Why Fall is a Great Time to RIDE

Fall brings some of the best conditions for making riding part of your routine. Temperatures are milder, so you're less likely to arrive at your destination sweaty, daylight is still decent, and there's plenty of time to build a routine before winter weather makes things trickier. Start now, and by the time winter rolls around, you'll know the route, your gear, your timing, and how your body handles the ride.

There's also a mental health angle worth mentioning. A short ride in crisp fall air can do more for your mood than sitting in traffic ever will. It's exercise you don't have to schedule separately, and it bookends your day with extra minutes of fresh air and a chance to wake up or wind down.

What bike is good for commuting?

A good commuter bike is one that's comfortable, reliable, and can handle what's thrown at it. That might look different for everyone, but here are a few basics to look for:

• Tire width and tread: Medium-width tires with some tread handle wet leaves, gravel, dirt, and uneven pavement better than road tires. This matters more in the fall when the weather gets damp and roads get slick.
• Gearing that matches your terrain: A wide range of gears is a great option because it gives you more flexibility. It's especially useful for routes with hills or if your load changes from day to day. Maybe one day your backpack or panniers are heavier; you'll want easier gears to make climbing more manageable. A wide range of gears gives you the flexibility to cover all kinds of scenarios.
• Frame geometry: A comfortable riding position is important when choosing a commuter. Consider how the bike fits and feels when you're riding, especially if you'll be spending a significant amount of time on it each day. A good fit can make your daily trip more comfortable from start to finish.
• Mounts for racks and fenders: Even if you don't need various mounts every day, having the option to mount different accessories as the weather changes will make a big difference.

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to choosing a bike for the ride. The Adventure AL is a great all-around option with 700 x 40c tires, a wide gear ratio, progressive geometry, and plenty of mounts for racks, fenders, bags, bottle cages, and other accessories.

Choosing Your Route

The fastest and best way to get somewhere by car isn't always the best option by bike. First, it's always a good idea to map out a few options using your phone or computer ahead of time. Look for bike paths and side streets, and take note of roads to avoid.

Next, do a practice run. On your day off from school or work, try riding the route you've planned. Take note of the distance and time it takes, bike lanes, street lighting, construction, and other roads or paths worth exploring. You may find that the way you originally planned to go isn't the best way to get to your destination after all, and that's okay. It might take some practice, but that's why trying it out ahead of time is better than going for it right away.

What gear do you need to commute?

Now that you've taken the leap and decided to start riding around, it's important to think about what gear and accessories you need to bring along.

• Front and Rear Lights: Bike lights are a must, especially in the fall. With Daylight Savings Time ending on November 1st, it's a good time to make sure your lights are ready for those shorter daylight hours. Lights are one of the many safety essentials that not only help you see where you're going, but also help drivers and other road users see you. Rechargeable lights are convenient and often offer brighter output than battery-powered lights.
  Recommended Pick: Cygolite Light Sets
• Helmet: Be sure to have a helmet that fits properly and sits comfortably on your head. Look for good ventilation and an easily adjustable system. Visors are also great to look for to help keep the sun out of your eyes.
  

  Shop This Pick Helmets
• Bell: It sounds minor, but a bell is one of the most-used pieces of gear on a commuter bike. Shared paths, sidewalks near intersections, and pedestrians who didn't hear you coming all make a simple bell one of the most practical purchases you'll make.
  Recommended Pick: Airbell or Airbell Pro
• Dependable Lock: A commuter bike spends most of its day parked somewhere you can't watch it. A solid U-lock or a heavy-duty chain lock is worth the extra pound in your bag for the peace of mind.
  

  Shop This Pick Securit Locks
• Fenders: Fenders are a must when the weather starts to get damp. Even if it's not raining, any puddles or wet spots can end up splattering up on you or your clothes. Fenders help keep you clean and dry all season long.
  Recommended Pick: SKS Fenders
• Repair Kit: A spare tube, tire levers, multi-tool, and mini pump are items every commuter needs to carry with them. The inevitable flat is bound to happen at some point, and it's better to have what you need to fix it than get stuck and have to find another way to your final destination.
  

  Shop This Pick Kwick Fill Air Compressor

Things to Keep in Mind & Extra Tips

• Lay your gear out the night before. Bags packed, lights charged, tires inflated. Mornings will go smoother if everything is ready the night before.
• Leave extra time, especially the first few times you go. It's never a bad idea to leave yourself a few extra minutes to get where you need to go. You might hit more stoplights than usual, have to ride slower for various reasons, or get stopped by the dreaded mechanical issue or flat tire.
• Practice fixing a flat tire. Fixing a flat is a very useful skill to have. You may never need to perform a flat fix on the go, but it's better to know how to do it and not need to than to need to and not know how. Here are a few articles we posted a while back about flat tires & how to fix them. Depending on what bike you ride, you may need different tools than what's mentioned to remove your wheel to change your flat tire. 
  helpful tip 5 Most Common Flat Causes
  helpful tip How to Fix a Flat

why ride to school or work?

There are tons of benefits to traveling by bike as opposed to other forms of transportation.

• Save money: No need to spend money on gas when the power comes from your legs! Commuting can drastically cut the amount of money you spend on gas, parking permits, or train or bus tickets.
• Exercise: The obvious benefit is that you're getting exercise in your day without setting aside extra time to do so. Sometimes it's hard to fit time to exercise into your day, but commuting adds it in without even thinking twice about it.
• Faster arrival: If you live, work, or attend school in a busy city, cycling can often get you to your destination quicker than driving or walking. No sitting in traffic and no fuss about working around train or bus schedules. Plus, many places have dedicated bicycle racks or parking, so usually you can ride straight up to the front door of your final destination!
• Mental health: Riding to school or work gives your body an opportunity to wake up and start the morning on a high note. Plus, riding home is the perfect way to wind down, decompress, and destress from a busy day.

There are plenty of reasons to give riding to work or school a try, and you don't have to commit to doing it every day to enjoy the benefits. Even one or two days a week can give you a chance to get outside, add some movement to your day, and experience a different way of getting where you need to go.

Ready to give it a try?

Hopefully, this guide has given you the confidence to give riding to work, school, or around town a try. Start small, give yourself time to figure out what works best for you, and don't be afraid to make adjustments along the way. Once you find a routine that works, getting where you need to go can become a simple and enjoyable part of your week.

Have you already started commuting? Tag @PureCycles on Instagram with your photos!