Bike to Work - Getting Started

The best choice for bike commuting is a mountain bike adapted with smooth, fat-tires. You can purchase new tires at any bicycle shop for around $30 each and the shop should be able to make the tire replacement for you. A racing style frame is less suitable for urban riding because the thin tires are too hard and vulnerable for rough roads. It’s also difficult to watch traffic in the head-down racing position.

If you’re only using your bike to ride to and from a transit station or you don’t have far to ride, you may want to go with an inexpensive or used “beater” bike. Beater bikes may not impress your friends, but they’re less vulnerable to theft.

Folding bikes literally fold up so they can be carried onto buses and trains that otherwise prohibit bikes during peak commute hours (check the Bikes on Transit page for specific bike restrictions). If you’re serious about biking to work and you need to take transit, this could be a great choice. Make sure that the folding bike you choose is light-weight or that you are able to carry it.   

Folding bicycles usually have smaller wheels. If you prefer full-sized wheels but still want the convenience of a folding bike, you may also consider a coupling system.  In a coupling system, your full-size bicycle frame is cut in half and the couplers enable you to take the bike apart and put it back together with a special tool.  See S&S Machine’s website, the manufacturer of a popular coupling system.

Recumbent bikes come in a variety of styles, shapes and sizes and are generally thought of as being fun to ride. There are two basic styles of recumbent bikes: ones with a short wheelbase and those with a long wheelbase. The short wheelbase bikes usually have the front wheels placed by the rider's knees. The long wheelbase bikes tend to have the seat about a foot off the ground with the front pedals being placed in front of you rather than below you. Steering can be over seat, under seat, or no-hands steering. Other recumbent bikes have three wheels and are called trikes, some of which are designed to be pedaled with hand cranks. The advantages of using recumbent bikes are that they can be more comfortable to ride due to the seat and handle bar placements that provide a more “relaxed” feeling while riding. They are also good for riders who have wrist, neck, or back injuries because they can take the pressure off of areas unable to bear much weight. One thing to watch out for when taking your recumbents on public transit is that they don’t always fit on the bike racks provided. For more information, please check our Bikes on Transit web page, or contact the transit agency directly.

Touring bicycles are made for long-distance cycling trips. They usually have the capability to carry overnight/camping gear and feature accommodations for varied types of trips (e.g., steep hills and flat, long distances). Click here (PDF) for the Adventure Cyclist Association's guide to choosing a touring bike.