bike commuting - I Love Bicycling

The Best Cycling Backpacks for Commuters

November 27, 2018 by Sarah Lauzé

If you don’t want to go for a full pannier set up, a backpack can be a great way to carry your things while out riding. Most commuters opt for a cycling backpack, as you can also use it as a daypack, rather than just on your bike. However, some backpacks can be uncomfortable while you’re in the riding position on your bike, so you want to get one that doesn’t get in your way while you ride.

Backpack or Panniers

The main appeal for panniers is that there is no pressure put on the riders bike. Especially during the summer, if you’re riding with something heavy in your bag, having it weighing on your back can make for a sweaty ride. However, pannier racks and bags can be a nuisance to transfer between bikes, whereas a backpack can be worn no matter what bike you’re on. The best cycling backpacks will use lightweight materials and include a venting system to help avoid the awkward ‘t-shaped’ sweat mark that can come from riding with a backpack. You will also want to ensure the bag is water resistant or comes with a waterproof cover.

The Best Cycling Backpacks

Osprey Packs Radial 26 Daypack

Price: $162

This cycling specific backpack from Osprey is one of the best out there. The harness and suspension system moves with you to provide incredible ventilation and comfort with heavy loads. There is also a helmet attachment to keep you hands free while you’re walking around. There is an integrated kickstand so the bag stay upright while you dig through your stiff, and the multitude of compartments make for easy organization. It’s hard to find a part of this bag that isn’t well designed, and it comes in both 26 and 34 liter versions.

Ortlieb Velocity Backpack

Price: $156

The Velocity Backpack from Ortlieb is the perfect bag for commuters who ride rain or shine. The design is simple, and with 20L you don’t have a ton of room, but it also fits snugly so you don’t have to worry about it flopping around as you ride. The foam backing and adjustable straps make for both ventilation and enhanced stability. The main compartment features a roll top with Velcro closure for easy access, and you can rest assured that your things will remain dry no matter what. There is a removable inner pocket for your smaller items like phone and wallet.

Deuter Race EXP Air Backpack

Price: $120

For those who struggle to find a pack that is long enough and fits just right, the Deuter Race Backpack is the answer. It’s long, sleek design features a flexible frame and three-sided ventilation to keep your back nice and cool. The mesh hip fins add stability, but are breathable and lightweight. There’s also a fold-away helmet flap, a wet laundry compartment, a rain cover, and reflectors on the front sides and back.

Proviz Reflect360

Price: $79 – $130

The Proviz Reflect360 rucksack is designed to keep you as visible as possible on the roads, no matter how dark it gets. Even the smallest amount of light will create a light bright enough to see a quarter of a mile away, giving drivers more time to react accordingly. The bag is completely waterproof, with aquaguard zippers, and has comfortable mesh backing.

Chrome Citizen Messenger Bag

Price: $140

Okay, so this one isn’t a backpack, but it’s a go-to for a lot of commuters. The classic looking messenger bag can fit a 17 inch laptop, is fully waterproof, and will last through years of use. Although it goes over only one shoulder, it fits snugly into your bag and won’t swing around as your ride. The Chrome Citizen bags are known for being almost indestructible.

The Best Commuter Bike – Matching Your Needs to a Bike

November 13, 2016 by Josh Friedman

Getting to work under your own power and pace is liberating. There is no sitting in traffic jams, filling the tank or sedentary moment when you commute by bike. You will be energized when you get to work and relaxed on your way home. To add to the joy of commuting, you want the best commuter bike for you. A bike that suits your needs and makes your ride even better. There are a few things every commuter bike should have to keep you riding through all conditions. Beyond that you can choose what works best for you based on your style and route.

Requirements that Every Commuter Bike Should Have:

Lights: A highly visible light setup will keep you safe. If you plan on riding at night or close to dark, a light that allows you to see your route as well as alerts cars and other around you of your presence is essential. Lights can be hardwired into the bike and powered by a dynamo hub or they can be battery powered and added to the bike.
Fenders: You will be happy to have fenders to keep you dry. When it is actively precipitating you will get wet regardless of fenders, but they keep the dirty road spray off of you. On wet roads after the precipitation you will stay completely dry and it is a beautiful thing. Your fenders should be as close to the ground as possible at the trailing side of both wheels to ensure maximum protection. You can add flaps if your fenders do not already reach that low.
Rack Mounts: If you are going any significant distance, you will want a rack or basket to put your bag. A backpack on a longer commute will get you sweaty. You will also be more comfortable with a free back. Your bike will not complain about a few extra pounds on its frame, but you might.

The Best Commuter Bike for Your Needs

Trek Lync 5

The Trek Lync 5 is an integrated package designed to be as maintenance free as possible. Lights are integrated into the frame with a USB rechargeable battery. The drivetrain has an internally geared eight speed Shimano Alfine hub and belt drive in place of a chain. This will keep wear and tear from road grim down to a minimum. Disc brakes keep stopping power regardless of conditions. Fenders (do not forget to add mud flaps) and a rack are included, keeping you from shopping for any necessities. The rack does not have a top shelf, so a trunk bag will not work. You will have to hang a pannier off the side, but it is quite a minor point on this all inclusive package. It is a great choice for someone that will be commuting in all conditions, short distances as well as a little bit further with some hills.

Brompton

If you are short on space either at home or in your office and your commute is relatively short, a Brompton folding bike could be the bike for you. You can fold it if part of your commute involves a train or car too. They fold up quite small but also pride themselves on their ride quality. You can spec them with all of the features you need. They are great for urban mobility, with a tight wheelbase to maneuver nimbly and small wheels to accelerate quickly. There are other folding bikes out there, but Brompton is the benchmark. With this bike you will want your commute to be on the flatter side and not excessively long.

Jamis Renegade Exploit

The Jamis Renegade Exploit may not be the best commuter bike for the short trip across town but for longer rides with conditions that might not be ideal, and you should always be prepared for surprises from weather or terrain. this bike is top notch. While the bike does not come with racks or fenders, it does come with mounts for both should you need them (you do). Drop bars give you more hand positions for that longer commute, along with fatter than standard road tires – 36 millimeters. Hydraulic disc brakes in an integrated brake shift lever (a relatively recent innovation) give you premium stopping power. Jamis is known for a nicer spec than most relative to price; you will get a very nice all around bike that can tackle almost anything.

Specialized Langster

Efficiency is what the Specialized Langster is all about. When bike couriers were common, a fixed gear bike is often what they rode for simplicity of maintenance and efficiency. There is little to wear out and little to cause drag in the drivetrain. If you are jetting to work in a city or relatively flat place, this is a fun way to go. Fenders will take some work to add, but that extra effort will be worth it. A rack will be a stretch too, but a messenger bag will complete the look anyway. For a quality complete bike, it is a bargain. Just make sure you put the brakes on; you will definitely not look cool after you need serious dental work.

Going Custom for Your Best Commuter Bike

Maybe your needs are really specific and what you carry needs special attention. Perhaps you are very exacting and have plenty of money to spend. A custom commuter bike can be your solution to having the best commuter bike for you. You will be able to spec your bike down to the last detail – tire clearance, gearing, geometry, rack and fender mounts – really, every detail. The bike can be weather proofed too, ensuring it with durable and resistant parts, from the frame all the way to the tires.

Retrofitting Your Current Bike

You probably already have a bike. It is likely that you can get most of the performance of a dedicated commuter bike out of your current bike by making it the best commuter bike. Maybe the bike does not need anything, just for you to start riding to work. It is likely you will be able to add some commuter features to your bike to add some comfort and performance such as fenders, more upright bars, or some fatter, more comfortable tires.

The Bottom Line to Commuter Bikes

The best commuter bike is the one that works best for your needs. Bike commuting is becoming a regular way to get to work, broadening the market. Whatever bike you choose, get out there and ride to work. You will be happy that you did.

Learn To Commute Without Getting Sweaty

September 28, 2016 by Adam Farabaugh

A big challenge to riding to work is doing the commute without getting sweaty. You don’t want to show up to work all hot and sticky and not ready to work let alone not being comfortable. Who likes sitting in sweaty clothes waiting patiently for them to dry? Some commutes are simply too long and/or too strenuous to not get sweaty so when that’s the case, you need to be prepared with what you’re going to do. Potentially getting sweaty on your way to work is not a reason not to ride to work. It’s an easy fix and the benefits are great, you’ll be glad you figured out how to arrive comfortably at work.

How Far and How Hilly?

The first thing to take into consideration just for the commute itself is how far is it and what’s the terrain like between home and work. If it’s more than a five mile ride or there is a considerable hill or multiple hills that you need to get over, you will want to wear different clothes for your commute; more on that below. Also, you will want a bike that is easy enough to pedal such as a dedicated commuter, hybrid, road, or cross bike so you are the most efficient on speed and effort.

What’s the Weather?

Another big factor with how to commute without getting sweaty is the weather. If it’s 90+ degrees it’s going to be difficult to even take a breath without it causing you to get sweaty. If it’s cold, you are going to have to make sure you wear extra layers but not too much as you are sweating by the time you arrive at work. Balance is key. Again, we will get into what to wear coming right up.

What Are the Facilities at Your Work Place?

If your work place is less than five miles and you don’t have any considerable hills, you can easily wear your work clothes and not have to change when you arrive. However, if you’re wearing different clothes, you will want a place to change, preferably with a sink, and ideally with a shower. More and more workplaces are incorporating showers and changing rooms just for the commuter cyclist. Is your place of work on board with that yet? If not, bring a small towel and in a bathroom you can lightly clean up. Another good option is baby wipes. They’re small, light, and can just be thrown away saving you the effort of having to take your towel home and wash it.

Options With Your Work Clothes

If you’re going to commute without getting sweaty, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. One is move-ability on the bike. A dress or baggy pants are going to be an issue. It’s definitely been done but riding a bike with a long dress is quite a challenge. It might be a better option for you to bring a change of clothes on days you want to wear a long dress while a shorter dress or skirt can still be ridden in. With pants that have the potential to get caught in the chainrings you can either roll them up, tuck them into your socks, or get one of these handy pant cuffs.

The big thing with commuting without getting sweaty is staying cool. A good way to do that is to keep your shirt unbuttoned a little as well as to roll up your sleeves to maximize airflow.

Options With a Change of Clothes

If you have a longer, more strenuous ride, wearing a different set of clothes is the best option. Pack your work clothes in a bag so they’re ready to go the night before. Then you can wear cycling specific shorts and a jersey if you wish, or simply just different clothes that are cool and functional. Then when you arrive at work, change, cleanup, and you’re good to go.

Effort Level So You Can Commute Without Getting Sweaty

Regardless of if you’re riding in your work clothes or riding in a change of clothes, you don’t want to arrive at work still dripping sweat unless you have a shower available. The trick to this is simply not riding quite so hard on the way there. Make sure you leave with enough time so you can take your time. Enjoy the morning. You’re out riding your bike. Once you get close to work with five minutes or so left in your ride, ease up even more on the pedals so your effort level drops but you still have the wind on you to cool you down. If you do it right, you’ll arrive at work cool and can quickly change or simply walk right in.

Let us know in the comments below what works for you and any questions you might have about bike commuting.

What A Cargo Bike Is And How Functional They Are

August 11, 2016 by Josh Friedman

A cargo bike can open your world. You can haul things you thought you never could by human power and leave your car parked (or even get rid of it!). You will avoid gridlock, get secret training miles, save money, and become a local celebrity.

Cargo bike is a loose category of bike; there are many variations of cargo bikes. There are cargo bikes with carrying capacity in the front, others in the back and some on the sides. There are also additions for your current bike to allow it to carry a larger load. Find what cargo bike suits you and get to hauling your groceries, kids, building materials, furniture, pets, camping gear, whatever you desire.

Cargo Bike Typologies

Long Bike

Long bikes are the most common cargo bikes you will see in North America. They look like a normal bike up front with an extended tail to the rear wheel. The tail accommodates larger panniers and seats for kids. The wheelbase is extra long, making for an extra stable bike, although you will not be able to carve the turns like a standard bike. Depending on the bike and cargo configurations, you can carry up to two or three small humans and four or five bags of groceries.

You can also convert your current bike into a long bike. It may be the economical choice if you already have a bike around that you are not using. Putting a few hundred dollars into a conversion kit will get you a cargo bike and save you a significant amount of money.

Utility Bike

A utility bike looks very similar to a standard bike except that the frame is beefier to handle heavy loads with racks integrated into the design, be they front, rear or both. The benefit of this design is that it maintains most of the agility of a standard bicycle. The downside is that it will not be as adept at carrying heavy loads as some other designs.

Bakfiets

A bakfiets, or box bike, is a Dutch design that puts a box (or platform) between the rider and front wheel. It creates a long wheelbase and a low center of gravity, making the bike incredibly stable once it is up to speed. Below that threshold it can be a bit cumbersome, but fortunately the speed of stability is generally very low. It is the gold standard for hauling anything. An additional benefit is that kids sitting in the box get an unencumbered view of their ride and they can easily pass things to you from their comfortable seats.

Trailers

A trailer is another inexpensive way to convert your standard bike into a cargo hauling machine. It easily attaches and detaches from your current bike. It will dramatically alter your ride, though. You will feel like you are getting pulled back when climbing and pushed forward when descending.

What to Expect

Be aware that due to the extra weight you should temper your speed expectations. Give yourself extra time to travel; pedaling a seventy pound bakfiets is quite a different experience than an eighteen pound road bike. The same goes for stopping too; it takes a bit longer to stop so much weight. Give yourself a bit of a cushion.

Handling is also different. With the longer wheelbase of long bikes and bakfietsn come wider turning radii. Look out for curbs and anything else you need to get around and make sure you can get your rear wheel past whatever it is.

If you are riding with kids, remember that it is not only your skin on the line. Dial back any risk taking and be a good role model for proper cycling behavior.

Expect drivers to give you more room, or at least strange looks. People do not know what to make of a cargo bike because they are currently quite rare (although that is changing, and who would not want to see even more?). If it was in the sky, it might as well be classified as a UFO. Some people think it is cool, others not. Know that you will draw attention.

Electric Assist?

An option that comes on many models of cargo bikes is electric assist. This could be very helpful in hilly areas or if you are carrying large loads. That extra boost should get you over whatever difficulty you encounter without having to get off the bike. It will add more weight to the bike, but should be more of a help than hindrance.

Carry that Weight

Cargo bikes are a great way to haul whatever you need around town. The initial investment may seem like a lot, but when you factor how much less you will depend on a car along with how much time you will save not stuck in traffic and the bonus miles, it is a clear win.

Going To Work On A Monday?

May 16, 2016 by Adam Farabaugh

Mondays… fun for some, not so much for others. One way to at least make part of the day fun; ride your bike there. You’ll arrive more excited about your job regardless of what it is and you will have a sense of accomplishment before you even start your workday. Give it a try at least once and see what differences you feel. Commute too far or dangerous? Drive part way on quick, traffic free roads and then ride a route that’s ideal for cycling. It will give you good roads to ride on to make for a stress-free, enjoyable ride before the workday.

Runs On Fat And Saves You Money

May 15, 2016 by Adam Farabaugh

Which side of the equation do you prefer to be on? As cyclists we know which side we would prefer to be on but it doesn’t always happen for far too many reasons: poor weather, kids to pick up from school, too far to commute to and from work, laziness, you name it, it’s an excuse. Some things we can’t change but a lot of them we could make small alterations to for them to work. What’s one thing you could change to your normal transportation regime to include one extra bike ride and one less car ride? A trip to the grocery store? A short or long ride to work in the morning or evening? Make this a goal once a week and plan ahead to make it happen; you will burn fat and save money. Let us know your plans on riding more and driving less in the comments below.

Bike Commuting – How to Make Money With It

January 2, 2016 by Wade Shaddy

What if you put a jar on your table. Each time you ride your bike to work instead of driving your car, you add money to the jar. Suppose you abandoned your car altogether. Bike commuting can save you a lot of money.

Not Enough People Bike Commuting

According to the Alliance for Walking & Biking’s 2014 Benchmarking Report, 91.6 percent of Americans commute by car to work. That compares to 5 percent who use public transit, 2.8 percent who walk, and just 0.6 percent bike to work. What’s wrong with this picture?

Bureau of Labor Statistics

The average American household spends over $9,000 a year to own a car, making it the second-largest expense after housing, with commuting by car typically requiring the most miles traveled. Cost studies are based on the accumulative cost of five categories – maintenance, fuel, tires, insurance and depreciation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Americans spend more on transportation than on food.

The Huffington Post Stats

Huff Post Business says that Americans spend over $2,000 a year for gas alone. Insurance adds up to an annual average of over $1,000 dollars. Your car’s depreciation lifts $3,571 a year from your wallet.

The IRS Stats

The IRS calculates that driving a car costs 55 and a half cents per mile. If your commute to work is ten miles from home, your commuting cost per day is just over $11. or $1110.00 over the course of 100 days.

Cars Versus Bikes

Every mile you drive in your car costs you money. It’s wearing out your tires, brakes, engine and drivetrain. It’s using up motor oil, breaking down belts and other parts that will eventually need replaced. Bikes need maintenance as well, but are much simpler, cheaper machines. The less you drive, the more you save.

Insurance Rates

If you chose to keep your car and become an occasional commuter, reducing the number of miles you drive can have a direct impact on your auto insurance rates. Insurance rates are partly calculated based on the number of miles you drive. Insurance companies typically give you a discount for less miles traveled.

Personal Testament

“Transportation costs can often be a blind spot for families looking to save,” says Bruce McClary, vice president of public relations and external affairs for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. In general, look to where you spend a lot to save a lot.

Ditch One Car

“Many individuals and families simply take for granted the two-car, driving-to-work arrangement that’s the norm for American households and often don’t consider alternatives like public transportation, carpooling, or bike commuting,” McClary says. Mclary ditched only one of his two cars, and simply by biking to work it has netted him a monthly savings of $128.91. After commuting to work for four years and eight months. Mclary reported that he saved $7,219.

Sierra Club Checks In

The Sierra Club, in cooperation with AAA, reports that the cost of owning a bicycle per year is $308. American cyclists save a whopping 4.6 billion a year by not driving. This is an average figure of course depending on what type of bike you ride, how far to work, and how much you spend on bike maintenance. Do your own calculation with Kiplinger’s personal calculator.

League of American Cyclists

Elizabeth Murphy is the communications director for the League of American Cyclists. “Biking certainly offers a cheaper way to get to and from.” She says. “Driving five days a week is really eating into my budget. So why don’t more people bike to work? Because of the way many roads are set up to cater to cars, riding to work can seem intimidating if you’ve never done it before,” she adds.

Find a Route

Murphy says the first step is figuring out what route you will take to work. From there, you can pick out a bike that will work well on the terrain where you’ll be riding. Murphy recommends finding a biking mentor who can help you find cycling-friendly roads and help you build the confidence you’ll need.”Finding a friend can be really helpful in doing that first ride,” Murphy says. “Once people sort of realize, ‘Hey, I did this. I can do it,’ it’s a pretty simple transition.”

The Time Element

You’ve heard the old argument “time is money,” and you might think that it takes more time to get where you’re going on a bike but it depends. How much time depends on where you’re at, and where you’re going. For example, in some locations, bigger cities for example, you can actually get to many destinations as quickly or even faster on a bicycle than you can in a car because of shortcuts though parks, utilizing bike lanes and paths, and taking more direct routes through areas you otherwise wouldn’t drive through. Take it a step further and think about all the time spent sitting in your car in traffic jams, while that bike messenger or commuter whizzes past while you’re sitting idle in traffic.

Health Concerns

Cycling is far better for your health than driving a car. The exercise you get while riding a bike has long-term health benefits with short-term energy benefits. If you’re healthier, you stay out of the doctors office and everyone knows how expensive that is. Healthier people also sometimes get lower insurance rates, which should also be a part of the equation.

The Variable

It’s one thing to calculate stats, and some people argue that because of low population density in some areas and scattered employment, commuting by bike isn’t always a viable option for millions of American workers. Weather is another factor, but there is all kinds of gear available for cool or inclement weather.

Give Bike Commuting a Chance

It’s sufficient to say that millions of workers live in large cities, suburbs or communities close to work. If you’re one of those people, biking to work is a viable alternative to driving. If you own a car only for commuting, becoming a bike commuter might be an option that can save you money and encourage you to ditch your car completely. By bike commuting you will have better health, more money in your pocket, more energy, and the pride that comes from getting to work under your own power.