Tips For Riding Your Bike To And From Work

This month Stradalli Cycle is focused on educating our customers and cyclists everywhere on safety tips, comparing cycling to other forms of exercise and more. While Stradalli Cycle is one ofthe leading manufacturers of full carbon bicycles we also take pride in being part of the biking community, a community which covers the entire world and we feel the responsibility in offering advice and help to all riders no matter what bike you are on.

Today we focus on those who use their cycles to commute to and from work every day. There are more people riding their bikes to work and a large part has to do with convenience. Driving a car is ridiculously expensive between the price of the car, gas prices, insurance and don’t forget about the traffic you have to battle every day. This is why if you have the means to do so, riding a bike to work is a great idea.

Health benefits: Studies show that people who regularly ride their bike to work are physically and emotionally healthier. Not only are they getting regular cardio during the day but they experience less stress during their commute. Ever hear of road rage? When you exercise regularly you actually have more energy, are less stressed and more relaxed. All things we can use when walking into a tough day at work.

Cargo: Obviously you have to carry a few things with you and packing correctly not only makes things more convenient but also safer for you while on your bike. The best thing is to have a back pack that you can store what you need but make sure that it doesn’t hang loose. Tighten the straps so that the weight is not shifting around as much. Always bring a lock even if you are able to store your bicycle in the office at work because you never know if you have to stop somewhere else and will need it.

Safety: Especially now after daylight savings time it gets darker much earlier so you want to make sure that your bike has a front headlight and a rear light as well. Any reflective gear you can wear or additional lights you can put on your bicycle are always a great benefit as well. Be sure to follow proper bicycle safety tips for riding at night. 

Beginners: Do a ride to work on a day off before you try doing it on a day you work. This gives you an idea of how much time you need but remember if it takes you 20 minutes on a Sunday it may take you 30 minutes on a Monday so allow yourself extra time.

What are you wearing: You may not want to wear your suit or uniform for work while you are riding. If it rains a little, you get dirty or just due to the fact that you are sweating it may be smart to pack your work clothes. Also keep in mind that you will probably be wearing bike shorts as well so wearing them under your work pants may not be a great idea. 

Be prepared: Not just a slogan. Make sure that you know bus routes, bring rain gear, tire repair kits and whatever you should bring on a long ride. These are things you can store in a kit or even your backpack.

Obviously there are advantages to having a carbon fiber road bike when commuting to work. They are more durable and weigh much less than your average retail bicycles. That may not seem like a big deal until you need a more reliable and durable bicycle as well as something that is light weight. Take one of the retail store bikes and try lifting it up a flight of stairs at work or moving it quickly as you walk through the office and you will easily understand why a full carbon road bike is much better.