Tag Archives: commuting

Marv’s city commute checklist

The Breakaway

I’ve been riding to work on and off for 6 months now and built up a bit of list the gear I’ve found most useful. I’m sure there are literally hundreds of similar lists on the Internet, but this one works for me and possibly for you ;-).

The Leadout

Its probably a bit lame, but anyooohooo I’ve split the list into categories to ease the discussion.

The Peloton

Bike – I’m using my Canondale F4 as my commuter bike after I swapped out the dirt tires for a set of semi-slicks. The difference rolling friction was worth the $120 I paid for the tires.

Helmet – I’m using 2010 Specialised helment that I bought at Freedom Machine in Port Melbourne. I’ve come to realise it was a smart purchase as its really easy to mount a strong 450 lumen light on. The flat edge at the back is perfect for Velcro-ing the battery against.

Transit Items

  • Water – (in bottles or hydration pack)
  • Eye protection – (sunglasses or clear lenses) – I have a pair of yellow lenses for low light and polarised ones for bright light.
  • Medical info/emergency contact card – in case it all goes horribly wrong.
  • Lock – at some point I’m going to write and article about locks. I’ve been seeing heaps of reviews and youtube clips of people using portable angle grinders…..shudder 🙁
  • Fenders – I’ve been the using the new DeFender™ XC11, its light weight and a real improvement on the older model.
  • Cycling computer/GPS – or you could be a cheap skate and use something like Endomondo on your phone.
  • Heart rate monitor – I quite like the Suunto watches for this.
    Cash for a taxi – in case it all goes horribly wrong.
  • Headlight – I’ve got three at the moment, a pair of 220 lumens for blinking mode and a helmet mounted 450 lumen spot light.
  • Taillight (with blinking option) – I’ve mounted a pair of 120 lumen blinkers. I want motorists to see me.

Repair Items

  • Spare tube or tubes (and/or patch kit)
  • Pump
  • Tire levers
  • Cycling multi-tool – complete with hex keys.

Storage

  • Backpack, waistpack or hydration pack – useful for wallet, keys, phone and work pass.
  • Messenger (sling) bag – I’ve been using a Henty Wingman. Made in Tassie they are the business, if you a corporate suit wearing type.

Clothing

  • Portable Rainjacket – a must in Melbourne, preferably light weight gortex.
  • Insulation layer – I quite like merino as it reduces the hot sweat smell
  • Visibility vest – you would be buts not to wear one of these around CBD of Melbourne.
  • Padded shorts or tights
  • Wicking jersey or top – I quite like the drifit material tops.
  • Gloves
  • Bike-specific footwear – I’ve been wearing Shimano boots with SPD cleats.
  • Buff or Cycling cap

Washkit

  • Chamois cream/skin lotion
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • Deodorant
  • Cologne
  • Shampoo
    Tooth paste and brush
  • Thongs/flip-flop – for the shower
  • Hair brush and gel

Riding… not Singing or Crashing… in the Rain

Advice for Chris Froome 🙂 and Team Sky

I wrote this a few weeks before the Tour de France but its seems appropriate.
http://www.theguardian.com/sport/video/2014/jul/09/tour-de-france-2014-chris-froome-crashes-out-stage-five-video

The Lead Out

Here’s a few pointers for riding around in the rain in Melbourne.  Clearly the smartest thing you can do as a cyclist in Melbourne is plan your route.  Pick the a route that provides the safest road conditions. Maximise your use of off-road and on road bicycle lanes, and roads that have low traffic volumes and speeds.  Melbourne City council has a pretty good map that you can download from here:

https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/ParksandActivities/ActiveMelbourne/WalkingCyclingandSkating/Documents/Travelsmart_Melbourne_map_May_2011.pdf

The Breakaway

I’ll say it again, look at http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/forecasts/melbourne.shtml, before planning your ride.  Its free and may save your life.  If you find yourself riding in poor conditions, play it safe, try to stay off the road and make yourself as visible as possible.

The Peloton

  • Clip on and switch on some decent front and rear lights.  Anything above 200 lumens that has a ‘strobe’ mode is ideal for the front.  Similarly 90-120 lumens, with strobe is ideal for the your rear
  • Stay on commuter paths.  Typically be less congested and greatly reduce the risk of you becoming a hood ornament eg Chris Froome 😉
  • Try to stay upright and steer with your arms rather than leaning into corners with your hips.
  • Take corners slower – wet riding surfaces reduce traction between the tyres and the surface.
  • Avoid hazards such as potholes and storm water grates.  Watch out for doors on parked cars.  The chances are the driver has been thinking more about the rain, than a cyclist approaching from behind.
  • Wear bright waterproof clothing – I have bright yellow gortex jacket with reflective patches that is highly visible and breathable.  Something like this is ideal for daily commuting if you have a few spare dollars.
  • Carry a spare tube, instead of a patching kit.  I’ve found trying to patch a wet inner tube almost impossible on rainy days.
  • If you are on your road bike, decrease the pressure in your tires, say 5 to 10 psi lower than your usual setting, to improve traction.
  • Try to avoid slick spots – pay attention  to painted street surfaces, metal drain covers,
  • Try to cross tram and rail lines at 90 degrees or close to, to minimise contact.  This is a particularly nasty hazard on wet Melbourne days.
  • Double the amount of time you use to brake to stop.  Locking up will lead to you either spinning out or going over the handle bars.  Do a few test ‘brakes’ at the start of your ride to feel out what your new threshold should be.