dhender02

I'm thinking about biking to work on Fridays, ~30 miles one way so I will probably wear a bike kit. Since my job doesn't have shower facilities, please share some tips on how-to efficiently "freshen" up..

Since I will only be commuting one day a week (possibly two) should I waste money/effort putting on a rack for pannier, fenders, etc. because on my weekend/fun/training rides I really don't like having the "commuter" type things attached. Or should I buy another bike for my weekend/fun/training rides (any reason for n+1, right)?

mcours2006

One day a week I'd stick with a backpack or one of .

I just got one myself and getting used to it. You can fit your lunch, and probably a light change of clothes in there, but with regard to clothing, I'd just bring in an extra set when I'm not riding in.

This type of bag eliminates the need for rack/pannier, and most of a sweaty back from carrying a backpack.

chas58

N+1!

Personally I use a messenger bag (eliminates backpack sweat or pannier dead weight and aero problems), although a frame pack can be nice too. A frame pack is better balanced (and no seat post problems) than a saddle pack.

diaper wipes are a great way to freshen up any damp parts.

Ride the FX to work and take the z85 for the weekends.

mrv 

"waste" ~ you're not wasting money - you're making your bike useful.
And when your alleged friends can't drop you with your racks, fenders, and now useful bike, think of the extreme level of smugness you can enjoy.
I vote for the additional bike. You can probably get a $100 '90s fully ridgid MTB, spend $100~$300 on racks & fenders & bags (cheap side if you go used) and some slick tires. No better work out than 30 miles on s 35lb bike. You'll be in topflight condition for your road rides.
(and the less you spend the less you worry about it be locked up outside all day)

my 2 cents and worth about 3 when adjusted for inflation

mcours2006

Four hours+ on a mountain on city roads...hmm. Good luck with that.

For that distance, wear your full kit on your racing bike. Might save you an hour a day.

NewATBikeComute

If I was doing that type of distance, I would have to find a nearby gym with shower facilities. (I'd also have to be in much better shape, kudos to you!).

wphamilton

Yes, and for that bike no rack no fenders - it's nice to keep the road bike uncluttered. If you don't mind a backpack, then no problem but I personally have tied the bag down on the drop bars, or in the front triangle as a frame bag.

acidfast7

You're talking 60mi/100km for a RT commute.

That's serious mileage and you'd be LUCKY to average 15 mph with stoplights, piss breaks, etc...

4h/day in the saddle.

You deserve a shower after 2h of biking so get a gym.

What type of work do you do? As, it's much different in an office or customer-facing position than working at a physical plant or in a workshop.

caloso

Shower before you leave, only wear clean kit. In your backpack you need to bring baby wipes or a microfiber towel and deodorant. If you're riding back at the end of the day, I'd bring a second clean pair of bibs and jersey for the ride home. They pack up small and it's worth not risking the monkey butt from putting sweaty kit back on.

mcours2006

Or something like this:


Been using it all this week. Gotta say, I love it! No more sweaty back.

wphamilton

yeah that too, I've just never been able to make that work well in my DIY mode. Anything that keeps it off your back and doesn't require messing up the racy bike with a rack or bracket.

chas58

You guys are missing the point. His trek FX is fine for commuting, put the racks on there if you need them, and use the fast bike for playing on the weekend.

mcours2006

I don't think we are. I think he doesn't want to ride this one to work for 30 miles. He's asking if he should get another road bike with rack and panniers. And I say ride the Felt with a backpack or tailbag.

mrv 

ummmm.... yea! thanks for wishing me well.
here's my 26in 1990 MTB commuter / tourer on a 103 mile day. paved roads. dirt roads. and some bleeping pushing through deep sand... .gah.....
same bike (whole lot less load) for my 22 mile ride home from work (16 miles to work). and baggy clothes. 15mph average. guess my 20 year old race kit would save bump me up to 20mph.....
no - i don't ride to work everyday.

mcours2006

Well, good for you!

VRC

For one day a week I'd pack nothing but your water bottle and snack. Bring your Friday clothes on Thursday, as well as baby wipes or a wash cloth. And be there a good half hour before you need to see people.

RECfromPA

https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting...your-ride.html

Cool down, stop sweating, then proceeded to freshening up. The good members here had great suggestions found in the link.

Now that we're having less daylight, be sure you have bike lights. It is so hard to see bikes at night.

Safe and happy riding!

dhender02

Wow!!! I've never seen this bag before. Yep I think this will be it!!! Thanks!!!

dhender02

Did my wife hijack this thread? I'm really feeling the N+1... In all seriousness, I thought about using the hybrid, but I really luv riding my road bike for longer distance... That's my dilemma with using my hybrid.. Thanks!

dhender02

Yep EXACTLY!!

dhender02

Nice!!!

dhender02

CONFIRMATION!!! This is what I was thinking that I would do... Thanks!!

dhender02

That's on my list this weekend to get some lights put on the Felt..

VRC

Glad to oblige! This plan works for up to 4 days on the bike as well! Get good lights and bring one of the charging cords to work too.

chas58

good idea about leaving clothes at work the night before.

I use a messenger bag and bring my clothes. If I have clothes at work, I just use a mini messenger bag:
Patagonia's Atom Sling
https://www.rei.com/product/117966/patagonia-atom-sling.
although a small/medium revelate frame bag is also a good option:
https://www.rei.com/product/877046/r...ame-bag-medium

Personally I hate panniers on a fast bike. At 20mph cruising speed - there is just too much wind resistance. It's even worse with a head wind (which I usually have as I head west on my way home). I'm not a big fan of a lot of unsprung weight on a fast bike.

So, If I was to use panniers, the FX would be fine. For a messenger bag, the Z85 would be a LOT more fun. The latter is how I roll...