How to kit yourself out for commuting?

The use of the urban bike on a daily basis as a mode of transport, particularly for commuting to work, has grown strongly in recent years.
Known as commuting or bike commuting, this trend — driven by the development of well-established cycling lane networks, the explosion of the electric bike and the growing ecological aspirations of a large part of the population — has naturally attracted the attention of manufacturers, who now offer numerous pieces of equipment and accessories designed specifically for people cycling to work.
But how do you distinguish the essentials from the gadgets? Here are a few tips to help you make an informed choice!

The different equipment

Cyclist equipment

What helmet should you choose for commuting?

Halfway between a relaxed urban ride and a purely sporting approach, commuting does not have a dedicated range of helmets from manufacturers. Nevertheless, the specific requirements are numerous. The choice of a helmet that you will wear every day therefore deserves taking a little time to think it through.

Beyond their often understated and elegant look, urban helmets are generally characterised by great comfort, with sometimes generous padding ensuring a perfect fit. You will also find models with visors — removable or not —, integrated screens for total visual comfort, or even integrated lighting, in addition to reflective elements, for maximum safety.
On certain models, it is also possible to fit optional winter kits to keep your head and ears warm during the winter season. However, most helmets designed for urban cycling are built for riding in an upright position.

If your commuting bike offers a more dynamic position, your field of vision may be reduced, causing greater fatigue while increasing the risks. In that case, opt instead for a road-style or classic MTB helmet, the latter often being characterised by the presence of a visor.
This type of helmet offers a smaller contact surface with the skull for greater comfort. It is also generally lighter, which is not insignificant for daily use, and is also more ventilated, with openings and ventilation channels ensuring better airflow. The adjustment and retention systems can also offer more possibilities than urban helmets, with both vertical and horizontal adjustment and greater precision.


What clothing should you choose for commuting?

If you have the option to shower and change once you arrive at your workplace, go for a cycling-specific outfit. This will allow you to ride with greater intensity in optimal comfort.
Of course, you will need to invest a minimum in a summer outfit (link to our dedicated page) and a winter outfit (link to our dedicated page).
After that, it all comes down to personal taste, but bear in mind that the closer the clothing is to the body, the greater your freedom of movement and pedalling efficiency.
So, the longer the distance you need to cover, the more worthwhile road-oriented clothing becomes.

If your distance is reasonable (10 km maximum) and on a route without major difficulty, and you do not have a shower at your office or even the possibility to change, a growing number of manufacturers now offer textile ranges dedicated to commuting, with clothes made from stretchy materials that allow you to pedal comfortably, both in terms of freedom of movement and breathability, whilst offering a casual look that is perfectly acceptable if the dress code at your workplace is not too strict.

Whatever the case, you will inevitably need to invest in a good windproof jacket with a water-repellent treatment, or even a waterproof one, as well as a few accessories that will quickly become indispensable (neck warmer, beanie, socks, gloves…), in summer as well as in winter.

 

What shoes should you choose for commuting?

The choice of shoes for commuting will primarily be dictated by the technical choice you have made in terms of pedals, flat or clipless, bearing in mind that efficiency is significantly higher with clipless pedals.

This system is therefore worthwhile for long journeys and/or on routes with elevation. On the other hand, it requires a learning curve and can put some people off, particularly in an urban setting, mainly due to the greater risk of falling for beginners compared to flat pedals.
It will also depend on your outfit, but all solutions are possible: flat pedals with or without pins, with or without toe clips, clipless pedals or dual-platform pedals (one flat side, one clipless side) for total versatility.


Carrying belongings

If you commute several times a week and change clothes once you arrive at your workplace, you will have no choice but to carry your change of clothes, as well as everything you need to shower and get yourself properly ready for your working day.

Backpack

The first instinct is to go for a backpack. Very practical, offering a multitude of options with volumes ranging from 5 to 30 litres, increasingly well-designed compartments and innovative carrying systems, this solution is not necessarily the most comfortable for daily use, particularly in summer where wearing a bag quickly causes significant sweating. Many alternatives now exist to allow you to carry your belongings in a way that is both safer and more comfortable.

Rack panniers

If your bike is fitted with a rack, traditional panniers offer an unbeatable solution in terms of volume and security, with a coating that is often completely waterproof against rain and splashes and compartments that allow you to organise your belongings properly and are sometimes padded to protect your laptop. (link to the page on how to choose your bike panniers).

Bikepacking Bags

If you have no rack mounts and/or do not wish to go down that route, particularly in order to maintain a narrow profile to weave easily through traffic, bags that attach directly to the bike (known as bikepacking bags) are the solution for you. The first advantage of this approach is being able to use these bags on all types of bikes such as a hardtail MTB, a full-suspension MTB, a road bike or a gravel bike, whether in aluminium or carbon. The second advantage is providing a better distribution of the load across the entire length of the bike. Stability is therefore increased, allowing you to ride longer with more enjoyment. (link to the Bikepacking page).


Safety

To commute in good conditions, a minimum investment in safety equipment is necessary. In addition to greater protection, it will also help you gain both comfort and efficiency.

The first piece of equipment in this regard is good lighting. This must be powerful enough to allow you to see, as many areas — including in towns — are now plunged into darkness at night. Ideally, combine a powerful fixed headlight at the front to illuminate the road and a flashing light to make yourself visible, as flashes attract more attention from both vehicles and pedestrians.
For complete safety outside built-up areas, you can opt for a cycling radar. Usually mounted on the seatpost, it alerts you to approaching vehicles (number and distance) and can automatically adapt the mode and intensity of the lighting.

Beyond lighting, many accessories and pieces of equipment are available on the market to increase your visibility. Reflective textiles, spray, stickers — you are spoilt for choice.


Finally, if you enjoy listening to music during your journeys, be aware that beyond the significant potential danger, it is now prohibited to ride with earphones. However, a solution exists that allows you to enjoy your favourite tracks without being cut off from the outside world and entirely legally. These are bone conduction headphones. Positioned on the temples, they transmit music discreetly (no sound for those nearby) and effectively, whilst leaving the ears completely free to remain aware of the surrounding environment.