I really wish I could ride a bike to work, but it’s very far away, and school is even farther (about 20 and 26 miles, respectively). I only make $6/hour there, and it’s getting hard to afford gas and insurance, which I may have to get rid of.

Leaves me with very little money to buy books for in college, which is only one year away!

The underwear tip is OK, but it’s far better to ride in non-work clothes and change at work. A single fall can tear or stain a lot of clothing ==> $$$.

Spandex is best (no chafing). If that doesn’t work for you, look for some looser-fit shorts at your friendly neighborhood bike store.

Always have a spare inner tube, a spanner and two tyre leavers. Make sure you can remove both wheels by trying it out at home.

Invest in some puncture resistant tyres, expect to get at least three or four punctures per year.

Buy some eye protection for the summer months, insect flying into your eyes at twenty miles an hour is no fun.

If you get a bit of clear road on your journey consider sprinting, the increase in heart rate will do wanders for you cardio.

Mudguards, especially on the rear. The black mud streak up your arse and back is not a turn on for the opposite sex.

If you ride in traffic, ride on the outside of cars and not the side nearest the pavement, pedestrians ALWAYS step out before they look.

when you overtake a parked car give it at least another three or four feet as passengers ALWAYS open the doors without looking.

As for a helmet, I’ve never had a fatal accident whilst wearing mine.

and most importantly, if you see someone on a much more expensive bike than yours it’s mandatory that you get past them, no matter how hard catch them up and overtake.

^^^ Awesome. “I’ve never had a fatal accident whilst wearing mine.” Come to think of it, I’ve never had a fatal accident whilst wearing my seatbelt either… hmm… makes you think

I just started riding to work now that I’ve got the Dr’s okay to do so (torn achilles tendon). I haven’t rode much in the past five years or so (I forgot the helmet from the above list… d’oh!). I’m excited!

oh man, underwear is so not expensive. just buy more.

The underwear thing I have done. I didn’t think about the shoes. though. That one has been a big pain in the neck for me and riding.

Any tips for packing professional clothes?

Great tips. But what’s happening with riding home in yesterday’s underwear?Proper chamois (or the synthetic version) cycling shorts are the best to prevent chaffing. And they work best au naturale. In short, you don’t wear underwear with cycle shorts. That means fresh underwear can be slipped on everyday at the office and yesterday’s can stay were they really belong – in the laundry. The only question remains is: how often to wash the cycling shorts?

Any tips for packing professional clothes?

I use these folders. The smaller size fits nicely in a side pannier, and is big enough to carry trousers and a shirt without getting them too crumpled.

A .22 pistol. The Right Tool for the Job.