10 Cycling Tips from 30 Years of Commuting

It’s getting on for 30 years of cycling around Oxford, commuting to work, shopping, and visiting people. Most days I average around 10-12 miles, which is the main form of cycling these days. I really enjoy it. Saves money, saves you time, keeps you fit, good for the environment and in some respects, it is easier now than 30 years ago. But what tips would I give my younger self?

1. Waterproof trousers.

When it rained, I used to get wet. I remember teaching by standing facing the radiator to dry my trousers. I don’t know why it took me so long to get waterproof trousers, but if you have right kit, you can keep cycling in whatever the weather.

I wish I had bought these waterproof trousers first, because they have what I consider to be an essential feature. Waterproof-trousers which include seamless covers for your shoes. My first waterproof trousers were more standard, and you get wet ankles, (and dirty shoes). This simple design keeps everything dry and your shoes clean. I can’t actually remember where I bought them, but they were cheap under £20. They are terribly un-aerodynamic, but when it’s wet you can live with that.

2. Helmet with lights

30 years ago, you couldn’t actually buy something like this. But it’s a great thing to have in winter. You always have backup lights on you, and you don’t have to worry about the lights getting stolen from the bike. Easy to recharge with usb. The luminous yellow is good for side visibility too. It is a bit heavier, wouldn’t want to ride on long serious training rides, but for commuting, it is great. In 30 years of cycling, I’ve rarely fallen off, and only once hit my head. I was cycling very near home. It was wet and the road was off camber, and bike slid from under me. I landed on side of head and helmet took some of the pressure. Still your glad you have a helmet when something like that happens.

3. Always be prepared for puncture. I got this fantastic Ortlieb pannier bag, many years ago.

Again, I can’t find it for sale anymore. If I did I would buy a second one. It’s really big size and has a convenient side pocket, where I always keep spare inner tube, a mini pump like this, and tyre leavers. So if you get a flat, you can always fix.

 

4. Schwalbe Marathon Plus. I rarely get punctures because I use these tyres which have pretty good puncture resistence. I once went about four years without getting any puncture, which was pretty amazing.

I also used Specialized Armadillo (long term review) for many years. They were rock hard, heavy and never got punctures but have been harder to get

5. Slime tube. However, my love affair with Schwalbe Marathon Plus was considerably reduced by a very recent experience. Got a puncture put the tyre back on with great difficulty (incredibly tight).

But, then it re-punctured, took great care, and puncture again. Tried the third time, another pinch puncture. Took it to a professional bike, shop. Mechanic put tyre on, a day later – same situation, another puncture. There was something wrong with either wheel (couldn’t see anything) or tyre. So I threw it away in disgust, got a cheap tyre (only one for sale on a Sunday afternoon) and got this slime tyre , which is self-inflating. It stopped the horrible succession of punctures, so it is another solution if you can’t afford to have a flat on your commute.

6. Do learn how to put on a tyre properly

Again we didn’t have YouTube 30 years ago. (which has its own pros and cons). But, this kind of video is really useful.

7. Find best route

The shortest route is not necessarily the best. I little longer ride, can be much more pleasant. After many years, I’d often find a new cut through I didn’t know existed or wasn’t properly marked. Google Maps has made it easier, but it isn’t all knowing, and it’s kind of fun just to experiment without map and phone and look for new rides.

8. A little patience

If I gave my younger self some advice, it would be just have a little more patience. It doesn’t matter that I have to stop and give way. It’s not a race….

9. Always anticipate

Always anticipate drivers to make a mistake. When your on the road it is not about being right, it is about staying alive. A good example, mini-roundabouts, at least 50% road users don’t know the rules or ignore them and don’t give way. So I never turn right on roundabout, assuming a car will stop and give way. Another tip, always be prepared for pedestrians to step out on the road without looking because you are silent, but car is noisy.

10 Sticking with solid road bike.

In 1999, I had a new road bike stolen from outside the house. I bought this second-hand trek as a stop gap. I went through periods of researching new commuting bikes, but never got around to buying. I like this road bike because it is relatively fast, but also with panniers and mudguards good for commuting. It isn’t flashy, but that probably helps prevent it from getting stolen. I don’t even use a particularly good lock, I just lock it up in very visible places in town.