By bike to work

Are you one of the many people who repeatedly plan to ride a bike to work and leave the car at least occasionally? But is the effort really worth it? And do you need to acquire any bicycle accessories or even special cycling clothing if you want to commute to work by bike? Find out here! We also have tips on safety and some help for when your motivation dips.

Why are bicycles once again the future of mobility? Quite simply, they help save a lot of CO2 and space, they also make less noise, consume fewer resources during production and throughout their lifespan, and so on.

💡 A few good reasons to ride a bike to work

That the bicycle is the more environmentally friendly means of transport for regular short distances (like the commute to work) is undisputed. But there are more advantages, for example, people who bike to the office are fitter and happier. You can even save time on the commute between work and home by bike. The shorter the distance, the more likely you are to be faster on a bike! Especially if you have to travel during peak hours in a big city, a bicycle is faster than a car stuck in traffic. And then there's the annoying search for parking...

But you probably already know all that. So let's focus on the practical side of commuting by bike.

Which bike is best for the commute to work?
At what distance is a special cycling jacket worth it?
What do you do in bad weather?
And ... very important ... how do you arrive on time?

You can find this and much more here, so let's start our guide with the most important aspect: First of all, you need the right bike! Here is our guide to the right bike:

🚲 Which bike gets you to work?

To be able to ride it daily, you first need ... a bicycle! But which bike is the right one if you want to ride it to work (to university, to school or wherever)? Actually, the type of bike doesn't matter at all! The main thing is that you enjoy riding it! Nevertheless, we have some tips for you here if you want to buy a bike. Which steed gets you to work best naturally depends primarily on where you live and how your commute is structured is.

A trekking bike is a versatile commuter - a commuter bicycle with all the bells and whistles. Image © Ghost

❤️The right bike for the way to work ❤️

The bike for work - in the countryside:

If you have to commute to work in the countryside, you often face longer distances and also poorly paved paths. Here, an off-road trekking bike is just right. A MTB Hardtail also handles these challenges well. With a Gravel Bike, cycling to work in the countryside also works. For really long distances or inclines, an E-Bike from the corresponding categories is just your thing.

With the bike to work through the city:

City bikes and trekking bikes are the perfect means of transportation for cities - big city, small town, and everything in between... Both types of bikes are very comfortable, they have an ergonomic geometry, comfortable saddles, and handlebars. As for the equipment, they are real all-rounders. Mudguards, all-weather tires, luggage racks, or lights are usually factory-installed. Urban Bikes are an alternative, but they usually lack the StVZO equipment.

If the route is a bit longer, a trekking bike is usually the better choice. These bikes are built for long distances and changing surfaces and work particularly well there, they are also very robust. With trekking bikes and city bikes, you will also find many models with a low entry.

The cult bike for the big city:

Especially in the city, fixies and singlespeed bikes are often ridden and indeed they are not a bad choice for the way to work . The minimalist bikes don't require much maintenance, they are lightweight and also inexpensive to purchase. However, in cities with inclines, it gets really tricky without gears! Since they have now achieved cult status in big cities, they are often stolen, so you need a good lock! And please make sure to pay attention to traffic-safe equipment!

With bike and train to work:

If you use your bike as a feeder to public transport, it should not be too "fancy". If a expensive bike stands in front of the train station all day, the risk that it won't be there one evening is just too great.

If you want to take your bike on the train or subway, we recommend a compact bike or a folding bike.

Do you need an e-bike or S-pedelec for the way to work?

Sure, with the e-bike, the ride to work is immediately less exhausting. Therefore, it is worth considering purchasing one especially for a longer commute or for steeper inclines. An S-pedelec that supports you up to 45 km/h might also be necessary. These fast electric bikes are mainly used on long commuting routes across the countryside, in dense city traffic they often can't really show their potential.

⚡ E-bikes for the way to work ⚡

E-Hardtails | Gravel E-Bikes | Trekking E-Bikes | City E-Bikes | Urban E-Bikes

Rather unsuitable for the commute to work…

A bike that is simply impractical for everyday use is a MTB fully. The dampers and the high weight cost efficiency, and if you want to be on time for work, that's not very helpful. Fullys are also not exactly cheap, so you shouldn't just park such a bike somewhere during work. Also, a racing bike is not the best choice for every commute, as it only works on well-developed roads. If you always roll over smooth asphalt, you can ride a racing bike, otherwise you should shop among the gravel bikes if you like the racing bike look.

Dynamo lighting bike, important for a safe commute!

If you want to ride your bike to work every day, a permanently installed dynamo lighting is particularly practical! Image © Trek

In general, the bike should be equipped for road safety for the way to work, otherwise there might be trouble with the police or insurance!

A few more considerations for the optimal work bike:

Do you rely on the bike or can you get to work in other ways? The more important the bike is, the more good quality pays off! With brand-name bikes from well-known manufacturers, you can expect less downtime.
Do you ride inclines? Then you need the appropriate gear! A derailleur with many gears is more climbing-friendly than a hub gear. If hills or even mountains are part of your daily work route, you need a bit more range here. In flat terrain, a hub gear can also go further. The hub gear, on the other hand, is the all-round carefree package that requires almost no maintenance.
Do you have to go up or down stairs? Not only for stairs is a particularly light bike a good investment. If you have to lift your bike now and then, it should weigh as little as possible.
Do you ride over gravel, cobblestones, or poorly developed roads? Then you need thicker tires and ideally a suspension fork.
Do you ride in all weather? Then you should definitely have mudguards and all-weather tires!
Do you have to carry a lot? Then a luggage rack is really practical!
Do you also ride in bad weather, at dusk, or at night? Then you need a good lighting, so really good battery lamps or a permanently installed dynamo lighting system.
In general, a safety equipment with lights, bell, and reflectors is firstly important for your safety and also required on public roads.
Does your bike stand around unattended for a long time? Then a bike that "doesn't look like much" is less prone to theft!

Leasing a bicycle for the commute to work

The "Jobrad" is very popular, and indeed, a leasing bike is an affordable option if you want to switch from a car to a healthier, more environmentally friendly mode of transportation and want to afford a slightly better and more expensive bicycle. Maybe your company already offers this benefit? It's always worth asking! More information about bike leasing can be found in the Bike Mailorder shop.

If you want (or need) to ride it to work every day, a high-quality bicycle is not only more reliable, it's also safer. Robust tires, better brakes, or a good lighting system definitely pay off in everyday life. But who should pay for it? It doesn't have to be a high-end bicycle, but financing or leasing a solid bike can really be worthwhile because you will face less hassle and downtime.

Riding to work ... what do you wear?

The right clothing for the commute to work

If the commute to work is not too long, you can simply wear what you like.
For longer rides, it can become more challenging. You have a longer commute on the bike. But you don't want to change clothes. You also don't want to sit around all day in tight cycling gear and your employer's dress code doesn't allow casual MTB attire? Fortunately, today that's no longer a problem! Here you'll find out what clothing you really need!

Cycling clothing for work, office, and everyday

You can buy functional clothing that has all the features that make it comfortable cycling clothing. The cut fits, and the material is also optimally selected for sports and movement. Nevertheless, pants, shirts, and sweatshirts look like "normal clothing." There are even bike shirts with collars and buttons. With this, you can easily show up to work if there's no specific dress code.

Sweater Bicycle Clothing for the Way to Work

The function? Clearly bicycle! The Look? Perfect for the office! Today, there is a lot of cycling clothing that doesn't look like "sports," and therefore can also be worn at work. Images iXS, Platzangst, ION, Vaude

A few more tips on clothing for bicycle commuters:

Functional clothing that doesn't look like sportswear can still be made from special fibers . Particularly comfortable are stretchable, breathable pieces!
If you notice that you sweat a lot when you ride your bike to work, you can pay attention to buying clothing made from antibacterial fabrics . These fibers dry quickly and prevent the formation of odors.
There are skirts designed specifically for athletes where an invisible pair of shorts is usually integrated, making any type of cycling possible. Otherwise, you just need to adjust the bike: with a skirt or dress, a women's bike with a low entry is highly recommended.
If you have to wear work clothes, you can simply test them on the bike. Maybe they feel quite comfortable on the bike? If not, you'll have to bite the bullet and change.
Whether you need special cycling clothing to ride your bike to work primarily depends on how long you are on the road. The longer your journey, the more comfortable cycling clothing is.
Even if this doesn't necessarily match your style, you should prefer light colors , so you will be better seen in traffic!
Special cycling clothing, such as cycling shorts, you should purchase if your commute to work takes about an hour or if you notice that you don't feel comfortable in your regular clothes.

⭆ Cycling clothing for the commute⭅

Cycling shorts | Cycling jerseys | Sweaters | Cycling jackets

Cycling clothing for the commute to work... the must-haves:

The most important piece of clothing on the bike remains the bike helmet. Whether your commute takes you through the city and heavy traffic or you're riding alone on country roads, you should protect your head!
If you have never ridden a bike in the cold in the morning, you will be surprised how quickly your fingers turn into icicles in the wind on the handlebars! Even at temperatures that are actually pleasant, your hands can quickly get icy cold on the bike! The problem: most gloves won't help you here because they are not windproof, the wind chill penetrates unimpeded, and your fingers still get cold. Special cycling gloves are available in windproof and waterproof quality, and they are really worth the investment!
It's very similar with your ears! Your head also cools down quickly and most thick hats don't fit under a bike helmet. For this, there are thin but windproof headbands and helmet caps.
The next purchase is a special cycling rain jacket (even if you have a regular rain jacket). You can wear a fashion rain jacket on your bike, but it's not adapted to the riding position, so it can pinch or cut in. With a rain jacket for cyclists, you will be much more comfortable! An ultralight rain jacket that you can pack small is especially practical. You can easily carry it in your bag and pull it out when needed. Riding with an umbrella is, after all, not ideal!
The danger of flapping trouser legs getting caught in the bike's drivetrain is often underestimated. There are straps to keep at least the trouser leg on the right side in check.

👉 Accessories for Cyclists

Bicycle Helmet | Gloves | Helmet Caps

💦 The Bad Weather Equipment for Cyclists

Whether you should invest in bicycle rain gear "from head to toe" depends on whether you will really ride your bike in the rain and winter.

In the next section, we explain the reasons in more detail, but you'll be glad if you have overshoes!
If you really want to ride to work by bike in any weather, you should next buy a waterproof rain pants.
A helmet cover seals your bike helmet in the rain.
It's not always cold and wet! If you have to ride through rain on warm days, waterproof shorts can significantly increase the comfort factor!
Maybe you can simply store a dry pair of pants and a pair of spare shoes in your desk or locker?

☔ Bicycle Rainwear for the Commute to Work ☔

Overshoes | Rain Pants | Rain Ponchos | Rain Gloves | Rain Suits

The Right Cycling Shoes for the Commute to Work

Shoes are actually a special case if you want to ride your bike to work. Clipless pedals are rarely used here, so you don't need cycling shoes. From sneakers to dress shoes, to winter boots, you can actually wear anything.

It gets tricky when the weather is bad. Here your feet – they are, after all, your lowest point – get wet quickly and thoroughly. From experience, we can guarantee you: While wet pants or shirts eventually dry, shoes remain really wet and cold for a long time! Whoever rides to work by bike in any weather needs overshoes or a pair of spare shoes in their backpack!

riding to work in bad weather with cycling overshoes

Shoes with high heels are absolutely not recommended on a bicycle! If you need to support yourself with one leg (at a red light, for example), you simply won't stand securely. It's better to pack your high heels in a bag and change shoes once you've parked your bike.

🕑 The perfect timing for commuting to work by bike

“I ride my bike 20km to work – how long does it take?” or “How much time should I plan for 10km to work?”...

… all good questions, but unfortunately we can't offer you a general answer here. How long it takes you to get to work by bike depends on many individual factors. Is it downhill or uphill, do you have many red lights on the way or a clear ride? Your personal fitness counts, the weather too, and last but not least, it also depends on your bike! Basically, you're naturally a bit faster with an e-bike, but exactly how long it takes to get to your workplace, no one can predict.

There are estimates that suggest cyclists on a city bike or trekking bike ride about 10 to 20 km/h, on gravel and MTB about 20 to 25 km/h can be achieved, and with a racing bike and e-bike 25 kilometers and more can be covered. These are guidelines, but just rough orientation values.

Our tip: Especially for those who are untrained or haven't cycled in a long time, you should slowly approach and plan enough time.

How do you manage to get to work on time by bike?

If you've never cycled to work before, it's advisable to simply test ride your work route on the weekend. Then you'll roughly know how long you need. Initially planning a few extra minutes is also a good idea, then you'll have a buffer if it takes a bit longer during the Monday morning rush hour.

The commute with the usual travel time by car or public transport is difficult to compare! With the car, you have to plan for traffic jams or parking searches, while with public transport, you have to consider transfer times or overcrowded trains. In the end, experience shows that bicycles are even faster on shorter distances (up to about 5km). By the way, the route that works fastest by car is not necessarily the fastest bike route, as you might have some shortcuts available!

✋ This is how you get to work safely by bike

There are two measures that are important when you ride to work by bike in any weather or even in winter.

First, you need the appropriate thermal or rain clothing. You have already read about this above, but there we talked more about comfort. However, adapted clothing is also an effective accident protection. Cooled muscles react sluggishly, and if you're cold, the risk of accidents increases.
And second, you need the right equipment on the bike. It should definitely have mudguards, and it also needs good bicycle lighting. In wet conditions, your tires need good grip (so still enough tread), and your brakes should work well.
In addition, in dull weather or for the winter season - when you may have to set off in the twilight - high-vis clothing has proven very effective. Also, reflectors on bags or bicycle helmets make you more visible. Reflectors are not a substitute for good bicycle lighting, but they are certainly a good addition.
If you want to be safe on the bike in winter as well, a few special rules apply. Not only should your bicycle clothing be adapted to the weather, but you can also equip your bike with winter tires for more safety. At the very least, it should have all-weather tires.
If your bike regularly ensures transport to the office, you should not miss the annual check. If your bike is checked by a professional workshop once a year, you can pedal with peace of mind.
Are you allowed to ride with headphones? Do you have to use the bicycle path use, or is it more of a "can"? And if so, on which side? There are some rules you might not know, but they are important for safe coexistence in road traffic. It doesn't hurt to inform yourself about what is okay and what is not.

💸 Do you need insurance if you ride your bike to work?

Get on and start riding. Cycling always sounds very uncomplicated. But actually, you should take a few precautions, especially for the regular commute.
You can take out theft insurance for a valuable or new bike, then you will be reimbursed if it is stolen. You can also insure your bike in case of an accident, depending on the insurance policy, the repair will then be paid by the insurance. An accident insurance covers you, and a liability insurance steps in if you cause damage.
If you ride a fast S-Pedelec, you need to get additional information, as stricter regulations apply here!

🔌 Can I charge my e-bike at work?

The range of the E-Bike is a topic that keeps coming up. How far can you go with one battery charge? And what do you do if it's not enough for the way home? Are you allowed to charge your bike at the office?
In any case, you should ask your boss before charging private devices in the office or at the workplace. The cost of a charging process is manageable, about 15 to 25 cents are estimated to fully charge a battery. But still, you should get permission beforehand so you don't get into trouble for "electricity theft"! The same applies to your plug-in lights, cell phones, or the battery of illuminated bicycle helmets, which are becoming increasingly popular in the city area!

Commuting to work by bike: Overview of advantages & disadvantages

	Advantages	Disadvantages
Environment	✅ Cycling is environmentally friendly.	❌ Of course, a bicycle also consumes resources during production. But the longer you use your bike, the better the eco-balance becomes!
Costs	✅ A bicycle costs significantly less than a car.	❌ Good bicycles tend to cost a bit more.
	✅ The follow-up and maintenance costs are significantly cheaper.	❌ A bicycle also needs maintenance, service, and spare parts.
	✅ You don't need much initially to ride your bike to work. A good bike helmet is the absolute minimum.	❌ If you predominantly cycle to work, you need the appropriate equipment (lights, clothing, lock, bags, etc.)
Practical Considerations	✅ You don't have to look for a parking space.	❌ You must find a place where the bike won't be stolen.
	✅ You also don't have to pay for parking!
	✅ You are independent of schedules and fuel prices.
	✅ Depending on your commute, you may be even faster by bike than by car in many cases
	✅ Want to make a quick stop? No problem! The bike makes you flexible!
Weather	✅ In Central Europe, the weather is perfect for biking on many days!	❌ Ok, it can rain. Then you'll stay dry in the car. But you'd have to walk to the car in the rain too!
	✅ There is now excellent cycling clothing for wet and cold conditions. Even winter tires are available.	❌ Depending on where you live, the seasons can put a damper on your plans for a long time.
Fitness & Health	✅ You'll notice it – after just a few weeks, you'll feel better and fitter.	❌ It can be quite exhausting to ride a bike, especially at first.
	✅ Regular exercise is beneficial for health and well-being.	❌ The risk of accidents is not to be underestimated.
	✅ Exercising in the fresh air has been proven to improve mood.
	✅ Covid says hello... but even under normal circumstances, you are exposed to numerous pathogens in public transport that have no chance on the bike path!

To work by bike - here's how it works:

Now you know which bike is best to get to work. You know what you should wear and you know the benefits. The will is there, but what is missing is the motivation? Here are a few final tricks:

Be a fair-weather biker! Going to work by bike directly in rain and storm is a real turn-off. If you start in the spring, a habit can form over the beautiful months that you will maintain in the fall. And even if you only ride your bike in good weather, it's a win for you and the environment!
Find fellow riders! Maybe colleagues live along your route to work? If you make arrangements, you'll get going better.
No chance for stress! Plan enough time, after all, you want to leave the stress behind. It can also be really calming if you take your bike for a service before the first try.
Reward yourself! An ice cream cone on the way home is tempting... and it's much easier with a bike and without searching for a parking space or a parking ticket! You've already burned the calories!
Plan the money! Calculate how much you save by biking and think about what you can do with the money! Cinema, concert, or a good meal? You deserve it!
Motivation can be bought! Maybe you dream of a chic bike helmet, a cool backpack, or even a new bike? An investment helps some people to stick with it!
Surely there will be days when you just don't feel like biking. But every bike ride is good for you and the environment, so you can be proud of yourself if you manage to leave the car behind more often!

Here in the Bike Blog you will find lots of additional information about bicycles and e-bikes; everything you need for a great time in the saddle can be found in our shop, have fun browsing!