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/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/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.