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Choosing the right bike for your journey can make a real difference to your enjoyment and also your desire to commute by bike. If you are on a tight budget, ask a neighbour or friend if they have an unwanted bike in their shed - more than six million bikes are thought to be languishing unused country-wide. You could also try your local recycling centre, paper or car boot sale to find a bargain. If you are looking for a new bike, click on the cycle guide for some ideas on which bike would suit you.
Cycling essentials
Once you have your bike, there are a few items that you will require to make sure you get to work safely:
- all new bikes come complete with reflectors and a bell. Don’t be tempted to take them off; they are useful bits of safety kit, improve your visibility to other road users and on shared footways a good way to warn of your approach to pedestrians.
- lights are essential for early morning/evening commutes. Recent changes in legislation mean that fitting a flashing LED rear light is fine - just remember to keep your reflector too.
- reflective clothing or tape on rucksacks or pannier bags is a good way to improve visibility.
Bike saving kit
It will happen, one day, so be prepared :
- know how to fix a puncture. Always carry or have quick access to a pump, spare tube and tyre levers - don’t resort to a pair of spoons out of your cutlery drawer!
- a can of spray lubricant and a good quality cycle oil. Lubricate/clean your bike as required. Cycling in wet/damp conditions increases wear and tear so take extra care when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Use a piece of cloth to clean wheel rims after cycling in the wet.
- tools to fit your bike - a set of allen keys is a good place to start.
- think about how you are going to transport your clothes or personal possessions. A rucksack is easy, but can leave you with a sweaty back if you are cycling over distance. A rack is very handy; pannier bags are even better, but you may not like the look or the image.
Related Documents
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Bike Guide
A guide to choosing the best bike for your commuter journey.
Last updated: 04/05/2011, 11:07am (175 KB) -
Bike Safety Check
A guide to checking the safety of your bike.
Last updated: 04/05/2011, 11:07am (687 KB)
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