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Daily Commuting Tips - Random Commuting Tips

Posted: 21st October 2009 | Eddie Allen

More: Daily Commuting Tips Archive

For today we've got something a little different. We've done the rounds in the British Cycling HQ (an office bursting at the seams with cycle commuters) to produce a random, ragtag assortment of short, sharp tips on diverse commuter topics.

• Leave your heavy lock on the bike rack, rather than hauling it to and fro every day. Effective locks tend to be heavy (2kg plus) so it makes sense to leave it where you need it.

• Always carry a bungee (luggage strap) with you - you never know when you might have to carry something awkward home on your bike.

• If you use public transport for part of your journey, consider buying two cheap ‘beater' bikes - one for each end of your journey - pay as little as possible for a functional/ugly bike. This way you'll save the hassle of getting your bike on and off trains and won't be too worried if one of them gets nicked.

• Give your bike a commuter bike a liberal coating of water dispersant spray. Sprays like GT85, WD40 etc will dry and leave a protective film over your paintwork, chrome and other metal parts, keeping corrosion at bay. NB: Keep the spray off the tyres, wheel rims and brakes, for fairly obvious reasons.

• If you get a new job, check if your employer is part of Cycle Scheme, which allows you to purchase commuting bikes and accessories at a big discount and pay for them in instalments directly from your pay. www.cyclescheme.co.uk

• Replace any quick releases with Allen key fittings or even better, Pitlock security skewers. This will help to ward of wheel and saddle theft. http://www.pitlock.com/

• If you leave your bike outside exposed to the elements, always keep a carrier bag in your pannier to slip over your saddle and keep it dry (a shower cap works really well too, even if it looks a little odd!)

• Always avoid mending inner tubes at the roadside. Always have a couple of spare tubes ready to go (punctures always happen in twos!). Save mending them for when you're home and dry

• Carry a pair of surgical gloves (available from chemists) to deal with puntures and other mechanicals - this way you'll avoid that ‘dirty fingernails in the office look'.

• Make sure any panniers or saddlebags you buy have a quick release function. Really handy when you're popping in and out of shops on the way to work, or if you're in a rush.

• Go on a basic bike maintenance course (you'll find them in local adult education centres) - learning to fix a flat and deal with common, simple fixes will give you a wonderful sense of autonomy.

• Slow down or walk the last few minutes of your bicycle commute. This will allow your body to cool down before you reach your destination, so you don't arrive all hot and sweaty.

• If you're new to riding on the road, consider a BIkeability course to build your confidence, teach you the essential skills and make you a safer, better cyclist.

• Make your commuter bike low key and practical. Make it as easy to pick up and use as any other everyday item.