Commuter Riding Essentials
Why Commute? More like, why not commute?
Commuting & what you need to know!
We recognize that commuting daily doesn’t fit in everyone’s world but maybe commuting can still work for you. Maybe just during the week, maybe just 3 of 5 days, or maybe just for the snow-free seasons. You can even find a free parking lot that’s a little closer and ride in from there. And there are many reasons to commute: Fight pollution; stay fit; avoid traffic; save money, and you also might find the peacefulness a bike ride brings helps your day.
Here are the must-haves for a great commute, from your experts at Bow Cycle!
Essential Add-ons
If you are riding to and from work, there are few things to make it much more enjoyable. Bags, lights, and fenders all are part of a safe and enjoyable commute.
Bags, Panniers and Packs
It varies for different folks but carrying clothes, lunch, work, computers, etc can take up space. If you have a longer commute, a pannier can take the weight off of you and put it on the bike saving you some sweat. Some people are more comfortable having the weight on them versus the bike meaning a backpack is your route.
Racks
There is no right way to carry your daily essentials. Some people like the backpack, some people like the pannier. Bow Cycle happily has both options for you.
Helmets
Helmets provide the much needed protection and safety you need for your commute.
Helmets
Helmets provide the much needed protection and safety you need in the case of a fall or crash. No matter how careful you are or how skilled of a rider you are, accidents happen and when they do, you'll be happy that you wore a helmet to protect your precious cargo.
Bike helmets have different technologies to create light weight, well ventilated, and enhanced safety features such as MIPS and ANGI to keep you safe and comfortable.
Lights & Bells
When commuting, it's important to have clear vision – and for other traffic to see and hear you clearly.
Lights & Bells
We break down lights into two categories. Lights to be seen and lights to see. Lights to be seen include a basic red rear light and a white front light. These helps other road or pathway users to see that you are there and you don't shock people with your presence. Lights to see with will be 300+ lumens and illuminate the area in front of you to allow you to see obstacles in your path.
As for bells, it is a city by-law to have something on your bikes that emits a noise. (And you don't qualify.) A simple 'ding' of a bell can alert a person of our approach. The 140 Db of an electric bell can get a gaggle of people to tear themselves away from podcasts and step off of the pathway.
Commuting Apparel
Cycling apparel and accessories purpose built for shielding you from the elements and keep you comfortable and dry.
Cycling Apparel
If you are a shorter distance and just like to wear more casual clothes, a pant clip might be all you require.
Rain gear is a great thing to pack. Many brands carry lightweight packable versions that you can store in your bag.
Winter riding goes by the adage LAYERS. A base layer that wicks moisture, a mid layer for warmth (on colder days) and an outer layer to protect you from the elements. Gloves, pogies and proper footwear will all my your ride more enjoyable. And remembering that everyone is different and has different natural heat levels. Gloves rated for -20c may work for one person for that temperature but anyone person might find their hands get cold no matter what they wear.
Gear up for your best commute.
Shop online or visit us today at our Bowness or East Village locations.