Source
r/bicycling•
PMMN

Entertaining the idea of biking to work, about 30 min distance according to Google Maps. Is this a good idea?

I am going to start a new job soon, and thankfully the commute is around 7 miles that I'm considering not putting miles on my car. I wanted to know if anyone else is in the similar situation or have tried this, and could give me some feedback.

  • Physical fitness: My job is a desk job and it's part of the reason why I'm considering doing this. When I used to run at the gym, I could run 3 miles in 35 min (nothing to brag about, but I'm not completely weak).

  • Location: This is in OC in Socal, and it's probably a bit too hot to do this every day but when the weather starts cooling down, I want to try it. The streets are very nice and the traffic in the area is not bad at all. However I am a little concerned about traffic rules for bikes, because even though there's pedestrian road for most of the route, you're suppose to take the bike lane, am I correct?

  • Attire: Office allows casual outfit, so I think I'm going to bike in t-shirt, stretchy pants, and sneakers. I don't sweat much, but if I do I might consider taking a change of clothes.

  • Bike: Last time I've done the research, it seemed like the beginner road bike starts around 1k if I don't consider chinese brands or super budget brands. Am I still correct? I would take suggestions on this too.

Do you guys think this is doable? Anything I should be considering?

Posted Aug 22, 2019, 12:38 AM UTC

216
SmorrvilleTexas, USA (Bianchi Infinito Ultegra 2012 & Electra Verse 2014)•

Absolutely give it a try. Plenty of people buy nice road bikes, hang them in their garage for a few years, then sell them for next to nothing, so if you have a budget of $1K and some patience, I think you'll find plenty of nice options.

6
PMMNOP•

Do you have any suggestions on models that I might want to look at? I was also thinking of possibly trying out in REI.

1
SmorrvilleTexas, USA (Bianchi Infinito Ultegra 2012 & Electra Verse 2014)•

I've been riding the same bikes (one of which I bought at REI) for several years so am not up to date on what's currently available. REI has a really nice Labor Day sale starting soon so definitely give them a look. The scenario I spoke of in my other comment was something my son did. In his final semester of college he bought a mid price ($1200 approx) Specialized bike with Shimano components brand new at the LBS. I don't believe he rode more than 4-500 miles on it when he hung it in his garage, and sold it about 6 years later for less than $200. I've also known several other riders who scoop up slightly used bikes.

1
PMMNOP•

Wow that's crazy. I will definitely check out REI. Thank you!

1
neffspanz•

you do not need to buy a 1k carbon bike, get a steel frame. take it easy on the way in monitor your caloric expenditure and make sure you bring food with you or have a good breakfast so that you can make it to lunch.

3
CodeNameChickenWingsCalifornia (OC), USA (2017 Aventon Cordoba LE)•

I would so do this if my job was 7 miles away, I am also in OC but I work 25 miles away (by bike, used to ride to work on weekends). Go for it!

2
KukantizCalifornia, USA (Replace with bike & year)•

I live in the OC in SoCal. Go for it. I normally change in the bathroom and ride at a pace where I'm not a mess when I come through the door. Baby wipe bath as needed.

2
Soupeeee•

You should definitely give it a shot. I much prefer commuting by bike, and am quite disappointed when I am forced to drive.

Don't worry too much about physical fitness. Ride the route a couple of times when there are no time limits and see how you feel. Unless there are some massive hills on your route, seven miles starting out isn't too much to handle, especially if you take it easy. You can always ride on the weekends or after work to get yourself up to that distance.

Traffic rules for bicycles are pretty simple: if you are on a road with cars, you follow the same rules as cars. Don't ride on sidewalks, but multi-use paths are fine, so long as you are aware that they aren't bike super-highways and keep your speed low. If this is your first time riding with traffic, do some research on how to do it safely. It's easy to be safe, but there are a few things to watch out for.

Your clothes plan sounds pretty good. Plan to arrive 10 minutes or so early to cool down. A nice trick is to take it easy the last little bit so you aren't sweating when you walk into the office. I sometimes even walk the last little bit if I am feeling especially sweaty.

You don't need a fancy bike to commute. In fact, a cheaper one is probably better, as it is less likely to get stolen, and you don't have to baby it. I would actually recommend finding a no-suspension mountain bike to commute on, as they handle any surface you may encounter and are fairly comfortable. Plus, you can attach racks and fenders to them without fuss, which is a must for commuting in variable weather.

2
PMMNOP•

Thank you for the detailed answer. You're not the first one to suggest non road bike, and I'll make sure to give them a try. I definitely don't want to sink a big chunk of money and find out later that I don't want it.

1
BonerDonorKebab•

I commute 10 miles each way in Pasadena. I bought an electric bike. It’s the perfect thing that makes it so i get around but don’t get too sweaty. I also have a pannier rack so i’m Not carrying anything on my back. I also keep a pair of shoes and belt at work. This is something i don’t need to carry back and forth.

Cygolite makes really bright bike lights, both frontsies and backsies.

Get a helmet!

1
PMMNOP•

I was in Pasadena the other day! Saw like a group of 30ish people just riding down the street, it was so cool. Pasadena is such a great city to bike in imo

1
BonerDonorKebab•

Thx! in a couple weeks i’m Going to attempt a ride from Pasadena down the Santa Ana river trail to seal beach, then down the coast to Newport Beach. 50 miles. Never tried the river trails before. Should be cool!

1
KenHumano•

If you're not intending to ride every day, one tip is to leave some work clothes at the office, and bring them back to wash when you drive. I keep a pair of jeans, and a few t-shirts at work, so I can ride on gym clothes and not carry any weight. I only carry the used socks daily because I can't keep used socks in a drawer.

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[deleted]•

Try it! What do you have to lose?!

1
PMMNOP•

My biggest concern is the safety. As much as the traffic is nice and the road is straightforward, the accident posts on this sub kinda scares me. And if I'm returning from work around 5PM, I'm worried that it might be darker during the winter and accidents would be more likely. Am I overthinking this?

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[deleted]•

Try doing the ride on a weekend as a test. This can help you get a feel for it as weekend traffic may be lighter? Use good lights and wear a proper helmet.

4
SpaiduhzSingapore (Fnhon KAD, Triban RC520)•

Nah. Not overthinking.

Get blinkers and remember to turn them in when riding in conditions that aren't too bright.

It's my opinion that a hybrid with luggage options is better for commuting than a full blown road bike. It keeps loads off you so you feel cooler. Some road bikes do have luggage options, so that's something worth considering. Then again you might prefer having your luggage on your back. It's up to what you're comfortable with.

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PMMNOP•

All I'm gonna be carrying is my laptop in my backpack, does it feel heavier over a longer ride?

And thank you for the blinkers suggestion

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bananabmEndurace CF SL 8.0 / Mango Point R•

Real problem is a laptop in a backpack makes your back super sweaty. You'll at the least want a change of t-shirt in my experience

3