City and Trekking Bikes for Commuting

CYCLING · GLOBAL

City and Trekking Bikes for Commuting

Upright geometry, gears and hub gears, mudguards and what a commuter needs

A bike bought for commuting is judged on whether you use it in February, and the features that determine that are practical rather than sporting.

Riding position

City bikes place you upright, which gives a clear view of traffic and puts less weight on the hands and wrists. Trekking bikes lean slightly forward, which is more efficient over distance.

For a commute under ten kilometres, upright is generally the more comfortable choice. Beyond that, a slightly forward position pays off.

Hub gears versus derailleurs

Internal hub gears are enclosed, need almost no maintenance, can be changed while stationary at traffic lights, and work with a chain guard. They are heavier and have a narrower range.

Derailleurs are lighter, cheaper and offer a wider range, and they need cleaning and adjustment and are exposed to road salt.

For a bike left outside and ridden year-round, a hub gear is usually the better decision.

The unglamorous features

Full mudguards, which are the difference between arriving dry and arriving with a stripe up your back. A chain guard. A rack rather than a rucksack, since a bag on your back means a sweaty back.

Dynamo lighting never runs out of charge, which removes the most common reason commuters ride unlit.

Tyres

Wider tyres at moderate pressure absorb potholes and grip better in the wet. Puncture-resistant tyres cost a little more and are worth it on a commute.

Fit

Saddle height is the single most important adjustment — a slight bend in the knee at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Most discomfort blamed on a saddle is a height problem.

Riding through winter

Road salt destroys drivetrains, so rinse the bike after salty rides and keep the chain lubricated with a wet lube. A hub gear and a chain guard remove most of this problem.

Lights are a legal requirement after dark in most countries, and reflectors on pedals and wheels help drivers judge your speed.

Carrying things

Panniers on a rack keep weight low and off your back. Check heel clearance with the panniers fitted, which is the most common fitting problem.

A basket is convenient at low speeds and affects steering more than people expect when loaded.

Maintenance

Check tyre pressure weekly, keep the chain clean and lubricated, and have brake pads replaced well before they reach the wear line. A bike serviced once a year costs far less than one repaired after neglect.

Learn to fix a puncture, which is the single most useful skill for a commuter.

Security

A rated lock, locked through the frame to something immovable. Register the frame number.

WHERE TO BUY

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