To cycle or drive
May 4, 2017 11:25 PM Subscribe
I'm (hopefully) about to start a new commute. I really don't like cars, but I'll be travelling 9 - 10 miles, depending on the route, and public transport doesn't seem like an option based on Google Maps (turning a 25 minute drive in to a 1h30 trip). I'm considering cycling, but I have a few concerns inside.
First, I'm worried about being fit enough for the ride. I'm moderately active now, walking maybe 4 - 6 miles per day at a brisk pace, but I don't think I've got much fitness for higher intensity activities. The 10 mile ride would take me from the bottom to the top of Box Hill in Surrey, with Google suggesting around 500-800ft in elevation gain during the ride depending on the exact route. Other bike route tools tell me there's short sections with 9-10% gradients too, with most of the rest of the climb coming in one 2 - 4 km section. I have maybe 4 - 5 weeks to get ready to do this every day if I go the bike route. Is this feasible?
Second, I'm worried about the winter. Cycling might work OK in the summer, but with the hills and the minor roads, I'm worried about rain and ice during the winter that might just make this winter bike commute unsafe and miserable! Having to do it every day and do so reliably feels a bit scary looking ahead. Am I mad for considering this?
First, I'm worried about being fit enough for the ride. I'm moderately active now, walking maybe 4 - 6 miles per day at a brisk pace, but I don't think I've got much fitness for higher intensity activities. The 10 mile ride would take me from the bottom to the top of Box Hill in Surrey, with Google suggesting around 500-800ft in elevation gain during the ride depending on the exact route. Other bike route tools tell me there's short sections with 9-10% gradients too, with most of the rest of the climb coming in one 2 - 4 km section. I have maybe 4 - 5 weeks to get ready to do this every day if I go the bike route. Is this feasible?
Second, I'm worried about the winter. Cycling might work OK in the summer, but with the hills and the minor roads, I'm worried about rain and ice during the winter that might just make this winter bike commute unsafe and miserable! Having to do it every day and do so reliably feels a bit scary looking ahead. Am I mad for considering this?
Unless you can take a shower when you get there, I'd be hesitant to do a "high intensity" ride before starting work. How bike friendly/generally pleasant the route is would also be major factors for me.
posted by rocketbadger at 12:19 AM on May 5, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by rocketbadger at 12:19 AM on May 5, 2017 [4 favorites]
I know someone who commutes a similar distance and they use a motorized pedal assist bike. That way, they can ride using a lot more motor-assisted power on the way to work so that being sweaty isn't an issue and use less or no motor to get a more robust ride on the way home.
If you do end up riding, make sure you have a lot of flashing lights and reflective gear so that drivers notice you.
posted by quince at 1:19 AM on May 5, 2017 [5 favorites]
If you do end up riding, make sure you have a lot of flashing lights and reflective gear so that drivers notice you.
posted by quince at 1:19 AM on May 5, 2017 [5 favorites]
Is any kind of motorized two wheeler, like a scooter, moped or motorbike, an option?
posted by Too-Ticky at 2:08 AM on May 5, 2017
posted by Too-Ticky at 2:08 AM on May 5, 2017
Best answer: I think you'll be fine. Walking 4-6 miles is more strenuous than biking 10. You can always try it on the weekend before you commit to it.
For winter and bad weather you can get proper gear at an outdoors store. Rain pants and a raincoat are a must. With good layering the rain is fine. You can get waterproof bike bags that hang on your bike rack (Ortlieb makes some that are ubiquitous here in Germany).
I don't find winter to be a problem either as long as there isn't ice on the roads. Snow is okay if you have a city bike or a road bike with fat enough tires, and if the roads are maintained well. I'm not commuting between villages alongside high-speed traffic, so your experience might be different.
The one thing you might not have considered though is what to do when you get a flat. It's going to happen eventually. Pushing a bicycle with a flat tire along hilly roads for 8 miles or so will not be pleasant. That's like a 3 hour inconvenience, and I'd personally find that to be too much and so I'd want a contingency plan. Maybe that's riding with tools and a spare tube and knowing how to change it, or trying some kind of instant repair spray to get you home, or knowing a cab company or a service that can get you and your bike home.
posted by cotterpin at 2:20 AM on May 5, 2017 [12 favorites]
For winter and bad weather you can get proper gear at an outdoors store. Rain pants and a raincoat are a must. With good layering the rain is fine. You can get waterproof bike bags that hang on your bike rack (Ortlieb makes some that are ubiquitous here in Germany).
I don't find winter to be a problem either as long as there isn't ice on the roads. Snow is okay if you have a city bike or a road bike with fat enough tires, and if the roads are maintained well. I'm not commuting between villages alongside high-speed traffic, so your experience might be different.
The one thing you might not have considered though is what to do when you get a flat. It's going to happen eventually. Pushing a bicycle with a flat tire along hilly roads for 8 miles or so will not be pleasant. That's like a 3 hour inconvenience, and I'd personally find that to be too much and so I'd want a contingency plan. Maybe that's riding with tools and a spare tube and knowing how to change it, or trying some kind of instant repair spray to get you home, or knowing a cab company or a service that can get you and your bike home.
posted by cotterpin at 2:20 AM on May 5, 2017 [12 favorites]
The other thing to consider is whether a combo of cycle and public transport can work for you. I have a similar commute one day a week. It takes me 1.5 hours each way on a bicycle or 1.5 hours each way on public transport (bus, then train, then another bus). But if I cycle to the train station, take my bike on the train, and then cycle at the other end, that's only 45-50 minutes. If I was doing it more than one day a week, I'd get a folding bicycle to make it even easier.
posted by lollusc at 2:49 AM on May 5, 2017 [6 favorites]
posted by lollusc at 2:49 AM on May 5, 2017 [6 favorites]
I'd ignore responses from people who don't know Box Hill. It is really long, and really steep. People use it to train for the mountain segments of the TdF.
The 10mile commute is something you can get used to - if you aren't used to cycling you'll be slow at first, but you'll get fitter and speed up over the first 4-6 weeks. The winter weather is also not a problem - buy wind- and water-proof jacket and trousers, a neck muff and decent gloves (I use ski gloves). You'll be toasty.
That hill though... are you sure there's no longer but flatter route? I would expect to be walking up at least part of it for the first few weeks, so factor that into your timings. You will be super-fit after six months of pedalling up that every day, but it's likely to be a pretty stiff learning curve while your body adapts . It's do-able, but it's a far bigger undertaking than 10 miles on the flat.
In terms of training for this, you just need to go out every day and cycle up it. It will gradually get easier.
posted by tinkletown at 3:43 AM on May 5, 2017 [4 favorites]
The 10mile commute is something you can get used to - if you aren't used to cycling you'll be slow at first, but you'll get fitter and speed up over the first 4-6 weeks. The winter weather is also not a problem - buy wind- and water-proof jacket and trousers, a neck muff and decent gloves (I use ski gloves). You'll be toasty.
That hill though... are you sure there's no longer but flatter route? I would expect to be walking up at least part of it for the first few weeks, so factor that into your timings. You will be super-fit after six months of pedalling up that every day, but it's likely to be a pretty stiff learning curve while your body adapts . It's do-able, but it's a far bigger undertaking than 10 miles on the flat.
In terms of training for this, you just need to go out every day and cycle up it. It will gradually get easier.
posted by tinkletown at 3:43 AM on May 5, 2017 [4 favorites]
9-10 mile biking commute isn't too bad (I'm a Dane, I should point out, so I'm thinking FLAT FLAT FLAT). Build up your stamina over a couple of weekends, take your bike on the train and bike home from work, check if you have showers at work. As for winter, you can get special gear for that - winter tyres for bikes is a thing and you'll need to keep your fingers & head warm. I've biked to work through snowstorms.
HOWEVER, please consider road traffic and how much you'll enjoy it. Listening to podcasts won't be an option on roads and you will need to bike to work on terrible rainy days.
posted by kariebookish at 3:58 AM on May 5, 2017
HOWEVER, please consider road traffic and how much you'll enjoy it. Listening to podcasts won't be an option on roads and you will need to bike to work on terrible rainy days.
posted by kariebookish at 3:58 AM on May 5, 2017
My commute is about 10 miles and while there are a few big hills, it sounds like it's pretty flat comparatively. I'm probably not in as good shape as you are but my commitment was to bike at least once a week. I've found my fitness is getting better and it makes it less stressful because I can accommodate days when I can't afford a long commute. I'm also starting to use the bus more on other days as well. You can definitely create some sort of flexible plan that works best for you.
posted by brilliantine at 4:28 AM on May 5, 2017
posted by brilliantine at 4:28 AM on May 5, 2017
I began commuting by bike last summer and did so consistently through the winter. My opinion on weather is that you get used to it really fast, and you soon stop caring. Of course snow and rain are not that pleasant but with minimal gear you can get through it just fine. And you get to feel like a proper badass after biking through snow at -2 C, your colleagues will admire your resolve!
Granted my commute is only about 7.5 miles on flat terrain on mostly bike lanes. When I started (not overweight, but 36 and absolutely no sport for the last 20 years) it took me about 50 minutes with a break in the middle and I was pretty winded after that. But I stuck with it and adapted quickly and now I do it in about 30 minutes without sweating too much.
I have one of those waterproof bike bags with rain gear, my work clothes, also tools for changing a tire and a spare one. It's not that complicated to change one on the go, it takes me about 20 minutes, so that's not the end of the world.
That said, a shower at work is a real plus. I don't shower at home, I wake up, put my clothes on and 5 minutes later I'm on my way. And you will feel really energized after getting a good workout on the road and a nice shower.
I say go for it, do some test runs so you have a feeling how long it takes and be confident that your body will adapt.
posted by SweetLiesOfBokonon at 4:37 AM on May 5, 2017 [1 favorite]
Granted my commute is only about 7.5 miles on flat terrain on mostly bike lanes. When I started (not overweight, but 36 and absolutely no sport for the last 20 years) it took me about 50 minutes with a break in the middle and I was pretty winded after that. But I stuck with it and adapted quickly and now I do it in about 30 minutes without sweating too much.
I have one of those waterproof bike bags with rain gear, my work clothes, also tools for changing a tire and a spare one. It's not that complicated to change one on the go, it takes me about 20 minutes, so that's not the end of the world.
That said, a shower at work is a real plus. I don't shower at home, I wake up, put my clothes on and 5 minutes later I'm on my way. And you will feel really energized after getting a good workout on the road and a nice shower.
I say go for it, do some test runs so you have a feeling how long it takes and be confident that your body will adapt.
posted by SweetLiesOfBokonon at 4:37 AM on May 5, 2017 [1 favorite]
When you start the new job make sure you find out if any of your new coworkers live near you and drive to work so that you have a backup way to get there.
posted by mareli at 5:36 AM on May 5, 2017
posted by mareli at 5:36 AM on May 5, 2017
Get an E-Bike. You'll be flying up those hills and get there in no time. My neighbor has one and when I'm riding up the hill toward our street he passes me like I'm standing still with two kids on the back of his. You still pedal, but, the motor kicks in and makes it like 90% easier.
posted by trbrts at 6:15 AM on May 5, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by trbrts at 6:15 AM on May 5, 2017 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Maybe you have all this sussed out, but if not:
What are your plans when you get a flat or your bike is in the shop? A twenty mile round trip will put a lot of wear on your bike. Can you change a flat on the fly? Do you have two bikes?
How difficult will it be to get to work if you wake up one morning and your bike has a problem? I've gotten in just fine a couple of times, only to realize that something had been going wrong as I rode that didn't really show up until morning.
How confident are you about biking down Box Hill? I haaaaaaate biking up difficult hills because I am unathletic and old and also kind of fat, but biking down them in traffic really scares me.
Will you be able to handle a month or so of the bus if the winter is more difficult than you expect? These past few years, I've had a month or even two of busing because winter was bad and I'm getting older. It's easy for me because the bus ride is fairly short and the bus comes regularly, but this sounds like it may not be the case for you?
What if you decide, mid-point, that you need a car? Can you afford one?
You will inexorably be late sometimes due to bike problems - not often, but unexpectedly. Will your work accept this? What happens if you literally have to walk five miles leading your bike? (That's the one thing I would really worry about with a ten mile ride in an area with indirect bus routes, as even with a short commute in a city I've ended up walking a couple of miles with the bike now and then) Is there a good spot to leave your bike for the day and cab? Do you have someone who can pick you and your bike up and take you to the shop?
Honestly, I bet you can do the ride without too much trouble and I bet the weather will almost always be manageable - it's the logistics of when things go wrong that are the problem.
posted by Frowner at 6:19 AM on May 5, 2017 [3 favorites]
What are your plans when you get a flat or your bike is in the shop? A twenty mile round trip will put a lot of wear on your bike. Can you change a flat on the fly? Do you have two bikes?
How difficult will it be to get to work if you wake up one morning and your bike has a problem? I've gotten in just fine a couple of times, only to realize that something had been going wrong as I rode that didn't really show up until morning.
How confident are you about biking down Box Hill? I haaaaaaate biking up difficult hills because I am unathletic and old and also kind of fat, but biking down them in traffic really scares me.
Will you be able to handle a month or so of the bus if the winter is more difficult than you expect? These past few years, I've had a month or even two of busing because winter was bad and I'm getting older. It's easy for me because the bus ride is fairly short and the bus comes regularly, but this sounds like it may not be the case for you?
What if you decide, mid-point, that you need a car? Can you afford one?
You will inexorably be late sometimes due to bike problems - not often, but unexpectedly. Will your work accept this? What happens if you literally have to walk five miles leading your bike? (That's the one thing I would really worry about with a ten mile ride in an area with indirect bus routes, as even with a short commute in a city I've ended up walking a couple of miles with the bike now and then) Is there a good spot to leave your bike for the day and cab? Do you have someone who can pick you and your bike up and take you to the shop?
Honestly, I bet you can do the ride without too much trouble and I bet the weather will almost always be manageable - it's the logistics of when things go wrong that are the problem.
posted by Frowner at 6:19 AM on May 5, 2017 [3 favorites]
Obviously I don't know your area well, but I have done a commute that sounds similar to this (in the semi-rural US) and for me, it was certainly doable but it was sometimes quite miserable. What helped was having many options to choose between. You will build up stamina and become stronger quickly, but what happens if you get sick or injured? What is your plan B? You definitely will need one or two.
How is the road clearing with regard to snow and ice? Where I live, snowbanks can narrow road widths by almost an entire lane. With proper tires you should be okay for traction, but you will need to ride closer to the center line. I would try to find out what the real conditions are like (not the ideal conditions) and see if you will be comfortable with that situation.
I also think an electric assist is perfect for this situation--and any combination of occasional car use, transit, carpool, and bike is better than having only one option.
posted by epanalepsis at 6:20 AM on May 5, 2017 [1 favorite]
How is the road clearing with regard to snow and ice? Where I live, snowbanks can narrow road widths by almost an entire lane. With proper tires you should be okay for traction, but you will need to ride closer to the center line. I would try to find out what the real conditions are like (not the ideal conditions) and see if you will be comfortable with that situation.
I also think an electric assist is perfect for this situation--and any combination of occasional car use, transit, carpool, and bike is better than having only one option.
posted by epanalepsis at 6:20 AM on May 5, 2017 [1 favorite]
"Snow is okay if you have a city bike or a road bike with fat enough tires"
Careful--this is very dependent on the exact conditions. Fresh warm snow, for example, can be extremely slippery, and I doubt fat tires help there.
Rain can make things more slippery than you expect too, depending on exactly what's underneath it. Snow and water can also hide things (like ice or potholes). Also, water can dramatically decrease performance of rim brakes. Downhills in heavy rain were some of my scarier bad-weather moments.
In terms of staying comfortable, most important to me was fenders that go as far down the back of the front wheel as possible--otherwise your feet are quickly soaked by the steady stream of water kicked up by your front wheel. Also, protection for the extremities. The exercise will keep the rest of you warmer than you'd expect (you'll want a jacket with good vents).
The nice thing about starting before the winter is that you have some time to adjust and experiment with different layers as the weather gets colder.
Agreed with folks above that you'll want a backup plan. If this is an alternative to a new car, keep that in mind when budgeting for cabs or whatever.
posted by bfields at 6:23 AM on May 5, 2017
Careful--this is very dependent on the exact conditions. Fresh warm snow, for example, can be extremely slippery, and I doubt fat tires help there.
Rain can make things more slippery than you expect too, depending on exactly what's underneath it. Snow and water can also hide things (like ice or potholes). Also, water can dramatically decrease performance of rim brakes. Downhills in heavy rain were some of my scarier bad-weather moments.
In terms of staying comfortable, most important to me was fenders that go as far down the back of the front wheel as possible--otherwise your feet are quickly soaked by the steady stream of water kicked up by your front wheel. Also, protection for the extremities. The exercise will keep the rest of you warmer than you'd expect (you'll want a jacket with good vents).
The nice thing about starting before the winter is that you have some time to adjust and experiment with different layers as the weather gets colder.
Agreed with folks above that you'll want a backup plan. If this is an alternative to a new car, keep that in mind when budgeting for cabs or whatever.
posted by bfields at 6:23 AM on May 5, 2017
I have a less steep route, but physical disabilities that make cycling difficult. I bike the downhill route (which is TO work for me) and bus back instead of going uphill.
I know other people who drive halfway to a park and ride, then ride their bike the rest of the way.
posted by tofu_crouton at 6:33 AM on May 5, 2017
I know other people who drive halfway to a park and ride, then ride their bike the rest of the way.
posted by tofu_crouton at 6:33 AM on May 5, 2017
Best answer: Box Hill is perfectly doable with some practice. It has a very steady gradient - choose an easy gear and cycle at a steady pace. Change to an easier gear if you're getting out of breath.
I would, however, suggest looking for alternative routes that avoid the bulk of the hill as you may be able to do a longer route very much faster.
This area of Surrey is heaving with people on bikes and so I would hope that the local infrastructure and community may help.
I cycle to work once or twice a week, but I also have a public transport alternative. It's worth trying to find a backup plan for miserable days. I also have shower facilities at my work, although I've heard that showering at home, cycling and then using a wet wipe to freshen up works well.
posted by Stark at 7:47 AM on May 5, 2017
I would, however, suggest looking for alternative routes that avoid the bulk of the hill as you may be able to do a longer route very much faster.
This area of Surrey is heaving with people on bikes and so I would hope that the local infrastructure and community may help.
I cycle to work once or twice a week, but I also have a public transport alternative. It's worth trying to find a backup plan for miserable days. I also have shower facilities at my work, although I've heard that showering at home, cycling and then using a wet wipe to freshen up works well.
posted by Stark at 7:47 AM on May 5, 2017
Best answer: Why do you need to make this decision now? I'm guessing that it's because you're deciding whether to buy a bike or buy a car.
If that's correct, then consider biking, but also setting aside some of the savings (from not buying, maintaining, insuring and paying for gas for the more expensive car) and putting them in a no-guilt taxi fund. You can take a cab a lot and have it still be much cheaper than owning a car! And knowing that you can take a cab x times a month might make biking a lot more pleasant.
posted by MangoNews at 8:47 AM on May 5, 2017
If that's correct, then consider biking, but also setting aside some of the savings (from not buying, maintaining, insuring and paying for gas for the more expensive car) and putting them in a no-guilt taxi fund. You can take a cab a lot and have it still be much cheaper than owning a car! And knowing that you can take a cab x times a month might make biking a lot more pleasant.
posted by MangoNews at 8:47 AM on May 5, 2017
Response by poster: Thanks all - input has been really useful! I will definitely look in to backup plans and do the budgeting of how many times I could get a taxi if I'm not paying for a car (yes, I need to decide on buying a bike or car). I think I'm probably leaning towards a slightly cheaper car and a bike, and try and build it in to my daily routine in a less dramatic fashion, and then I can always get rid of the car once I'm more confident.
posted by jonrob at 8:59 AM on May 5, 2017
posted by jonrob at 8:59 AM on May 5, 2017
I think that 20 miles a day of hilly terrain with steep grades is a lot of cycling for someone who isn't currently cycling a lot. There are hardcore cyclists who wouldn't bat an eye, but I think for most people who are just looking for a way to get to work and fit in a little exercise in the process, it's a lot to do every day, 12 months out of the year. You're essentially adding probably 100+ minutes of moderately intense aerobic exercise to your day, 5 days a week. If "don't really like cars" means you don't currently have one and are wondering whether you can continue that way, I'd say it's very borderline whether this will work out. But there's little harm in trying this on a trial basis as long as you're willing to start off alternating ride days with the slow public transport option or mixing riding and public transportation. A 10% grade is very steep, especially if you don't have a low enough bottom gear.
posted by drlith at 9:08 AM on May 5, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by drlith at 9:08 AM on May 5, 2017 [1 favorite]
Adding my two cents: I bike commute about 3 days a week. Hills are hard, and so is bad weather. I will bike in the rain, and I have fenders, rain gear, lights, etc, however, a ten mile bike ride in the wind and rain actually sucks from my point of view. I did it this year on a work day and I basically decided never again. Even in rain gear I was soaked, probably mostly from my own sweat under all the rain gear.
So I'd say bike commute: absolutely, but having a plan B is also a necessity.
posted by latkes at 10:17 AM on May 5, 2017
So I'd say bike commute: absolutely, but having a plan B is also a necessity.
posted by latkes at 10:17 AM on May 5, 2017
As I've aged I only bike to work when the weather is good. I have public transport options, which makes it easy. My older brother has a (flatter) ride just a bit shorter than yours and has been doing it in all weather to avoid parking fees, seems happy with it. I like your idea of both car and bike if you can swing it, so that when it's teeming rain in January you can just drive.
posted by ldthomps at 11:42 AM on May 5, 2017
posted by ldthomps at 11:42 AM on May 5, 2017
I started doing a 3 mile commute with a steep hill about a year ago (from not biking at all) and for at least the first few weeks I was just tired. I wouldn't recommend jumping into a daily 10 mile commute if there's any way to ease in to it more.
posted by the agents of KAOS at 1:46 PM on May 5, 2017
posted by the agents of KAOS at 1:46 PM on May 5, 2017
Just to float it out there-- bikes with electronic pedal assist are coming down in price, would make the hill climbs way, way easier.
posted by Static Vagabond at 2:07 PM on May 5, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by Static Vagabond at 2:07 PM on May 5, 2017 [2 favorites]
Echoing the others above that a 10-mile commute is totally doable, but starting out you won't want to do it every day. My strategies for commuting to an office job (albeit in my case a very casual one):
1. Office shoes. I ride in bike shoes and change into sneakers at work; you may decide to ride in street shoes, but bear in mind, there will be additional stress on the shoes, so you might want to leave the nice loafers at home.
2. Bike with a range of easy gears and a rack for panniers. You sweat a lot less without a bag on your back.
3. Change of clothing in the warmer months. Ride to work in one shirt, change into the non-sweaty one, and hang the sweaty one up to dry. When it's really hot, I keep spare pants at work and ride in cargo shorts.
4. Make sure your clothing is bike-friendly: that you can hike up the pant leg to avoid chain grease, that your shirt stays tucked in so you don't show off your boxers, that everything dries quickly and can handle the exertions/stresses of riding. Saddles will do funny things to pants. I ride in street clothes for my relatively short commute of 8 miles each way. I buy jackets assuming that they will be used on the bike and judge accordingly.
5. Have good lights for the dusk/dark hours. Good lights are so cheap these days and many are rechargeable. And please, for the love of god, angle your headlight a little down so you don't blind oncoming riders.
6. Figure out a couple of routes so that you can mix it up: Direct and less scenic and more hills vs less direct and more scenic and fewer hills, or whatever.
7. When it gets cold, you will just add more layers and warmer gloves to the mix. Ice and snow are very good reasons to not take the bike. Short of using studded tires, riding in ice and snow can be treacherous.
8. Have fun! Even an unpleasant bike commute is better than a good car commute!
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 9:07 PM on May 5, 2017
1. Office shoes. I ride in bike shoes and change into sneakers at work; you may decide to ride in street shoes, but bear in mind, there will be additional stress on the shoes, so you might want to leave the nice loafers at home.
2. Bike with a range of easy gears and a rack for panniers. You sweat a lot less without a bag on your back.
3. Change of clothing in the warmer months. Ride to work in one shirt, change into the non-sweaty one, and hang the sweaty one up to dry. When it's really hot, I keep spare pants at work and ride in cargo shorts.
4. Make sure your clothing is bike-friendly: that you can hike up the pant leg to avoid chain grease, that your shirt stays tucked in so you don't show off your boxers, that everything dries quickly and can handle the exertions/stresses of riding. Saddles will do funny things to pants. I ride in street clothes for my relatively short commute of 8 miles each way. I buy jackets assuming that they will be used on the bike and judge accordingly.
5. Have good lights for the dusk/dark hours. Good lights are so cheap these days and many are rechargeable. And please, for the love of god, angle your headlight a little down so you don't blind oncoming riders.
6. Figure out a couple of routes so that you can mix it up: Direct and less scenic and more hills vs less direct and more scenic and fewer hills, or whatever.
7. When it gets cold, you will just add more layers and warmer gloves to the mix. Ice and snow are very good reasons to not take the bike. Short of using studded tires, riding in ice and snow can be treacherous.
8. Have fun! Even an unpleasant bike commute is better than a good car commute!
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 9:07 PM on May 5, 2017
Hmm, I just got around to checking the gradient of the steep hill at the end of my normal commute (not the long one I do one day a week, but my daily one on other days). It's 10% (and 300 metres long), so the same as the steep bits of yours. I have ridden up it precisely twice ever. Otherwise I walk most of it. For the first six months or so I would try to ride a bit further each day before I gave up and started walking, but all that did was make me progressively more exhausted and meant instead of transitioning from cycling to a brisk walk, I'd have to have a little sit down, or double over to catch my breath, and then walk slower for the rest of the hill.
And I'm pretty fit: I run and bike multiple times a week; I do weightlifting as well and have very strong legs for a woman. I have a nice bike with good gears, but it is quite heavy. If you have a road bike it will be a lot easier, but then your snow/ice days will be trickier. The sort of bike with fatter tyres you'll need for winter is not going to be much different from mine, I think.
I am close to pulling the trigger on an e-bike specifically because of this one hill.
posted by lollusc at 10:27 PM on May 6, 2017 [1 favorite]
And I'm pretty fit: I run and bike multiple times a week; I do weightlifting as well and have very strong legs for a woman. I have a nice bike with good gears, but it is quite heavy. If you have a road bike it will be a lot easier, but then your snow/ice days will be trickier. The sort of bike with fatter tyres you'll need for winter is not going to be much different from mine, I think.
I am close to pulling the trigger on an e-bike specifically because of this one hill.
posted by lollusc at 10:27 PM on May 6, 2017 [1 favorite]
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On weekends, I typically ride anywhere from 20-40 miles in the Oakland hills. I can sustain about 12mph over the course of an afternoon, with short lengths of 10% grade that still feel quite punishing. I seem able to ride up a 5% grade indefinitely. I would estimate your commute at 45min-1hr based on the description, and over time you will get faster going up the hill. Eventually, it will seem easy and you will really enjoy your stronger legs!
Get a bike poncho, fenders, waterproof panniers, and bright blinking lights to handle the rain. Have a backup bike as well, and expect to use the slower public transport route as a regular alternative during bad weather.
posted by migurski at 11:53 PM on May 4, 2017 [1 favorite]