Which Type of Bike is Best for the Morning Commute?
We’ve seen them, the array of different bike riders during the morning commute. All wearing different cycle clothing, from suits to lycra. All riding different types of bikes ranging from streamlined road bikes to slow and steady granny bikes.
Obviously, the decision about what bike to type is all down to what you plan on using it for. A number of things affect your choice of bike, what things you need to take with you, how far you’re going, will they have showers at the office.
Most people believe they have the most efficient way for commuting to work. But have they made the right choice? Would it be faster for a granny bike to get to work rather than a fixed gear bike? You would instantly think now, however, I think I can prove you wrong.
If you take 4 different cyclists and see how long it takes them to get from their homes to work. If we take two streamlined cyclists in lycra, one on a road bike, the other on a fixed gear bike. Then pick up your other 2 cyclists, one on a granny bike, then other on a mountain bike.
Of course a large number of people will think that the fixed gear and the road bike will shoot off and beat the others by miles. This is true, they would, however, they haven’t won yet. Once these 2 arrive at work, they are sweating more than a gorilla in a desert. So for them, you have to add on the time for a shower onto their travel time.
As for the other 2, the mountain biker came in 3rd place, but partcially sticky, a shower would be recommended. Finally, the granny bike, although it comes in last, the rider is sweat free and has enjoyed their ride. With no need to have a shower, the rider can simply walk straight into work.
So once you factor in all the amount of time taken for each cyclist to get to their work, and then add on any extra time to recover from the cycle. The granny bike wins by a good margin. It goes to show, slow and steady really does win the race.
Next time you’re about to go to work, think about how you’re getting there.