If you are interested in a bike for comuting you could use a cruiser if you are very near work, or a comfort bike or mountain bike if you are a bit farther out. Mountain bikes and comfort bikes are built rugged enough to stand up to the demands of daily commuting, and with the higher gearing and aluminum frames they will make longer trips more enjoyable.

For commuting you should have a removable pannier, (Saddle Bags), in which you can store a small tool kit, air pump, tire patches, and extra parts such as a master link to repair the chain. We reccomend using a tire sealant such as "Slime", to reduce flats from grass burrs and other small punctures. It would also be a good idea to include an aerosol can of chain lubricant in your kit. You should have enough tools to remove a wheel and repair a tire, or tighten parts and accessories, plus hand cleaner and a wiping rag. These tool kits are very small. Check your tool kit to be sure you have all of the nut sizes covered. You should also have a good slicker suit as you will run into rain sooner or later. Last but not least, a cable and lock, or other means of securing your bike while at work.

You could use a back pack instead of a pannier, but the rack to carry the pannier can also carry your briefcase. At any rate, you want something easy to remove so you don't have to leave it on the bike. You should rig your bike up with lights, even if you don't intend to ride at night. A situation may arise when you do need to ride at night and you will be prepared. You can purchase a light weight reflective vest for summer riding, and reflective tape for your winter riding jacket. Be sure to buy a good helmet, even if your laws don't require it.

In many parts of the world bicycles are a major form of transportation. In many large cities of the far east they are even used as taxis (Pedicabs), and to carry merchandise for shop owners.  In this country bicycles are widely used in industrial plants, and even by the miltary.  As more U.S. Cities add bicycle paths, and the cost of fuel increases they will become a more popular option for commuting within cities.

If you are considering bicycle commuting, visit this California  website.  It has a lot of valuable information about commuting, safety, security, and selecting your bike, which will be of benefit to you.  While the information about traffic laws only apply to California, you will find all of the other information useful. Please bookmark this page before you leave!

 Click here for useful information of bicycling and commuting