We are British Cycling - we are bike commuters - Tom Ruane

We are British Cycling - we are bike commuters - Tom Ruane

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Tom works in Reading and has the choice of two bikes - one for summer and one for winter. He's also got a top tip for ensuring that your posh clothes get to the office crease-free.


Name: Tom Ruane

Workplace: Green Park, Reading

Tell us about your commuting rig: I’ve got two. A Specialiszed Secteur with Shimano RS 20 wheels for dry days and a Genesis Day One Alfine 11 (as pictured above) with mudguards and blazing Ayup lights for winter.

What’s your commute like (how long, hilly, flat, on road, off-road both)? 20 miles from Frimley to Reading and 20 miles back - mostly flat, unlit country roads and 2 minor hills (hill of doom followed by lesser hill of doom at Spencer Wood! Traffic isn’t too bad but lots of wildlife (pheasants, squirrels and deer) to watch out for. Before the accident (crash on fast downhill, hit the yellow lines in the wet – fracture separation left shoulder) I was taking just over the hour for the trip – now 3 months after the surgery, about 1 hour 12 minutes.

How many days a week do you commute by bike? Usually 3 to 4 but at the moment two days a week - until fitness builds again.

What do you enjoy the most about bike commuting? Everything! Go at your own pace. Time to think. Enjoy the nature. Enjoy the seasons – warm summer evenings, hunter moon on a cold winter night. That slight smugness filtering through the stationary traffic going into Reading.

What’s your least favourite thing about commuting by bike? The weekly wash and clean – hence the purchase of the alfine 11 hub bike – less cleaning!

What are your main reasons to commute by bike? Because I can? Which would I rather have; a brand new Porche Turbo or to be physically able to cycle to work? You probably know the answer.

What’s your killer commuting tip? We have great showers and changing facilities at work. I keep my suits and shoes etc. at work but bring a fresh shirt every day. If you fold the shirt carefully (I use a courier shoulder bag), and put a “Bounce” spin dryer sheet against the shirt – the heat from your body will keep the creases out and it smells nice when you get there.

Are you a British Cycling Member? If so how does your British Cycling membership support your bike commuting? Good articles on commuting offering encouragement and motivation.


Send us your Commuter Profile!

We want to know about your commuting experiences; how far you go, why you choose to ride, your killer tips and your commuter grumbles. Download, complete and email back your commuter profile to editor@britishcycling.org.uk and tell your story. Feel free to include a photograph/photographs of you and your trusty commuting bike!

Download Commuter Profile Form (Word Document)


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