Best piece of advice?

tangled_metal

What piece of advice would you give to your past self when you started cycle commuting? Imagine time travel was possible, what piece of kit or technique would you advise yourself to buy or learn?

I'm curious to hear what people have learnt, possibly hard won information such as how to navigate the mean streets of Big City safely. Or reflectives are your friend. Or you can never have too many lights. Whatever it is there's someone on here who is starting their commuting life and yet to learn it all.

My advice is not to give up when it rains. I've tried to get into cycle commuting before but rain stopped play for me. Now I've learnt rain, wind, thunder and lightning aren't that bad if you're already out in it. That and you can wear full waterproofs on a bike. Means I'll keep it up now. Last time it rained for about 3-4 weeks and I got out of the bike habit.

asprilla

It's not about the bike.

Mark__gti

It's all about the bike

msmancunia

Don't hug the kerb and don't buy Altura kit because it's rubbish and falls apart.

rolf_f

Read this forum. Listen to what people say. Ignore what people say. Make it up as you go along and don't worry about it.

mrfpb

Sometimes the most uncool kit is the best kit - trouser clips and kick stand particularly.

kurako

Assume you are invisible and everyone else on the road is a clueless f*ckwit.

UndercoverElephant

The mints in the urinal aren't as tasty as they look.

Kieran_Burns

A man with two watches never knows the right time.

tgotb

Train slow => Race slow

If you're only riding two hours a day, the symptoms of "overtraining" can often be resolved with a dose of MTFU

XCMark

Get a set of full mudguards, a rack and pannier and a hub dynamo with a decent light from B&M or similar.

greg66_tri_v2.0

You are safest when your speed is as close as possible to that of the traffic around you, whether fast or slow.

And learn to recognise those tell-tale signs that signal when a car is about to do something without indicating.

anonymousblackfg

Buy a cotton cap and a pari of toe covers. If you really want to go big, get mud guards, you'll never look back.

Long_Time_Lurker

Kurako wrote:

Assume you are invisible and everyone else on the road is a clueless f*ckwit.

Came in to say this...

And never buy a bike because it is cheap or because it looks nice - buy it because it feels right.
My first two bikes were shite - one was because it was cheap and the other because it looked nice.
The cheap one fell to bits within a year, the 'nice' bike had an uninspiring ride.

vimfuego

Kurako wrote:

Assume you are invisible and everyone else on the road is a clueless f*ckwit.

+1

Keep your wits about you - nobody else is looking out for you (peds included)

CiB

Realise early on that a bike is the simplest bit of technology known to man and can be kept in pretty usable state with a couple of Allen Keys & a screwdriver.

Also don't pretend to ride to work instead taking a detour to a ladyfriend's house without being sure that your wife's best friend doesn't also drive to work that same direction at about the same time. My old chum Colin would have been well-advised to have been aware of that bit of guidance.

pblakeney

CiB wrote:

Realise early on that a bike is the simplest bit of technology known to man and can be kept in pretty usable state with a couple of Allen Keys & a screwdriver.

Also don't pretend to ride to work instead taking a detour to a ladyfriend's house without being sure that your wife's best friend doesn't also drive to work that same direction at about the same time. My old chum Colin would have been well-advised to have been aware of that bit of guidance.

Get a few helmets, various glasses, jerseys and a very good reason for N+1.
I often do not recognise clubmates in the passing out on the bike or when in civvies.

mrfpb

Lycra is just polyester on an ego trip. Think "what would I pay for polyester shorts/shirts/socks" before deciding to buy.

When tempted by cycle specific clothes think "are my current clothes suitable for sitting in/moving my arms and legs in"

mroli

Fixed gear, decent brakes, good lock, don't cycle like a cock.

Koncordski

Go Zen.

Whenever anything bad happens, just let it go.

notsoblue

If riding in London, ride assertively but politely and claim your space.
Owning a hybrid is useless.

BigLights

Your body is mostly water. It really doesn't matter if you get wet.

Louise_W

Invest in trouser clips! Also separate cycle paths are a blessing-plan your commute using them where possible.

arran77

Drive, it's safer.

Medders

a shoulder check is not just great for checking what is around generally but it is invaluable for controlling the behaviour of driver approaching from behind. Use frequently.

anonymousblackfg

If motivated to physically harm someone or commit murder and don't like the idea of jail time, an extended driving ban or a decent fine, make sure your victim is on a bike and you hit them with a car

jedster

don't go up the inside of heavy vehicles

meanredspider

Buy the best you can afford. It will work the best and last the longest. Don't listen to people who say "it's only commuting" - done properly, it's about 10 hours of your life per week.

EKE_38BPM

Medders wrote:

a shoulder check is not just great for checking what is around generally but it is invaluable for controlling the behaviour of driver approaching from behind. Use frequently.

This. Very much this.

First.Aspect

Don't wear pants under those.

gbsahne001

if someone cuts you up or does something stupid, don't get angry....blow them a kiss