The IDEAL bike commute distance
meanredspider
Posts: 12,337
I think I'm going to be accepting a new job back in the UK on Monday which will leave me a couple of months (or more) to find somewhere to live.
The question is: what's the perfect distance to commute? I used to do a hilly 30-mile RT which was fine but got a little tiring by Friday. It obviously needs to be far enough to make getting sweaty worthwhile (my Amsterdam commute is far too short). The venue is the Cotswolds so some up and down though not to Highland proportions.
The question is: what's the perfect distance to commute? I used to do a hilly 30-mile RT which was fine but got a little tiring by Friday. It obviously needs to be far enough to make getting sweaty worthwhile (my Amsterdam commute is far too short). The venue is the Cotswolds so some up and down though not to Highland proportions.
ROAD < Scott Foil HMX Di2, Volagi Liscio Di2, Jamis Renegade Elite Di2, Cube Reaction Race > ROUGH
0
Comments
-
I reckon 10-15 miles each way that can be extended easily when you feel like it.RIP commute...
Sometimes seen bimbling around on a purple Fratello Disc or black and red Aprire Vincenza.0 -
Ideal is 13.8 miles each way.0
-
In all seriousness, assuming you do something fairly mentally demanding in between (which you appear indeed to do) and on the basis that we are of similar age and proportions (you've been on TV, but I haven't, so you'll have to take my word for it) I'd say that much more than about 45mins each way is too much.
That said, if your job means you won't be doing it relentlessly and/or if you have the option of driving/pubic transport when the fatigue builds up, then you can push that out a bit. The longest commute I've ever had was aout 90 mins e/w. Even when I was a lot younger and fitter, that turned me into a zombie after a while.
Besides, if your commute is too long, you don't have any beans left for a weekend ride and, lets face it, the commute can get a bit dull after a while.0 -
I'd say about 8 miles each way, preferably living somewhere that provides nice options for extending it.- Genesis Croix de Fer
- Dolan Tuono0 -
Yup - for reference, I'm 50, 6', 90kg and I expect to have a reasonably intense job - thinking rather than on my feet all day. I do 4-6 hour rides reasonably often and I'll happily average around 20mph on the flat for a couple of hours. I plan to leave clothes at work (dunno yet how possible this is) and ride unincumbered.
These days I think I'm in favour of a slightly shorter commute that I can either take steady or up the pace of (or extend, though, frankly, without a good reason, I know I'm unlikely to do that other than for variety).ROAD < Scott Foil HMX Di2, Volagi Liscio Di2, Jamis Renegade Elite Di2, Cube Reaction Race > ROUGH0 -
Mine's just shy of 20. I think, probably, for 5 days, 52 weeks then 15 each way is probably the max ideal distance. I've often thought that, if one particular hill wasn't there and it was 2-3 miles shorter I'd probably miss very few commutes.My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
The shortest my commute can be is 6 miles. I normally do a 20+, I'm lucky to have very flexible working hours so if I fancy a longer ride in it's not a problem. The 6 mile route comes into play when it's cold, wet, dark and miserable getting home in the middle of winter, On those nights I'd hate my shortest route to be an hour+.0
-
I think the route obv plays a big part too. I think my ideal commute in London is prob around 10 miles each way as my job can be quite physically draining. But 10 miles on nice smooth roads is quite different from 10 miles on some of the roads in London.Cannondale caad7 ultegra
S-works Tarmac sl5 etap
Colnago c64 etap wifli
Brother Swift0 -
8-10 if ondulated, 12-15 if flat... something that you can do in 30-50 minutesleft the forum March 20230
-
It will, of course, require a different bike! I will probably be letting go of my Brompton (3-sp with luggage etc) and my Paddy Wagon (guards and bull-horns) if anyone here is interested. Might be the opportunity to get the Volagi Viaje I've hankered after for a while.ROAD < Scott Foil HMX Di2, Volagi Liscio Di2, Jamis Renegade Elite Di2, Cube Reaction Race > ROUGH0
-
firstly congrats on the new job, is it the one we talked about?
as for distance i'd say 15 miles is perfect regardless of the terrain and if it is in the place we talked about then there's plenty of options for extending.Rule #5 // Harden The Feck Up.
Rule #9 // If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period.
Rule #12 // The correct number of bikes to own is n+1.
Rule #42 // A bike race shall never be preceded with a swim and/or followed by a run.0 -
firstly congrats on the new job, is it the one we talked about?
as for distance i'd say 15 miles is perfect regardless of the terrain and if it is in the place we talked about then there's plenty of options for extending.
Thanks. Yes, it is. It's been quite a tough decision to leave my current place.
It may be a luxury to decide the commute length depending upon what I can find to rent but at least if I know what I'm aiming for it will help me decide where to look...ROAD < Scott Foil HMX Di2, Volagi Liscio Di2, Jamis Renegade Elite Di2, Cube Reaction Race > ROUGH0 -
Depends on the job to be honest.
There are definitely times deep in winter when I've had a sh!tter of a 13hr day and the prospect of an hour ride in the cold dark p!ssing rain would fill me with dread.0 -
firstly congrats on the new job, is it the one we talked about?
as for distance i'd say 15 miles is perfect regardless of the terrain and if it is in the place we talked about then there's plenty of options for extending.
Thanks. Yes, it is. It's been quite a tough decision to leave my current place.
It may be a luxury to decide the commute length depending upon what I can find to rent but at least if I know what I'm aiming for it will help me decide where to look...
cool once you've got your feet under the table so to speak i'll pop over for a visit - lovely part of the world in fact i was over that was this afternoon.Rule #5 // Harden The Feck Up.
Rule #9 // If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period.
Rule #12 // The correct number of bikes to own is n+1.
Rule #42 // A bike race shall never be preceded with a swim and/or followed by a run.0 -
After a few years of Highland commuting, the weather really doesn't bother me (and we get more than our fair share of dark in winter) but a long commute if any sort might be hard after a 13-hour day. TBH - I don't know how tough my days might be - some tougher than others I'd guess. Unlikely to be 9-5ROAD < Scott Foil HMX Di2, Volagi Liscio Di2, Jamis Renegade Elite Di2, Cube Reaction Race > ROUGH0
-
I think that should be the main factor in deciding the distance (how many hours a day you'll work roughly). At least, that would be my thought process.
It also depends how capable you are of persuading yourself to get up early/delay getting home by deliberately elongating your route.
Turns out I'm not very good at that and 90% of the time will opt for the shortest time route home.0 -
cool once you've got your feet under the table so to speak i'll pop over for a visit - lovely part of the world in fact i was over that was this afternoon.
That'll be good - thx. I'm quite looking forward to not having to start my rides in the middle of a city or finish them, after 160k, riding through a park packed with stoned tourists then carrying my bike up steep narrow stairs (in fact I'm quite looking forward to not having to carry the Kona up and down those stairs too).ROAD < Scott Foil HMX Di2, Volagi Liscio Di2, Jamis Renegade Elite Di2, Cube Reaction Race > ROUGH0 -
It also depends how capable you are of persuading yourself to get up early/delay getting home by deliberately elongating your route.
Turns out I'm not very good at that and 90% of the time will opt for the shortest time route home.
That's me too. The ideal would be to have a longer, easer (flatter) route and a more direct hillier route. From here to Inverness there are lots of options to really mix it up. Variety, in summer at least, is nice. In winter, on the MTB & Spikers, I'd always take the shortest route because it would take me longer with more effort anywayROAD < Scott Foil HMX Di2, Volagi Liscio Di2, Jamis Renegade Elite Di2, Cube Reaction Race > ROUGH0 -
One that takes no more than 60 minutes in winter.0
-
One that takes no more than 60 minutes in winter.
My infamous TV appearance was when the bridge works added 2.5 miles to my 15-mile winter MTB commute. Pushed it out to about 70 minutes each way. That was hard work.ROAD < Scott Foil HMX Di2, Volagi Liscio Di2, Jamis Renegade Elite Di2, Cube Reaction Race > ROUGH0 -
also matey your RCC membership wont be such a good deal now without a nearby store.Rule #5 // Harden The Feck Up.
Rule #9 // If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period.
Rule #12 // The correct number of bikes to own is n+1.
Rule #42 // A bike race shall never be preceded with a swim and/or followed by a run.0 -
also matey your RCC membership wont be such a good deal now without a nearby store.
It expires at the end of the year anyhow. I'll have certainly got my money's worth though. And, who knows, I might take advantage of the loan bikes.
On the plus side, I'll be a lot closer to the outlet store
I'm looking forward to an entirely new area to ride. I have a lot of family connections in Bridport (there are even streets named after my mum's side of the family) and that looks to be within rideable distance (even if I don't do the return trip in a day).
And the foremost Alfa Giulia specialist, Alfaholics, is in Bristol and runs track days at Combe. I'll just have to swap the smell of cannabis for the smell of Castrol-R ROAD < Scott Foil HMX Di2, Volagi Liscio Di2, Jamis Renegade Elite Di2, Cube Reaction Race > ROUGH0 -
Having gone from 6 to 16 e/w, the right distance for me is somewhere in between; I'd like it to be 9 or 10 for a half-hour ride at a fair pace.Location: ciderspace0
-
8-10 if ondulated, 12-15 if flat... something that you can do in 30-50 minutes
Covers it perfectly. Mine is 35 each way and it's too far to do daily as it's an hour slower0 -
So a consensus seems to be about 10-12miles - which feels about right to me.ROAD < Scott Foil HMX Di2, Volagi Liscio Di2, Jamis Renegade Elite Di2, Cube Reaction Race > ROUGH0
-
Welcome to the Cotswolds - it's a great place to ride.
I do a 22 mile commute which takes approx 90 minutes but I do need to take rest days. I'd say 90 minutes is probably the max I'd want to take but I do regularly extend it.
I've cycled the lanes around the Cotswolds for the last 4 years and I'm still finding new areas to explore. If you've got any questions regarding best routes to take just shout.0 -
My commute is around 10 miles each way, less if I rode more direct but I add that extra little bit to make the 10 miles complete, there have been times when this has gone out to 15 miles on the way into work. On the way to work I don't rush, 13-14 ave. My philosophy is as soon as I shut the front door and ride I'm on work time but as soon as I clock out at 22:00 I'm on my time so ride home quicker.
My job is in a warehouse for one of the high street supermarkets and actual role varies day to day but is a physical job. Colleagues are amazed at how far I ride but I tell them 10 miles is a comfortable distance with the workload I face.I've added a signature to prove it is still possible.0 -
I've cycled the lanes around the Cotswolds for the last 4 years and I'm still finding new areas to explore. If you've got any questions regarding best routes to take just shout.
Thank youROAD < Scott Foil HMX Di2, Volagi Liscio Di2, Jamis Renegade Elite Di2, Cube Reaction Race > ROUGH0 -
Welcome to the Cotswolds - it's a great place to ride.
I do a 22 mile commute which takes approx 90 minutes but I do need to take rest days. I'd say 90 minutes is probably the max I'd want to take but I do regularly extend it.
I've cycled the lanes around the Cotswolds for the last 4 years and I'm still finding new areas to explore. If you've got any questions regarding best routes to take just shout.
Do you ever have problems with impatient drivers?
I've ridden with performance cycles and Evans ride it as well as a few of my own routes and every time we seem to have at least one angry driver who simply has to get past.
I'm not saying that doesn't happen here over the border but so far the balance is against.
@mrs i'd be more than happy to arrange an introduction to some of the brizzle forum locals, I'm due a top up on my jabs anyway .... Rule #5 // Harden The Feck Up.
Rule #9 // If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period.
Rule #12 // The correct number of bikes to own is n+1.
Rule #42 // A bike race shall never be preceded with a swim and/or followed by a run.0 -
Welcome to the Cotswolds - it's a great place to ride.
I do a 22 mile commute which takes approx 90 minutes but I do need to take rest days. I'd say 90 minutes is probably the max I'd want to take but I do regularly extend it.
I've cycled the lanes around the Cotswolds for the last 4 years and I'm still finding new areas to explore. If you've got any questions regarding best routes to take just shout.
Do you ever have problems with impatient drivers?
I've ridden with performance cycles and Evans ride it as well as a few of my own routes and every time we seem to have at least one angry driver who simply has to get past.
Yep - but my scariest\worst calls are always on the descent into Cheltenham (for some reason) - I can be doing 25 mph or 50 mph but every few months there will be one %$^&ing !*£# that drives stupidly dangerously around me.
You also get approx once a week the *$&# who simply drives too fast with no consideration for others .. and depending on the road width it can be anything from just vaguely annoying to dangerous.
I kinda assume these sorts of person drives across the whole country.
I can't really compare the drivers in other areas because I've only ever cycled in either London and the Cotswolds - and they both offer completely different dangers\risks from other road users that are not really that comparable.
FWIW I reckon (going well off topic) that the standard of driving around cyclists has gotten a lot better over the last 4 years but there's a core group of people that are psychopaths - their behavior has not changed.0
