Bike commuting can be daunting. Just jumping in the car is really, really easy. Going by bike takes a bit of thought and planning. But not only does the exercise hold some appeal — you might even find that it’s faster. Add in the time of the daily exercise routine (or procrastinating and avoiding said routine) and it’s almost definitely faster. And with a few tricks, you can keep it stylish as well.
1. Safety First
Let’s face it, the best-looking option is to go helmet-free. Now, there are a few reasons to opt for this, but if you’re going to be on the road with cars during the commute, going helmet-free might not be the best idea. The good news is that newer, skateboard-inspired helmets are pretty cool looking. Sure, you won’t look like a pro in search of a peloton, but you won’t look like you’re out trying to score some HGH or steroids on the street either. Probably best to try these on in the store if you don’t know your size, but if you’re comfortable measuring your head circumfrance, check out the POC Crane Pure helmet. It’s got good looks and will keep your brain contained. Want a deal? Check out the Bell Segment, currently priced at only $20 (normally $55).
Not as well ventilated, but doesn’t have that “where’s the peloton?” look.
Bern Watts – $59.99, Giro Feature – $60 – $75
2. Sweat Second
The biggest downside of bike commuting is also the big upside — the exercise. You’re going to sweat if you hammer. Now, some of you may have enlightened employers that provide showers for us sweaty cyclists, but most don’t. The best strategy I’ve used is what I call the Coast Commute. In the morning, when you’re on your way to work, you don’t rush. You don’t sprint to make the lights. You just pedal and coast and roll to work. With the air-cooling you’re creating, sweat production should be pretty low, and if you live uphill from the office, you might not have to pedal at all. Serenity now, man. Why show up to work amped on adrenaline anyway? Pick a pleasant route and don’t rush. The morning leg is all about calm transportation.
Speaking of legs, keep your pants out of your chain with one of these guys. Not enough protection? Try this full calf version. Want something in leather? Try this pair, which allow you to coordinate with your shoe leather.
Save those pants from your chewing and spitting chain:
Full Calf Leg Shield – $16.95
On the way home, you hammer. Change into shorts and race the cars. Take the long route and show up at home a sweaty mess, done with they day’s work and exercise. You should probably open a beer at this point. Any frustrations from the office will be forgotten.
3. Security Third
If you live in a large-enough city, your bike is probably going to get stolen. Best to accept this fate now. I used to work with a guy that had a stockpile of beater bikes that would one-by-one get picked off. They were terrible, shitty bikes, and they were always, eventually, stolen. Accept this, but fight it. My buddy, knowing his bike’s days were numbered, never invested in much of a lock. I err on the strong lock side a little heavier. Get something strong and secure and lock your bike frame and wheels smartly, or better yet, wheel your bike into the office.
Almost.
The basics of security: Don’t lock your bike to a top-free pole that your bike can simply be lifted off of. Don’t thread your lock through a single spoke, making your entire bike’s security dependent on a tiny strand of wire not being cut. But most importantly, don’t over-equip for bike commuting. Don’t ride too nice of a bike. There’s some sort of inverse relationship at work where the nicer and lighter the bike, the heavier the lock. Got a basic beater? Well, this 3-pound lock model will work. Commuting on your sub-20-pound bike you’re going to be racing on this weekend? Your lock weighs 9 pounds.
4. Balance Good looks w/ functionality
Biking to work takes some getting used to, but you’ll eventually find yourself a groove that works. If you normally wear leather-soled shoes, they’ll be tough to pedal in, so grab a pair of BMX-inspired Vans for the ride and either transport your dress shoes, or, leave a pair or two of nicer shoes at the office. Same with a blazer — stash one at work so you’re ready for anything. You probably won’t bike everyday, so use those days to refresh your office clothing stash. If you’re already sporting something nicer, like a Filson messenger bag, use that on your ride. But if you’re looking for something with a little more bike cred, consider grabbing a bag an actual bike messenger would use from Timbuk2. Maybe not the sexiest bag, but they’re made for this sort of thing.
The “reverse Mr. Rogers.” A shoe change at work might be key.
So that’s it. Not too daunting, is it? You can be safe and stylish in a helmet. You don’t have to show up to work in the morning heaving with exhaustion and pouring sweat. With a bit of luck and a lock, your bike will stay safe and unstolen. And with a smart stash of clothing, you’ll have no problems staying stylish. Give the ride a try this casual Friday.
Your turn bike-commuters. Any other tips? How do you keep looking your best when biking to work? Leave it all in the comments below.
About the author: In addition to being the guy behind the tech at Dappered, Paul runs the website Trail & Tarmac with his cycling friends, a site dedicated to scouring the web for the best cycling gear deals. photo credits: guy on bike, wheel
In my experience, the only downside with the Timbuk2 bag is that it leaves your back a sweaty mess because that nylon material just *does not breath*.
Other than that, they do hold up pretty well and despite the lack of zipper are pretty good at keeping the rain out.
Panniers are key, IMO. They ease strain on your neck and back from carrying a messenger bag, plus you can fit tons of stuff into them. They also avoid the sweaty back problem that ryan mentions.
Why must you taunt me with what appear to be Cordovan AE strands in the last picture.
I second the need for panniers. Improves the whole experience.
Agreed. Meanwhile, these are a splurge, but I got one of these for my laptop/charger/one of two other things: http://www.linusbike.com/products/the-linus-office-bike-bag Not the most spacious, but if you travel light and aren’t too concerned about theft, they’re terrific.
These are an even bigger splurge, but in my experience, they might be better than even Ortliebs, the previous king: http://www.chromeindustries.com/us/en/featured/knurled-welded/saddle-bag-rolltop-20
I carry it in to the office wearing shirt and tie and it seems to fit in. I also bike every day year around, so the waterproofness is something I value.
I just started biking to work and this post is excellent advice. A word of caution about that style of helmet though, they don’t have very good ventilation. I have that exact Bern and don’t wear it because it is way to hot in the warmer months. Style be damned. Id rather stick with the dorky bike helmet and stay cool. I second the Vans recommendation. They provide excellent traction, are light weight and cheap. Also besides leaving a pair of shoes at your desk, I also recommend a stick of deodorant, gold bond powder and a pack of wet wipes. Trust me, they’re a life saver.
I think it’s important to note that in the United States, any bike helmet sold has to meet a certain level of safety. So, anyone can quite literally buy any bike helmet and it will protect your head. If these bike helmets are out of your budget, a great tip is to check in with your health insurance provider – many will offer really discounted bike helmets. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts will give you a basic helmet for eight dollars.
I hope you have a big trunk….cause I’m putting my bike in it. I’ll just ride a motor bike (not a scooter) instead. You can park them almost anywhere, maneuver around traffic, carry what you need. Plus you can that cute lady friend from the office on it too. But to each their own.
See…looks better than a bicycle. And this site is all about, looking good right?
Great post. As someone who is contemplating investing in a bike to commute, perhaps a beginner bike commuter series might be beneficial to others? Types of bikes, models, etc. could really help!
What I would add as a bike commuter and racer is that there are products out there that are easily transportable that make your attempts to be presentable post ride much more successful. For years I relied on baby wipes, whether I had to get in a car post race and drive home or to wipe down after riding to class/work as a grad student. I now use a product called “BYOT” for Bring Your Own Towel, made by a company called Zevlin (full disclosure: Zevlin sponsors the collegiate cycling team that I now coach). I keep a bottle in my car and another in my office. From their site, zevlin.com: BYOT is our take on the “after workout” wash/cleanse. It’s the next best thing to a shower plus you’re using your own towel which eliminates “another disposable towelette” from the landfill.
Great to hear you’re interesting in investing in a bike. Much better than “buying” a bike. As a dappered reader, you know enough to eschew the cheaply made crap at WalMart or a sporting goods store, and instead visit a locally owned bike shop. Their prices tend to be slightly higher than on the internet or at big box bike places like Performance Bikes, but the tradeoff is usually a service plan by a qualified bike mechanic, not to mention bike shops are usually great places to hang out. Good shops are happy to answer any questions and guide you through the buying process. Shops tend to employ people who already love bikes commuters, racers, tinkerers, and cycletourers. They’ll know the good local routes to take as well.
Panniers are great. Two panniers plus a rack to hold them cost approximately $140–50×2 +40. Quality typically increases with cost, though not necessarily. Ask the LBS (local bike shop) employee. I’d also add that fenders are a must if you ride in the rain. Not only will they keep your duds much dryer, but they protect the drivetrain of the bike from collecting as much grit, and the spray coming off the front wheel can act like a power washer on the bike’s headset, washing away grease and depositing grime which can break down bearings. But always towel off the chain after riding it in the rain. And old tshirt will do, and then add a light lubricant.
Chrome makes some shoes that work really well for this kind of riding. The soles are stiff enough that you don’t feel the pedals gouging your feet (if you are still using regular old pedals, rather than cleats).
Check out their bags, too. I prefer them 1000x over Timbuk2. They just will not die. And yes, your back will be a sweaty mess after the ride home.
I’ve been thinking about that whole bike theft thing,
Has anyone tried ‘TILE’ or any of those other tracking tools?
I’d love to stick it on the underside of the seat or something, and at least know where it was…
I’ve been thinking about biking to work. I don’t live in a super bike friendly area but there is sidewalk all the way from my apartment to the office. Luckily we also have tight security to get onto the property (guards with guns, badge access, etc) so I don’t have to worry about it being stolen. They also have a shower that I can use.
Seconded, that would be great. Also different types of bikes based on what kind of commute you have.
I suppose it depends on how much you’re using the bike on a daily/weekly/monthly basis, and also what the rate of bike thefts are in the area you live in. Depending on how your personal calculations add up, it might make sense to use a bikeshare service if you live in a city that has one. Biking back and forth to work isn’t an option for me, but if it were, I think I’d opt for bikeshare just for piece of mind.
I’m lucky enough to work in a city with a bike rental program (https://www.bayareabikeshare.com/). The 7-gear bikes are modern, but heavy duty, so I’m forced to take it easy. The front rack takes care of my briefcase. I have reflective yellow $8 velcro ankle straps (even though the bike has a chain cover) which increase my visibility. I wear a long sleeve henley, and keep undershirts and dress shirts at work. But the best thing is being able to pick up a bike from the Transbay bus station, ride to the bike station a block away from my office, and just leave the bike there – no worries about security. Overall, it works just fine for me – YMMV.
Avid bike commuter here but I live in a city with pretty decent bike paths and lanes and I work in a company with a full gym.
I would always leave shoes at work and buy big panniers – I have one with a laptop sleeve and one designed for shopping I can put a jacket in. I keep a dopp kit in the office as I am a sweaty mess just looking at a bike and I like the extra workout that riding gets me.
So I am considering doing the bike to work thing after I move back to DC. How much is a reasonable amount to spend on a bike for commuting? I haven’t bought a bike for over a decade.
New, well built bikes start at $350ish. Consider whether you want gears or not. Do you want a very upright position, very aggressive position, or somewhere in the middle. Do you want wide tires, skinny tires, or something in between. How else will you use the bike? Do you have potholes/gravel/bricks/cobblestones on your route? Some retailers (Giant, Specialized) have “bike finder” sections that help you filter the bike options. Almost any brand sold at a local bike shop is going to be good. Some common brands sold stateside that make commuters as well as higher end bikes and mountain bikes include Trek, Giant, Scott, Felt, Fuji, Specialized, BMC, Surly, Bianchi, Jamis, & Cannondale.
Bikes typically have something like what car companies call “trims”. E.g., the Giant Escape, a popular commuter when I worked at a Giant dealer, comes in a 0, 1, 2, and 3. Trek has the FX 7.1, 7.2, …7.7. For Trek, higher is fancier–lighter, stiffer, more bells and whistles–sometimes literally–better quality components that are made from lighter and better quality materials. A 7.7 is probably thrice the cost than a 7.1. For Giant, lower is fancier, so the Escape 0 is 870 while the Escape 3 is 330. The frame is the same on the 0 as the 3, but everything else on the 0–from seat to handlebars, shfiters, wheels, tires, chain, cassette…–all improve each time you upgrade from one to the other “trim.”
Single speeds also make great commuters in flatter cities. They can come fixed (no coasting) or with a freewheel (permits coasting). Both are enjoyable to ride. Some single speeds have a “flip flop” hub, where the hub can be run one direction fixed and the other freewheeling. Single speeds are lighter and fewer things can go wrong on them. And the parts that do wear down tend to be cheaper. A shifter can cost $100 or more to replace. The problem is, tired legs, fancy clothes and a long and steep hill don’t place nicely together.
Hummmmm interesting…..very interesting. HAHA
I use that exact bern, and yes, while they aren’t super cool, I’ve used it in 100+ temps (the charcoal grey version even) and while it’s not breezy, it’s survivable.
But yes, the deodorant and powder? Totally. Shameless plug time, did a post about that once: https://dappered.com/2012/07/work-desk-essentials-for-the-well-dressed-guy/
Best way I’ve found to avoid theft is a) don’t use a cable lock, no matter how thick the cable and b) pinhead skewers:
http://www.mec.ca/product/5021-914/pinhead-wheelsseatpost-lock-3-pack/?f=10+50002+50038
My one inch diameter cable lock was cut through, although you could see that it took them two tries in different places (and this was after using it for 8 years in Toronto). Upgraded to a very heavy u-lock and then had my back wheel and seat stolen when locked up at one of our most heavily pedestrian intersections – and right in front of a security guard! Since getting these skewers two years ago I haven’t had any problems…
Don’t get me wrong, the Bern is a great helmet. I use it almost exclusively when I’m riding trails, bombing through the city or any other time I don’t care if I’m sweaty mess. It just feels more protective than your standard bike helmet. But when staying cool is the name of the game I go with the standard helmet with big air vents. On a side note, I’m pretty sure that article was what made me keep most of those things at my desk. As always great advice from Joe.
Revision: Bike Lock. Please go hear and read completely. Gives you the break down of what you really need to know. Granted, if the thief really wants to steal your $$$$ bike, they will, no matter what. But this article helps. http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-bike-lock/
It’s easy to not think about for people getting into riding in the summer where the sun stays out until past 8, but also make sure to pick up a decent set of lights for whatever bike you will be commuting on.
Even on fairly well-lit city streets, a bike will blend in and be harder for drivers to spot if the cyclist isn’t using a decent white front light and a rear red light. Scary how many people ride without them here, and it’s probably the easiest thing you can do to increase your own safety on the road
I have this same bag in Olive! The included mini-lock definitely helps deter theft, which is good because it’s absurdly expensive for what it is.. Looks great on my linus gaston.
Hey dude, fellow DCer here. This is entirely specific to the district, but there is a farmers’ market on Saturdays by the Court House metro stop. A few guys salvage old bikes and do a really great repair job on them, then sell them back at very reasonable prices. I got a great little 90s road bike for $250 and she’s held up like a champ for the past 4 years as my knockaround bike. Definitely check them out.
If you want to buy new, go to bicyclespace on 7th street, by Passenger. Best shop in the city IMHO.
Go with an aluminum frame at the very least. At this price point most of the other parts will be relatively good, but can be swapped out very easily. Expect another few hundred $$ investing in accessories. Mirrors, lights, bells, reflectors, panniers, clothes, etc.
There is a near 0% chance of recovering your bike after it is stolen. Don’t be fooled by tile and other gimmick devices. Its bluetooth and thus has a very limited range. By the time you get notified (if at all) your bike will be gone in the wind.
You should visit a local bike shop, they will fit you to a bike and explain any questions you may have.
Many modern bikes come with the seat “locked” by a special key, My Hybrid Specialized does.
As for locks, the only ones worth mentioning are the kryptonite chain locks. $80+ but worth every penny.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.ca/2772/i/kryptonite-new-york-fahgettaboudit-chain-with-disc-lock
Reflectors on both wheel, front light with 5 lumen settings and rear led blinkers 🙂
I had my bike attempted stolen from the bike cage in my apt building. The guy had power tools and the whole deal. The only thing that foiled him was that I had a ULock around both the front wheel and the frame, so even with a side of the U cut, he couldn’t manage to get the bike free. Eventually the maintenance crew found him struggling, which made for an awesome chase video on the security cameras. Locks matter – it’s more about the time and resources a thief would need to beat it than it is about having an ironclad lock.
Anyway, please don’t talk in the phone or text (seriously??) while riding! I’ve seen this a lot.
Please don’t hold your phone to your ear, or text (seriously, in Stockholm I have seen this a lot) while riding. Hands free, or god forbid just stop the bike altogether when you need to pull out the phone.
Been commuting for about 4 years now and panniers are a must. I just need to find some with a few more pockets…
I know it sort of defeats the purpose of the article a bit, but in my experience I’ve found a full change of clothes to be the best bet. I typically wear cycling tights (or shorts) and an Under Armour shirt (extra layers as necessary depending on the temperature) and bring my office clothes in a pannier. This makes for a real bonus when it’s 30+ Celcius in the morning (meaning I can wear shorts on the ride in) or when it’s all crappy and rainy. I don’t care if I get road grime on my cycling clothes. Of course, it’s a 30 minute or so ride to work for me in some major traffic.
Above all though, the best advice I can give for cycling to work (or for lots of things really) is to make sure you have a clean pair of underwear to change into. Wet gitch are nobody’s friend.
I’m lucky that my office has a shower (actually an entire gym). Otherwise, at 10 miles one way there’s no way the coast in method would work. I live in DC, which is hilly, so I ride up hills both to and from work, and it’s hot here in the summer. I’d be a sweaty mess by the time I got in no matter how easy I tried to take it.
I leave a couple of suits at the office and a couple pairs of dress shoes so I don’t have to lug that stuff back and forth every day.
I definitely recommend panniers and a bike rack, as others already have. Much more comfortable than trying to carry stuff in a bag on your person. My bike is a vintage mid 1980s Schwinn touring bike. You don’t need the latest and greatest for commuting.
I have a sweaty, burly, long commute with some substantial hills, a bridge, and for the final quarter, Manhattan traffic and construction and potholes. No amount of boy spray, baby wipes, or sink splashing counters what I end up looking and smelling like at the end of it. Luckily, I work in a city where there are a lot of cheap gyms. There’s a Blink a block away from my office, and I suppose a Planet Fitness nearby. $10-20 a month for a pitstop shower before the office is well worth the investment.
As for bikes, I lived on $250-$300 Treks for years, but they got beat up pretty quickly. Road bike tires were bent out of shape, and mountain bike tires made pedaling a chore. Last summer I got a lighter, better made Trek hybrid for $550 and after a year of summer, fall, and even a bit of winter commuting, it has proven to be $550 well spent.
I also bring a full change of clothes, because I’m just too sweaty or too grimy after the ride (“lie back and relax” is just a type of commute that is impossible here). But I still like to look ok while biking. Luckily, there’s a lot of brands now with an eye on style as well as function. I mean, hell, Gary Fisher, inventor of the mountain bike, was a bona fide dandy
Three additions to the discussion: 1) locking strategy is explained pretty well by Sheldon Brown (Google Sheldon Brown + lock strategy); 2) the right bike to start commuting is “whatever you have.” Ride that a few times, decide what works and what doesn’t, and either modify your bike to suit you or apply your list of wants to purchasing a different bike; 3) style and bikes go hand-in-hand in Copenhagen, as demonstrated in the bike blog Cycle Chic. Sedate, safe, urban riding is the norm there.
Yeah I know that you’re supposed to bike on the road in most places. However, I live in the suburbs and there are little to no pedestrians on the sidewalks at the time that I would be commuting. There are bike lanes for some of the way too, I would use those whenever possible.
I’m late to the party, but wanted to comment. Agree that “style and bikes go hand-in-hand”, usually. Many American cities are slowly becoming more bike friendly, but if you have a longer commute, forget style and go for comfort and safety. Like several have said, I pack my clothes and laptop in panniers and shower at work. My commute is 11 miles and some of the roads are pretty busy. Good bike shorts with chamois (you NEED this), a jersey or underarmour type shirt, and a breathable helmet are necessities. The brighter the better. I’d rather look ridiculous than die. There are lots of great blogs out there for beginners. Also, Google maps has a cycling feature showing bike-friendly roads. Your city might also be able to provide similar maps.