riding to work - Performance Bicycle

RIDING
TO WORK
PERFOR MANC EB IK E.C OM
800 727 2453
S T O R E S N AT I O N W I D E
ENJOY YOUR COMMUTE
– WHAT A CONCEPT!
Whether you do it for fitness, to save gas, or
“go green”, riding to work is worth it on a
number of levels. You’ll save money, commute
with less stress, get some exercise, and
potentially get where you need to go faster.
IT ALL STARTS WITH THE BIKE:
Bike commuting has become more prevalent in recent
years, creating new products and options specifically for
this type of riding. As part of this evolution, commuter
bikes have become some of the most economical rides
out there. Whether you want to find a new commuter
bike or transform one that you already have, talk to your
local Performance Bicycle Shop about the specifics of your
commute, including the terrain, time of day, and items
you need to carry. They can help you dial in a bike and the
accessories you’ll need to make your ride a daily success.
When selecting a commuter bike, look for:
• A light, but sturdy frame and wheelset that can take
some abuse but still be fun to ride.
• Multiple gears for varied terrain, or a single speed if your
commute is flat.
• Racks and fenders, or at least attachment points
for them.
• Multiple reflectors and ample space for attaching lights.
• A standard bolt-on seat tube clamp (avoiding a quick
release clamp will help ensure that your saddle stays
with your bike.)
• A bell (because yelling “look out!” will scare the
daylights out of people).
• A kickstand (you may not always have access to
bike racks).
• A chain guard or pant-leg strap (because that whole
chain-grease-on-the-pant-leg fashion trend still hasn’t
caught on).
• A lock, because you’ll need your bike to get home.
Tips & Tricks:
1• Choose a bike that’s fun and functional, but not
so coveted that it will be attractive to thieves
while locked-up outside your office.
2• Choose all weather tires and punctureresistant tubes. Getting a flat on the way
to work is bad. Having to change it while
wearing a suit is worse.
RULES OF THE ROAD:
When selecting a commute route, step away from your
driving mentality and think beyond the most direct, trafficheavy route to work. It is likely not the safest or most
pleasant route for a bike. Practice your route on a day off,
and time it in both directions at a realistic pace. Then give
yourself a little extra time when starting out, until you
figure out exactly how much time you need.
While it can be difficult, be as courteous on the road as
possible. At the same time, ride alertly and defensively.
When commuting by bike there are many things to be
aware of, so always keep your eyes on the road ahead.
Avoid riding too close to parked cars, which may open
doors without warning. Anticipate the places where
vehicles may enter the road and never assume that a
driver has seen you. Make eye contact with drivers at
intersections before you proceed. At night, a head lamp
can help with this by putting a spot on them until you’re
sure you have their attention. Bright colored clothing and
bags can help drivers spot you during the day time, while
reflectors and lights can help at night.
Defensive riding is your best insurance policy. That, and a
helmet to protect the brain you rely upon to do your job.
THE BASICS:
PACK IT UP
Strapping your briefcase to the handlebar just won’t cut
it. Experienced commuters carry their documents, laptop
computers, clothing and other gear in messenger bags
and backpacks, or in panniers or racks attached to their
bike. When selecting your carrier system, keep comfort,
weight, capacity, portability and waterproofing in mind.
Try out a few different systems to find the right match for
your route and riding style. Carry only what you really need
to ensure that your commute is efficient and trouble-free.
LIGHT IT UP
Despite the prayers of bicycle commuters around the
world, daylight fades and lights become necessary.
Fortunately, with all of bike lights available today, you
can light yourself like a carnival ride if you feel the need.
At a minimum, purchase a strong, white light for your
handlebar or helmet (or both) to light the way ahead of
you, and a flashing red light for the rear. Reflective tape
can also be sewn on to bags and outerwear, or affixed
to your bike frame and helmet. Most commuting-related
accidents are related to lack of visibility, so don’t skimp on
lighting choices.
In addition to using a strong lighting system, make
yourself visible by wearing brightly colored and/or
reflective clothing. Light cycling jackets and vests
are available in very bright colors. They fit over most
clothing and easily stash away in a pack when not in use.
Adhesive reflective strips can also be affixed to the pant
legs, shoes, helmets, etc.
LOCK IT UP
Protect your bike by making it too hard for a thief to steal.
Use at least one lock at all times, which may consist of
a U-lock, an armored cable or heavy duty chain. Always
secure your bike to a fixed, metal post or sign in a heavily
trafficked, well lit area. Secure a U-lock around a post,
through the frame and rear wheel, and then remove the
front wheel and lean it against the bike, closing the U-lock
around the front wheel. Securing a bike in this way makes
it less likely that a thief can force the lock apart. Don’t like
taking off your front wheel? Carry an armored cable to
reach around the post and snake through your wheels in
addition to the U-lock.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE
One of the biggest hindrances to bike commuting tends to
be the “now what?” factor of dealing with changing and
bike storage upon arrival. Your work may have designated
bike parking or you may be able to bring your bike inside.
If you have access to neither, talk to your employer about
your commuting plans, and band together with other bike
commuters to ask for improvements in bike storage and
changing areas. When all else fails, stock up on baby
wipes and plan for Superman-like quick changes in the
bathroom.
Tips & Tricks:
1• Have a long commute? Until you build up
your fitness or on days where you are pressed
for time, consider commuting one way
and taking the bus or train in the opposite
direction. You can also drive to work, leave
your car there and ride home. Then alternate
the process the next day.
2• Many cities have a person or entire
department dedicated to bike travel within
their metropolitan areas. Make use of them
for finding routes and resources.
3• Learn the best commuting strategies for your
area by talking to other commuters. They are
usually overjoyed to help out a convert.
4• When locking your bike to a post or parking
meter, make sure it has a wide enough
“head” to keep a thief from simply lifting the
bike off the top.
5• Before you head to the office, remove
anything from your bike that isn’t bolted on.
Seatpacks, computers, water bottles and
pumps can disappear in a hurry.
6• Stock up on basic essentials like tires, tubes,
handlebar tape/grips and lighting batteries, so
that you have an easily-accessible supply on
hand at all times.
For More Information Visit
PERFORMANCEBIKE.COM