Question for cyclists?

Question

I am looking to cut down on gas money and want to bike to work a few times a week. It's 5 miles each way. I'm in pretty good shape as I run 4 miles every night. How long do you think it would take to bike 5 miles at a steady pace? I won't run into many traffic lights but it is uphill for some of the way. Also, any suggestions for people who bike to work? Thanks.

Answer 1

If you run 4 miles a night riding 5 miles on your bike should be a piece of cake.  The way you describe it as being uphill doesn't sound like you too worried about that part so I'll assume it isn't really steep or long.  I would be shocked if it took you more than 30 minutes.  Try riding to your job on a day off to see how long it takes.  I would go to a small bike shop and tell them what you are going to do with your bike and maybe even your route that way they will have a better idea what kind of bike is the best for you.  Since you are going to be relying on this bike to get you to work you definitely want to form a relationship with a bike shop just like you would if you were buying a car.  A dept store bike may be okay for recreation but your bike needs to get you to work and showing up late for work because your bike broke is not a good thing.  And take baby wipes with you to work if you don't have access to a shower.

Answer 2

I am a 15-year old xc and track runner, and an amateur cyclist, my fastest 5 mile loop is 18:02. but you should seriously be able to do it in 25-30 min.

I recommend setting 45 minutes aside to ride to work, that way you have time to get things situated. like, if you have to change and where to put your bike and stuff like that. good luck, our oil-addicted country needs more people like you.

Answer 3

Even though you are in good shape from running, 12 mph is a good estimate for your initial average speed. Cycling uses different muscles than running.

Find out if a shower is available at your office. Keep an extra set of clothes at work just in case you get a splashy surprise on the way in one day. Keep a rain jacket at work for the day that it's sunny for your morning commute and raining for the ride home. A really good lock is a good idea as well. Also, make arrangements in advance for a ride home on those days you can ride in but the weather is just too nasty to ride home.

HTH

Answer 4

This woman in a van told me "You should be driving!" on the way home from work today.

Considering it is literally like the hottest day of the year so far in the UK I was pretty puzzled. It must be great being stuck in traffic in a car without A/C. I must be really missing out - Guess I'll just have to "put up" with whizzing past these cars at 25mph, the wind on my skin and getting some exercise.

Good luck with the commute. 5 miles commute? You seem quite fit, so I'm going to say you'd be able to average 15mph. I'd say it'll take about 20 minutes.

This will all depend on conditions, and inclines, direction of wind and condition of bicycle.

I'd also give yourself 25-30 minutes at the other end to lock up, get undressed, clean up and redress appropriately.

Answer 5

Consider Giant CRS hybrid good all round bike or a folder like Dahon great option for storage at office car or home.

Answer 6

"...bike 5 miles at a steady pace?..." -- 10mph is an easy beginner's pace; 30 min road time? "...uphill... hmmm?

Suggestions, considerations:  Time and place to; shower, sponge, change, store clothes, secure bike. method to safely carry stuff w/you on the bike like; lunch, wallet, clothes, ofc materials?

Once I needed to lock the bike outside.  Rather than carrying it everyday just left the lock on the post at work.

Commuting's a great way to save and get some exercise using time you'd used to spend in a car.   Good for YOU!

Answer 7

I bike to work everyday, and my job is about 10 miles away. How fast you get there depends on a few things. Wind is a huge factor. If wind is blowing in the opposite direction you are going, then you are going either be going a lot slower or having to use a lot more energy to break through it to maintain a constant speed. Another factor is how steep that hill is you mentioned. I don't really need to explain that much further, as you know a steeper hill means a harder time riding up it. The final thing that I would think about would be water. Make sure to bring enough of it. As the weather becomes warmer you will need to rehydrate yourself constantly.

My suggestion for you would be to try leaving about 1.5 hours earlier than you normally do, just to see how quickly you can make it. That should be more than enough time for you to get to work, and it'll give you a good idea about how cycling to work will be like on a normal basis.

When buying a bike, buy for comfort and obviously buy a few safety things, such as a head and tale light. Sit on the bike and don't buy a mountain bike for riding on the road.