How to equip for commuting?

The use of urban bike as a daily mode of transport, particularly to work, has grown significantly in recent years.
Known as commuting or velotaf, this trend has been boosted by the development of mature networks of cycle paths, the explosion of the electric bike or the growing ecological aspirations of a large proportion of the population, has naturally attracted the attention of manufacturers, who now offer a wide range of equipment and accessories designed specifically for people who cycle to work.
But how do you distinguish the essentials from the gadgets? Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice!

The different types of equipment

Cycling equipment

Which helmet is right for commuting?

Halfway between relaxed urban riding and a purely sporting approach, Commuting doesn't benefit from a dedicated range of helmets from the manufacturers. Yet there are many specific features. Choosing the helmet you're going to wear every day therefore deserves a little thought.

In addition to an often sober and elegant look, the urban helmets are generally characterized by a high level of comfort, sometimes with generous padding to ensure a perfect fit. You'll also find models with visors - visors - removable or not integrated screens for total visual comfort, and a integrated lightingand reflective elements for maximum safety.
On certain models, it is also possible to adapt optional winter kits to keep head and ears warm in winter. However, most helmets intended for city bike use are designed to pedal with a upright position.

If your commuting bike offers a more dynamic positionyour field of vision is likely to be reduced, causing greater fatigue and accentuating the risks. In this case, you'd be better off with a a "Road" or "Classic MTB" helmetThe latter are often characterized by the presence of a visor.
This type of helmet offers contact surface with the skull for greater comfort. It is also generally lighterwhich is important for everyday use, and is also more comfortable to wear. airywith ventilation openings and tunnels for better air circulation. The adjustment and tightening systems can also offer more possibilities than urban helmets, with a both vertical and horizontal adjustment and greater precision.


Which outfit to choose for Commuting?

If you have the option of showering and changing once you're at work, opt for a cycling clothing. This will enable you to pedal with greater intensity in optimum comfort.
Of course, you'll need to invest in a minimum of summer clothing (link to our dedicated page) and winter clothing (link to our dedicated page).
After that, it's all a matter of taste, but keep in mind that the closer your clothing is to your body, the greater your freedom of movement and pedaling fluidity..
So, the longer the distance you have to cover, the greater the interest in "road" style clothing.

If your distance is reasonable (10 km maximum) and your route is not very difficult, if you don't have a shower at your office or even if you don't have the possibility of changing clothes, more and more manufacturers are also offering "road" clothing. textile ranges dedicated to commutingwith garments designed in elastic materials for comfortable pedalingWe offer a wide range of products, both in terms of freedom of movement and breathability, while offering a casual look look that's perfectly acceptable if the dress code at work isn't too demanding.

In any case, you'll need a good windproof jacket with water-repellent or even waterproof treatment, as well as a few accessories that will quickly become indispensable (choker, hat, socks, gloves...), in summer and winter alike.

 

Which shoes to choose for Commuting?

Visit choice of shoes for commuting will be dictated above all by the technical choice you have made in terms of pedalsflat or automaticwith the knowledge that performance is far superior with automatic pedals.

This system is therefore interesting for long journeys and/or routes with uneven terrain. On the other hand, it does require a learning curve, and may put off some riders, particularly in urban environments, due to the greater risk of falling than with flat pedals.
It all depends on your riding style, but all solutions are possible: flat pedals with or without spikes, with or without toe-clips, automatic pedals or mixed pedals (one flat side, one automatic side) for total versatility.


Transporting your gear

If you commute several times a week and change clothes once you've arrived at your workplace, you'll have no choice but to carry your changing gear, as well as everything you need to shower and prepare decently for your day's work.

Rucksack

The first choice is a backpack. Very practical, offering a multitude of possibilities with volumes ranging from 5 to 30 liters, better and better designed compartments and innovative carrying systems, this solution is not necessarily the most comfortable for daily use.However, this solution is not necessarily the most comfortable for day-to-day use, especially in summer, when carrying a bag can quickly lead to excessive sweating. Many alternatives now exist to enable you to carry your belongings in a way that's both safer and more comfortable.

Luggage carrier bags

If your bike is equipped with a luggage racktraditional panniers offer an unbeatable solution in terms of volume and safety, with a rainproof and splashproof lining. and compartments to keep your belongings organized, sometimes padded to protect your computer.. (link to how to choose your bike panniers page).

Bikepacking bags

If you don't have a luggage rack attachment and/or you don't want to opt for this type of solution, especially if you want to keep a narrow profile so you can easily squeeze through traffic, panniers that attach directly to the bike (bikepacking) are for you. The main advantage of this practice is that you can use these panniers on all types of bike like a semi-rigid mountain bike, a full-suspension mountain bike, a road bike or a gravel bike, in aluminum or carbon. The second advantage is that they offer better load distribution over the entire length of the bike. The result is greater stability and longer, more enjoyable riding. (link to Bikepacking page).


Safety

For commuting in good conditions, a minimum investment in safety equipment is necessary.. As well as providing greater protection, it will also enhance both comfort and efficiency.

The most important piece of equipment is a good lighting. This should be powerful enough to enable you to see, as many areas, including city streets, are now plunged into darkness at night. Ideally, combine a powerful fixed headlight at the front for illumination, and flashing lights for visibility, as flashing lights attract more attention from vehicles and pedestrians alike.
For total safety outside built-up areas, you can opt for a bicycle radar. Usually mounted on the seatpost, it warns you of approaching vehicles (number and distance) and can automatically adapt the lighting mode and intensity.

In addition to lighting, there are many other accessories and equipment on the market to increase your visibility. Reflective textiles, sprays, stickersyou're spoilt for choice.


Finally if you like to listen to music on the moveyou should know that, in addition to being a major potential hazard, it is now possible to listen to music while driving. to drive with headphones. But there is a solution allowing you to enjoy your favorite tunes without being cut off from the outside world, and in complete legality. These are bone-conduction headphones. Positioned on the temples, they transmit music discreetly (no sound for people nearby) and efficiently, while leaving the ears completely free to listen to the outside environment.