New Bicycling Commuter - Equipment

First of all, please let me apologize for the lack of posts. I've recently obtained Skyrim for my PS3 (yes, I know a bit late) and have been playing it like crazy. :)

Okay, now to the post I wish to actually write. As most of you are aware, I ride my bicycle to work each and every day. Rain or shine, and not as of yet ... snow.

If you do research you will find blog after blog or site after site explaining all the different bicycles you can use for commuting, and all the different clothing or equipment. It can be very daunting if you are even considering starting to commuting on a bicycle instead of a car or public transport. Not only can it be daunting, but I personally think that it can be a deterrent, because the bicycles, clothing and equipment these blogs/sites list can cost thousands of pounds.

You don't need to go out and buy a £1000 bicycle or spend hundreds of pounds on riding clothing. You don't need special equipment, or gear to commute.

There is only one thing you need in order to commute: a bicycle.

It also doesn't have to be an expensive bicycle. I personally am using a 1994 Claude Butler Quantum mountain bicycle that I found on Gumtree for £40.

The next thing I suggest you buying, which isn't required, but recommended, is a decent helmet.  You don't need anything fancy, or expensive.  Just something that fits comfortably, and has enough vents to keep your head cool if you ever plan on riding for exercise rather than for commuting.  Prices for helmets can range from £10 to £150+.  Remember, cheaper helmets will protect your noggin just as well as the expensive ones, the price is normally dictated by design, brand and comfort.   As I mentioned before, not required, I just think it is smart to protect that brain dome of yours as you start to weave in and out of traffic that is consisting of 1500 lbs vehicles.

As for clothing, there is only one thing I suggest you buy, especially in sunny England :P, a set of waterproof clothes to put over your work clothes.  I bought mine from Millets for about £20 for a jacket and a pair of pants (trousers for you British).  If you go this route ensure you buy them large enough to go over whatever clothing you would normally wear to work.

Or if you don't want to wear waterproof clothing over your normal work clothes on those yucky days, another way is to invest in a good waterproof bag that would be large enough to contain your clothes and just wear workout clothing for your clothing.  This set of bags from Amazon.co.uk are perfect and the prices for the set of four is great as well.

As for gear, a good backpack is essential for your beginner commuter.  You'll want to be able to carry the stuff you normally take with you in the car, so the backpack needs to be large enough to carry those items.  Hehe, I got my backpack from my sister, so it didn't cost me anything.

So, if we go through our list of items needed to start commuting:

• Bicycle - £40 to £150 will buy you a great reliable bicycle to start
• Clothing - wet weather gear - £20 to £40
• Waterproof bags (Optional) - £25 to £50
• Backpack - £15 to £40

So, to start you can spend anywhere from £100 to £200 to start.  Now these numbers aren't so daunting are they?

As you commute more consistently you will find you will purchase additional items to make things easier.  For example, the first thing I did with my bicycle is change the tires from the knobbly MTB tires to tires that are better suited for road riding.  These road tires were also have a reinforced strip of kevlar to help prevent punctures (LIFE SAVER!).  I also bought a decent bicycle pump to mount to the frame.

I have also bought a rear rack and a set of panniers because I was getting tired of my back getting soaked with sweat from me carrying a backpack. :P

So the moral of the story is, don't do any research if you want to start commuting on a bicycle.  Just go out and buy yourself a bicycle and do.

UPDATE:  I forgot, if you plan on commuting during the winter months, especially in the UK, then you will need a set of lights for your bicycle, white up front and red in the back.  These are essential, and I think even required by law in the UK.  I bought mine from Halfords for about £18.  Also, you should invest in a hivis vest, which I bought from B&Q for £5. 

PS.  As always, please leave a comment giving me pointers or feedback regarding this post, or this blog in general.  Thank you. - Paul