Commuting day in and day out with a car or public means of transport can be an ordeal – there’s no sugar-coating it. For most modern-day workers, stress related to vehicle buzzing and traffic congestion has turned into a part of the deal of having a job in the urban setting. So much so, they don’t even see there’s a way out.
As a two-wheel commuter might tell you with a big smile on their face, cycling your way to work is the recipe for a calmer, happier and healthier life. Not to mention, it’s the solution for getting back the control you’ve longed for over the speed and comfort of your commute too. Why take their word for it when you can try it yourself? As a beginner, though, it’s understandable if you have your doubts about how and where to begin with the preparations.
You may be wondering which accessories and safety tools you should bring along, how to choose the right bike helmet, which interesting routes have the least traffic, or whether to bring a change of clothes. Nothing of this would make a difference unless you cover one crucial detail. To make the process simple, it’s best to start with the basics, which in this case comes down to using the perfect bike you can find at a reliable bike shop to turn the experience enjoyable and hassle-free.
Get the Suitable Two-Wheeler
There’s an important question you might have lingering in your mind. Which bicycle is best for daily commute? While you might be expecting some brand’s name, or a specific bike model as the answer, the reply is it all depends on your commute.
You ought to focus your attention on taking a few considerations into account, starting from the length of your trip to and back from work, the speed you want to achieve, the terrain you’d be cycling through, and the level of comfort you require. Regarding the last aspect, pieces that have a say in comfort include ergonomics of the handlebars and saddle, and the compatibility of the essential accessories such as saddlebags and rack bags.
Still, none of this would matter if you don’t pick based on the type. The common types of bikes you’re going to come across at any bike shop include:
Road Bikes
If you’re in it for the long commutes on paved roads, you’d undoubtedly benefit greatly from a road bike. In addition to being lightweight enough to be carried around, this two-wheeler can help you reach your destination fast. So, if you’d like to get a nice workout first thing in the morning, yet still arrive at the office on time without catching your breath, this type is your thing.
You’ll be flying on your way to work with its aerodynamics! Now, in case you’re looking for comfort as much as speed, the bad news is you might be in it for feeling some of the road bumps and instead of splurging on the most high-end roadie you can find at your chosen bike store, you might do better by investing in a hybrid design.
Or, at the very least, equip your bike yourself with what you consider to be the ideal handlebars, seat, and pedals to improve your cycling performance. As far as maintenance goes, there’s some upkeep you can expect to do beforehand. Getting in the habit of pumping the tyres once a week, doing daily cleaning and lubing is simply a must.
Mountain Bikes
What do you think of when you imagine riding an MTB? Going off the beaten path might be one of the options, but probably not street commutes. The fact is the MTBs your local or online bike superstore can supply you with are just as useful with urban commutes as cruisers.
Especially when you’ve got a street with plenty of potholes and bumps to deal with and you’re in no mood for zigzagging! Unlike road bikes, the mountain alternative is sturdy and durable, and as such, it works great with absorbing the shocks so you can expect to enjoy comfortable rides – even if the terrain is anything but comfortable.
And while we’re at it, anyone suffering from backaches can make the most of cycling with MTBs because they provide riding in an upright position. You won’t regret investing in this kind of mean cycling machine as it’s flexible and offers these benefits for recreational use too. If you feel like putting the bike to the test with an off-road adventure, just pick the day and time, put on the right pair of MTB bike pants, and you’re good to go!
Electric Bikes
Imagine buying a bike that looks just like the regular bikes but goes much much faster and would reduce your commute time significantly. No need to imagine anymore, your favourite bike shop can provide you with this bike easily. E-bikes have slowly but surely become popular as of late and there’s no need for exaggerating with the explanation – with different levels of motor assistance you don’t ever have to sweat your way to work even as you pedal.
As a result, this takes a bit of the load away since you won’t have to worry about having a change of clothes with you. Long commutes won’t be an issue any longer either, and neither will steep slopes. Let’s not forget all-weather commuting becomes a walk in the park too. Many commuters find cycling through nasty weather a tough challenge to beat – yet not when electric bikes are the means of transport. Come rain or shine, you’d be up on your feet with enthusiasm for the cycling that awaits you.
Now, when comparing e-bikes with cars, the latter come out as losers in many aspects. With an e-bike you make your way through stress-free since there’s no dealing with busy parking lots and tickets, and besides contributing to your health, you also contribute to the environment’s well-being with zero-emission. If you’re willing to invest in an e-bike, you surely won’t regret it.
Hybrid Bikes
Dealing with long road commutes but also facing some challenging potholes along the way? A hybrid bike offering the best of both road and mountain bikes might be the solution you’re looking for from the well-stocked cycling store. Made sturdier than your regular road bike, with slightly wider wheels, and flat handlebars for upright cycling as with an MTB, you can conquer any road with this machine. Still, this doesn’t mean it’s perfect for off-roading adventures quite like the gravel bike.
Same as with the aforementioned types, there are various models available differing in prices, but if you plan on becoming a serious commuter, you’d be better off with a more high-end hybrid design. Such models may be pricier however they give you peace of mind regarding safe breaking in all weather conditions with quality disc brakes. Your safety isn’t worth bargaining with!
