new commuter

[maverick]

hi folks,

i started commuting by bike last week. my commute takes me from falls church to reston and back, about 12 miles along the w&od each way.

i added a bionx pedal assist system to my hybrid bike, and i am (so far) able to get to the office in the morning without needing to shower. i do rinse my face and change my shirt. my shirt stays dry in the front, but my back gets sweaty because i carry a backpack that holds my laptop and a platypus.

i am looking at getting a pannier to hold my laptop, and maybe i can move the platypus to a rack trunk and attach an extension. i’m a bit nervous about my laptop staying safe in the pannier should i fall over.

i work harder on the ride home – so i use about half the battery in the morning, and maybe 20% of the battery on the way home. for the ride home, the bionx helps me to get going from a stop, and it helps me up the couple of big hills. but otherwise, i’m maintaining over 20mph, so it doesn’t do much more.

the ride in the rain yesterday morning was not fun, but i thought it would be a good idea to still do it in order get into the routine of commuting. but i’m loving the ride otherwise!

right now, i ride with platform pedals, but i’m wondering whether i should put spd pedals on there.

i’d appreciate any hints and tips you might like to share.

thanks!

Topic

[baiskeli]

@maverick 23006 wrote:

i wasn’t much hotter than i normally am, despite the heat. i drank way more than i normally do, but that’s a good thing! as usual, i rinsed my face and changed my shirt. i feel good!

Awesome.

Now wait for the ride home. THAT will be hot. Take it slow.

[maverick]

@baiskeli 23008 wrote:

Awesome.

Now wait for the ride home. THAT will be hot. Take it slow.

yes, i usually ride harder on the way home, but i need to be someplace at 6pm and look presentable. so i’ll give myself extra time. the heat definitely helps you appreciate the shade of the trees!

[Author]

Replies