Basic Equipment For Year-Round Bike Commuting

• Bike: Any bike can be used for commuting. Ideally, the bicycle will be suited to the conditions encountered during the commute. If your route includes riding on trails that have multiple curb cuts, or on rough terrain, a mountain bike or hybrid is appropriate. If you have a long commute on paved surfaces and want a decent workout, a road bike is best. Probably the best, all-around commuting bike is a hybrid. It can withstand the abuse that comes with a daily commute, and the riding position is relatively comfortable. I use a mountain bike that I've converted into a hybrid. It now has narrower tires and more upright handlebars than a typical mountain bike.
• Carrying clothes and other items:
  
  • Panniers: There are several methods for carrying all the stuff that you need to lug to work. I've always used panniers. They are the most flexible option since you can pack them with a lot of gear if necessary. I use rear panniers that attach to the rear bike rack. If I need to carry more than will fit in the panniers, I can always strap stuff on the carrier top.
  • Backpack or bike courier pack: These bags are carried on your back. They are OK for a short commute when you're not carrying much stuff. I've found though that they cause a couple of annoying problems. With a backpack, your back tends to sweat a lot. And if you carry more than a minimal amount of gear, the load is carried so high that your center of gravity is a little too high. A bike courier bag is a little better as it rides lower on the back.
• Lights: If you commute year-round, you'll need a good lighting system. Virginia Code requires that a front light be used between sunset and sunrise (46.2-1015). I've used Nite Rider lights for many years and they work great. They provide a very strong light for up to 2 hours of constant use. They can be recharged overnight and be ready for use the next day. I've used the single light system that seems bright enough, but there is a double light system as well that costs a little more. The lights aren't cheap but they do the job. The large batteries can either be carried in a bag on the top tube, or in a water bottle cage.
  Rear lights and reflectors are important as well, especially when riding on the road. The Vista lights are a good, flashing red light that can be seen from a long distance. Some people use two or three for extra visibility. Reflective clothing is also important and will be covered in a future column.
• Saddle: A comfortable bike seat can mean the difference between an enjoyable ride and a torture test. When buying a new saddle, ask if you can try it out for a week or so, as it takes that long to determine if it will work. I've gone through many different kinds of bike seats, from the classic Brooks leather saddle to the gel padded seats to the Terry cutout seat. By far the most comfortable seat I've found is the Specialized men's Comfort Saddle with the split in the back.
• Other gear: Fenders are a great asset if you plan to ride regularly in the rain. There are many different types that can be made to work on just about any bike. A kickstand adds some extra weight, but with all of the other gear used in commuting, it isn't much. I've started using a bell, mostly for when riding on the W&OD trail. It's good for warning others when passing. Having a thick skin for taking grief from your road racing friends for using all this extra gear helps as well.