Avid occasional cyclist or a complete beginner, do you want to take the step of cycling to your workplace? Yes, but there you go… preconceived ideas die hard and you are probably afraid of arriving all sweaty. If we suggest this article to you, rest assured that there are solutions that will challenge these preconceived ideas.
We review all the necessary equipment (for the cyclist and the machine) to ensure a pleasant and safe trip!
THE BIKE
This is THE most common solution for getting into cycling : a mountain bike with slick tires, a mule (i.e. your old bike) or an old bike purchased on Le Bon Coin. It’s not very expensive, it goes everywhere, it’s less likely to be stolen (read our article on this subject ), it’s not at all affected by weather conditions, in short it’s perfect for this type of travel. They are very practical for installing comfort equipment such as saddlebags and mudguards.
If you already have a road bike, why not use it as is?
It’s practical, economical and above all a big advantage : we don’t have to do anything between the family outing on Sunday and the trip to work on Monday. Ideal for being comfortable, saving a little time and very economical: only one bike to maintain. Bonus: we have fun on the journey 😉. On the other hand, if your road bike is like the apple of your eye, you will need to make sure you can store it safely at work (but many companies now offer it).
Using your road bike but with some adjustments
Another intermediary is to use your road bike with a few adjustments : another pair of wheels, why not with wider tires, mixed pedals, and the addition of panniers for the duration of the trip…
Use a self-service bike
Another option when you don’t have the chance to have your own bike and you live in the city: use the self-service bikes ! In large metropolises, the quality of the bikes available leaves something to be desired : warped or worse punctured wheel, inclined saddle that hurts the buttocks, problems shifting gears… In short, we have probably all already struggled one day with this type of recalcitrant mount !
On the other hand, more and more cities (such as Grenoble or Chambéry) offer year-round rentals . This does not make these bikes less heavy and more efficient but at least you are sure that it is always available and still roadworthy.
Opt for an electric bike
It is THE solution that allows you to go to work by bike in the best way . It allows you to move quickly, but above all, without too much effort and therefore without sweating. Perfect for those who don’t have a shower at work or who plan to follow up work with an afterwork or a date. 😊
Buying an electric bike is not an easy task, which is why we have put together a little guide specially designed to help you!
Now that you have a clearer idea of the machine you are going to use to become a commuter, let’s see how to equip yourself.
Overall, there are two teams: those who can wash at work, and the others (…who will use deodorant)
If you have the opportunity to change at work, or even shower, then don’t hesitate, make yourself comfortable! At the very least for your comfort (but also out of respect for your colleagues 😉) we advise you to wear technical and breathable textile for the top.
If your journey is not too long and depending on your tolerance threshold, you can do without a chamois (the little reinforcement in cycling shorts) and therefore not have to change the bottoms. If your pants are a little wide, either hang them with a small clip dedicated to this purpose, or you tuck them into the sock (watch out for the style brigade).
A little warning for girls, in a skirt, city cycling is not the most practical thing! A tip that can save you from exposed buttocks: put on a pair of shorts underneath (even if it’s a pair of shorts).
“I dress in sportswear for the trip and when I arrive, I can take a shower”
For hygiene, if you are not lucky enough to have a shower at work, there are a few little tips to freshen up your armpits and get through the day without collateral damage:
– Baby wipes : not very eco-friendly, but very practical for a quick clean
– use a towel soaked in water
– the deodorant , not ideal but it will do the job for the day!
Focus on safety
We don’t teach you anything: yes, it is essential to be well equipped to be visible to other users , but also to be very alert, especially if you are traveling around town.
“The important thing is to be well equipped and to be clearly visible, especially in terms of safety with fluorescent and recognizable clothing. »
– a fluorescent and/or reflective vest or jacket (which can be worn over any type of equipment, whether you are a full cyclist or in street clothes)
– a lighting device on your bike , even during the day, with for example a flash or full power mode, which allows you to be clearly visible (the advantage of electric bikes is that they are equipped with this as standard)