keeping motivated.
Hopefully by now you will be getting used to your ride and you’ll probably be thinking about all the things you need to get yourself better equipped.
If you don’t have one, get a bell! It’s a friendly way to let people know you’re approaching or say hi to people you’re passing.
Your first wet day will probably start you thinking about getting mudguards. Some people get away with “ass saver” spray guards, but full mudguards are the real deal for a dryer commute.
Sooner or later you’ll get a flat tyre, so rather than trudge home pushing your bike, get a spare tube, tyre levers and a pump and learn how to fix punctures.
Sick of arriving at work with a sweaty back from your backpack? Get a carrier, panniers, a courier bag or a basket.
A drink bottle holder can be handy for longer rides in hot weather. Practice drinking while you ride, it’s a knack that will save you trying to stab the bottle back into its holder in a panic when the lights change.
If you’re doing all your riding on the road but your bike has knobbly tyres, your life will be much easier if you get some slick tyres. Your bike will roll better and you will eliminate the annoying drone from the tyres. Slick tyres are grippier on smooth roads too. You can also get tyres with a protective layer under the tread which will reduce the chance of picking up punctures.
You may have heard of tubeless tyres. These don’t have an inner tube but instead have a goo inside that seals up punctures. Tubeless tyres require special rims and are a bit fiddly to set up, but they do inspire confidence that you won’t be stuck with a flat. If that sounds like you, talk to your local bike shop to see if it’s an option for you.
A handy thing to get for home is a “floor pump”. These are the tall pumps with a gauge on them that you keep at home. They are much easier and faster to use than a bike mounted pump and the gauge means you can make sure your tyres are at the recommended pressure. Riding with properly inflated tyres is less effort and feels much nicer. The correct pressure range for your tyres is written on the sidewall. Use the lower range for more comfort and wet weather grip and the high end for speed.
The great thing about bikes is that they are reasonably cheap and easy to upgrade and customise to your own comfort and taste. Get a new saddle, pedals, handlebars or grips to get the bike that’s just right for you.
However, now you’re a committed commuter, it may be cheaper instead of doing up your bike, to use all those savings you’ve made on fuel and parking to get yourself a new bike with all the doodads already fitted.
Now you’ve got your bike sorted, next time we’ll look at clothing.
Check out the rest of the Commute by Bike series
- A series to help start your bike commuting journey
- Choosing a bike for commuting
- You and bike commuting
- What stuff do you need for bike commuting?
- Route planning for bike commuting
- Safety tips for bike commuting
- Motivation when you start bike commuting
- Pimping your ride for a bike commute
- What clothes do you need for bike commuting?
- Maintaining your bike for commuting
- Watch-outs for bike commuting
- Coping with road rage when you commute by bike
- Going electric or going alternative for your bike commute
- So you’re a bike commuter. What next?
