th-cam.com/video/d8Qt0hd7C9Y/w-d-xo.html I built an ebike from a light weight full suspension MTB (Maverick ML7) and did 38 miles a day. I had access to a shower, and hung a drying rack in my office. Also because of personal office, was able to secure my bike inside and charge it. Very positive experience and 2 hours of aerobic exercise every day I bike commuted.
Arriving sweaty wouldn't be a problem for my work. My work is 20km from my house which for a moderately fit 2 metre tall 112kg mid 50's man on a hybrid bike would take me about an hour if I wasn't facing into a strong headwind. But I work physically and mentally exhausting 13 hour night shifts and when I finish in the morning I am literally dead on my feet, again both physically and mentally. I think I would end up eventually falling off my bike somewhere along the road home with a heart attack. As it is, I rarely get enough sleep or rest between shifts never mind having to spend about an additional 1h20m physically active commuting time on a bicycle. You answered practically all of the problems I was thinking of before I watched the video but the number of hours and the type of work is also another major consideration. For other trips, chores and shopping I definitely try to take the bike (and trailer when I need it) instead of the car as much as possible.
After not riding a bike for 35 years I bought a hybrid and decided to bike to work. I spent the first couple of weeks just cruising around the neighbourhood. The only hard part were any inclines. Now commuting to and from work is my "me time". Life's too short to never try something new.
I commuted 18 miles each way for eight years straight. It was a 90 minute drive or a 75 minute bike ride, and if traffic was bad (which was normal), it became a 2+ hour drive... or a 75 minute bike ride. I would tell people I biked to work because I was too lazy to sit in traffic. It saved me time, saved a fortune in gas/tolls/etc, I showered at the office, and naturally I ended up in phenomenal shape. I wasn't in shape to do it when I started, but I stuck with it, and by the time I moved it was genuinely just an easy ride. GREAT tips man, keep riding!
How much did your time change over the years? Was it always about the same? I can cover the 12 flat miles to work in under an hour, but I'd be able to do it more if I could get my time down.
@@Bobbylegs37 A ton, actually. When I started, I was a 12-14 pace at best. Just from, doing it every day, that pace creeped up to a 14-16 pace, and so on. When I moved out of the area, I was comfortably riding 16-18, and occasionally getting bored and riding 20+ (took a few years to get there). Just keep doing it every day and the times will start to casually creep down. You got this man! Hit me up if you need motivation or just wanna compare notes.
When I cycle to work in North Texas, I ride 12.89 miles each way, a total of 26.09 (give or take some), taking me about 50 minutes each way. I allow about an hour for the ride, then changing time before clocking in. I find that I am the most alert (awake) person in my department because of it.
I know exactly what you mean , I hit the gym 2hrs before going to work , now I incorporate commuting to work , before other people take a sip of their morning coffee I already rock out 2hrs work out
"Back in the day", when I was in my twenties and thirties, I bike commuted about 3-5 miles each way to the various jobs I had back then. It was no big deal. I live in a relatively small town (130,000 population; 15 miles diameter). I'm 57 now, and ride recreationally as my job requires me to use my car. There is a fellow down my street who rides 12 miles each way to work every day, and goes down two busy thoroughfares I always said I wouldn't ride because of the traffic. I really admire him.
This makes me feel so much better! I’m definitely going to start biking to work because it’s only 5 miles away. My goal is to save money & be independent
@@joelopez1770 what do you mean get tired? Get tired of the same route every day? I change my way back home whenever I feel like it. Small variations keep me happy. The way to work is just business, getting there as fast as I can without getting sweaty... or tired in the sense of overtraining? It can build up to 250km each week of commuting only, that's why on the way back home I do my intervals...
@@jackworthing nice,yeah I use to do the same when I lived in Denver, way more enjoyable then being stuck in morning and afternoon traffic and almost the same amount of time. I would look forward to it and make a game out of it.
@@joelopez1770 Mentally? Maybe some would. Doing 50k each day with 8 hours between trips to recover is hardly beyond human limits. You can do that continuously if you don't use the same muscle groups too much during your other workouts.
A few years back I had a 42 mile rt commute. I'd ride my cyclocross geared bike in on Mondays. A weeks worth of clothes and food pre-prepared. I kept extras of everything as well in my locker. Used Ortlieb Bikepacker front bags on a rear Delta Universal Megarack. I'd prep everything on Sunday night. The rest of the week I'd ride my fixed gear equipped with a seatpost rack and expandable trunk bag. I'd bring my soiled clothes and food containers home in the trunk bag. My rule was never ride in my work clothes or work in my ride clothes. I'd put my ride clothes on hangers. Even on rain days they would dry. My tires were Schwalbe Marathon Plus and my pump was a Topeak Road Morph G. Park MTB-3 multi-tool on both bikes. Metal tire levers, patch kit and tubes. Had 2 Cygolite 80 lumen Hotshots, Niterider 600 lumens headlight with a 150 back up on both. Also, both bikes were equipped the same with tires, pump, tools, wb cage and lighting. Oh, both bikes had fenders, too. The commute was all on asphalt. A 550 ft drop in and a 550 climb home. It was pretty gradual with only one 12% hill. I got to where I could pull it in 48-15 fixed. For 5 years I averaged 20,000 kms per year with weekend rides. I miss those years. I learned alot. Still ride, but not those kind of numbers. Give cycle-commuting a try. You won't regret it at all.
I suggest if you are too tired when getting to work if possible take public transportation to work taking your bike with you and ride home. This way you can get fit but be tired for bed not work. Over time it will be possible to ride both ways.
I’m glad you mentioned e-bikes. I recently ordered a Lectric XP to replace my car. I know it’s cheap and the motor and battery is proprietary, but considering how cheap it is ($899), it’ll passively pay for itself in less than one year no having to pay for car insurance, gas, tabs, and parking passes.
@@aaronhambek6362 What do you mean? My Lectric XP has already lasted me a year, and I've done all my own maintenance on it so far. And if something needs replacing, I can just replace those components, not the whole bike, unless I get in a crash that damaged the frame.
@@aaronhambek6362 I dunno where you live, but I'm in Michigan, USA. Here, liability only insurance is easily four figures per year. Being able to sell one's car and replace it with a cheap ebike that lasts just a few years will easily pay for itself many times over. Personally, the only thing I'd worry about is the quality of the battery. I wouldn't want to ride a fiery death-trap. Everybody looking into ebikes should make sure the battery is from a reputable brand. All other details depend on the buyer's personal needs, comfort, and budget.
I just hope for your sake your e-bike doesn't catch fire and burn your house down! you at least use only the chargers and made specifically for your bike. E-bike fires are a huge problem in NYC; they're such a problem that landlords are prohibiting them in their apartments. I won't have an e-bike in my house for that reason. Until the fire problem with Li-Ion batteries is solved, I won't have an e-bike, either.
@markymarknj I'm aware, that's why I ensured that my bike batteries were manufactured in South Korea, even though everything else was made in China. Lectric did that on purpose with its batteries for the sake of safety.
I love the electric bike approach. If I’m running late I can kick it up a notch without producing gobs more of sweat. If work drained me during the day I can take it easy riding home.
I started biking to work october 13. I actually like it. Haven’t used my car in over a week. Its 14min ride. Not bad. I plan on doing this as long as possible.
It’s my first time and is 6 miles, even though I’ve been for the most part an athlete all my life and am 16, I still wasn’t sure if I’d be able to make it or not since when running it’s a big difference, thanks a lot!
It highly depends on the quality of public transport / roadsystem. Even on 15km im still faster by bike than commuting by public transport, its a lot more stressful though due bad infrastructure
The top bike for all miles I would recommend is the electric bike. For commuting miles and bike types 0 to six miles, I say hybrid, cruiser, MB, and a single gear. Seven to thirteen miles I go with an MB, hybrid, and road bike. For fourteen miles or more I would say road bike. Speed, efficiency, and fitness will be keys if one is commuting to work fourteen miles or more one way.
As far as I was concerned cycling 13 miles to work was impossible, then I tried it. Omg I was converted and that was 10 years ago. I even take a longer route in good weather!
As a youth in the 1960's for two years I used to happily ride my racing bike 3 miles across the city to work, then 3 miles back home for lunch, then 3 miles back to work and finally another 3 miles back home in the evening for a total of 12 miles a day in heavy traffic I don't know where I got the energy from, I sometimes follow my old route by armchair on google street view and shake my head in amazement, wondering where I got the energy from. PS -and I was only knocked off my bike once in all that time, I was shook up but not hurt..:)
i got myself a singlespeed bike for school in paris, flat area, 10 miles a day, everything is built here to get your bike and not your car since paris is very small, on the total of 10 miles you're 9,5 miles on separated cyclable paths, very fun to bike to work, i got really depressed of taking the metro
I agree with your video. The Dutch cyclists union claims up to 6 miles/ 10 km can cycled. E-bikes are sold in higher numbers then normal bikes, so longer ranges can be achieved. Some cyclists have acquired velombiles for the long haul, the fastest and most efficient bike there is. And it is also a matter of urban planning; are jobs close to the homes? Are shops, supermarkets, sportfacilities, cinemas and theatres within reasonable distance? And with kids, how far are the schools from your home? In the Netherlands, elementary schools are within a 2 km/ 1.2 miles radius, so kids can cycle to schools with their parents. High schools are useally within 6 mile/ 10 km radius. And 90 % of the HS kids go the HS on their bike. No need for expensive cars. In short; the Dutch save a lot of money by using their bikes for everyday activity. The Dutch are healthier and more happy.
Thanks for commenting! I began my love for bike commuting after living in the Netherlands for 3 months. I was amazed at how the culture there has embraced bicycling, and all the good that it brings their people. Good cycling infrastructure is important for making it feasible for people to bike commute for sure.
I live on the Monterey Peninsula and I recognize some of your footage from the Rec Trail! I have ridden to work or walked to work when my office was in Monterey but it recently moved to Carmel-by-the-Sea so I'm going to have to work up to riding that far. I just found your channel today and am looking forward to checking out more of your videos!
Well put together. My 3.5 mile commute was more challenging when I first started riding, using a mtb on knobbies. Now 15 or so miles through the cove before work is a nice ride. Another important factor is weather! I keep work clothes at work which I rotate clean and dirty weekly a day I drive. Used to use waterproof bags on panniers. Also, winter commuting is much different, factoring for both cold and road conditions. I would rather ride my road bike 15 miles than do 5 on my studded winter mtb tires. The rolling resistance sucks, but I can ride across a frozen pond no sweat. The exposure to cold, especially feet, face and fingers, can make an otherwise easy commute brutal.
Shopping by bike is usually within 3 miles. The work commute is 13 and half miles round trip. It's pleasant and I don't need to worry about finding time to get to a gym to keep fit afterwards. I have to deal with hills in my neighbourhood but my workside is pretty flat. I can just crash when I get home and spend time doing other things.
I used to commute 5-8kms on an old hybrid with no suspension. The winter cold and further distance made me upgrade to a 2021 NCM Milano and I never looked back. After having kids, I just use it as a school runabout by turning the rack into a long tail and a shotgun seat to haul 2 kids to school(2km). In the winter, it is good for pulling a sled with all their hockey gear. We are currently visiting my in laws for a month and they live 12-15kms from town. They have a couple Cube reaction pfm and boy are they uncomfortable for these long commutes. I got a riser bar/anti fatigue grips & a gel saddle 2nd hand, which helps.
At 72 I still work part time and have just started a new job. Because it is much closer than my previous one, I am cycling in three days a week. I have a choice of three routes that range from just over two miles to about six. The two shorter routes both have hills of 20%. Being winter and to get fit, I have only chosen the shortest route so far. It takes about 30 mins and I pack a hand towel to wipe off the sweat after the hill climb. I use an old Jamis mountain bike fitted with the widest range 3 x 8 gearing I could find and absolutely love it even in the cold and torrential rain.
20 miles a day, rain, snow, ice, blizzard conditions, -28 Celsius, -19 Fahrenheit. It's a mental thing. If you break down in the middle of the ride, your bike breaks down, you are on your own, walk the rest of the way. Especially if you have no one to call, good luck. You have to be more than just physically strong but mentally fit. Imagine the snow blowing, your bike pedal snaps off, you are stuck in the middle of no where on your way to work. You know you have 2 miles to walk, it's too icy to call someone out to pick you up risking them, it's in the early morning and it's pitch black. There are coyotes.. in the fields playing. Oh yeah, you have no idea until you get out there. Then you get to the thunderstorms and hail. Been through it, it's wild. Especially when the lightning is spider webbing above your head. Hail is very rough, lets just say you'll have many marks on your body if the stones are big. Once you think you've been through it all, you haven't there is always something else.
I ride to work a lot of times, only driving when weather dictates. My commute is really short to work at just 1.3 miles each way. I have done a 13 mile ride each way before to different destinations.
We have always chosen our hose based on a 30” bicycle commute. Have been commuting (3-4 seasons) for 15 years. It has been the best remedy for mental health issues ever.
13 km each way I ride in Germany bike pads very safe about 45 minutes on my touring bike then I switched and take the Ebike but have to leave it outside and I’m afraid it will get stolen, have showers and a locker room most people in my office say you crazy and they go outside and smoke. I just smiled.
I am riding a trek hybrid for work and it is only 6miles each day for me . If too unsafe to ride I walk! Never learning to drive is why I started to cycle for work . Proud of what I do at the age of 52 as I am the only female that cycles to work and there are colleagues living 1.25-1.5 miles away from work that choose to drive
If you need to shorten the miles (or the ride time) on your ride, you can try electric - or carpool/bus/train part way. I bike all the way in the AM then only go 2/3 on the way home then hop on the bus to my neighborhood. I get off then back on the bike for the last mile. Give biking to the office a try!
I bike 22 miles round trip. Got an e bike pedal assist class 1 to help because doing 22 miles daily was too hard. I wish I didn’t live in a suburban area
Here in the Philippines, particularly in Baguio City, our question is "how high is the mountain you have to go through?" LOL! Anyway, awesome content, bro!
My commute is about 7 miles. When I first started, five years ago, it would take about 45 minutes and I only did it in the summer. Each time I parked the bike I longed for riding it in the spring. Each year I would ride progressively longer into autumn and start earlier in the spring, until last year I just didn't stop and rode all the way through the winter. Since I started, I've also upgraded my bike to an All-City Nature Boy, and I now also know the timing of the lights. So, with my increased fitness, faster bike, and timing of the lights, I can do my commute in as little as 25 minutes. Also, since I enjoy riding so much, I take detours through parks or just to explore the city. So my 7 mile commute is usually at least 10 miles. Also, your videos are really good. Your production quality is way better than mine haha. Which program do you use?
I'm VERY committed when I hop on my bike. Sweat, distance, effort? Bring'em all on, I'll manage one way or another. The only tip I have is, give yourself _plenty_ of time. Go out earlier if you're unfamiliar with the route, the weather is very windy, or you're not feeling 100%; cruising on an easier gear or even walking the bike are definitely options if you're not in a big hurry.
@@odess4sd4d It's only a race if you let it be. Like if you're not self-disciplined and end up late to head out. Outside of freak incidents, being late and forced to race the clock is all on you. I honestly can't say much about the sweat thing, because I sweat EXTREMELY easily. Like just pushing a couch already gets me going a bit, and an afternoon of working with gardening or carpentry gets my shirt so soaked it's not any different from dunking it in a bucket of water. Not a single strand remains dry. Although it helps when the very hot tail end of the drought season comes, I don't even feel the heat while I pedal because it's all being vaporized away.
Sweating is good, people always think sweating is bad. Your body is functioning properly if you give off that sweet smelling aroma and you look like you just got done running a marathon. Wear a undershirt, don't wear a backpack, and or just bring another set of clothes. Make sure you bring a scissors in case you can't pull your shirt off, just cut it off you or tear it off like the hulk. I like going fast, but sometimes I like going faster than fast, because I'm always early to work.
I did 10 miles each way in Vegas to 2 straight years. Was a nice distance to decompress and the roads were not terribly traffic heavy. It also depends on your fitness and type of bike and speed you ride. I did every single day rain or shine. Or snow!
I think i have the perfect commute :6km twice a day, it's downhill for 2km on the way to work and 2km uphill when i come back. About 20 minutes each not enough to get sweaty or uncomfortable but enough to be fit and think about nothing , relieve the stress, the tensions of the day. I reach home super relaxed, much more than riding the car back, lol ! Oh, and i follow the train line to the city center: it's only a 7 minutes ride but door to door i take about 26, 27 minutes so the bike is just faster.
round trip i ride a bit more than 5 miles; it takes me 12-15 minutes going one way. going it's really fun and relaxing due to all the down hills; coming back is fun too with all the climbs.
My commute was about 15 miles each way. The distance wasn't a problem (I was in good bike shape, had access to a shower, etc.), but the stress of worrying about whether I was going to be run down by some motorist. Another point to consider is where you'll be able to store your bike and is it safe? I got caught bringing my bike inside and had a "discussion" with the head of security about it. He told me that I had to use the bike rack. I challenged him to prove to me that the surveillance cameras did an adequate job of viewing said bike rack. They didn't. My employer later put in a number of bike lockers for those who commuted by bike.
I’m thinking about riding a bike back home because my parents can drop me off to school but no one can pick me up and the distance is 5.8 miles and I work out regularly so hopefully I can make it
easy, i rode that distance to high school everyday for a few years, even in summer when it was blistering hot, autumn to spring are absolutely beautiful where i live for cycling, in australia. the biggest thing is eating extremely well as youll be burning alot of energy, if your fuel tank runs out you'll feel pathetic. I used to wake up, make a pot of porridge then take that to school and eat it there with my friends of a morning, it was great
30km round trip commute, up hill there and downhill home. I'm 53 and I plan on keeping up the commute as long as need be. On my days off I try to fit in one 100km ride.....use it or loose it!!
The first question is more to do with difference in time it takes to get to work by bike and by car/public transport. I started by cycling part of the way - that was actually faster than driving all the way, due to the traffic on the last part of the route.
Did drive in -95,still have same bike but bodyweight has gone +20kilos...it's coming to a point that I have to take bike to consider again..15km to work,15km back
I cycle 5.2 miles each way year round. Winter is exciting! I could go further comfortably (daily) but I find it's just the perfect distance to get me warmed up and ready for the day but not so much that I need to change clothes or shower before I clock in.
I ride a ~30 dollar women's cruiser 14km(~10miles?) each way but fortunately I live in European city with Bike paths. First time it took like 50 mins each way after not ever riding a bike for couple years. Now I can do it under 40 min after a week
My original commute was a little over 8 miles. I didn't think I could do that. I bought a folding bike, drove some of the way and cycled the rest. PArking my car further and further as the weeks went on until I did the whole thing. I then got a proper bike so it was then easier and faster. Cycling, even in bad weather took me about an hour. On a good day, driving would take me 40 mins - on a bad day, an hour and 15 - if the weather was really bad, snow and such, it could take me 2 hours to drive home. On average then it was quicker on the bike - plus no stopping in traffic. I've changed jobs now so it's only about 4.5 miles to work. I ride an MTB - hydrolic disk brakes. I'm a fat lad and in the wet I need to stop when I need to stop.
My car is slowly breaking down and is way to expensive to fix. So now my family and I have been biking, we range about 12-20 miles a day. I was already pretty slim at 160-165lbs now I’m at 155lbs and my quads are huge. Not to mention I’ve been saving a ton of money not buying gas. #pedalpower
Thanks! It depends on the individual and the weather. Some people gear up for the rain/snow and don't let it affect them. Others leave the bike inside and drive or take public transportation. If you're going to ride in the rain you'll either need gear to keep warm and dry (waterproof). Or just wear attire that's ok to get wet in and change clothes when you arrive at your location.
Rain, put your work clothes in a water resistant bag. Hot, if you wear your work clothes, where a undershirt that wicks sweat otherwise you'll look like a wet rag when you get to work. Thunderstorms, head down, keep biking, gamble Hail, Find shelter if you can, otherwise get ready for some pain Snow, Fresh snow is a blast it's great traction. Plowed snow makes for a slippery ride. Cold negative degrees, get ready for your thighs to freeze up, keep moving don't stop, get into a climbing position standing to warm up your legs. Windy, keep a solid good pace, don't try to force yourself to beat the wind it will only slow you down. Unless it's pushing you, then put the pedal to the asphalt Icy, Best to go slow, if something doesn't seem right, slow down and stop, don't try to stop quickly with your legs you'll hurt yourself. Air quality excellent, enjoy the air and you'll be cruisin Air quality poor, take it easy don't stress yourself out over not being able to breathe properly, it'll slow your ride down. Edit: And leave a little bit early each day, in case your route has construction, very windy, bike problems. Know your options too. I've had plenty of times I had to go a extra 2-3 miles because my route was blocked by construction and I had to take a detour.
@@TheArchitectOfDreams Complement for windy weather: don't be afraid to lighten up your usual gearing once or twice. The wind is merciless and _will_ tire you out if you try to fight and go at your usual gears. Just a tip from someone that has several times come home from work facing headwind through the entire 7km journey.
15.5 to 18 miles each way depending on route. 1 mile hill each way. Would sometimes swing wide for extra miles. No rain rides, but cold is easy to manage. Usually on a gravel bike or fixed gear. Kept a clothes locker at work stocked with fresh items. Luckily, we have a shower!
I work 60+ hours a week and my commute takes 30ish minutes each way; 90% of my coworkers drive less miles than I * ride * and tell me about not "having time to bike to work"... while they watch Squid Game when they get home. And that's why they all have beer guts and I don't
I think it comes down to time. I used to do 30 miles round trip three days a week and could do it one way in about an hour. So two hours per day total. That was the time limit for my wife….
I've been biking to work since August. Its colder now. Pretty enjoyable. 3.5 miles there. Then 3.5 miles back. Pretty much 8 miles a day on average it isnt too bad. But traffic pisses me off
7 miles each way, used to be 8.5 but I've moved recently, I love this bit of time cycling to and from work, it's somewhat rough on uphills but that's due to using a single speed with fairly high gear ratio, but grind up the inclined and enjoy the declines
Step 1: live in a place where this is actually safe to do. Step 2: Get paid enough to be able to afford to live closer to your workplace to begin with. I can do neither of these things, and it sucks
I used to commute to work 20 miles each way, and half the time I did it on a fixed gear bike. Then I swam for an hour at "lunch". Sometimes I'd also do an 8 mile run when I got home. Of course I was training for Ironman's. I don't have to commute anymore, but if I did 15 miles one way would be my max. No swim, no run. I'm 58 now and retired from training and racing.
It would have been good to mention multimodal commutes as an option as well. 20 miles may be too far to be practical for a lot of people, but that gets a lot easier if you rode the bus 10 miles with a 5 mile bike stint on either end.
Luckily my commute is 5 km (3 miles) each way, about 15 mins. Have a pedal assist eBike so don't get too sweaty. Recommend to just do one bike commute per week in good weather & gradually increase it. Now I only drive occasionally if the weather is extremely bad.
I ride 20 miles to work back and forth and after few months of sitting because of winter I definitely get cramps if I do not stretch a little bit or take some magnesium.Thanks for the upload 👍🏻
My job is only 2 miles i only ride my bike during the warmer months starting late April till mid November I think 2 miles is the sweet spot for commuting because if you have bike trouble you not far from home u can walk the rest of the way in either direction and it’s good exercise any further and you have to go and have bike trouble it can make u late for work and getting home late
I wanted to go to my mates on my bike but that’s over 22 miles away. I only have a little cruiser thing, but I really like it and wanted to show them cause it’s an all original 1968 schwinn stingray
Weather is a huge factor that determines how sweaty you might get and so is the choice in clothing. If you live in an area with very moderate temperatures, you'll be able to go much harder than if you're in hot climate. And if you have some cycling kit you can wear that on the way to work and then change into business clothing. It doesn't actually need to be cycling clothing, just a second set of clothes but the spandex stuff cools you down pretty effectively so I would recommend that if you can afford to look very stereotypical. And it can't be understated how great e bikes are. Buying a pretty expensive one is going to be cheaper than owning a gift car. You may go from a two car household to just owning one or maybe you are in a somewhat cyclable area so that you won't even need that single car. There are purists that despise electric bikes for some reason but you will still have to pedal so it still comes with all of the benefits of cycling. Lastly, it is exercise so you can also consider cancelling a gym membership (good luck with that, they are not making that easy) and save time and money that way.
I cycle to work using 20 inch wheel e bike for 16k one way max speed of 25k legal speed limit, it will take me 50 minutes to an hour ride, mix of flat and uphill and 5 sets of traffic lights to cross, all on bicycle path in Canberra Australia which has the best bike path network in the country.
There isn't much mention of the weather other than wind. This probably isn't much of a concern in the Monterey area, but it is elsewhere in the country.
I ride an e-bike and my commute for my job, bus driving, either has me commute just 4 miles or 13 miles one way depending on which base the work I’m assigned has me report to. So my commute is either 8 miles in total per day or 26, lol.
I commute 15miles each way. The secret is eating lots, and i mean lots, of good healthy food during the day, your going to be burning a lot of calories on your commute, which if you let your fuel tank run out will leave you feeling like a sloth.
I live too close to work to ever drive my car. I live 5 miles flat terrain to work. I have a shower and locker room at work. my fat E-bike has a range of 30 miles at full throttle at 35 mph. I only drive my car to work if there is terrible weather.
More or less the same situation. My route is 6.5-7km (depends on if it's coming or going), though it's downhill to work and a steady climb back home. I only drive when it rains because I don't have waterproof bags.
My commute is 19km each way in roughly 45-50 min. Takes the same time with public transport and it would be impossible with car (too long time and expensive with tolls and parking). It is a little messy with lots of mixed pedestrian/biking lanes and dangerous crossings. I could imagine commuting up to 30-35 km each way but not daily and only if the route felt safe and was decent quick.
Good tips for riding to work 👍 I would do half an hour ride (8km/5miles?) bit I recently got an e-bike which has a range of up to 80km/50 miles so my range has been extended dramatically
I commuted 9 miles each way for years. I moved and took a new job that has a 36 mile commute each way. Somedays I will hitch a ride with a coworker and split the difference on a regular bike. I have figured out a way to do the whole distance though. Ebike time!!! I can do that 36 mile commute 1 or 2 times a week. It takes about an 1.5 hours more than driving in my car, but you have to ask yourself what else you would be doing in that time. For me, my health and lower blood pressure are worth it.
When giving your route a “test run”, keep in mind that traffic may be different during your actual commute. Take weather and route into consideration. Many bike trails in my area are along drainage easements and bayous. They often cross underneath roadways, which can be flooded during bad weather.
any longer than 30 mins to work on a bike is wrong. i ride to work in 20-25 mins. if i was to walk back after a flat tyre it would be 50-60 mins walking home which is a longish walk and do able, any longer, ur brain made u put ur self in that situation.
I used to commute 6 miles each way on an old mountain bike. It was not a hard commute, despite being hilly. Now I live 12 miles away and it is very hilly. I am not too sure how that would go on a heavy bike. Perhaps a road bike would be better?
No love for recumbents? Those would be the ideal choice for long range commutes. Velomobiles being the most extreme example, they can easily travel 20 miles in one hour with less than 100 watts pedal power. But even an unfaired semi-recumbent is better for commuting long range than most uprights. Certainly more ergonomic.
I don’t really go on long bike rides I’m only 17 usual rides only 10-15 miles or more but recently I tried a 30 mile bike ride and it was great I wish I lived in a nice big city to drive around my town is small and boring
Most of us who live in big cities would gladly exchange places with you. Be glad for what you've got; small towns have a lot going for them - but I understand that at your age what you most want is to get out.
Small towns are great places to live and grow up, you'll soon learn in life that the grass really isnt greener on the other side of the fence. I'm only a year or two older than you, so i get it, I live in a big city, and i can assure you its not all its made out to be in the movies.
@@marcthenazarite1711 I have come to terms with it, I don't ride every day yet and I'm using a road bike so it's faster and I break the trip into sections rather than thinking of the whole ride. 50 miles a day is huge💪🤘
What's too far to bike commute for you? Share in the comments below and make sure to tell us what kind of bike you're riding!
I can say for sure that 7km definitely isn't.
@@kristophernicolas5195 This is a bot, please do not use that website.
th-cam.com/video/d8Qt0hd7C9Y/w-d-xo.html
I built an ebike from a light weight full suspension MTB (Maverick ML7) and did 38 miles a day. I had access to a shower, and hung a drying rack in my office. Also because of personal office, was able to secure my bike inside and charge it. Very positive experience and 2 hours of aerobic exercise every day I bike commuted.
Arriving sweaty wouldn't be a problem for my work.
My work is 20km from my house which for a moderately fit 2 metre tall 112kg mid 50's man on a hybrid bike would take me about an hour if I wasn't facing into a strong headwind.
But I work physically and mentally exhausting 13 hour night shifts and when I finish in the morning I am literally dead on my feet, again both physically and mentally.
I think I would end up eventually falling off my bike somewhere along the road home with a heart attack.
As it is, I rarely get enough sleep or rest between shifts never mind having to spend about an additional 1h20m physically active commuting time on a bicycle.
You answered practically all of the problems I was thinking of before I watched the video but the number of hours and the type of work is also another major consideration.
For other trips, chores and shopping I definitely try to take the bike (and trailer when I need it) instead of the car as much as possible.
20 miles/40km. I wouldn't even want to spend 2+ hours in a car each day either
After not riding a bike for 35 years I bought a hybrid and decided to bike to work. I spent the first couple of weeks just cruising around the neighbourhood. The only hard part were any inclines. Now commuting to and from work is my "me time". Life's too short to never try something new.
Love those hybrids
@@ianmangham4570 true.
Lifes to short not to ride everyday
So true I bike to work from spring to fall and it really clears your mind
I had a 20 year hiatus from owning a bicycle and wish I started with a hybrid rather than mountain bike
I commuted 18 miles each way for eight years straight. It was a 90 minute drive or a 75 minute bike ride, and if traffic was bad (which was normal), it became a 2+ hour drive... or a 75 minute bike ride. I would tell people I biked to work because I was too lazy to sit in traffic. It saved me time, saved a fortune in gas/tolls/etc, I showered at the office, and naturally I ended up in phenomenal shape. I wasn't in shape to do it when I started, but I stuck with it, and by the time I moved it was genuinely just an easy ride. GREAT tips man, keep riding!
This is sincerely inspiring
Greek God Body?
How much did your time change over the years? Was it always about the same? I can cover the 12 flat miles to work in under an hour, but I'd be able to do it more if I could get my time down.
@@Bobbylegs37 A ton, actually. When I started, I was a 12-14 pace at best. Just from, doing it every day, that pace creeped up to a 14-16 pace, and so on. When I moved out of the area, I was comfortably riding 16-18, and occasionally getting bored and riding 20+ (took a few years to get there). Just keep doing it every day and the times will start to casually creep down. You got this man! Hit me up if you need motivation or just wanna compare notes.
When I cycle to work in North Texas, I ride 12.89 miles each way, a total of 26.09 (give or take some), taking me about 50 minutes each way. I allow about an hour for the ride, then changing time before clocking in. I find that I am the most alert (awake) person in my department because of it.
Cool 😎🙋♂️
I know exactly what you mean , I hit the gym 2hrs before going to work , now I incorporate commuting to work , before other people take a sip of their morning coffee I already rock out 2hrs work out
I commute in Dallas. There’s one precarious spot through a homeless encampment. Other than that, it’s a peaceful 4 mile ride.
I commute 7 miles by bike from Plano to Richardson. Lots of fun! Glad to see other DFW bike commuters on here!
I live in frisco but work in Decatur, I’d like to bike to work but 46 miles between 6 am and 8 am is a lot
I do it Monday to Friday 365day a year. It's a therapy clears your head and makes you think less during work.
Mon-Fri is 260 days per year.
@@johnosullivan675he still makes sense somehow
"Back in the day", when I was in my twenties and thirties, I bike commuted about 3-5 miles each way to the various jobs I had back then. It was no big deal. I live in a relatively small town (130,000 population; 15 miles diameter). I'm 57 now, and ride recreationally as my job requires me to use my car. There is a fellow down my street who rides 12 miles each way to work every day, and goes down two busy thoroughfares I always said I wouldn't ride because of the traffic. I really admire him.
This makes me feel so much better! I’m definitely going to start biking to work because it’s only 5 miles away. My goal is to save money & be independent
A town of 130,000 isn't that small in my book.😊
130k is a big city
I've being cycling 21 miles a day for 25 years am 61 now still doing it , stopped last year for 6 months due to illness put on 7kg lol
That's impressive !
22,5 kilometers / 14 miles each way every day... love it
Do you not get tired
@@joelopez1770 what do you mean get tired? Get tired of the same route every day? I change my way back home whenever I feel like it. Small variations keep me happy. The way to work is just business, getting there as fast as I can without getting sweaty... or tired in the sense of overtraining? It can build up to 250km each week of commuting only, that's why on the way back home I do my intervals...
@@jackworthing nice,yeah I use to do the same when I lived in Denver, way more enjoyable then being stuck in morning and afternoon traffic and almost the same amount of time. I would look forward to it and make a game out of it.
@@joelopez1770 Mentally? Maybe some would. Doing 50k each day with 8 hours between trips to recover is hardly beyond human limits. You can do that continuously if you don't use the same muscle groups too much during your other workouts.
Almost exactly the same distance as mine. Only have two hills.
A few years back I had a 42 mile rt commute. I'd ride my cyclocross geared bike in on Mondays. A weeks worth of clothes and food pre-prepared. I kept extras of everything as well in my locker. Used Ortlieb Bikepacker front bags on a rear Delta Universal Megarack. I'd prep everything on Sunday night.
The rest of the week I'd ride my fixed gear equipped with a seatpost rack and expandable trunk bag. I'd bring my soiled clothes and food containers home in the trunk bag. My rule was never ride in my work clothes or work in my ride clothes. I'd put my ride clothes on hangers. Even on rain days they would dry. My tires were Schwalbe Marathon Plus and my pump was a Topeak Road Morph G. Park MTB-3 multi-tool on both bikes. Metal tire levers, patch kit and tubes. Had 2 Cygolite 80 lumen Hotshots, Niterider 600 lumens headlight with a 150 back up on both. Also, both bikes were equipped the same with tires, pump, tools, wb cage and lighting. Oh, both bikes had fenders, too.
The commute was all on asphalt. A 550 ft drop in and a 550 climb home. It was pretty gradual with only one 12% hill. I got to where I could pull it in 48-15 fixed.
For 5 years I averaged 20,000 kms per year with weekend rides. I miss those years. I learned alot. Still ride, but not those kind of numbers. Give cycle-commuting a try. You won't regret it at all.
20,000 km?!? Goddamn!
How long did it take. Did you ever get sore or did your body adjust to it and how long.
I suggest if you are too tired when getting to work if possible take public transportation to work taking your bike with you and ride home. This way you can get fit but be tired for bed not work. Over time it will be possible to ride both ways.
I’m glad you mentioned e-bikes. I recently ordered a Lectric XP to replace my car. I know it’s cheap and the motor and battery is proprietary, but considering how cheap it is ($899), it’ll passively pay for itself in less than one year no having to pay for car insurance, gas, tabs, and parking passes.
Well, as long as it lasts that long
@@aaronhambek6362 What do you mean? My Lectric XP has already lasted me a year, and I've done all my own maintenance on it so far. And if something needs replacing, I can just replace those components, not the whole bike, unless I get in a crash that damaged the frame.
@@aaronhambek6362 I dunno where you live, but I'm in Michigan, USA. Here, liability only insurance is easily four figures per year. Being able to sell one's car and replace it with a cheap ebike that lasts just a few years will easily pay for itself many times over.
Personally, the only thing I'd worry about is the quality of the battery. I wouldn't want to ride a fiery death-trap. Everybody looking into ebikes should make sure the battery is from a reputable brand. All other details depend on the buyer's personal needs, comfort, and budget.
I just hope for your sake your e-bike doesn't catch fire and burn your house down! you at least use only the chargers and made specifically for your bike. E-bike fires are a huge problem in NYC; they're such a problem that landlords are prohibiting them in their apartments. I won't have an e-bike in my house for that reason. Until the fire problem with Li-Ion batteries is solved, I won't have an e-bike, either.
@markymarknj I'm aware, that's why I ensured that my bike batteries were manufactured in South Korea, even though everything else was made in China. Lectric did that on purpose with its batteries for the sake of safety.
I love the electric bike approach. If I’m running late I can kick it up a notch without producing gobs more of sweat. If work drained me during the day I can take it easy riding home.
I started biking to work october 13. I actually like it. Haven’t used my car in over a week. Its 14min ride. Not bad. I plan on doing this as long as possible.
It’s my first time and is 6 miles, even though I’ve been for the most part an athlete all my life and am 16, I still wasn’t sure if I’d be able to make it or not since when running it’s a big difference, thanks a lot!
It highly depends on the quality of public transport / roadsystem.
Even on 15km im still faster by bike than commuting by public transport, its a lot more stressful though due bad infrastructure
wouldnt you need a shower after 15km?
@@A-Wa Yes, but you dont need to shower for 15 mins
When you live in The Netherlands and have to go to school by bike every day a total of 24 miles every day and on a beach cruiser😚✌🏼
from UK and I gotta bike 24 miles total to college everyday too, 12 miles to and back
Avins MAD nice way to save money though👌🏼👍🏻
@@anoukhi9771 yep, and added health benefit
I used to commute to work by bicycle, 13 miles each way, took me almost 1.20 minutes on a 90s mountain bike.
Netherlands FLAT tho
The top bike for all miles I would recommend is the electric bike. For commuting miles and bike types 0 to six miles, I say hybrid, cruiser, MB, and a single gear. Seven to thirteen miles I go with an MB, hybrid, and road bike. For fourteen miles or more I would say road bike. Speed, efficiency, and fitness will be keys if one is commuting to work fourteen miles or more one way.
As far as I was concerned cycling 13 miles to work was impossible, then I tried it. Omg I was converted and that was 10 years ago. I even take a longer route in good weather!
As a youth in the 1960's for two years I used to happily ride my racing bike 3 miles across the city to work, then 3 miles back home for lunch, then 3 miles back to work and finally another 3 miles back home in the evening for a total of 12 miles a day in heavy traffic I don't know where I got the energy from, I sometimes follow my old route by armchair on google street view and shake my head in amazement, wondering where I got the energy from.
PS -and I was only knocked off my bike once in all that time, I was shook up but not hurt..:)
i got myself a singlespeed bike for school in paris, flat area, 10 miles a day, everything is built here to get your bike and not your car since paris is very small, on the total of 10 miles you're 9,5 miles on separated cyclable paths, very fun to bike to work, i got really depressed of taking the metro
I agree with your video. The Dutch cyclists union claims up to 6 miles/ 10 km can cycled. E-bikes are sold in higher numbers then normal bikes, so longer ranges can be achieved. Some cyclists have acquired velombiles for the long haul, the fastest and most efficient bike there is. And it is also a matter of urban planning; are jobs close to the homes? Are shops, supermarkets, sportfacilities, cinemas and theatres within reasonable distance? And with kids, how far are the schools from your home?
In the Netherlands, elementary schools are within a 2 km/ 1.2 miles radius, so kids can cycle to schools with their parents. High schools are useally within 6 mile/ 10 km radius. And 90 % of the HS kids go the HS on their bike. No need for expensive cars.
In short; the Dutch save a lot of money by using their bikes for everyday activity. The Dutch are healthier and more happy.
Thanks for commenting! I began my love for bike commuting after living in the Netherlands for 3 months. I was amazed at how the culture there has embraced bicycling, and all the good that it brings their people. Good cycling infrastructure is important for making it feasible for people to bike commute for sure.
@@Bicycle2Work Thank you for living in the Netherlands. Here is a video about how the Dutch got their cycle paths.
I live on the Monterey Peninsula and I recognize some of your footage from the Rec Trail! I have ridden to work or walked to work when my office was in Monterey but it recently moved to Carmel-by-the-Sea so I'm going to have to work up to riding that far. I just found your channel today and am looking forward to checking out more of your videos!
It's not just the distance but all the hills to get from Carmel to Monterey
Well put together. My 3.5 mile commute was more challenging when I first started riding, using a mtb on knobbies. Now 15 or so miles through the cove before work is a nice ride.
Another important factor is weather! I keep work clothes at work which I rotate clean and dirty weekly a day I drive. Used to use waterproof bags on panniers. Also, winter commuting is much different, factoring for both cold and road conditions. I would rather ride my road bike 15 miles than do 5 on my studded winter mtb tires. The rolling resistance sucks, but I can ride across a frozen pond no sweat.
The exposure to cold, especially feet, face and fingers, can make an otherwise easy commute brutal.
Weather is definitely a factor! My feet and hands gets so cold that I have to gloves and the two layers of socks so that they don't feel frozen.
I love the Monterey Peninsula, and I can’t believe you rode up Franklin street!!
Shopping by bike is usually within 3 miles. The work commute is 13 and half miles round trip. It's pleasant and I don't need to worry about finding time to get to a gym to keep fit afterwards. I have to deal with hills in my neighbourhood but my workside is pretty flat. I can just crash when I get home and spend time doing other things.
I used to commute 5-8kms on an old hybrid with no suspension. The winter cold and further distance made me upgrade to a 2021 NCM Milano and I never looked back. After having kids, I just use it as a school runabout by turning the rack into a long tail and a shotgun seat to haul 2 kids to school(2km). In the winter, it is good for pulling a sled with all their hockey gear. We are currently visiting my in laws for a month and they live 12-15kms from town. They have a couple Cube reaction pfm and boy are they uncomfortable for these long commutes. I got a riser bar/anti fatigue grips & a gel saddle 2nd hand, which helps.
At 72 I still work part time and have just started a new job. Because it is much closer than my previous one, I am cycling in three days a week. I have a choice of three routes that range from just over two miles to about six. The two shorter routes both have hills of 20%. Being winter and to get fit, I have only chosen the shortest route so far. It takes about 30 mins and I pack a hand towel to wipe off the sweat after the hill climb. I use an old Jamis mountain bike fitted with the widest range 3 x 8 gearing I could find and absolutely love it even in the cold and torrential rain.
20 miles a day, rain, snow, ice, blizzard conditions, -28 Celsius, -19 Fahrenheit. It's a mental thing.
If you break down in the middle of the ride, your bike breaks down, you are on your own, walk the rest of the way. Especially if you have no one to call, good luck. You have to be more than just physically strong but mentally fit. Imagine the snow blowing, your bike pedal snaps off, you are stuck in the middle of no where on your way to work. You know you have 2 miles to walk, it's too icy to call someone out to pick you up risking them, it's in the early morning and it's pitch black. There are coyotes.. in the fields playing. Oh yeah, you have no idea until you get out there. Then you get to the thunderstorms and hail. Been through it, it's wild. Especially when the lightning is spider webbing above your head. Hail is very rough, lets just say you'll have many marks on your body if the stones are big. Once you think you've been through it all, you haven't there is always something else.
Dave Goggins vibes
Stop making shit up. Coyotes are not bothering you.
Thanks for the video ! I only have about a 5 mile commute but I was nervous because I live in a mountain town with lots of hills! Gonna do a test run!
I ride to work a lot of times, only driving when weather dictates. My commute is really short to work at just 1.3 miles each way. I have done a 13 mile ride each way before to different destinations.
We have always chosen our hose based on a 30” bicycle commute. Have been commuting (3-4 seasons) for 15 years. It has been the best remedy for mental health issues ever.
13 km each way I ride in Germany bike pads very safe about 45 minutes on my touring bike then I switched and take the Ebike but have to leave it outside and I’m afraid it will get stolen, have showers and a locker room most people in my office say you crazy and they go outside and smoke. I just smiled.
I am riding a trek hybrid for work and it is only 6miles each day for me . If too unsafe to ride I walk! Never learning to drive is why I started to cycle for work . Proud of what I do at the age of 52 as I am the only female that cycles to work and there are colleagues living 1.25-1.5 miles away from work that choose to drive
Great job!
If you need to shorten the miles (or the ride time) on your ride, you can try electric - or carpool/bus/train part way. I bike all the way in the AM then only go 2/3 on the way home then hop on the bus to my neighborhood. I get off then back on the bike for the last mile. Give biking to the office a try!
I bike 22 miles round trip. Got an e bike pedal assist class 1 to help because doing 22 miles daily was too hard. I wish I didn’t live in a suburban area
Here in the Philippines, particularly in Baguio City, our question is "how high is the mountain you have to go through?" LOL! Anyway, awesome content, bro!
Okay Jan, puro ahon hahahaha
Lol
My commute is about 7 miles. When I first started, five years ago, it would take about 45 minutes and I only did it in the summer. Each time I parked the bike I longed for riding it in the spring. Each year I would ride progressively longer into autumn and start earlier in the spring, until last year I just didn't stop and rode all the way through the winter. Since I started, I've also upgraded my bike to an All-City Nature Boy, and I now also know the timing of the lights. So, with my increased fitness, faster bike, and timing of the lights, I can do my commute in as little as 25 minutes. Also, since I enjoy riding so much, I take detours through parks or just to explore the city. So my 7 mile commute is usually at least 10 miles.
Also, your videos are really good. Your production quality is way better than mine haha. Which program do you use?
I'm VERY committed when I hop on my bike. Sweat, distance, effort? Bring'em all on, I'll manage one way or another. The only tip I have is, give yourself _plenty_ of time. Go out earlier if you're unfamiliar with the route, the weather is very windy, or you're not feeling 100%; cruising on an easier gear or even walking the bike are definitely options if you're not in a big hurry.
Good advice. Slow down it's not a race. I think people overstate the sweat issue. In a dry climate you'll cool off in a few minutes after you stop.
@@odess4sd4d
It's only a race if you let it be. Like if you're not self-disciplined and end up late to head out. Outside of freak incidents, being late and forced to race the clock is all on you.
I honestly can't say much about the sweat thing, because I sweat EXTREMELY easily. Like just pushing a couch already gets me going a bit, and an afternoon of working with gardening or carpentry gets my shirt so soaked it's not any different from dunking it in a bucket of water. Not a single strand remains dry. Although it helps when the very hot tail end of the drought season comes, I don't even feel the heat while I pedal because it's all being vaporized away.
Sweating is good, people always think sweating is bad. Your body is functioning properly if you give off that sweet smelling aroma and you look like you just got done running a marathon. Wear a undershirt, don't wear a backpack, and or just bring another set of clothes. Make sure you bring a scissors in case you can't pull your shirt off, just cut it off you or tear it off like the hulk. I like going fast, but sometimes I like going faster than fast, because I'm always early to work.
I did 10 miles each way in Vegas to 2 straight years. Was a nice distance to decompress and the roads were not terribly traffic heavy. It also depends on your fitness and type of bike and speed you ride. I did every single day rain or shine. Or snow!
I think i have the perfect commute :6km twice a day, it's downhill for 2km on the way to work and 2km uphill when i come back. About 20 minutes each not enough to get sweaty or uncomfortable but enough to be fit and think about nothing , relieve the stress, the tensions of the day. I reach home super relaxed, much more than riding the car back, lol ! Oh, and i follow the train line to the city center: it's only a 7 minutes ride but door to door i take about 26, 27 minutes so the bike is just faster.
That’s great! My daily commute is also about 6km both ways. How long does it typically take you one way if you’re trying to not over sweat?
round trip i ride a bit more than 5 miles; it takes me 12-15 minutes going one way. going it's really fun and relaxing due to all the down hills; coming back is fun too with all the climbs.
My commute was about 15 miles each way. The distance wasn't a problem (I was in good bike shape, had access to a shower, etc.), but the stress of worrying about whether I was going to be run down by some motorist.
Another point to consider is where you'll be able to store your bike and is it safe? I got caught bringing my bike inside and had a "discussion" with the head of security about it. He told me that I had to use the bike rack. I challenged him to prove to me that the surveillance cameras did an adequate job of viewing said bike rack. They didn't. My employer later put in a number of bike lockers for those who commuted by bike.
I’m thinking about riding a bike back home because my parents can drop me off to school but no one can pick me up and the distance is 5.8 miles and I work out regularly so hopefully I can make it
easy, i rode that distance to high school everyday for a few years, even in summer when it was blistering hot, autumn to spring are absolutely beautiful where i live for cycling, in australia. the biggest thing is eating extremely well as youll be burning alot of energy, if your fuel tank runs out you'll feel pathetic. I used to wake up, make a pot of porridge then take that to school and eat it there with my friends of a morning, it was great
30km round trip commute, up hill there and downhill home. I'm 53 and I plan on keeping up the commute as long as need be. On my days off I try to fit in one 100km ride.....use it or loose it!!
can i ask you a question?
Which state Is This
looks Great for riding . . . . .
The first question is more to do with difference in time it takes to get to work by bike and by car/public transport.
I started by cycling part of the way - that was actually faster than driving all the way, due to the traffic on the last part of the route.
Did drive in -95,still have same bike but bodyweight has gone +20kilos...it's coming to a point that I have to take bike to consider again..15km to work,15km back
I cycle 5.2 miles each way year round. Winter is exciting! I could go further comfortably (daily) but I find it's just the perfect distance to get me warmed up and ready for the day but not so much that I need to change clothes or shower before I clock in.
I ride a ~30 dollar women's cruiser 14km(~10miles?) each way but fortunately I live in European city with Bike paths. First time it took like 50 mins each way after not ever riding a bike for couple years. Now I can do it under 40 min after a week
My original commute was a little over 8 miles. I didn't think I could do that. I bought a folding bike, drove some of the way and cycled the rest. PArking my car further and further as the weeks went on until I did the whole thing. I then got a proper bike so it was then easier and faster.
Cycling, even in bad weather took me about an hour. On a good day, driving would take me 40 mins - on a bad day, an hour and 15 - if the weather was really bad, snow and such, it could take me 2 hours to drive home.
On average then it was quicker on the bike - plus no stopping in traffic.
I've changed jobs now so it's only about 4.5 miles to work.
I ride an MTB - hydrolic disk brakes. I'm a fat lad and in the wet I need to stop when I need to stop.
My car is slowly breaking down and is way to expensive to fix. So now my family and I have been biking, we range about 12-20 miles a day. I was already pretty slim at 160-165lbs now I’m at 155lbs and my quads are huge. Not to mention I’ve been saving a ton of money not buying gas. #pedalpower
Great video, what backup plans should you have in place for days with bad weather?
Thanks!
It depends on the individual and the weather. Some people gear up for the rain/snow and don't let it affect them. Others leave the bike inside and drive or take public transportation.
If you're going to ride in the rain you'll either need gear to keep warm and dry (waterproof). Or just wear attire that's ok to get wet in and change clothes when you arrive at your location.
@@Bicycle2Work
In any case, water-resistant bags are a must.
Rain, put your work clothes in a water resistant bag.
Hot, if you wear your work clothes, where a undershirt that wicks sweat otherwise you'll look like a wet rag when you get to work.
Thunderstorms, head down, keep biking, gamble
Hail, Find shelter if you can, otherwise get ready for some pain
Snow, Fresh snow is a blast it's great traction. Plowed snow makes for a slippery ride.
Cold negative degrees, get ready for your thighs to freeze up, keep moving don't stop, get into a climbing position standing to warm up your legs.
Windy, keep a solid good pace, don't try to force yourself to beat the wind it will only slow you down. Unless it's pushing you, then put the pedal to the asphalt
Icy, Best to go slow, if something doesn't seem right, slow down and stop, don't try to stop quickly with your legs you'll hurt yourself.
Air quality excellent, enjoy the air and you'll be cruisin
Air quality poor, take it easy don't stress yourself out over not being able to breathe properly, it'll slow your ride down.
Edit: And leave a little bit early each day, in case your route has construction, very windy, bike problems. Know your options too. I've had plenty of times I had to go a extra 2-3 miles because my route was blocked by construction and I had to take a detour.
@@TheArchitectOfDreams
Complement for windy weather: don't be afraid to lighten up your usual gearing once or twice. The wind is merciless and _will_ tire you out if you try to fight and go at your usual gears.
Just a tip from someone that has several times come home from work facing headwind through the entire 7km journey.
My Aluminum beach cruiser is lighter & more nimble than my new trek Marlin!
I kinda haul a$$ on it with slick tires and the seat high as it will go
I used to do 33 round trip in Denver but due to Covid and living in Miami I'm now obese.
dont blame being fat on covid and where you live fat ass go outside
@@eli8699 yes sir.
@@freedomriding2558 remember me man im the one who saved your life
@@eli8699 That's a bit extreme, I just started running months ago instead of relying on cycling.
I have an 18 mile commute into work. I optimize the ride and intensity to minimize sweating.
15.5 to 18 miles each way depending on route. 1 mile hill each way. Would sometimes swing wide for extra miles. No rain rides, but cold is easy to manage. Usually on a gravel bike or fixed gear. Kept a clothes locker at work stocked with fresh items. Luckily, we have a shower!
I work 60+ hours a week and my commute takes 30ish minutes each way; 90% of my coworkers drive less miles than I * ride * and tell me about not "having time to bike to work"... while they watch Squid Game when they get home. And that's why they all have beer guts and I don't
I think it comes down to time. I used to do 30 miles round trip three days a week and could do it one way in about an hour. So two hours per day total. That was the time limit for my wife….
I've been biking to work since August. Its colder now. Pretty enjoyable. 3.5 miles there. Then 3.5 miles back. Pretty much 8 miles a day on average it isnt too bad. But traffic pisses me off
You got soft hand brother i bike 7 hours to work everyday when i was 16
7 miles each way, used to be 8.5 but I've moved recently, I love this bit of time cycling to and from work, it's somewhat rough on uphills but that's due to using a single speed with fairly high gear ratio, but grind up the inclined and enjoy the declines
Once in a while I’ll leave my vehicle at home and I ride my E bike to work 19 miles. It takes me around 1hr 10min that’s including steep uphills.
he keeps saying bicycle to work instead of cycling to work its killing me lol
I SO agree. My teeth grind when people refer to me as a biker instead of cyclist. lol
Step 1: live in a place where this is actually safe to do.
Step 2: Get paid enough to be able to afford to live closer to your workplace to begin with.
I can do neither of these things, and it sucks
I have a 4 mile ride, mostly downhill to work. I can do it in 15 minutes.
I used to commute to work 20 miles each way, and half the time I did it on a fixed gear bike. Then I swam for an hour at "lunch". Sometimes I'd also do an 8 mile run when I got home. Of course I was training for Ironman's. I don't have to commute anymore, but if I did 15 miles one way would be my max. No swim, no run. I'm 58 now and retired from training and racing.
It would have been good to mention multimodal commutes as an option as well. 20 miles may be too far to be practical for a lot of people, but that gets a lot easier if you rode the bus 10 miles with a 5 mile bike stint on either end.
I'm glad you mentioned e-bikes. Just having a little electric assist makes it so easy to commute
Luckily my commute is 5 km (3 miles) each way, about 15 mins. Have a pedal assist eBike so don't get too sweaty. Recommend to just do one bike commute per week in good weather & gradually increase it. Now I only drive occasionally if the weather is extremely bad.
I ride 20 miles to work back and forth and after few months of sitting because of winter I definitely get cramps if I do not stretch a little bit or take some magnesium.Thanks for the upload 👍🏻
Thanks for sharing!
My job is only 2 miles i only ride my bike during the warmer months starting late April till mid November I think 2 miles is the sweet spot for commuting because if you have bike trouble you not far from home u can walk the rest of the way in either direction and it’s good exercise any further and you have to go and have bike trouble it can make u late for work and getting home late
I wanted to go to my mates on my bike but that’s over 22 miles away. I only have a little cruiser thing, but I really like it and wanted to show them cause it’s an all original 1968 schwinn stingray
Weather is a huge factor that determines how sweaty you might get and so is the choice in clothing.
If you live in an area with very moderate temperatures, you'll be able to go much harder than if you're in hot climate.
And if you have some cycling kit you can wear that on the way to work and then change into business clothing. It doesn't actually need to be cycling clothing, just a second set of clothes but the spandex stuff cools you down pretty effectively so I would recommend that if you can afford to look very stereotypical.
And it can't be understated how great e bikes are. Buying a pretty expensive one is going to be cheaper than owning a gift car. You may go from a two car household to just owning one or maybe you are in a somewhat cyclable area so that you won't even need that single car. There are purists that despise electric bikes for some reason but you will still have to pedal so it still comes with all of the benefits of cycling.
Lastly, it is exercise so you can also consider cancelling a gym membership (good luck with that, they are not making that easy) and save time and money that way.
used to commute 21 miles to work.
It was so flipping awesome.
I cycle to work using 20 inch wheel e bike for 16k one way max speed of 25k legal speed limit, it will take me 50 minutes to an hour ride, mix of flat and uphill and 5 sets of traffic lights to cross, all on bicycle path in Canberra Australia which has the best bike path network in the country.
Where was this filmed, it's gorgeous?
My commute zone is 90% speed limit 50 with my car, 12km smooth roads, no red lights. Amazing
There isn't much mention of the weather other than wind. This probably isn't much of a concern in the Monterey area, but it is elsewhere in the country.
I ride an e-bike and my commute for my job, bus driving, either has me commute just 4 miles or 13 miles one way depending on which base the work I’m assigned has me report to. So my commute is either 8 miles in total per day or 26, lol.
I commute 15miles each way. The secret is eating lots, and i mean lots, of good healthy food during the day, your going to be burning a lot of calories on your commute, which if you let your fuel tank run out will leave you feeling like a sloth.
I live too close to work to ever drive my car. I live 5 miles flat terrain to work. I have a shower and locker room at work. my fat E-bike has a range of 30 miles at full throttle at 35 mph. I only drive my car to work if there is terrible weather.
More or less the same situation. My route is 6.5-7km (depends on if it's coming or going), though it's downhill to work and a steady climb back home. I only drive when it rains because I don't have waterproof bags.
You also have to consider hills
I used to commute 13 miles each way to work on a mountain bike
My commute is 19km each way in roughly 45-50 min. Takes the same time with public transport and it would be impossible with car (too long time and expensive with tolls and parking). It is a little messy with lots of mixed pedestrian/biking lanes and dangerous crossings. I could imagine commuting up to 30-35 km each way but not daily and only if the route felt safe and was decent quick.
Good tips for riding to work 👍 I would do half an hour ride (8km/5miles?) bit I recently got an e-bike which has a range of up to 80km/50 miles so my range has been extended dramatically
I commuted 9 miles each way for years. I moved and took a new job that has a 36 mile commute each way. Somedays I will hitch a ride with a coworker and split the difference on a regular bike. I have figured out a way to do the whole distance though. Ebike time!!! I can do that 36 mile commute 1 or 2 times a week. It takes about an 1.5 hours more than driving in my car, but you have to ask yourself what else you would be doing in that time. For me, my health and lower blood pressure are worth it.
When giving your route a “test run”, keep in mind that traffic may be different during your actual commute.
Take weather and route into consideration.
Many bike trails in my area are along drainage easements and bayous.
They often cross underneath roadways, which can be flooded during bad weather.
any longer than 30 mins to work on a bike is wrong. i ride to work in 20-25 mins. if i was to walk back after a flat tyre it would be 50-60 mins walking home which is a longish walk and do able, any longer, ur brain made u put ur self in that situation.
Is the distance-difficulty chart of one side distance to work ?
Mine would be 62 miles round trip. Its would be difficult to do that especially if there is overtime working 5 or 6 days a week.
I used to commute 6 miles each way on an old mountain bike. It was not a hard commute, despite being hilly. Now I live 12 miles away and it is very hilly. I am not too sure how that would go on a heavy bike. Perhaps a road bike would be better?
My commute is 5 miles each way... Easy enough. My problem is the area i cycle through, gang issues.
Same.
Hybrid before mountain bike
No love for recumbents? Those would be the ideal choice for long range commutes. Velomobiles being the most extreme example, they can easily travel 20 miles in one hour with less than 100 watts pedal power. But even an unfaired semi-recumbent is better for commuting long range than most uprights. Certainly more ergonomic.
I don’t really go on long bike rides I’m only 17 usual rides only 10-15 miles or more but recently I tried a 30 mile bike ride and it was great I wish I lived in a nice big city to drive around my town is small and boring
Most of us who live in big cities would gladly exchange places with you. Be glad for what you've got; small towns have a lot going for them - but I understand that at your age what you most want is to get out.
Small towns are great places to live and grow up, you'll soon learn in life that the grass really isnt greener on the other side of the fence. I'm only a year or two older than you, so i get it, I live in a big city, and i can assure you its not all its made out to be in the movies.
I'm 65 years old and use my "Dutch" 3-speed bike: 5 days x week to work. 4 flat miles each way. 25 minutes max.
18 miles daily thru and fro work. Doesnt break a sweat. 45mins to reach while commute with uber takes 30mins, train takes abt 40mins.
there are great e bikes going 45km/h, so 20+ km are no problem at all. and you don't have any fuel costs
The shortest commute I ever had was 17 miles. I enjoyed biking that, but I wouldn't go much further. My last commute was 50 miles...
I have a 19 (38 round trip) mile commute which I have done once on a 90's MTB. 2.5 hours of struggle. I'll be using the road bike next time.
did you get more used to it now or stopped? I was doing 25 each way and it seems like I wont ever get used to it and it just sucks.
@@marcthenazarite1711 I have come to terms with it, I don't ride every day yet and I'm using a road bike so it's faster and I break the trip into sections rather than thinking of the whole ride. 50 miles a day is huge💪🤘