I commuted to work 4 days a week for 3 years, then my job changed; the new job was unpredictable so I couldn't commute easily. Now I've changed jobs again and am now on a predictable schedule and am back to commuting. People often want to commute, but don’t know how, and by how that means what options gear to I have to use. There are many different variations of what you can use and many personal preferences for cycling and commuting. I thought that I would provide a few comments on what I have learned over the years. It is what works for me, it might not work for you.
Route selection: I used a combination of Google maps and driving the route/s to work. I drove the roads at the time of day I was commuting and determined the best ways to get to and from work, paying attention to traffic patterns etc. I rode the route once on a weekend prior to trying it during the work week. I selected the fastest/shortest route of 18.2mi. Over time I developed a few other routes to vary the ride, I have a few that will take me to 20-25-30-35mi to or from work, where I can easily get 50mi total a day or more for training. I vary the route to keep it interesting. If I am on a time schedule I ride the direct route, if I am training or want something different I vary my route. I am truly blessed to live where I do (country roads, minimal traffic, farm land views)
Bike Selection: I have one bike my cannondale six13, it’s my road/racing bike (I only have one), so I ride that. I have ridden my Mtn bike and Fixie to work once or twice (cant remember why)
Tires: I have continental gatorskin tires and only have had a flat once on the commute. I also will run Michelin pro race tires too.
Fenders: SKS race blade fenders that I use when its wet, they are easy to use, and easy to put on and take off.
Baggage: Saddle bag: Banjo Brothers mini Wedge, holds tire levers, C02, tube, patch kit, mini tool and some $$$. Backpack: After tiral an error, Banjo Brothers Commuter backpack. This is the best backpack I have used, it is low profile, I have good visibility, its waterproof, and rides well on my back.
Lights: Lupine Wilma 19 with lithium ion bottle battery and back up battery. I can run all week to and from work with these batteries (fully charged they offer over 8hrs of light) Rear Flashing lights (one on my seat post, and one on my backpack). I have two of those small flashing lights, one red on my helmet and one white on my front handle bars for times when I am riding through towns or when its poor visibility. I am often on open country roads, so My main lights are good enough. I also have reflective ankle bands.
Clothing: This is so individualized, you really need to wear what works, and this is definitely season dependent, sometimes you are hot, sometimes you are cold. Trial and error is what I have done. A few personal comments. In the winter I wear my winter riding shoes. Layering is key, especially when the morning is colder than the afternoon. I always carry a rain poncho in my backpack. When the weather gets warmer its just my jersey and shorts.
Bike Storage: Lock: I use the kryptonite evolution mini. I work at a hospital in rural PA and can park the bike in a protected under hang area at a public bike rack.
Water bottles: In the winter and cold, I carry one, its only a little over an hour ride. When I use it for a training ride (mostly spring/summer/fall), Ill take two.
Showering: There is a locker room at work that I use (maintance lockers), I use this to shower once I get to work. I’m lucky to have a shower facility, if not I’d use the gym shower (its across the road). I carry my work clothes in my backpack, and sometimes leave shoes at work so I don’t have to carry them all the time.
Additional notes: Sometimes I will use my Ipod to listen to pod cast or music. Usually I just use it as think time to and from work is a great time to wind down or just relax. I’ve been hit once; some dude blew a stop sign and ran into me, it wasn’t too high of speed, I could ride away from that one, but had to replace wheels. I’ve seen a few interesting things on the ride, I carry a camera all the time to take pictures. A few of my friends have joined me on the ride once in a while. I use to have a fellow commuter for a few years, it made it fun. Ive been caught out in thunder storms. I monitor the weather on the computer in the morning and at night for my ride. I won’t commute if it is heavy rain all day, light rain isn’t a problem at all.
I hope that this is helpful, it is what works for me, maybe it will work for you.
