I’m moving farther away from work and would really like to keep cycling as my main form of transportation. The route is completely flat and mostly on bike-friendly paths, which helps. Right now I ride a mountain bike for a shorter commute of 5 km + 5 km (about 3.1 + 3.1 miles), but I’m considering switching to a Cinelli Hobootleg for the longer distance. Is it sustainable long-term?
EDIT: Thanks everyone for all the feedback! It really gave me a lot of motivation. I think I meet all the requirements, so I’m going to do it three days a week: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, to allow more time to rest. I have access to a shower at work, so I think I’ll at least give it a try. I know it’ll be tough at the beginning because of the longer distance, but I’m confident I’ll get used to it over time.
Thanks again, everyone!
by gfleck
27 Comments
That seems fine. If it was 20 miles each way that would take a lot of time schedule wise.
But 12.4 miles doesn’t seem terrible for one way. Any random drop bar bike would probably make it easier than using a mountain bike though.
That is doable as long as you can allow the time for it and you have the ability to change clothes and/or shower when you get to work.
Yes it was sustainable for me for years and that was with an optional 250m climb.
If you’re near coworkers, allow shower time. Otherwise, absolutely!
I did 20km each way 2x a week (at ~20km/hr) and it was fine. 5x a week would wear me out but after a few months your strength and stamina would make it breeze. Bike-friendly paths really reduce the stress, not having to watch for cars or stop every other block means you can relax a bit on the ride instead of staying ever vigilant.
I used to commute 15km mostly uphill on the way to university and 15km downhill to home. I arrived sweaty to class but at home it was chill. I guess your 20km will be fine if it’s flat.
Ebike will be a huge help
I did many years 15+15km and some 300m elevation gain/day, summer and winter.
So, yes, it’s doable.
In summer I used mostly a road/race bike.
In winter either a cyclocross or a MTB in order to use studded tires. I had a steep descend in the morning and snow + temperatures below freezing were more the rule than an exception.
I think so.
I did longer for years 😂
its at the end of my commute to work patience, but mostly bike-friendly paths, so yes. i hate driving. ironically, i am a professional driver.
Ebikes are your friend. Would make this a lot more chill.
I like that bike! Totally doable commute enjoy 🌞
Should be doable, although from my Dutch perspective it might be on the limit (doing 15km one way myself ). Do you have alternatives such as decent public transport at hand for days with bad weather etc?
Consumes a lot of time, FYI
No prb, but allow for approxiamtely an hour travel time so you don’t have to redline all the way if the weather conditions are adverse.
For sure. It also depends on intensity. If you go the equivalent effort of walking , you can last a loooong time.
You might want to consider factoring in a recovery day.
I do 18 KM round trip, which is fine, except in the winter. Snow, ice, heavier tires gas me by Thursday. Taking the bus or your car once a week might bea good plan.
Definitely doable. I did a 12.5mi commute for several years and felt pretty good.
I do 13 miles one way in northern Indiana, you got this! It’s fun and everyone will think you’re practically peak lance Armstrong.
I do exactly that as many days as i can. I drive if it’s raining in the morning. We don’t have showers at work.
Keep the heart rate pretty low, eat good food, drink plenty of water, and mostly get good rest and it’s totally fine.
Look at a lightweight ebike. You still have to pedal but you go a little faster and don’t have to shower in either end.
Totally realistic. I do 23 each way. The first little while is rough, but once your body gets into it, you’re gold!!!!
I would agree with your intention to get off a mountain bike though. The speed difference is bananas.
I did 24km one way for a while. It was great! The only downfall was the wife and kids waiting all that extra time for me to get home.
Yeah that sounds doable. How bad does the weather get?
For a daily commute of this length I’d want an ebike.
I now do 17 + 17 and it’s very doable, even without an e-bike. For sure it would be easier with one of course. I guess if you have a good route and a good bike it wil be quite nice to do so!
Yep 12 miles flat is super easy
Edit: Get some panniers and mud guards for worst case days
Edit 2: Have emergency spare clothes at work
Shower access at work is super critical
Try to get to work at like 830am to take a shower and cool down then change into work clothes