Been bike commuting for years... On hot days I always plan my route to overshoot my place of work by a few minutes, which may seem counter-intuitive, but I've found take a few extra laps on flat terrain, at a slow pace can be a very good way of cooling off. Often I find that I sweat more when I stop moving, so giving myself a few minutes of cool down time before I get off the bike really helps.
I'll have to try this going to the store. Usually, I'm sweating buckets locking up my bike. Problem is flat terrain, but there is oversized parking lots...
You don't sweat more when stopping. You're still sweating the same amount, you just don't have the same air flow to force its evaporation. That said, your idea is good, slowing down also forces your metabolism to go down and the sweating along with it.
@@DinnerForkTongue Incorrect. The body doesn't need to sweat that much while it's being cooled off with airflow. As soon as you stop, that cooling is gone and the major sweating starts especially on a hot day with still air. If i was sweating that same amount my whole trip, I would be dehydrated fast, and the body isn't that stupid. Also, if you are soaking wet and start going fast, the temperature drop you will feel is immense, and you might lock up your muscles with cramps or at least have chattering teeth.
My dude, what's up with your profile pic. Here's the first excerpt from Wikipedia on Anti-com "Anti-Co*munist Action, also known as Anticom for short, is a right-wing to far-right[a] organization based in the United States and Canada.[1][2][3] The group has described itself as "the right's response to antifa."[4] Anticom has espoused neo-N*zi ideology and members have attended neo-N*zi events."
I have a big, ridiculous-looking brim for my helmet that keeps my face and the back of my neck shaded. I don't commute so I don't have to deal with traffic. I'm 73, retired and live in Florida. I bike in the middle of the day and it is HOT! I bike slowly ... under 10 mph ... and bike through neighborhoods which are partially shaded. I carry a bottle of watered down juice for hydration. And at the end of my rides, whether I went 10 miles or 5 miles, I have a pool in my backyard which provides immediate relief! Thanks for continuing to make some really interesting videos. I enjoy all of them!
Florida bike rider here: Don’t just carry water but carry ICE water in a steel thermos. Fill it full of ice and refill it with water from a second source so you get like 2-3 full rounds of ice cold water. Also. Sweat doesn’t smell if you start out completely clean. (sweat is inevitable here so just accept it)
It's interesting to learn that sweat doesn't smell by itself. Though, being sweaty is still uncomfortable because sweat isn't pure water, but is containing minerals and electrolytes. It's why you feel sticky and gross.
Just built myself an ebike, and I can finally arrive to school without being drenched. I rode 10mi in 100*F weather without breaking a sweat. one thing you don't realize at first is that the added speed creates a great breeze to cool you down while pedaling.
Another reason to plan your route through leafy side streets, ravines, parks, etc - fewer cars = less heat. When biking next to cars on busy streets, you can FEEL the heat coming off them. 🥵🥵🥵
I live in the South East US. Here's a tip I've had to force myself to accept on scorchers: Stop riding and rest! I ride pretty regularly, and these hot days turn my daily ride into real ordeals. There's no shame in stopping along your ride, even one you can easily crush in milder weather, and just getting a breather.
For real. If you're not feeling so well on a hot day's ride, stop in the shade, rest up and have a sip of water. Nobody gains anything from you passing out from heatstroke... well maybe thieves that get an opportunity to loot your sorry overheated butt for wallet, phone and bike alike.
I live in Malta, so I'm pretty used to riding in hot weather. The advice here is sound, but what I'd like to add is that if you can't slow down too much because of time constraints, the second best thing to do is slow down as you near your destination. Normally you sweat the most as you stop, because the breeze that you create as you're riding also stops suddenly. If you come to a more gradual stop you'll probably sweat less. I also find that trying to find a route that finishes with a downhill rather than an uphill is better, even if it means climbing a little more along the way. If there's no shade at your destination it may also be more sensible to stop somewhere close by where there is shade and once you're cool enough then roll slowly to your destination. I like to stop in a public garden somewhere really close to where I'm heading and spend some 5-10 mins there sitting on a bench. Moreover, the morning shower is useful not just because it freshens you up but also because it gets you rid of the old sweat that would be in the process of developing an odour. Sweat doesn't just spontaneously start stinking. It takes some time. So at least when you ride to work you should make sure that you don't have accumulated sweat from the night before on you. That's also why it's important to wipe it off as soon as you arrive. Moreover, the smell depends a lot on what you eat. Eating a lot of meat tends to make your sweat stink more. Regarding clothing, I tend to prefer wearing a shirt that can be unbuttoned all the way down. I call it my portable a/c unit. The coffee mug can also be useful for carrying cold water in summer. So don't ditch the mug if you're ditching your coffee!
I ride with a Camelback backpack. I fill it's ~2L reservoir with icewater. Really helps on hot days. :) Yes, even wearing the backpack - because the icewater makes the inner surface of the bag cold, which feels nice against my back.
I fill the Camelback as much as is practical. Then, I let it freeze overnight As I'm riding, the ice melts and helps provide a nice cool drink. If I drink all of the melted water, I get more from fountains, The remaining ice in the Camelback helps to cool the newly added water to give a cool refreshing drink as well.
In the past year I’ve seen way more bikers and I’m really hoping it’ll make the communities tend to cyclists. We barely have bike lanes where I live!!!
Something I did not submit but thought about as I was climbing a long hill today in 94 F to pick up my car from the repair shop. After watching this video. Having gears enough to not overwork the rider in hot temps. Plus had headwinds of 14-18 mph. Love my Surly 1x12 tractor drive. (this does fit with No. 6) My bike ride was cooler than the first ten minutes in my little black car.
Ebike has been a tremendous help for my work commute, not only the sun heat could be a massive pain, combined with long uphill, it’s basically unsustainable if you ride to work every single day. Replacing my old bicycle for an ebike is definitely one of good decision that l’ve made in a while. I still got all the bicycle privileges without needing to exhaust myself during the commute.
You cycle and film near my house! The past two weeks have been a scorcher and thanks for the tips. For me: light-coloured performance tees help wick away moisture and keep you cool while riding. Stay safe!
I live in Rio and it took a Canadian to convince me to stop racing all the time everywhere to sweat less. Lesson learned! If I may add, I suggest people try slowing down 5 min before reaching your final destination. It's tough sometimes because your final destination is uphill, but well...
When the heat index breaks 100F (and humidity hits 100%) I will sometimes freeze my hydration backpack half to three quarters full. This keeps a cold pack on your back.
I live in Australia. We get both dry heat and humidity and most public access buildings are air conditioned. I find if you walk straight into cold dry air with a raised core temperature from exercise your sweat rate increases but evaporates more slowly. If the foot traffic is high I stand at the door where the cool dry air rushes out with my shirt raised(looks weird). This actually evaporates your sweat and lowers your core faster and you sweat less inside the building.
Cold air does not have as much capacity to contain water vapor as hot air. I don't know if the difference is going to be this significant (it depends on the outdoor temperature versus the inside air conditioned temperature), but the science checks out. Theoretically, provided the air inside and outside is of similar humidity (air conditioned room tends to have lesser water molecule because of condensation in the AC system drawing out water from air), the hot air outside has bigger capacity to take in some water molecule from you (sweat), so it will evaporate faster. So unless your body still sweats a lot to cool your body down from bathing in the sun (i.e., you can sit under a shade), then it is probably true that you dry quicker being outside. It's just less comfortable for most people.
@@dougwedel9484 You're not kidding. Several months ago I spent several days in the hospital because of having low sodium level. I've been progressively drinking more and more water for at least the last year and wasn't taking in enough electrolytes. Anyway I had to be hooked up to a saline IV for several days to slowly raise my level and poked about a hundred times for blood draws.
@@wuwliwonka Actually, I think I’m wrong. I was just repeating something my dad had always told me. In my research to try to link some evidence, it turns out the opposite is true. Cold water is absorbed quicker, but the difference is negligible to all but athletes competing at the highest levels.
I used to drive HGV's in the UK, semi and trailer to any one in North America. Put baby wipes in the fridge on a hot day. It's ecstasy to have a quick wash with them.
I keep some unscented baby wipes in paniers. Now I have to put a small fridge there. 😄😄 The chilled wipes are a good idea, and a soft-sided, insulated lunch bag with a small, reusable cold pack would be cheap and not overly heavy or bulky.
Another tip - go multimodal. Where I live in the Pacific Northwest, we have major hills. Throw your bike on the bus bike rack for the hilliest portion of your route, or wheel it onto a train, etc.
I biked a lot in Japan during summer, high humidity, lots of sweating. I always brought a hand cloth and towel and fresh cloth (t-shirt, possibly underwear) in a panier or backpack. Find a bathroom, wash your body with a wet cloth, then dry, put on fresh t-shirt. It works
There are bicycle canopies you can buy now that are basically a giant parasol for your bike. Most cyclists would consider it ridiculous but as a middle eastern woman I will not be using my bike without one 😅
I am from India. Recently i have decided to commute on cycle/bike to save time and money. I may have to travel around 15-16km a day. It is kinda fun and daring to ride in the car and motorcycle crowded road. So i started taking notes for this daily journey.
I live in Malaysia where even at 8pm, it is literally 28 Celcius / 82.4 Fahrenheit. Would really agree with what you suggested in this video. Staying hydrated really is a golden ticket as thirst is never a good indicator on whether your body needs fluids. Also wear loose sports jersey. Stay away from cotton!
I agree with "embrace the sweat." You can drink coffee, just make sure you drink water and stay hydrated. Pack your work clothes in panniers. Carry wet wipes with you, take a bird bath when you get to work, toss the used wipes in the recycle bin. I would suggest wearing moisture wicking underwear...especially underpants so you don't take the slow train to ass chafe city. Ohh and deodorant. If its super hot, ride anyway...stay hydrated, and over time your body will acclimate to the heat and humidity. I would avoid riding during thunderstorms, check the forecast for the next day.
Great video. Thanks for sharing. I knew a few of those, but on occasion I simply forget how hot it is and ride as usual. So far it's worked out okay, with a bit more sweat.
I've started bike commuting again this month after over a year of lockdown, and for this whole month the max temperatures stayed above 35ºC and humidity below 40%. I've ridden as usual, yes, but with breaks for shade and water until I got used to the rhythm again. NBD.
I commute by bike an hour each way with a rucksack and you are right they are sweat bags. The thing is I hate the look of pannier bags on a bike. What I do is once I get to work, which doesn't have showers, I use a cloth I soak in water and wipe myself over to get all the sweat off. I then use some spray deodorant and I change into fresh work cloths including fresh underwear.
Coffee doesn't dehydrate you, that's an old wives tale. You still take in more liquid than you urinate out due to the caffeine. It hydrates you less than water, but it doesn't dehydrate you. And an iced coffee sounds like a wonderful pause on a ride 😊
I have tried it both ways. With and without. A small amount, less than 4 oz, is no problem. A large amount, in particular of high caffienated coffee, didn't work out so well for me on hot days ( 100 plus.) So before my evening commute I might drink a small cup of coffee, but during my ride I did not. My commute was only 70 minutes. If I beat my record I was entitled to a special brew when I got home.
On a possible suggestion on something you can wear, I've used the sleeve from an old t-shirt as a sweatband on my head. It will absorb the sweat and wick it away from your eyes. I'm sure any headband will likely work the same.
Where I live (Victoria BC) it's substantially cooler the closer you are to the ocean so I choose those routes. I also like to bring a little spray bottle in my bike basket that I can mist myself with.
One strategy I've used - usually on a bike tour on +30C day - is to wear a small, lightweight, hand towel under my helmet. (I have one that I keep for just that purpose :-) It keeps the sun off your head and the back of your neck, and sweat from your head wicks into the towel and evaporates efficiently, keeping your head much cooler. Soaking the towel occasionally is the next step. It looks inelegant, but it's a huge improvement comfort-wise. It even reduces helmet hair!
another suggestion about the best water bottle to carry on hot days. You had 2 water bottles on your video. Ditch the plastic ones. The metallic blue one will keep your water super cold for many hours especially with 3 or 4 ice cubes inside. I have the same one when riding & playing tennis for hours on end. The same one will also keep Your coffee hot for hours.
Killer heat in Texas this summer. Started bicycle commuting several months ago. Had a few work to home commutes with 108 degree temp (about 5 mile commute). By far the best method I've used is strapping ice packs on under my shirt. I put a large one on my back and a smaller one on the front. I still feel pretty hot when I get home, but no longer feel like I'm on the verge of a heat stroke.
1. El bike, very helpful 2. Early morning - less wind 3. Shady road side 4. Dry sunscreen 5. UV protected shirt 6. Not a dark clothing, especially helmet 7. Extra water and electrolyte 8. Someone must know your exact route 9. Checklist your bike before every single ride. 10. Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires a must. I ride a lot in extreme heat - be very careful especially long distance. Enjoy riding your bike.
When I commuted by bike, I kept a weekend bag with a few changes of work clothes and several small towels in my locker. I’d bring a set home after use. I’d bring new sets of clothes about once a week, when I drove due to weather or the need to visit multiple offices that day.
I do that on the regular too. A full change of clothes plus a towel (for showering) to work on Monday and during the week, only shirts to and fro. Take it all back on Friday.
Going slower would be the hardest for me. I find that even if I have it in my mind that I'm going to take it slow today once I sit on my bike I want a new PR on all of the Strave segments and don't want to be told I'm trending slower.
😆 Can't you get in in your head you want to arrive to the location dry? Use a heart rate monitor and convince yourself to keep it lower than a certain set point.
Where I live I sweat just by standing under the sun, so... staying cool is not really an option and a post-cycling shower is mandatory! Which unfortunately is why I just recently started bike commuting, now that I have showers at work! I'll finally try a rack and panniers tomorrow, though :)) My MTB is going as urban as it can! hehe
From Bangladesh I like your videos.You are a cool man bro. Stay safe and as always ride safe. I got a black neck and black hands from elbow to finger tips. 😂 I can say now I am black and white 🙂.
Good stuff. I went to the library on my ebike but didn't use it so I was drenched with sweat. It was a bit warm and humid so my body just didn't want to cool down. Should have used the ebike part since I have it, but I'm a masochist.... :p
The most important things for me in Texas is: Eat nothing that elevates blood sugar quickly--I will heat up from that. Wear wool meant for summer--Better than cotton, amazing breathability(even when wet), likes to dry and cool you down. Technical wool socks are a blessing. If it's really bad, in full midday sun, a froggtoggs chilly pad, as a triangle under a shirt, it's a valuable use of water. Inversely, as long as speed can be maintained so there's some wind, going topless is good too. Yes, my back can easily stand at least two hours straight in the sun by summer, and I am mainly Germanic. My worst feeling was coming back from a camping trip, there was no wind, and I started to sweat so much I left a visible trail of sweat that quickly evaporated. Then a big wind came and I was freezing! My body was panicking, and I really felt the need to lay down to recover and warm back up. The grass I ended up laying in had some ants that were ready to eat me, so they got me up pretty quickly off that grass. With the itchy ant bites, I eventually carried on home after I shook off all the remaining ants.
Oh man, I've been riding for a few years but I've only discovered your channel yesterday - I LOVE it! I really dig your bike in this particular video and I'm looking into a dedicated commuter bike, which brings me to the question; which Nexus / Alfine gear setup? I'm leaning towards 3 speed but I live on an island with short and punchy climbs - generally a little less than 1km with 4% average gradients easily going up to 10-12%. I now weigh just under 90kg. Do you reckon the 3speed will cut it or should I opt for 7 / 8 speed?
@@coastaku1954 I'm sorry, I thought we were talking about bikes and you are right swamp coolers don't work in moist areas of the country but are very good in dry areas, our local humidity averages about 12%. It is called evaporative cooling, lots of videos out there.
I have a water bottle with a sprayer, but my E-bike bizarrely has the cage mounts too close to the head tube to be usable. Once I figure out how to mount it, that's a good idea.
They make these really awesome wet chamois things that you can get damp and throw over your neck to keep you cool. I'm a desk guy normally but when I work in my yard in the summers I always throw one around my neck and they are AMAZING. Totally keeps you cool. Look up Ergodyne or something similar.
From the hot, humid SE United States and was pleasantly surprised by your last suggestion. Some days, you’ve just got to be practical instead of a purist.
Just take 2 wash cloths(1 as a towel) and take a travel shower gel, wear a cheap lightweight cycle jersey (eBay) and change when you get there after a quick wash. Oh and pack some antiperspirant too.
I find it very helpful to fill my two water bottles almost all the way and freeze it overnight then fill it the rest of the way with water that I keep cold in the fridge just before leaving.
You can also fold your dress shirt, tie, and jacket and put them in your bag. Cycle to the office in your undershirt and just put on the dress shirt and tie when you get there.
Hello, thanks for your great advice, they are very practical, I also tell you that I like your city is very beautiful. I live in the Canary Islands and in the city where I live I have areas with slopes, I have a folding electric bike (Libra) that doesn't look bad but now I'm seeing the NCM LONDON also electric and folding, I don't know if you could give me some advice or If you have heard of her, thank you for your precious videos, greetings and go ahead because you do it very well 😊👍☘️
I’ve found that simply wearing a white shirt helps keep body temperature in check. Because white doesn’t absorb colors from light, there’s MUCH less heat produced overall.
Great vid as usual! I do feel like most of these tips are geared toward a person who doesn’t like cycling but has to do it for some reason... as long as you have a change of clothes, some smell good, have water, and avoid over exposure to the sun, you’ll be fine. If you’re looking to get on a bike and not break a sweat ever, get an ebike with a handlebar fan
Not everyone who still wants to ride a normal bike is overly fit. After a 6 or 7 km ride over mixed terrain on a hot day I will be sweating lots. I certainly need about 10 to 15 minutes to cool down again before I go into a building. Never mind if I'm pulling a trailer with up to 60kg load. I want to leave the car at home as much as possible and I also benefit from the additional exercise. I don't want to go into a shop or office still sweating. But when I cool off its ok. And fresh sweat doesn't really smell although if you were working in an office a change of clothes probably would be a good idea.
Tom, I love the backgrounds you feature. I love seeing the urban trees. Is that the famous Stampede Elm in one of the shots? Someone on Twitter is hash tagging #SaveStampedeElm to save it from being cut down. It's 125 years old and they want to cut it down... to expand their parking lot. Better to save it and let people just ride bicycles.
I do have an e-bike, but I got it to go fast, not to help out with the ride. I will regularly work up a sweat even with the pedal assist turned up (class 3 e-bike and I do get it up to 25 mph / 40 kph pretty regularly), something I've discovered that's even better than water: gatorade fit. It's not available everywhere, but if it is available near you I highly recommend you try some. It's got all of the vitamin and electrolyte benefits of gatorade without the added sugar! Note that it is not sugar free, but with only 1g in every 500 mL bottle, it's damn close! It uses a combination of watermelon juice and stevia leaf extract as the sweetener. It is also free of articial colors and flavors, and tastes great!
Avoid traffic lights! The movement of cycling creates a nice breeze and I find cycling pleasant even on the hottest days, but I always get too hot when I have to stop at intersections (especially sunny ones!)
No to the wetwipes. In addition to the no-bueno disposable nature of them, they're usually soaked in detergents and fragrances that are not good to leave just sitting on your skin. A dry or wet towel is all you need. Getting the sweat off is all you need to do to avoid the smell. It's only when you leave the sweat there that you're going to be a nice salty lick for the microbes that make you smell.
I like using my body's built-in cooling system to stay cool: sweat. especially when I'm not in "nice" clothes. fight to pick up speed and work up a light sweat (but don't get drenched), then coast to get some air on there to cool down. you can always rehydrate. if you struggle with B.O. (and I don't mean to shame, that's completely normal), then you might not find this very useful.
For cofffee, the main thing is that caffine raises your heart rate and will make you feel warmer and sweat more. It's also a reason why people say not to take energy drinks if you're working hard labor in hot/humid enviroments. That shit kills.
Where do you live? Excessive diversity? No one has even stole anything out of my panniers that don't lock. The only person that did anything, was someone I was talking to, and they left their number while I was in the store. I use a simple lock wire lock. The seat mount which cost basically as much as the bike, was something I was also locking it to the frame with another wire lock. One time someone even came up to me and said I locked up to a bad spot. Cutting the lock is way easier than lifting the bike past a high sign. Nevertheless, I waited until they left, because someone who thinks like that could be a crook. Moral of the story, only lock up what you are able to lose. It makes no sense to need to lock up an expensive bike somewhere other than home. Should have a cheaper bike for low security trips.
fan of the page and started commuting 3 months ago. got a lot of helpful tips! curious what your thoughts or expertise is biking early mornings and late nights? i bought lights to help both rear and front but wondering if I should invest in reflective jacket/vest? or best ways to be scene by cars. thank you!
Definitely the more lights you have on your bike the better both front and back as far as I'm concerned PLUS a hi-vis vest. Although I do most of my after dark cycling on rural roads with no street lighting so I need to see and be seen. I have one big powerful tail light (it's actually an SOS beacon I picked up in a hardware section and not an actual tail light) plus two smaller one's on my bike plus one I clip on the back of my helmet. On the front I have one standard bike light, two smaller flashing lights I clip on the two mirrors and another on the front of my helmet. AND.... I have a really powerful LED torch that fits into a bracket that I don't use on the highest setting because it blinds oncoming traffic even when pointed down. But on pitch black country roads it's magnificent for showing up any unexpected potholes or obstacles that could cause me danger. There would be no need for it in moderately or well lit urban area's. In low light or darkness I also mostly use an LED wearable backpack Bluetooth controlled indicator vest. It gives following traffic additional clear information for my intentions on the road as well as using clear hand signals too! And mirrors, they save you having to look behind so much particularly if doing so causes you to wobble. But mirrors/indicators or not, I will always deliberately look behind when I'm about to indicate that I'm changing my position on the road so the vehicle behind is doubly aware of my intentions. I live in a mostly rural area where there are no bike paths or lanes so I have to mix it completely with all kinds of traffic on streets, main and country roads. For earning a living my main job is as one of the notorious "white van drivers" mostly for night shifts. In winter I start in darkness and finish in darkness. The numbers of idiot cyclists wearing dark clothes and with no lights at all who have appeared out of almost nowhere in the darkness or against bright lighting behind them that I have often nearly hit has always driven me to despair. I make a point whenever possible to roll down the van window and give them a full on verbal bollocking, holding nothing back! I am making a point in my own cycling not to be one of those irresponsible and reckless a_______'s for both my own safety and the safety of everyone else on the roads To sum it all up, be a bright light of safety out there on the roads both literally and figuratively. You don't want someone like me in a white van rolling down their window and giving you a verbal bollocking after scaring them half to death when you appeared out of almost nowhere in the night? Do you....? Continued safe cycling to you.
when i used to commute (pre covid) i rode about 12kms to get to work in the downtown. On the summer things can get really hot here (around 34°C) but in the morning it's a bit chilly. I always dressed with as little as posible, a very light shirt and my bib-shorts, so i warmth in a few minutes. Also i used to sacrifice a day a week (sometimes every other week) and just use the metro (subway). That day i took a few shirts and pants to wear at the office so i would very little weight in the morning. An important point is to fit your bike. I see people casually commuting with humble bikes, but they are working too hard since the bike is not right for them. Woman often use the seat too low, and that can cause injuries on them in the long run (besides requiring more effort)
Wet hand towel in your camel back bladder section it feels good to wipe your face and neck with a cold wet towel. The towel can start off frozen in a freezer bag too
It's worth noting that maximally inflating your tires does not minimize the rolling resistance. I understand that the vibration losses in a tire can rise faster than the benefit of the shorter contact patch. Qualitatively, it seems like my ride has gotten easier since I went from ~100 psi to 85 psi (#usa #freedom-units).
Riding through sprinklers can be a bad idea. In my city public spaces are irrigated with recycled water, and private homes are permitted to use groundwater to irrigate gardens. In my city at least I’d avoid sprinkler water!
Here's a tip that may not apply to everyone: If your workplace has a decent shower room in the restroom, it might be worth exploring the idea of having your morning shower there. Bring a small toiletries like shampoo and soap. You can brush your teeth at your home before/after breakfast, so that one remains the same. At least this way, youre 100% clean and fragrant during the 8 hours in the office.
What I do genuinely not understand is that many people are not wearing a helmet. Mind you I am not trying to be all preachy about it. At the end of the day it is still your choice. I get why people dont like wearing them but if you have seen the aftermath of someone not wearing a helmet and sustaining completely avoidable injuries, it puts some things in perspective. Sure, it might make you look less stylish - but in my book, looking slightly dorky 100% beats head injury in case you take a tumble. I wear one even in 100+ degree weather. Is it annoying? You bet. But still.
I didn't know so many in the comments wear clothes that cover up during summer. My family always complained that I had to be too hot but I had to protect my skin from sun somehow!
Been bike commuting for years... On hot days I always plan my route to overshoot my place of work by a few minutes, which may seem counter-intuitive, but I've found take a few extra laps on flat terrain, at a slow pace can be a very good way of cooling off. Often I find that I sweat more when I stop moving, so giving myself a few minutes of cool down time before I get off the bike really helps.
This is a really interesting idea. That cool breeze on a slow ride can really be cooling. Thanks for sharing.
I'll have to try this going to the store. Usually, I'm sweating buckets locking up my bike. Problem is flat terrain, but there is oversized parking lots...
You don't sweat more when stopping. You're still sweating the same amount, you just don't have the same air flow to force its evaporation. That said, your idea is good, slowing down also forces your metabolism to go down and the sweating along with it.
@@DinnerForkTongue Incorrect. The body doesn't need to sweat that much while it's being cooled off with airflow. As soon as you stop, that cooling is gone and the major sweating starts especially on a hot day with still air.
If i was sweating that same amount my whole trip, I would be dehydrated fast, and the body isn't that stupid. Also, if you are soaking wet and start going fast, the temperature drop you will feel is immense, and you might lock up your muscles with cramps or at least have chattering teeth.
@@DinnerForkTongue that makes sense! Thanks for the reply!
I live in New Mexico. I wear a long sleeve sun shirt and tie a soaked bandana around my neck. Works like a charm! 👍👍
Bandana is a great idea. Thanks for sharing.
Hot day today. I picked up some frozen shrimp and stored it in a messenger bag for the trip home. It made a noticeable difference in cooling my body.
My dude, what's up with your profile pic.
Here's the first excerpt from Wikipedia on Anti-com
"Anti-Co*munist Action, also known as Anticom for short, is a right-wing to far-right[a] organization based in the United States and Canada.[1][2][3] The group has described itself as "the right's response to antifa."[4] Anticom has espoused neo-N*zi ideology and members have attended neo-N*zi events."
I have a big, ridiculous-looking brim for my helmet that keeps my face and the back of my neck shaded. I don't commute so I don't have to deal with traffic. I'm 73, retired and live in Florida. I bike in the middle of the day and it is HOT! I bike slowly ... under 10 mph ... and bike through neighborhoods which are partially shaded. I carry a bottle of watered down juice for hydration. And at the end of my rides, whether I went 10 miles or 5 miles, I have a pool in my backyard which provides immediate relief! Thanks for continuing to make some really interesting videos. I enjoy all of them!
Thanks for watching, and for sharing these great tips. A backyard pool or swimming lake is the best way of cooling off!
I have a kiddie pool I can stand in while I hose myself down. Then I can reuse all that water for plants.
👍👍keep it up 👍🌹
Florida bike rider here: Don’t just carry water but carry ICE water in a steel thermos. Fill it full of ice and refill it with water from a second source so you get like 2-3 full rounds of ice cold water.
Also. Sweat doesn’t smell if you start out completely clean. (sweat is inevitable here so just accept it)
Are you saying sweat only smells if it picks up scent from your dirty body? This I must explore.
It's interesting to learn that sweat doesn't smell by itself. Though, being sweaty is still uncomfortable because sweat isn't pure water, but is containing minerals and electrolytes. It's why you feel sticky and gross.
Just built myself an ebike, and I can finally arrive to school without being drenched. I rode 10mi in 100*F weather without breaking a sweat. one thing you don't realize at first is that the added speed creates a great breeze to cool you down while pedaling.
ya my bike was stolen so I'm using a regular bike while my new one is shipping and man that 115 heat is rough.
Another reason to plan your route through leafy side streets, ravines, parks, etc - fewer cars = less heat. When biking next to cars on busy streets, you can FEEL the heat coming off them. 🥵🥵🥵
I live in the South East US. Here's a tip I've had to force myself to accept on scorchers: Stop riding and rest! I ride pretty regularly, and these hot days turn my daily ride into real ordeals. There's no shame in stopping along your ride, even one you can easily crush in milder weather, and just getting a breather.
For real. If you're not feeling so well on a hot day's ride, stop in the shade, rest up and have a sip of water. Nobody gains anything from you passing out from heatstroke... well maybe thieves that get an opportunity to loot your sorry overheated butt for wallet, phone and bike alike.
I live in Malta, so I'm pretty used to riding in hot weather. The advice here is sound, but what I'd like to add is that if you can't slow down too much because of time constraints, the second best thing to do is slow down as you near your destination. Normally you sweat the most as you stop, because the breeze that you create as you're riding also stops suddenly. If you come to a more gradual stop you'll probably sweat less. I also find that trying to find a route that finishes with a downhill rather than an uphill is better, even if it means climbing a little more along the way. If there's no shade at your destination it may also be more sensible to stop somewhere close by where there is shade and once you're cool enough then roll slowly to your destination. I like to stop in a public garden somewhere really close to where I'm heading and spend some 5-10 mins there sitting on a bench.
Moreover, the morning shower is useful not just because it freshens you up but also because it gets you rid of the old sweat that would be in the process of developing an odour. Sweat doesn't just spontaneously start stinking. It takes some time. So at least when you ride to work you should make sure that you don't have accumulated sweat from the night before on you. That's also why it's important to wipe it off as soon as you arrive. Moreover, the smell depends a lot on what you eat. Eating a lot of meat tends to make your sweat stink more.
Regarding clothing, I tend to prefer wearing a shirt that can be unbuttoned all the way down. I call it my portable a/c unit.
The coffee mug can also be useful for carrying cold water in summer. So don't ditch the mug if you're ditching your coffee!
These are great tips. Thanks so much for sharing!
I ride with a Camelback backpack. I fill it's ~2L reservoir with icewater. Really helps on hot days. :) Yes, even wearing the backpack - because the icewater makes the inner surface of the bag cold, which feels nice against my back.
I found warm water in a Camelback helps in winter, so this is a good tip for summer as well.
I fill the Camelback as much as is practical. Then, I let it freeze overnight As I'm riding, the ice melts and helps provide a nice cool drink. If I drink all of the melted water, I get more from fountains, The remaining ice in the Camelback helps to cool the newly added water to give a cool refreshing drink as well.
Wearing shades makes you more cool 😎
😆
One thing communities can do is provide bike stations. A safe, secure, convenient place to lock up your bike that has showers and lockers.
Talk and stress to our employers to provide these at work places the costs will be made up in the long run in health care savings.
Yes, totally agree!
think YMCA
In the past year I’ve seen way more bikers and I’m really hoping it’ll make the communities tend to cyclists. We barely have bike lanes where I live!!!
Tom, Yours is such a comforting channel in this mad mad world in which we live. Thanks so much
Clothing - long sleeves but breathable is good mechanical sunscreen, and feels cooler too!
"Mechanical sunscreen." That's pretty great!
+1 to that!
Long sleeve linen shirt. All summer long in Texas.
Yes on panniers!
Take a change of shirt
Bring a wash cloth to wipe down after your arrival.
Great advice!
Yes! Thank you!
Using panniers makes bringing a change of clothes much easier too.
Something I did not submit but thought about as I was climbing a long hill today in 94 F to pick up my car from the repair shop. After watching this video. Having gears enough to not overwork the rider in hot temps. Plus had headwinds of 14-18 mph. Love my Surly 1x12 tractor drive. (this does fit with No. 6) My bike ride was cooler than the first ten minutes in my little black car.
Ebike has been a tremendous help for my work commute, not only the sun heat could be a massive pain, combined with long uphill, it’s basically unsustainable if you ride to work every single day. Replacing my old bicycle for an ebike is definitely one of good decision that l’ve made in a while. I still got all the bicycle privileges without needing to exhaust myself during the commute.
You cycle and film near my house! The past two weeks have been a scorcher and thanks for the tips. For me: light-coloured performance tees help wick away moisture and keep you cool while riding. Stay safe!
Thanks for sharing! Wave next time if you see me!
I wear a Buff stretched over my head but under my sun hat. The wicking effect works surprisingly well.
I second this, when it's really hot, cotton is rotten, a really light performance tee is 100% the way to go. And a good one will last a decade.
I live in Rio and it took a Canadian to convince me to stop racing all the time everywhere to sweat less. Lesson learned!
If I may add, I suggest people try slowing down 5 min before reaching your final destination. It's tough sometimes because your final destination is uphill, but well...
When the heat index breaks 100F (and humidity hits 100%) I will sometimes freeze my hydration backpack half to three quarters full. This keeps a cold pack on your back.
Almost spat out my cup of tea laughing with the ride under a sprinkler suggestion👍👍😂😂
Keep up the great content from Ardy in South Australia
Some parks around here use grey water to sprinkle...yuck!
I live in Australia. We get both dry heat and humidity and most public access buildings are air conditioned. I find if you walk straight into cold dry air with a raised core temperature from exercise your sweat rate increases but evaporates more slowly. If the foot traffic is high I stand at the door where the cool dry air rushes out with my shirt raised(looks weird). This actually evaporates your sweat and lowers your core faster and you sweat less inside the building.
Cold air does not have as much capacity to contain water vapor as hot air. I don't know if the difference is going to be this significant (it depends on the outdoor temperature versus the inside air conditioned temperature), but the science checks out. Theoretically, provided the air inside and outside is of similar humidity (air conditioned room tends to have lesser water molecule because of condensation in the AC system drawing out water from air), the hot air outside has bigger capacity to take in some water molecule from you (sweat), so it will evaporate faster.
So unless your body still sweats a lot to cool your body down from bathing in the sun (i.e., you can sit under a shade), then it is probably true that you dry quicker being outside. It's just less comfortable for most people.
always stay hydrated. drink, even if the water is warm.
Edit: Ignore this comment. I was wrong here.
Especially if the water is warm. It helps your body absorb the water better.
Moderation. Remember drinking too much water is also bad. Google water intoxication. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_intoxication
@@dougwedel9484 You're not kidding. Several months ago I spent several days in the hospital because of having low sodium level.
I've been progressively drinking more and more water for at least the last year and wasn't taking in enough electrolytes.
Anyway I had to be hooked up to a saline IV for several days to slowly raise my level and poked about a hundred times for blood draws.
@@ex0stasis72 for real?
@@wuwliwonka Actually, I think I’m wrong. I was just repeating something my dad had always told me. In my research to try to link some evidence, it turns out the opposite is true. Cold water is absorbed quicker, but the difference is negligible to all but athletes competing at the highest levels.
In short a lot of these tips can be boiled down to take your time and chill out. Ye olde work smarter not harder approach.
I used to drive HGV's in the UK, semi and trailer to any one in North America. Put baby wipes in the fridge on a hot day. It's ecstasy to have a quick wash with them.
Baby wipes in the fridge. This sounds amazing!
I keep some unscented baby wipes in paniers. Now I have to put a small fridge there. 😄😄
The chilled wipes are a good idea, and a soft-sided, insulated lunch bag with a small, reusable cold pack would be cheap and not overly heavy or bulky.
Another tip - go multimodal. Where I live in the Pacific Northwest, we have major hills. Throw your bike on the bus bike rack for the hilliest portion of your route, or wheel it onto a train, etc.
I did that for years when I lived in DTLA. I would take my bike on the light rail and then ride the rest of my way to destination.
Well edited. Nice musical accompaniement.
I biked a lot in Japan during summer, high humidity, lots of sweating. I always brought a hand cloth and towel and fresh cloth (t-shirt, possibly underwear) in a panier or backpack.
Find a bathroom, wash your body with a wet cloth, then dry, put on fresh t-shirt. It works
Iced coffee! Keeps me sane and everyone else safe.
These are great tips. Now I don’t have to worry so much about the humidity and hot weather
There are bicycle canopies you can buy now that are basically a giant parasol for your bike. Most cyclists would consider it ridiculous but as a middle eastern woman I will not be using my bike without one 😅
If there's a big wind do you get carried away?
I am from India. Recently i have decided to commute on cycle/bike to save time and money. I may have to travel around 15-16km a day. It is kinda fun and daring to ride in the car and motorcycle crowded road. So i started taking notes for this daily journey.
I live in Malaysia where even at 8pm, it is literally 28 Celcius / 82.4 Fahrenheit. Would really agree with what you suggested in this video. Staying hydrated really is a golden ticket as thirst is never a good indicator on whether your body needs fluids. Also wear loose sports jersey. Stay away from cotton!
The only cotton I ever wear is a baseball cap under my helmet!
I agree with "embrace the sweat." You can drink coffee, just make sure you drink water and stay hydrated. Pack your work clothes in panniers. Carry wet wipes with you, take a bird bath when you get to work, toss the used wipes in the recycle bin. I would suggest wearing moisture wicking underwear...especially underpants so you don't take the slow train to ass chafe city. Ohh and deodorant. If its super hot, ride anyway...stay hydrated, and over time your body will acclimate to the heat and humidity. I would avoid riding during thunderstorms, check the forecast for the next day.
Great video. Thanks for sharing. I knew a few of those, but on occasion I simply forget how hot it is and ride as usual. So far it's worked out okay, with a bit more sweat.
I've started bike commuting again this month after over a year of lockdown, and for this whole month the max temperatures stayed above 35ºC and humidity below 40%. I've ridden as usual, yes, but with breaks for shade and water until I got used to the rhythm again. NBD.
I commute by bike an hour each way with a rucksack and you are right they are sweat bags. The thing is I hate the look of pannier bags on a bike. What I do is once I get to work, which doesn't have showers, I use a cloth I soak in water and wipe myself over to get all the sweat off. I then use some spray deodorant and I change into fresh work cloths including fresh underwear.
Coffee doesn't dehydrate you, that's an old wives tale. You still take in more liquid than you urinate out due to the caffeine. It hydrates you less than water, but it doesn't dehydrate you. And an iced coffee sounds like a wonderful pause on a ride 😊
Coffee doesn't dehydrate me, it lets me remember how to function.
I have tried it both ways. With and without. A small amount, less than 4 oz, is no problem. A large amount, in particular of high caffienated coffee, didn't work out so well for me on hot days ( 100 plus.) So before my evening commute I might drink a small cup of coffee, but during my ride I did not. My commute was only 70 minutes. If I beat my record I was entitled to a special brew when I got home.
Great tips. Pick a route though neighbourhoods with shade if possible.
On a possible suggestion on something you can wear, I've used the sleeve from an old t-shirt as a sweatband on my head. It will absorb the sweat and wick it away from your eyes. I'm sure any headband will likely work the same.
Pretty good, straightforward tips
Where I live (Victoria BC) it's substantially cooler the closer you are to the ocean so I choose those routes. I also like to bring a little spray bottle in my bike basket that I can mist myself with.
love your content! currently re-discovering my love for biking, i'd love to see more tips and biking equipment/attachment reviews!
Thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching!
One strategy I've used - usually on a bike tour on +30C day - is to wear a small, lightweight, hand towel under my helmet. (I have one that I keep for just that purpose :-) It keeps the sun off your head and the back of your neck, and sweat from your head wicks into the towel and evaporates efficiently, keeping your head much cooler. Soaking the towel occasionally is the next step.
It looks inelegant, but it's a huge improvement comfort-wise. It even reduces helmet hair!
What a cool idea. I guess you could drape it down your back too. Thanks for sharing.
A ball cap with the brim turned back is a valid substitute in a pinch. Too bad it doesn't cover as much of your neck.
#19 here, it's the best in summer!
another suggestion about the best water bottle to carry on hot days. You had 2 water bottles on your video. Ditch the plastic ones. The metallic blue one will keep your water super cold for many hours especially with 3 or 4 ice cubes inside. I have the same one when riding & playing tennis for hours on end. The same one will also keep Your coffee hot for hours.
Killer heat in Texas this summer. Started bicycle commuting several months ago. Had a few work to home commutes with 108 degree temp (about 5 mile commute). By far the best method I've used is strapping ice packs on under my shirt. I put a large one on my back and a smaller one on the front. I still feel pretty hot when I get home, but no longer feel like I'm on the verge of a heat stroke.
Leesburg, Florida. 94° with heat index of 107°. Dressed light, stayed hydrated, rode slow. Worked just fine. 6 miles round trip.
1. El bike, very helpful
2. Early morning - less wind
3. Shady road side
4. Dry sunscreen
5. UV protected shirt
6. Not a dark clothing, especially helmet
7. Extra water and electrolyte
8. Someone must know your exact route
9. Checklist your bike before every single ride.
10. Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires a must.
I ride a lot in extreme heat - be very careful especially long distance. Enjoy riding your bike.
When I commuted by bike, I kept a weekend bag with a few changes of work clothes and several small towels in my locker. I’d bring a set home after use. I’d bring new sets of clothes about once a week, when I drove due to weather or the need to visit multiple offices that day.
I do that on the regular too. A full change of clothes plus a towel (for showering) to work on Monday and during the week, only shirts to and fro. Take it all back on Friday.
Shifter- nr 2 Slow down
Me - 16inch Folding Bike user, 😎 now we’re talking. Cruising Gang all Year long.
Going slower would be the hardest for me. I find that even if I have it in my mind that I'm going to take it slow today once I sit on my bike I want a new PR on all of the Strave segments and don't want to be told I'm trending slower.
😆 Can't you get in in your head you want to arrive to the location dry?
Use a heart rate monitor and convince yourself to keep it lower than a certain set point.
@@lightdark00
Is that a challenge? I accept it! lol
Hell, for me, even walking is difficult to slow down for! I powerwalk everywhere.
Where I live I sweat just by standing under the sun, so... staying cool is not really an option and a post-cycling shower is mandatory! Which unfortunately is why I just recently started bike commuting, now that I have showers at work! I'll finally try a rack and panniers tomorrow, though :)) My MTB is going as urban as it can! hehe
6:53 That was great, thanks for the cackles 🤣
From Bangladesh
I like your videos.You are a cool man bro. Stay safe and as always ride safe.
I got a black neck and black hands from elbow to finger tips. 😂 I can say now I am black and white 🙂.
Embrace sweat. Oh, that is the relief. In my case. 😂 😂 😂
Good stuff. I went to the library on my ebike but didn't use it so I was drenched with sweat. It was a bit warm and humid so my body just didn't want to cool down. Should have used the ebike part since I have it, but I'm a masochist.... :p
What materiel shirt didn't let you body cool down? I never have that with wool summer shirts.
The most important things for me in Texas is:
Eat nothing that elevates blood sugar quickly--I will heat up from that.
Wear wool meant for summer--Better than cotton, amazing breathability(even when wet), likes to dry and cool you down. Technical wool socks are a blessing.
If it's really bad, in full midday sun, a froggtoggs chilly pad, as a triangle under a shirt, it's a valuable use of water. Inversely, as long as speed can be maintained so there's some wind, going topless is good too. Yes, my back can easily stand at least two hours straight in the sun by summer, and I am mainly Germanic.
My worst feeling was coming back from a camping trip, there was no wind, and I started to sweat so much I left a visible trail of sweat that quickly evaporated. Then a big wind came and I was freezing! My body was panicking, and I really felt the need to lay down to recover and warm back up. The grass I ended up laying in had some ants that were ready to eat me, so they got me up pretty quickly off that grass. With the itchy ant bites, I eventually carried on home after I shook off all the remaining ants.
Oh man, I've been riding for a few years but I've only discovered your channel yesterday - I LOVE it! I really dig your bike in this particular video and I'm looking into a dedicated commuter bike, which brings me to the question; which Nexus / Alfine gear setup? I'm leaning towards 3 speed but I live on an island with short and punchy climbs - generally a little less than 1km with 4% average gradients easily going up to 10-12%. I now weigh just under 90kg. Do you reckon the 3speed will cut it or should I opt for 7 / 8 speed?
I did inflate tires as much as possible, than they get heated on hot pavement, air in them expanded and front tire went booom!
Triple digits all week, an e bike and a decent spray bottle (the poor mans swamp cooler) help a lot.
Spray bottle! Love that idea.
Swamp coolers are just poor mans A/C that just makes the room more humid and hotter, Technology Connections made a whole video about it
@@coastaku1954 I'm sorry, I thought we were talking about bikes and you are right swamp coolers don't work in moist areas of the country but are very good in dry areas, our local humidity averages about 12%. It is called evaporative cooling, lots of videos out there.
I have a water bottle with a sprayer, but my E-bike bizarrely has the cage mounts too close to the head tube to be usable. Once I figure out how to mount it, that's a good idea.
@@coastaku1954 not if you live in the desert.
How about headwear like an Original Buff? Wear it pirate or sahariane style. Soak it in water, cools you down.
You're on a bike. You're cool. 😎
Zing!
They make these really awesome wet chamois things that you can get damp and throw over your neck to keep you cool. I'm a desk guy normally but when I work in my yard in the summers I always throw one around my neck and they are AMAZING. Totally keeps you cool. Look up Ergodyne or something similar.
From the hot, humid SE United States and was pleasantly surprised by your last suggestion. Some days, you’ve just got to be practical instead of a purist.
Some commuter cyclists beat themselves up if they don't ride every day. I think that's silly. Just do what you can.
Just take 2 wash cloths(1 as a towel) and take a travel shower gel, wear a cheap lightweight cycle jersey (eBay) and change when you get there after a quick wash. Oh and pack some antiperspirant too.
I find it very helpful to fill my two water bottles almost all the way and freeze it overnight then fill it the rest of the way with water that I keep cold in the fridge just before leaving.
You can also fold your dress shirt, tie, and jacket and put them in your bag. Cycle to the office in your undershirt and just put on the dress shirt and tie when you get there.
Hello, thanks for your great advice, they are very practical, I also tell you that I like your city is very beautiful.
I live in the Canary Islands and in the city where I live I have areas with slopes, I have a folding electric bike (Libra) that doesn't look bad but now I'm seeing the NCM LONDON also electric and folding, I don't know if you could give me some advice or If you have heard of her, thank you for your precious videos, greetings and go ahead because you do it very well 😊👍☘️
Thank you for watching! I'm afraid I don't have any experience with the NCM London. Good luck!
I’ve found that simply wearing a white shirt helps keep body temperature in check. Because white doesn’t absorb colors from light, there’s MUCH less heat produced overall.
Embrace the sweat. Be a pioneer and I may follow you, but not downwind of you ;-)
Great vid as usual! I do feel like most of these tips are geared toward a person who doesn’t like cycling but has to do it for some reason... as long as you have a change of clothes, some smell good, have water, and avoid over exposure to the sun, you’ll be fine. If you’re looking to get on a bike and not break a sweat ever, get an ebike with a handlebar fan
I'm just trying to make things a little easier for everyone who wants to ride.
Not everyone who still wants to ride a normal bike is overly fit.
After a 6 or 7 km ride over mixed terrain on a hot day I will be sweating lots.
I certainly need about 10 to 15 minutes to cool down again before I go into a building.
Never mind if I'm pulling a trailer with up to 60kg load.
I want to leave the car at home as much as possible and I also benefit from the additional exercise.
I don't want to go into a shop or office still sweating.
But when I cool off its ok.
And fresh sweat doesn't really smell although if you were working in an office a change of clothes probably would be a good idea.
Tom, I love the backgrounds you feature. I love seeing the urban trees. Is that the famous Stampede Elm in one of the shots? Someone on Twitter is hash tagging #SaveStampedeElm to save it from being cut down. It's 125 years old and they want to cut it down... to expand their parking lot. Better to save it and let people just ride bicycles.
I do have an e-bike, but I got it to go fast, not to help out with the ride. I will regularly work up a sweat even with the pedal assist turned up (class 3 e-bike and I do get it up to 25 mph / 40 kph pretty regularly), something I've discovered that's even better than water: gatorade fit. It's not available everywhere, but if it is available near you I highly recommend you try some. It's got all of the vitamin and electrolyte benefits of gatorade without the added sugar! Note that it is not sugar free, but with only 1g in every 500 mL bottle, it's damn close! It uses a combination of watermelon juice and stevia leaf extract as the sweetener. It is also free of articial colors and flavors, and tastes great!
Avoid traffic lights! The movement of cycling creates a nice breeze and I find cycling pleasant even on the hottest days, but I always get too hot when I have to stop at intersections (especially sunny ones!)
No to the wetwipes. In addition to the no-bueno disposable nature of them, they're usually soaked in detergents and fragrances that are not good to leave just sitting on your skin. A dry or wet towel is all you need. Getting the sweat off is all you need to do to avoid the smell. It's only when you leave the sweat there that you're going to be a nice salty lick for the microbes that make you smell.
Riding on a hot day is better than being sardined on public transit with other sweaty people.
that's a very good point
I like using my body's built-in cooling system to stay cool: sweat. especially when I'm not in "nice" clothes.
fight to pick up speed and work up a light sweat (but don't get drenched), then coast to get some air on there to cool down. you can always rehydrate.
if you struggle with B.O. (and I don't mean to shame, that's completely normal), then you might not find this very useful.
I live in Florida. There is no escaping the sweat. It’s just a way of life 9-10 months out of the year lol
For cofffee, the main thing is that caffine raises your heart rate and will make you feel warmer and sweat more. It's also a reason why people say not to take energy drinks if you're working hard labor in hot/humid enviroments. That shit kills.
The tricky part to owning a bike, especially a very nice one such as this is to keep it out of the hands of thieves.
Where do you live? Excessive diversity?
No one has even stole anything out of my panniers that don't lock. The only person that did anything, was someone I was talking to, and they left their number while I was in the store.
I use a simple lock wire lock. The seat mount which cost basically as much as the bike, was something I was also locking it to the frame with another wire lock.
One time someone even came up to me and said I locked up to a bad spot. Cutting the lock is way easier than lifting the bike past a high sign. Nevertheless, I waited until they left, because someone who thinks like that could be a crook.
Moral of the story, only lock up what you are able to lose. It makes no sense to need to lock up an expensive bike somewhere other than home. Should have a cheaper bike for low security trips.
2:45 Aston Martin video bomb 😊
Tip 21: put your bike on the bike rack of an air-conditioned bus and take it to your destination!
I’m just starting commuting on my bike and i have 1 reason I’m nervous. Texas. It’s sticky hot here but i hope these tips help me!
fan of the page and started commuting 3 months ago. got a lot of helpful tips! curious what your thoughts or expertise is biking early mornings and late nights? i bought lights to help both rear and front but wondering if I should invest in reflective jacket/vest? or best ways to be scene by cars. thank you!
Definitely the more lights you have on your bike the better both front and back as far as I'm concerned PLUS a hi-vis vest.
Although I do most of my after dark cycling on rural roads with no street lighting so I need to see and be seen.
I have one big powerful tail light (it's actually an SOS beacon I picked up in a hardware section and not an actual tail light) plus two smaller one's on my bike plus one I clip on the back of my helmet.
On the front I have one standard bike light, two smaller flashing lights I clip on the two mirrors and another on the front of my helmet. AND.... I have a really powerful LED torch that fits into a bracket that I don't use on the highest setting because it blinds oncoming traffic even when pointed down. But on pitch black country roads it's magnificent for showing up any unexpected potholes or obstacles that could cause me danger. There would be no need for it in moderately or well lit urban area's.
In low light or darkness I also mostly use an LED wearable backpack Bluetooth controlled indicator vest.
It gives following traffic additional clear information for my intentions on the road as well as using clear hand signals too!
And mirrors, they save you having to look behind so much particularly if doing so causes you to wobble.
But mirrors/indicators or not, I will always deliberately look behind when I'm about to indicate that I'm changing my position on the road so the vehicle behind is doubly aware of my intentions.
I live in a mostly rural area where there are no bike paths or lanes so I have to mix it completely with all kinds of traffic on streets, main and country roads.
For earning a living my main job is as one of the notorious "white van drivers" mostly for night shifts. In winter I start in darkness and finish in darkness.
The numbers of idiot cyclists wearing dark clothes and with no lights at all who have appeared out of almost nowhere in the darkness or against bright lighting behind them that I have often nearly hit has always driven me to despair.
I make a point whenever possible to roll down the van window and give them a full on verbal bollocking, holding nothing back!
I am making a point in my own cycling not to be one of those irresponsible and reckless a_______'s for both my own safety and the safety of everyone else on the roads
To sum it all up, be a bright light of safety out there on the roads both literally and figuratively.
You don't want someone like me in a white van rolling down their window and giving you a verbal bollocking after scaring them half to death when you appeared out of almost nowhere in the night?
Do you....?
Continued safe cycling to you.
when i used to commute (pre covid) i rode about 12kms to get to work in the downtown. On the summer things can get really hot here (around 34°C) but in the morning it's a bit chilly. I always dressed with as little as posible, a very light shirt and my bib-shorts, so i warmth in a few minutes.
Also i used to sacrifice a day a week (sometimes every other week) and just use the metro (subway). That day i took a few shirts and pants to wear at the office so i would very little weight in the morning.
An important point is to fit your bike. I see people casually commuting with humble bikes, but they are working too hard since the bike is not right for them. Woman often use the seat too low, and that can cause injuries on them in the long run (besides requiring more effort)
Wet hand towel in your camel back bladder section it feels good to wipe your face and neck with a cold wet towel. The towel can start off frozen in a freezer bag too
Or get a folding bike. Whenever it suddenly becomes too hot, cold, windy or anything. Fold it up and take a public transport.
Do you have a video review of your 3 speed cruiser bike? Will a schwinn be good enough?
Remember, it’s not the sweat that smells so if you start out clean the potential odour should be minimal.
It's worth noting that maximally inflating your tires does not minimize the rolling resistance. I understand that the vibration losses in a tire can rise faster than the benefit of the shorter contact patch. Qualitatively, it seems like my ride has gotten easier since I went from ~100 psi to 85 psi (#usa #freedom-units).
Ride barefoot. Platform pedals without pins are great. It really brings the temp down
#1 Tip for staying cool on summer bike commute: Live in Canada
It gets pretty hot in Canada in the summer! It's humid heat.
I ride carrying a car door. That way, when it gets too hot, I can just roll the window down.
Genius out of the box thinking!
Have you thought about carrying a portable AC with enough power for it?
Biiig brain
I dumped water on my head on a 110 degree day and it made my blood vessels hurt and feel like my neck arteries were about to blowout.
Riding through sprinklers can be a bad idea. In my city public spaces are irrigated with recycled water, and private homes are permitted to use groundwater to irrigate gardens. In my city at least I’d avoid sprinkler water!
Merino wool T shirt. No smell 😁
Here's a tip that may not apply to everyone:
If your workplace has a decent shower room in the restroom, it might be worth exploring the idea of having your morning shower there. Bring a small toiletries like shampoo and soap. You can brush your teeth at your home before/after breakfast, so that one remains the same.
At least this way, youre 100% clean and fragrant during the 8 hours in the office.
Subscribed. 🙂
What I do genuinely not understand is that many people are not wearing a helmet. Mind you I am not trying to be all preachy about it. At the end of the day it is still your choice. I get why people dont like wearing them but if you have seen the aftermath of someone not wearing a helmet and sustaining completely avoidable injuries, it puts some things in perspective. Sure, it might make you look less stylish - but in my book, looking slightly dorky 100% beats head injury in case you take a tumble. I wear one even in 100+ degree weather. Is it annoying? You bet. But still.
I didn't know so many in the comments wear clothes that cover up during summer. My family always complained that I had to be too hot but I had to protect my skin from sun somehow!