The Ultimate Guide to Commuting by Bike

Have you ever sat in traffic on the way to work looking on in envy at the people on bikes zipping ahead while you sit watching the minutes pass by? If the thought of having a go at commuting by bike has crossed your mind for even a split second, it’s time to think no more and get going.

Commuting by car in the busiest UK cities sacrifices time you could be spending doing the things you love. Commuters across the country are spending up to 200 hours a year stuck in traffic. What would you do with an extra three hours a week?

We love cycling - that’s no secret - but more than that, we want you to love it too. Cycling to and from work is one of the ways we can encourage you to experience the joy of riding a bike. We thought we’d gather all our expert knowledge and make a handy guide to explain everything you need to know about commuting by bike including the type of bike, all the gear you need and a few route planning tips.

Let’s get started...

If you ride to and from work, you will incorporate your daily exercise at either end of your day. Cycling is a great cardio workout and will set you up for the rest of the day. Even an E-bike can help you improve your fitness at the same time as giving you a boost when you need it most.

As well as the physical benefits of riding a bike, studies have shown that exercise improves mental wellbeing. Getting those precious minutes to yourself on the bike gives you time away from your desk, steering wheel or crammed bus or train. It’s time for you to think, breathe and focus on riding your bike.

When you arrive at work, the chances are your mood will be lifted and you’ll be a happier and more productive person as a result.

For a lot of people, their commute is one of their highest outgoings every month. All the money spent on fuel, parking, insurance, vehicle registration, servicing and maintenance can go towards something better when you eliminate these costs.

The cost of season tickets on public transport, while cheaper than a car, is only ever going to get more expensive and let’s not mention delays and cancellations. You’re also at the mercy of timetables with public transport, which can restrict how flexible you can be with your time particularly if you live a bit further away from work.

After you’ve got your bike and kit, a bike is free to ride any time of the day or night. You might even find yourself picking up a few groceries on your way home because it’s easy.

We’re in the midst of a climate crisis and studies show that almost half of all car journeys are less than 5 km in distance. If those people replaced those 5 km trips with their bike, we’d quickly reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere and the impact on the environment.

It’s a great feeling to know you powered yourself through your journey rather than relying on fossil fuels to get you to work. By switching your car for a bike, you’re making a positive difference and helping heal the environment.

In some parts of the world, helmets are mandatory so it goes without saying that you’ll need to get one before you can get in the saddle. That said, we recommend wearing a helmet regardless of local laws.

Helmets come in all shapes and sizes including some designed for city cyclists to match your commuter bike. These urban cycling helmets have small reflective details to make it perfect for before and after the daily grind.

Look for the MIPS logo for added protection. This technology reduces the risk of brain damage if you fall off your bike.

Don’t get caught out in the rain without a waterproof jacket. During a downpour it will keep your other layers dry and if the road is damp and mucky, you’ll stay clean too.

Layers are your friend when it comes to cycling and it’s never a bad idea to carry a waterproof just in case. Most commuter-friendly waterproofs have ample storage options for your phone, wallet or office pass, so you don’t have to fumble around outside for your keys.

The weather will mostly determine what’s practical for your commute that day. Some people prefer to wear cycling-specific clothing on the bike and change into their workwear for the day. Others prefer the ability to roll off the bike and into the office with no faff.

Commuting trousers are unlike most others with added stretch around the knees although you’d be hard-pressed to spot the difference between them and a standard pair of trousers. As well that, these trousers have neat reflective details on the hem to add extra visibility on the road.

If your commute is longer and more undulating, we’d recommend some proper cycling gear. It’s tried and tested by cyclists who spend hours (sometimes days!) in the saddle and there’s good reasons why. Padded shorts increase comfort over longer periods of time by preventing chafing and other discomforts. If you opt for traditional cycling gear, there’s no risk of your work outfit being covered in sweat and road grime.

If your commute is short, quick and relatively easygoing, a good pair of trainers will probably suffice. However if you want to use your commute as an opportunity to do a bit more heart pumping exercise, cleated shoes and pedals will provide more stability and greater comfort for the duration.

The debate between flat pedals and clipless pedals never ends however there are pros and cons to both and you should make the decision based on what works for you.

Clear vision is important when you’re among traffic. As light conditions can vary throughout the day, it’s important to be able to see clearly no matter what. Cycling sunglasses will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays as well as any dirt that gets kicked up in front of you by other riders or motorists.

Is there anything worse than cold hands on the bike? Probably not! It’s easy to be tricked by a bright shining sun on your way into work only to find there’s a freezing wind and you’re struggling to operate the brake levers.

Not only are gloves good insulators, but they also absorb road vibrations and protect your hands in the unlikely event you fall off. If your hands are important for your work, it’s crucial you protect them.

Cycling gloves are available in full-finger and fingerless options. We recommend getting a set of each for year-round protection.

A good set of bike lights are always a good idea no matter what the conditions are outside. A static front light will help you see the road ahead, and an additional flashing light helps other road users see you. A similar setup on the rear of the bike will keep you visible from behind.

Most countries have laws that dictate the use of bike lights at night, so don’t be caught out.

If you buy a bike without built-in mudguards, the good news is they’re easy to fit afterwards. A good set of mudguards will attach to your fork at the front and your seat stays at the back. Long after the rain has passed, the roads will be greasy, wet and full of dirt especially near the curb of the road.

A backpack is the minimum you need to get to work complete with all your belongings. Whether you’re carrying spare clothes, your lunch or your laptop, a high-quality backpack is an absolute must.

Pannier bags are a great alternative if you want to keep your body free of any heavy loads. They’re a great idea if you decide to pick up some shopping on your way back home, too. Be wary of loading them up too much as they can affect the balance of the bike.

If you plan to use panniers, you need a bike that has rack mounts such as the Canyon Commuter. When you first load up the bike with everything, make sure you go for a little spin around the block to ensure the bike is well balanced. Tip: try to split the load between the two sides of the bike for a smooth ride.

Bike bags are great for bikes that don't have rack mounts such as the Canyon Endurace. Some people prefer to use the same bike for all trips and bike bags make it easy to do so. Again, make sure your bags aren't so heavy that they touch the rear wheel. Tighten the straps to avoid the bag swinging from side to side and you're good to go.

Better safe than sorry, as they say. A good bike lock is essential, especially if your workplace doesn’t have secure bike parking. Even then, your bike may not be safe from the prying eyes of would-be thieves.

Even if you leave your bike unattended for a couple of minutes, we recommend locking it up. Stealing a bike doesn’t take long! We’ve delved deeper into this topic with our top tips for bike security.

The dramatic rise in the number of cyclists on our roads means governments and councils are improving and investing in infrastructure. Even the COVID-19 Pandemic prompted heavy investment in cycling in many countries and as a result we’ve seen a boom across the world of people getting on their bikes for the health and fitness benefits. By using segregated cycleways, you’ll be riding your bike away from cars, lorries and other motor traffic on the most direct routes into and out of the city.

More detailed maps show more than just roads. Bridleways, traffic-free cycle paths and canal/river paths are often safer, more enjoyable and sometimes quicker than roads without all the busy junctions. Make a note of the road surface and give them a try. You might find you can take a more scenic way into work in the morning.

Where you can’t avoid riding in traffic, find alternatives. Quiet roads that run roughly parallel with busier arterial rat runs are a great option. Though the distance may increase, you’ll have a much nicer time on two wheels by avoiding the stress of negotiating traffic at rush hour.

The quickest and easiest way to make sure everything is in full working order before leaving the house is to do a quick m-check.

Starting with the rear wheel, check the brakes are working and that the wheel is secured. While you’re there, check your tyre is pumped up. Next, check your saddle is clamped properly and there’s no movement there. Moving on to your chainrings and pedals: give the pedals a quick spin and make sure your chain is free of heavy grease and grime. After that, check the stem and handlebar. Ensure they’re aligned properly and the front wheel points in the same direction as your handlebar. Finally, perform the same brake and tyre check on the front wheel as you did on the rear and make sure the thru-axle or quick release skewer is properly tightened.

No amount of money in the world can free you from the perils of flat tyres, so it’s important you learn how to fix one on the go. They’re inconvenient and will mean a few minutes on the side of the road but it’s the only way to safely get back on the road again.

Always carry a repair kit consisting of a spare tube, a mini-pump and some tyre levers when you’re on your bike. If it turns out to be unfixable, make sure you befriend your local bike shop who can get you up and rolling again in no time.

Before your first commute, familiarise yourself with the laws of riding a bike on the road and follow them. Stopping at red lights and riding in the same direction as the traffic are some obvious ones. Also take note of signposts that will help you navigate city centres. While some roads are prohibited to motor vehicles, they’re great traffic-free roads for cyclists.

Remember to give way to pedestrians on shared-use paths and avoid blocking pedestrian crossing when you’re stopped at lights.