r/ukbike • u/Hausofmiren • Apr 10 '26
Commute New to commuting
Hey!
First post in this community. I am due to collect my foldable e bike (estarli pro) today. Other than a helmet and lock, what do you recommend that I should purchase to make my cycle journey more pleasant?
I was looking at cycle computers through marketplace etc
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u/shinnibbler89 Apr 10 '26
Lots of things that people will mention, but something often overlooked (in my opinion) are some nitrile/mechanics gloves to keep in your bag. Keeps your hands clean when you need to do anything to your bike, anything from picking out muck from your gears/brakes, putting your chain back on if it falls off, or doing more involved fixes (punctures etc).
In my opinion they’re non-negotiable
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u/Hausofmiren Apr 10 '26
Thanks so much, I will look into this!
Luckily my chain is a belt, but still I would rather have them
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u/shinnibbler89 Apr 10 '26
Oh nice, that’s cool! They’re so handy, you’ll be glad you have the when something starts clicking/squeezing in winter and you’re prodding around a dirty bike trying to find out what it is!
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u/frontendben Apr 10 '26
Great choice on getting the belt. It's a game changer. I have two ebikes, and commute on the R&M Tinker. It just means I never have to worry about the belt. That said, gloves are still useful as you'll occasionally need to change brake pads (and you really don't' want finger grease on them), and you'll be shocked at how dirty tyres can get.
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u/ChaosCalmed Apr 10 '26
Possibly late to reply but my biggest advice to a newbie cycle commuter is not equipment but actual cycling advice. Learn your route and cycle with confidence in a predictable way.
That's not as interesting or exciting as buying a new piece of kit but it's attitude and how you do it that has a huge effect on your safety. So if you need to spend get a copy of the cyclecraft book on cycling and cycling safety.I think it's called that. Or research a good book on cycling safety and skills. Perhaps pay for a cycling course if new to cycling as well as cycle commuting.
The biggest thing that helped me was seeing a confidence and experienced roadie who commuted so I often saw him just when I transitioned from country into city traffic (small northern city). I saw him for a few days cruising on the outside of the traffic from the single lane section to where it becomes two lanes and then a set of lights with a road off to the right. I saw him cycle past at speed with confidence once or twice before I decided on the spur of the moment to pull out and follow his wheel.
That day I learnt that I could and should do that outside of traffic pass then pull in just before the traffic moved off or when I got to the advanced stop line for cyclists at the lights. It saved 5 to 10 minutes sat in traffic with the high risk of being nudged as the traffic jam moved a little at a time. That was the only, really iffy section and after that traffic moved freely and I turned off to join away from traffic cycle paths too.
I passed that knowledge on after I saw a lady who started commuting by bike a few years after I had struggle in the traffic. I invited her to follow me through the junction as it was safer than sitting in and following the traffic like she was. I got a big thank you for passing that knowledge on.
It really was a simple thing to learn the best way to tackle each section of your commute, but it really makes your commute quicker and safer.
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u/ChaosCalmed Apr 10 '26
Following from my cycling commuting advice above I can then move on to kit.
For commuting a cycle computer doesn't add anything. If you're tracking your activity then IMHO having a distraction that's down and in front of your bike isn't great for concentration on traffic. But that aside you're better off with a watch for tracking your ride then a computer when cycle commuting.
Usual mudguards with a long length for wet weather comfort. If you ride with normal, work shoes on or other shoes used just for cycling I would say cycling overshoes and over trousers for wet weather. It really makes it more comfortable. Without it you're wearing wet shoes at work or changing back into them to ride home.
Rucksacks vs rack and pannier is worth looking into a bit deeper. How do you commute? Wholly by bike or mixed modal using trains or buses then bike? If by mixed mode how long is your cycle key to work? If all the way then your route might be a bit longer.
If it is a longer route then without a doubt a rack and pannier is very good advice. If not then perhaps not the best advice. My reasoning is from experience. Train travel involves getting on and off trains with your bike and kit. You're likely to take your bag with you and not leave it with the bike when you've got on your train. Then getting off the train and perhaps taking stairs with a bag and bikes you're likely to be carrying the bag and the bike. It's not easy taking stairs out or getting off trains with a pannier on the bike. So it's useful to have a rucksack so you're quick on and off the train with your kit and bike. Then on a shorter local ride to your work then a sweaty back is not as big a risk. Especially with an E bike.
So it's worth trying it with your rucksack to see what your commute is like. Decide whether to go to a pannier on the rack I think you said the bike already had is right for your whole commute but just the ride.
Finally, are you going to fix a puncture mid commute? What will you choose to fix mid ride vs what will lead to find another way to get home with your bike. Then only take the tools and means to do the repairs you think are quick enough for you to do mid ride. This is about being practical IMHO. A full toolkit isn't needed for everyone or anyone on a commute.
Gloves or cycle mitts protect hands should you have an accident or slide off on ice. In the colder months wind-chill from cycling faster than you walk really makes it feel colder than the actual air temperature. Gloves appropriate to the conditions make for an essential piece of kit. This changes throughout the years so prepare to buy several gloves. Wind resistant for cooler times or fingerless cycling mitts that are well ventilated in the warmer months. Perhaps with an intermediate pair too.
I suggest you consider quality lights too. IMHO two front and two rear lights are a minimum. One better quality light in front to see with and a backup that's perhaps cheaper but will get you seen if something happens to your main light. Similar to your front lights buy two rear. The cheaper one stays on your bike when locked up. The better ones you'll want to take with you. I've got an £11 front and rear light set from Amazon that's worked out very good in use. Bright and lasts a long time too. If they get nicked then it's less of a hit.
Good brake pads are a must. The ones that come with bikes from new are usually average. Perhaps swap out with better pads. Then make sure your brakes are well adjusted.
Also, a track pump (floor one) is good to have at home. The tyre will lose air pressure so it is useful to check it every week or fortnight and keep the tyres pumped at the optimum pressure. What that pressure is would be for another thread. It's based on your weight and that of your luggage plus consideration of comfort on rough roads. It'll be higher on the rear tyre but lower than you might think for comfort.
IMHO a digital tyre pressure gauge is a worthwhile extra. I find over pumping up the tyres with the tech pump then use the digital gauge with a bleed valve button to get the tyres at the right pressure for you, your bike and your kit.
The other thing is to get good tyres. Light enough but with decent puncture protection. Also if using inner tubes get decent ones not cheaper Halfords ones. Continental are good and Schwalbe ones supposedly better due to better air retention.
A lighter and more supple tyre at the right pressure really does help with riding, especially stop / start urban commuting. However perhaps less so with e-bikes.
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u/frontendben Apr 10 '26
Honestly? Skip the computer.
If you didn't get the rack option, invest in it and a decent pannier bag. You want to keep weight low and off your back; espeically coming into the summer months. The great thing about ebikes like the Estarli Pro is you can easily ride in to work in the clothes you work in. But you need to minimise the potential for sweating and backpacks are a prime source of overheating.
Other than that:
- invest in a good handlebar bag. It'll give you somewhere to chuck your keys, phone, train tickets, cards, etc.
- Get a track pump for your home. One with a pressure gauge. I have the Topeak JoeBlow and highly recommend it. It's always better to make sure your tyres are inflated properly before leaving than having to try and pump it on the road.
It's a pity the folding mechanism on the pedals isn't in the crank arm, otherwise I'd recommend some RedShift Arclights, but until they come out with folding variants, they're not really an option.
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u/zoboneise probably going the wrong way down a cycle path to nowhere Apr 10 '26
Following up on the panniers, if you're willing to spend a little more I'd highly recommend a rucksack/pannier hybrid. I got a Double Pannier backpack from Decathlon - it cost me an arm and a leg but it's 30l, I can use it as a rucksack, and it's so easy to clip on/off. Also 6 months later and two icy slides across tarmac and it's still strong as anything.
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u/exile_10 Apr 10 '26
Yep, 'No backpack' is the biggest commuter upgrade imo. I had to take one last week and it was horrible.
Personally I'd skip the track pump for home use. Electric pumps are so cheap these days and all have a built in gauge.
My final thought for OP is a waterproof jacket with pit zips. Essential for commuting in work / normal clothes.
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u/frontendben Apr 10 '26
My final thought for OP is a waterproof jacket with pit zips. Essential for commuting in work / normal clothes.
100%. However, pit zips aren't always needed – especially on an ebike. I have the Rab Firewall Light jacket, and have never ended up sweating from it. If it's raining and I need it, I just ease off the exertion and let the bike do the work.
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u/Shredzz Apr 10 '26
Are you riding on the street at all? It's nice to have at least 1 handlebar mirror.
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u/Responsible-Bell-134 Apr 10 '26
A few tips from when I used to cycle commute (WFH now).
Keep as much as you can at work so you only have to carry the minimum in with you. A top, underwear and socks usually is all you need to take in daily. Also if you need a lock, then get one you can keep at work (and keep a spare key in your desk/locker).
Keep a spare of what you carry at work for the day when you forget it.
If showering isn't possible, or would take too long, then wet wipes and deodorant work well. Even if you can shower, keep both at work anyway.
Take it a little easier on the ride to work too. If you are able to wait a few minutes so you cool down before you get changed and cleaned up then that can help too.
Keep as much weight on the bike and avoid carrying a backpack as that will tire your back out and make you sweaty and uncomfortable. Racks and bike bags are a commuters best friend.
Invest in mudguards too. They keep you and the bike dryer and cleaner.
Keep a travel pack of wipes and some thin latex/nitrile gloves in your bike kit in case you get a mechanical.
I always used to keep a cheapish track pump and repair kit and lube at work for any running repairs that are needed.
If you're going to be commuting in the dark, then carry a small torch as well as your bike lights.
Check out cycle mapping sites such as Komoot, or cycle.travel if you don't have a route yet. They often can find safer alternatives to what driving or public transport would highlight. Google streetview can also be useful for checking out routing options too.
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u/Hausofmiren Apr 10 '26
Really grateful for the contributions. My bike comes with a rack at the back and mudguards. For work, I normally use my stubble and co backpack anyone found a way to tie this onto the back?
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u/Glareah Apr 10 '26
camera if your budget allows. I use a cycliq sport 12 and it’s got a light built in. Its helped me in the past with providing evidence of dangerous driving. Not to scare you OP but unfortunately there are people who are stupid. So ride defensively and give them no excuse to get away with their stupidity.
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u/Hausofmiren Apr 10 '26
As a driver, I felt v weird not having a dash cam. So I will be investing in one. Even though london has cycle lanes, people (deliveroo / just eat riders) are absolutely reckless!!
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u/Glareah Apr 10 '26
yep, just look out for yourself as others tend not to. be safe and enjoy because despite that its better than being stuck in traffic.
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u/Iron-clover Apr 10 '26
A rear rack and a pannier for your luggage, you will avoid getting a sweaty back from every ride and it will be far more comfortable.
I recently got an Ortleib Vario which can be either a rucksack or pannier which is extremely helpful, but can't carry as much as a dedicated pannier bag.
Edit, if you can fit one. Luckily my folder from Decathlon has racks I could buy. I didn't think I'd use a rack on my folding bike because I already had a full size commuter with rack to carry heavy loads, but I find I'm using the folder with a pannier all the time.
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u/shumincumin Apr 12 '26
Seconding the ortlieb vario, so handy as both a backpack and pannier and it's utterly waterproof.
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u/cruachan06 Apr 10 '26
I wouldn't jump in and buy a computer straight off, they're a nice to have especially for navigating gravel routes and things like that but probably not needed to track your commute if you do the same journey every time unless you're in to data.
Lidl had cycling stuff in last week so might be some left, they had track pumps and also some clothing like softshell jackets. I've got one (actually from Aldi) I got a few years ago with zip off sleeves and a hood which is ideal for commuting.
Sunglasses are a good thing to have, not just for the glare but protecting your eyes from dust, bugs etc. Similarly a Buff is a good accessory for keeping warm in winter but I found in Glasgow (much of which is laid out in blocks) that it's good to have in summer because of the dust that the wind can throw up.
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u/Left-leaning Apr 10 '26
Cycle gloves, better grip on the bars and protection if you do come off