I've joined the club!

Graeme Jones

I've commuted off and an over the last two years, some weeks 2-3days but never full weeks.
We have got rid of one car and now there is no choice come rain or shine.

mrfpb

Sounds scary. I started commuting as an alternative to a second car, but had the option of public transport. At least if you already ride, in you know what your letting yourself in for!

Graeme Jones

12 mile each way isn't too bad and it's pretty flat.
I drop a weeks worth of clothes off once a week and keep toiletries and what have you in a locker so I can avoid a ruck sack :-)

mrfpb

Now is the time to look for cut price winter clothing. I love merino base layers in the winter. Also get some decent gloves. Winter clothing can come in handy during the British summer.

chris_bass

good on you, last time I drove to work was December 2010! rain, shine, snow, wind! it's character building if nothing else!!

Long_Time_Lurker

Good luck...
Have you got a second bike? I only ask because there will be a time when your bike will be off the road.
I found that cycling every day through all kinds of weather, took quite a toll on the bike - especially the drive-train.
It's always good to have another bike (even if it is a 10 year old bone-shaker), while you ae waiting for bits to be delivered.

Graeme Jones

Just the one bike a Defy 3 2012 and that shakes enough bones ;-)
I'd like another bike but its all extra cash I haven't got now my wife has lost her job :-(
Hopefully one of these applications will come through.
I'd like a sportier bike for summer/non commuting duties

Long_Time_Lurker

A lot of people on here have a winter and summer bike. I have two MTBs - I was supposed to use the hardtail as a commuter and the full-sus for trail duties. In reality, I use the full-sus for everything, even though it is slower to work.

I was thinking more of a 2nd hand 'ratbike' picked up for £40 that will do the job for 2 or 3 days.

markhewitt1978

Long Time Lurker wrote:

A lot of people on here have a winter and summer bike. I have two MTBs - I was supposed to use the hardtail as a commuter and the full-sus for trail duties. In reality, I use the full-sus for everything, even though it is slower to work.

I was thinking more of a 2nd hand 'ratbike' picked up for £40 that will do the job for 2 or 3 days.

Fine if you've got the space to keep it of course! You would imagine if it was just pushed into a shed the chain would be rusted up, the tyres flat and it covered in dirt. i.e. Not usable in the situation where you've discovered your main commuter is knackered and it's 10 minutes before you have to leave for work! - I guess in that situation there's always a taxi!