Hi, I recently gained some weight and debating whether to commute to work so I can shred those extra pounds.
My other option would be to use the gym at work. I figured, it’s about the same amount of time commitment. Driving takes me 40min round trip more if there is traffic plus 30min at the gym, and google says I can commute in 70min with the bike.
I don’t have a bike, or any experience. I did some research, and decided to purchase An Electra loft 7 step over bike.
My commute will be 5 miles long, mostly flat, and about 2/3 of it will be away from traffic. I live in Illinois, so there is snow season and days of heavy rain.
Ideally, I will look at the weather each morning and decide whether to drive or bike.
What are some things to consider, prepare for, or any other advice you have for me?
Thanks for reading!
EDIT: This is the bike, https://www.rei.com/product/100808/electra-loft-7d-step-over-bike, it is not electric. I am sorry for the confusion.
by AncientOccasion4998
8 Comments
[Here’s a decent primer](https://surlybikes.com/info_hole/spew/bike_commuting_101_8_tips_for_your_commute_to_work).
And this is [a really good beginners guide](https://bikepgh.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Biking101Guide3rdEdition_Web.compressed.pdf). Some of it is Pittsburgh specific, but most is general.
Wait, why would it take 70mins to ride 5 miles? I ride 5 miles, each way & it takes me about 20mins, on a bike trail. If I took the streets it would probably be 30mins.
Are you sure you selected a bike ride on Google maps? 5 miles in 70 minutes is more at a very fast walking pace. If it’s mainly flat I’d expect it to be 30-40 minutes depending on traffic lights and traffic, and you may be able to get that down to under 30 minutes.
Definitely try and do it, it’s a lovely way to get to and from work. You will arrive in a much better mood than if you drive and it will do you good.
70 min cycling without experience sounds bad.
M, 53, sedentary job. I do 14 miles each way2-4 times a week. You might have to work up to it but definately doable. I hear e bikes help.
When I started commuting 8 miles each way on an ebike a few years ago, I lost about 20 lbs in 7 months. I was careful about my diet, too. I also found that cycling that distance regularly inspired me to ride more for recreation and now it’s a huge part of my life. Mind you, I had always been a city cyclist, but I had always lived closer to the center of my city and my trips were short but frequent.
One thing to consider is: don’t expect to magically lose weight. You might become hungrier and eat more without really noticing. Also, relying entirely on cycling is not the best way to stay in shape. Do the bike commutes and lift some weights at the gym.
I used to bike a 7-mile commute in all seasons in Michigan. Winter too. Winter was easier than rain, frankly.
I totally get ‘building up’ to being an all-weather cyclist (ie. some extra clothing or gloves), but I found for me that the habit of cycling daily was easier to maintain than changing transport modes every morning. I pack my pannier the night before so that I can make an effective exit in the morning. Switching that up every day would throw my off my pattern.
Imho, 5 mi on flat ground is super easy ~~-and you don’t need an electric bike at all, and an e-bike might actually minimize or negate any benefits from cycling to work. If you lived in a hilly city, then sure, an e-bike is an obvious choice that I wholeheartedly support! But flat Midwest with 2/3rds of your route protected? You don’t need it. Plus the extra futziness of managing your battery would seem, to me, an extra ‘cost’ to your commute.-~~ NVM!!
My 4-mile commute *over a 335 ft hill in the first mile* takes me about 40 minutes. So I’m hard pressed to imagine a 5-miler on flat ground will take… *70 minutes?!?*
Bikes travel an average of 12 mph, and that’s an average rider’s speed easily. So your commute should take you under 30 min.
I would get (borrow) a regular bike and ride the full commute on the weekend, time it, and see what you think.
The other issue that would be important to me: Is there safe, locked, weather-protected space at work to store your bike?
And I personally always get a helmet with a visor, because they can help block both sunlight and car headlights from affecting your vision. And protect glasses from the rain!
I always find myself arriving at work more energized & alert from cycling in than when I’ve driven or bussed in. So hopefully that is the case for you too!
Good luck and have fun!