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 home at least occasionally? But is the effort really worth it? And do you need to buy any bike 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 motivational slumps.

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

💡 A few good arguments for biking 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 even more advantages, for example, people who bike to the office are fitter and happier. You can even save time on your 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 rush hours in the city, a bike is faster than a car stuck in traffic. And then there's the annoying search for parking...

But you probably already know all that. That's why we want to focus here on the practical side of commuting by bike.

What is the best bike for commuting 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 and foremost, you need the right bike! Here is our guide to the right bike:

🚲 Which bike gets you to work?

To ride it daily, you first need ... a bicycle! But which bike is the right one if you want to commute to work (to university, to school or wherever else)? 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 you best ride to work naturally depends primarily on where you live and how your commute is structured is.

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

❤️The right bike for the commute 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, a rugged trekking bike is just the right choice. A MTB Hardtail also handles these challenges well. With a gravel bike, bike commuting in the countryside works well too. For really long distances or inclines, an e-bike from the corresponding categories is just your thing.

Commuting to work by bike through the city:

City bikes and trekking bikes are the perfect means of transportation for cities – big cities, small towns, and everything in between … Both types of bikes are very comfortable, they have ergonomic geometry, comfortable saddles, and handlebars. In terms of 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 way 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. In 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 popular and indeed they are not a bad choice for the commute to work . The minimalist bikes don't require much maintenance, they are light and also inexpensive to purchase. However, in cities with inclines, it gets really tricky without gears! Since they now enjoy cult status in big cities, they are often stolen, so you need a good lock! And please make sure to pay attention to the traffic-safe equipment!

With bike and train to work:

If you use your bike as a feeder to public transportation, it should not be too "fancy." If an expensive bike stands in front of the 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 commuting to work?

Sure, with the e-bike, the commute to work is immediately less strenuous. Therefore, it is worth considering especially for a longer commute or for larger inclines. Possibly, an S-pedelec, which supports you up to 45 km/h, is also necessary. These fast electric bikes are mainly used on long commuting routes across the country; in dense city traffic, they often can't really show their potential.

⚡ E-bikes for commuting to work ⚡

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

Rather unsuitable for commuting to work…

A bike that is simply impractical in everyday life 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, 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-paved roads. If you always roll over smooth asphalt, you can ride a racing bike, otherwise you should rather 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 , otherwise there may be trouble with the police or insurance!

A few more considerations for the optimal work bike:

Are you dependent on the bike or can you get to work another way? The more important the bike is, the more good quality pays off! With branded bicycles from well-known manufacturers, less downtime is to be expected.
Do you ride slopes? Then you need the appropriate gear! A derailleur with many gears is more climb-friendly than a hub gear. If hills or even mountains are part of your daily work route, you need a bit more range. In flat terrain, a hub gear also works well. In contrast, the hub gear is the all-round carefree package that requires almost no maintenance.
Do you have to go up or down stairs? Not only for stairs, a particularly lightweight bike is 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? A luggage rack is really practical for that!
Do you ride in bad weather, at dusk, or at night? Then you need a good lighting, so really good battery lights or a permanently installed dynamo light system.
In general, a safety equipment with lights, a bell, and reflectors is firstly important for your safety and also required on public roads.
Is your bike left 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 means of transport and want to afford a slightly better and more expensive bicycle for that. 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 have) to ride it to work daily, a high-quality bicycle is not only more reliable, but it is 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 bike, but financing or leasing a solid bike can really be worthwhile, as it brings less hassle and downtime.

With the bike 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 difficult. You have a longer commute to cover by bike. But you don't want to change clothes. You also don't want to sit around all day in tight-fitting cycling clothes, and the casual MTB attire doesn't meet your employer's dress code? Fortunately, today this is no longer a problem! Here you will find out what clothing you really need!

Cycling clothing for work, office, and everyday life

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. This way, you can easily appear at work if there is no special dress code.

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

A few more tips for clothing for bike commuters:

Functional clothing that doesn't look like sportswear can still be made from special fibers . Particularly pleasant are stretchable, breathable pieces!
If you notice that you sweat a lot when cycling to work, you can make sure to buy clothing made from antibacterial fabrics . These fibers dry quickly and prevent the formation of odors.
There are skirts specifically designed for athletes, which usually have an invisible pair of shorts integrated, making any type of bicycle rideable. Otherwise, you just have to adjust the bike: with a skirt or dress, a ladies' 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 are quite comfortable on the bike? If not, you'll have to bite the bullet and change.
Whether you need special cycling clothing to commute by bike depends primarily on how long you're on the road. The longer your journey, the more comfortable cycling clothing is.
Even if it doesn't necessarily match your style, you should prefer bright colors , so you will be better seen in traffic!
Special cycling clothing, cycling pants for example, should be purchased if your commute to work takes about an hour or if you notice that you don't feel comfortable in your normal clothes.

⭆ Cycling clothing for the commute to work⭅

Cycling pants | Cycling jerseys | Sweaters | Cycling jackets

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

The most important piece of clothing on the bike is and remains the bike helmet. Whether the commute to work takes you right through the city and heavy traffic, or you ride alone on country roads, you should protect your head!
If you've never ridden a bike in the morning cold, you'll be surprised how quickly your fingers turn into icicles in the wind on the handlebars! Even at temperatures that are actually pleasant, your hands quickly become ice-cold on the bike! The problem: Most gloves won't help you here, as they are not windproof, the windchill penetrates unhindered, and your fingers still get cold. Special cycling gloves are available in windproof and waterproof quality, and the purchase is really worth it!
Very similar to the hands, it is with the ears! The head also cools down quickly and most thick hats don't fit under the 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 normal rain jacket). You can get on the bike with a fashion rain jacket, but it is not adapted to the riding position, so it can pinch or cut in. With a rain jacket for cyclists, you are much more comfortable on the road! An ultra-light rain jacket that you can pack small is particularly practical. You can always carry it in your bag and pull it out if needed. After all, it's hard to ride a bike with an umbrella!
The danger of flapping trouser legs getting caught in the bike's drivetrain is often underestimated. There are straps for this, which at least keep the trouser leg on the right side in check.

👉 Accessories for Cyclists

Bicycle Helmet | Gloves | Helmet Caps

💦 The Bad Weather Gear for Cyclists

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

We will explain the reasons in more detail in the next section, but you will be glad if you have overshoes!
If you really want to ride your bike to work in all weather conditions, you should next buy a waterproof rain pants.
A helmet cover seals your bicycle helmet from 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 just store a dry pair of pants and some 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

The 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. You can wear anything from sneakers to loafers to winter boots.

It becomes difficult 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: While wet pants or shirts eventually dry out, shoes remain really wet and cold for a long time! Anyone who rides to work by bike in all weather conditions 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 just won't be stable. 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 20km to work by bike – how long does that 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 free passage? Your personal fitness counts, the weather too, and last but not least, it also depends on your bike! Generally, you are naturally a bit faster with the e-bike, but no one can predict exactly how long it will take you to reach the workplace.

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

Our tip: Especially those who are untrained or haven't cycled for a long time should take it slow and plan enough time.

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

If you've never ridden to work by bike before, it's advisable to simply test your commute 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 on Monday during the morning rush hour.

The commute with the usual travel time by car or comparing public transport is difficult! With the car, you have to plan for traffic jams or parking searches, with public transport you have to consider transfer times or overcrowded trains. On the whole, experience shows that bicycles are even faster on shorter distances (up to about 5km). By the way, the route that works fastest by car doesn't have to be the fastest bike path, because maybe there are some shortcuts available to you!

✋ This is how you get to work safely by bike

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

Firstly, you need the appropriate thermal or rain clothing. You have already read about this above, although we talked more about comfort there. However, appropriate clothing is also an effective accident protection. Chilled muscles react sluggishly, and if you are cold, the risk of accidents increases.
And secondly, you need the right equipment on the bike. It should definitely have mudguards, and it also needs good bike lighting. In wet conditions, your tires need good grip (so still enough tread) and your brakes should also work well.
In addition, in dull weather or for the winter season – when you might still have to set off in the twilight – high-vis clothing has proven very effective. Also, reflectors on bags or bike helmets make you more visible. Reflectors are no substitute for good bike lighting, but certainly a good addition.
If you also want to be safe on the bike in winter, a few special rules apply. Not only should your bike clothing be adapted to the weather, but you can also give your bike more safety with winter tires. 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 specialist workshop once a year, you can pedal with peace of mind.
Are you allowed to ride a bike with headphones? Do you have to use the bike path use, or is it more of a "can"? And if so, on which side? There are some regulations you may 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 when cycling to work?

Get on and speed away. Cycling always sounds very uncomplicated. But in fact, you should take some precautions, especially for regular commuting.
You can take out a theft insurance for a valuable or new bicycle, then you will be reimbursed if it is stolen. You can also insure your bike in the event of an accident, depending on the insurance policy, the repair will then be covered by the insurance. An accident insurance covers you personally, a liability insurance comes into play 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 comes up again and again. How far can you go on a battery charge? And what if it’s not enough for the way home? Can you just 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 for a charging process is manageable, it is estimated to be about 15 to 25 cents to fully charge a battery. But still, you should get permission beforehand so you don't get in trouble for "electricity theft"! The same applies to your plug-in lights, cell phones, or the battery of illuminated bicycle helmets, which are becoming more and more popular in urban areas!

Cycling to work: Advantages & Disadvantages at a glance

	Advantages	Disadvantages
Environment	✅ Cycling is environmentally friendly.	❌ Even a bicycle naturally consumes resources during manufacturing. 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.	❌ Even a bicycle needs maintenance, service, and spare parts.
	✅ You don't need much initially to ride your bike to work. A good bicycle helmet is the absolute minimum.	❌ If you mainly commute by bicycle, you need the appropriate equipment (lights, clothing, lock, bags, etc.)
Practical Considerations	✅ You don't have to look for a parking space.	❌ You need to find a place where the bicycle 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 might even be faster on a bicycle than in a car in many cases.
	✅ Short stop along the way? No problem! The bicycle makes you flexible!
Weather	✅ In Central Europe, the weather is perfect for cycling on many days!	❌ Okay, it can rain. Then you 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 weather. Even winter tires are available.	❌ Depending on where you live, the seasons can thwart your plans for a longer period.
Fitness & Health	✅ You'll notice it – even after a few weeks, you feel better and fitter.	❌ Especially at the beginning, cycling can be quite exhausting.
	✅ Regular exercise is beneficial for health and well-being.	❌ The risk of accidents is certainly not negligible.
	✅ Exercise in the fresh air has been proven to improve mood.
	✅ Covid says hello... but even under normal circumstances, you are exposed to numerous pathogens on public transport that don't stand a chance on the bike path!

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

Now you know which bike is best for getting to work. You know what to 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! Riding to work in rain and storm is a real downer. If you start in the spring, a habit can develop over the nice months that you can 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 riding partners! Maybe colleagues live on 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 service before the first try.
Reward yourself! An ice cream on the way home is tempting... and it's much easier with a bike and without looking for a parking spot or ticket! You've already burned the calories!
Plan the savings! Calculate how much you save by cycling 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 stylish bike helmet, a cool backpack, or even a new bike? An investment helps some to stay committed!
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 more information about bikes and e-bikes; everything you need for a great time in the saddle can be found in our shop, have fun browsing! If you want to learn more about current developments in bicycle accessories if you want to read, you should not miss the article "Bicycle Accessory Guide 2026" and the Bicycle Helmet Guide 2026!