8 commuter hacks that make cycling to work easy

It’s quick and easy to start commuting by bike and once you have, you’ll unlock all the benefits of cycling to work – from money savings and fitness boosts to helping the environment, they are numerous.

While all you need to get started is a bike and the essential commuter accessories, there are some other things that can be easily overlooked but can revolutionise a ride to work.

Whether you’re a newbie to riding to work or a seasoned veteran, here are eight commuter hacks to make your rides to work better and more enjoyable.

Read more: Top tips for cycling to work: Beginners guide to commuting by bike

1. Fuelling a cycling commute: Plan your meals in advance

Some people are good at planning their meals for the week, others are regulars at the work canteen or, worse still, go without eating for most of the day. If you fall into the latter category, it’s time to start kicking the habit and planning work meals in advance.

This is essential when commuting by bike as the rides will quickly deplete your body’s energy levels which need to be replenished through food.

Think carefully about what you eat too, as nutrition is key to your body’s recovery after rides. This will become more important the more you ride.

If you want to bring meals in with you, prepare them the night before. Try to avoid putting it off until the morning, because the chances are you’ll be in too much of a rush, or will be too lazy in your early-morning haze.

2. Share your ride to work with a commuting buddy

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Commuting by bike doesn't have to be a solo endeavour

There will be times when you wake up in the morning and the last thing you want to do is jump on a bike for a ride to work. More often than not, though, it’s the thought of riding rather than the actual ride that is the problem. Once you’ve saddled up and set off, you’ll soon remember why you love commuting by bike.

Overcoming these early-morning blues, which can easily result in abandoning your bike for a car, will be made easier if you have a friend that you commute with. Their company will be a welcome boost in the morning, plus you’ll have extra motivation for your ride every morning, as you won’t want to let them down.

It’s important to remember, though, that it’s okay to swerve a cycle commute for other options sometimes. You don’t have to go all-in and cycle everyday, especially if your body isn’t used to it, in which case it could cause injuries.

Read more: Commuting: 10 things I wish I'd known before I started cycling to work

3. Use a waterproof cover to protect your bike bag when commuting

Rain is a commuter's biggest adversary, capable of turning a ride to work into a form of torture for those who aren’t adequately prepared. Okay, that may be a bit dramatic, but riding in the rain without waterproof clothing is unpleasant at best.

Luckily, most cyclists are acutely aware of the weather and are equipped with waterproof clothing. Some forget, however, to protect their bags with a waterproof cover too. Fall into this trap and you’ll end up with soggy sandwiches at best, or a ruined laptop in the worst-case scenario.

A bag cover is a cheap investment but a worthwhile one that could save you a lot of frustration and money.

Read more: Top tips for commuting by bike in the winter

4. Mix up your route to work to avoid boredom

If you stick to the same roads day in day out, a cycling commute can quickly lose its edge and become a daily grind. It’s important to remember that, while a commute is functional, riding a bike is also about having fun. One of the best ways to tick this essential criteria is by varying the route.

It doesn’t have to be huge variations, but even small tweaks that guide you away from the mad rush for quieter roads or paths can make a refreshing change, and it’s a worthwhile endeavour, even if it adds a little extra distance to the route.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you could even throw in some rougher stuff, like off-road trails or more rugged canal paths, although you’ll need a bike that is up to the job.

You don’t need to switch up your route everyday, but a small change every so often can make a big difference. 

5. Use your ride to work to train on your commute

By its nature, a commute to work is a functional activity, getting you from A to B. It doesn’t have to be that basic.

Most people struggle to cram meaningful training into their schedules due to the everyday demands of work and family commitments. If you fall into this category, a ride to work can be the perfect time to cram in some all-important training.

It could be simply by adding in some short sprint efforts, or you could extend your route for a full-on workout – just make sure you factor that into your usual timings.

Ideally, save the workout for the ride home from work. That way you won’t arrive at work too tired and sweaty, which will leave a long day of work.

Even if your commute is only short, it will still be enough time to cram in meaningful training. Avoid turning every ride into a workout, though, or you run the risk of over-training.

6. Bring spare cycling clothes for your commute

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Wet clothes will lead to an uncomfortable commute

From experience, we can safely tell you that there’s nothing more disheartening than preparing for your ride home from work, only to realise that your socks or bib shorts are still damp. It’s a common issue during the winter and one that you’ll hopefully be prepared for with waterproof clothing, but even then the rain can sometimes seep through. You’re in luck if your workplace has plenty of radiators (although any space will be hotly contested) but if it doesn’t, it’s simply a matter of hanging the clothing out and hoping it dries in time, unless you have spare clothes with you.

Carrying spare clothes to and from work everyday is extra hassle, not to mention it will take up valuable real estate in your bag. That’s why it’s best to keep a pair in a locker or any other storage facility at work, ready to bail you out when needed.

Read more: Best commuting clothing: What to wear on your ride to work

7. Bring enough spare clothes for the week

Sticking to the theme of spare clothes, it’s best to bring a whole week’s worth every Monday. If you drive in on certain days, take advantage of the opportunity to bring them in on that day instead.

It saves having to lug clothes to work everyday and removes the risk of forgetting your work clothes – mostly anyway, although the prospect of having to wear smelly cycling clothes all day on a Monday remains.

8. Master the maintenance basics to avoid any mechanicals during your rides to work

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Simple maintenance tasks, like regularly cleaning your bike, will improve its longevity and efficiency

A mechanical issue is frustrating at the best of times, but it’s extra stressful when one strikes on your route to work. Sometimes it may only require a quick fix, but others will leave you stranded, cue a bemused look from your boss when you reel off the excuses as you trudge into the office late and flustered.

To avoid such scenarios, it’s important to master the maintenance basics. This most obviously means cleaning the bike regularly, especially the drivetrain which will get covered in dirt and grime, in turn causing components to wear faster. Not everyone will have lots of time to spare, but even a quick wipe down with a rag is better than nothing and will remove some of the dirt.

Next up, make sure you top up the chain with lube every time you clean the drivetrain, or if you’ve ridden in the wet. Most lubes are soluble and will slowly wash away in the rain, leading to extra friction in the drivetrain, something that will once again accelerate wear.

Complete more thorough checks of the whole bike on a semi-regular basis, taking the opportunity to listen for any untoward sounds like creaking or other issues, like friction when turning the handlebars. Don’t ignore anything that stands out as it will be a sign that the bike needs extra care, at which point it will be time to take the bike to a mechanic – or the tech-savvy among us can service it at home.

From washing a bike to more technical issues, you can master bike maintenance through GCN’s how to guides, linked here.

Special mentions

We couldn’t include every hack in this list, otherwise it would be endless, so here are a few quick-fire extra hacks for you to consider.

• Time your arrival for a quiet time at the showers - If your workplace has showers, there’s a good chance they’ll get busy in the mornings. Try to time your commute so you arrive a little before the mad shower rush.
• Charge your lights at work - Functioning lights are essential at all times when commuting by bike, so make sure you charge them whenever you arrive at work.
• Pick the right bike - This may seem too obvious to be a hack, but it’s surprising how many commuters use the wrong bike for the job. Check out our complete guide for help finding the best bike for any commute.

AGU

AGU is a Dutch company that manufactures cycling clothing and accessories, including bike bags, helmets, sunglasses and shoes. It has a long and illustrious history in the sport, dating back to 1966, and has worked with some of the biggest cycling teams in the world.