How hard is a 10 mile cycle to work
Discussion
As title really, been thinking of getting a bike to cycle 10 miles to work and then 10 miles back. Is it hard work and how long would it take (rough estimate).
I would say that 70% of the journey has cycle paths so that is a plus.
Reason is I need a bit more exercise in my life and think this could help.
Thanks in advance
Darren
I would say that 70% of the journey has cycle paths so that is a plus.
Reason is I need a bit more exercise in my life and think this could help.
Thanks in advance
Darren
hullbilly said:
I commute 8 miles each way and it takes under 30mins.
It depends how hilly the route is, mine is mostly along the Thames so pretty flat and I get a bit sweaty but nothing a quick wash and change of clothes couldnt fix.
Do it! I have been for a year and its great!
This. I do 8 miles into central London each day on main roads and love it. I dread to think how much fatter I'd be without the exercise! I get quite sweaty but we have showers and lockers at work.It depends how hilly the route is, mine is mostly along the Thames so pretty flat and I get a bit sweaty but nothing a quick wash and change of clothes couldnt fix.
Do it! I have been for a year and its great!
Once I factor in walking to the station, waiting for the train and walking to the office at the other end the journey times are prety much equal (30 mins).
dazp said:
there are only 2 hill parts and they are not that bad to be honest.
Next problem is what sort of bike will i need? I am 5 foot 10" tall/ short if thats any help?
Get a hybrid (nice confy riding position, skinny tyres for speed) and I'd reckon you'd be doing it in under 40mins pretty soon.Next problem is what sort of bike will i need? I am 5 foot 10" tall/ short if thats any help?
I take a 7 mile loop home most evenings and on a full bounce playbike I'm usually home in 25 minutes.
You will want a shower at work though.
dazp said:
there are only 2 hill parts and they are not that bad to be honest.
Next problem is what sort of bike will i need? I am 5 foot 10" tall/ short if thats any help?
Have you cycled those hill parts ? you may want to check.Next problem is what sort of bike will i need? I am 5 foot 10" tall/ short if thats any help?
I cycle 8 miles a day thames ditton in surrey to heathrow pretty flat and it takes me 26 minutes if I don't get caught at the two railway crossings I have to navigate, I get hot quickly so allow another 30 minutes when I arrive at work to cool down, have a shower and change and I always feel better for it.
Tells us where you are and I am sure a few can recommend a couple of places local to get measured and fitted for a bike.
The Walrus said:
dazp said:
there are only 2 hill parts and they are not that bad to be honest.
Next problem is what sort of bike will i need? I am 5 foot 10" tall/ short if thats any help?
Have you cycled those hill parts ? you may want to check.Next problem is what sort of bike will i need? I am 5 foot 10" tall/ short if thats any help?
I cycle 8 miles a day thames ditton in surrey to heathrow pretty flat and it takes me 26 minutes if I don't get caught at the two railway crossings I have to navigate, I get hot quickly so allow another 30 minutes when I arrive at work to cool down, have a shower and change and I always feel better for it.
Tells us where you are and I am sure a few can recommend a couple of places local to get measured and fitted for a bike.
I will be cycling from Feltham (Middlesex) area to Chessington (Surrey). If thats any help
Piece of piss. Regarding your route - why not cut through the park? Much nicer that hacking up the main roads of a morning/evening.
And yeah, unless your roads are exceptionally smooth get a hybrid. I'd love a proper road bike but I'm not sure my arse/nuts could take the daily punishment from some of those pot holes.
R.
And yeah, unless your roads are exceptionally smooth get a hybrid. I'd love a proper road bike but I'm not sure my arse/nuts could take the daily punishment from some of those pot holes.
R.
dazp said:
ewenm said:
Do you have showers at work?
Nope and that has got me thinking, how am I going to be fresh at work and not be smelling like a tramp??
I left my suit, shoes, towel and washkit at work and carried a shirt/boxers/socks in a rucksack every day.
I usually cycle in once a week, 16miles.
This is on a hardtail with hybrid tyres. Depending on wind it takes anywhere from 1.30 to 1.05
Don't find it hard at all really, but only 1 hill so its pretty easy really.
I find just turn up at about 8.30, have some breakfast, lock up bike, wash, get changed etc...
Would prefer to do it twice a week but can't at the moment (need car to go out on site)
Also, the hybrid tyres pumped upto about 80psi makes a hell of a difference!
This is on a hardtail with hybrid tyres. Depending on wind it takes anywhere from 1.30 to 1.05
Don't find it hard at all really, but only 1 hill so its pretty easy really.
I find just turn up at about 8.30, have some breakfast, lock up bike, wash, get changed etc...
Would prefer to do it twice a week but can't at the moment (need car to go out on site)
Also, the hybrid tyres pumped upto about 80psi makes a hell of a difference!
That route is not bad at all you don't really have any hills, I cycle from Thames Ditton to box hill on the weekends and you only get hills when you get to box hill, you may have some slight inclines but not hills.
As for tow paths which way are you going as I use barely any tow paths and I do literally 70% of the route you are going to do.
As for tow paths which way are you going as I use barely any tow paths and I do literally 70% of the route you are going to do.
The Walrus said:
That route is not bad at all you don't really have any hills, I cycle from Thames Ditton to box hill on the weekends and you only get hills when you get to box hill, you may have some slight inclines but not hills.
As for tow paths which way are you going as I use barely any tow paths and I do literally 70% of the route you are going to do.
I have put where the cycle paths are in red, I no the are not hills but but like you say they are inclines lol As for tow paths which way are you going as I use barely any tow paths and I do literally 70% of the route you are going to do.
To start with it'll take longer than the 30mins suggested, that is "cracking on" abit through traffic :-) While you get used to it/learn the shortcuts, cyclepaths and park cuts etc.
Also you could do it in 45-60mins without serious sweat but the excercise element would be less :-)
The facilities at the work end are (IMVHO) the big issue, friend of mine spoke to his employer about cycling in and they converted a janitors cupboard next to the loos into a shower room, now half the staff cycle, they are fitter, less sick leave by 5% apparently!
Good idea to start with a hybrid, fast, comfy, not too aggressive seating posistion, able to take a rack and mud-guards (a worthwhile addition IMO) could even get something 2nd hand that "looks" abit tatty (but isn't) as its less nickable.
Also you could do it in 45-60mins without serious sweat but the excercise element would be less :-)
The facilities at the work end are (IMVHO) the big issue, friend of mine spoke to his employer about cycling in and they converted a janitors cupboard next to the loos into a shower room, now half the staff cycle, they are fitter, less sick leave by 5% apparently!
Good idea to start with a hybrid, fast, comfy, not too aggressive seating posistion, able to take a rack and mud-guards (a worthwhile addition IMO) could even get something 2nd hand that "looks" abit tatty (but isn't) as its less nickable.
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