"Casual" rider wants to gear up for commuting

[Bike Chick]

Good for you for commuting and how fortunate you are that you have showers and lockers at work!

I would also suggest a Road ID just in case. http://www.roadid.com/Common/default.aspx

[lph]

I can't really think of anything you need specifically for commuting, apart from maybe a pannier or practical small pack to carry everyday stuff in. But depending on your schedule, route and dedication you may be riding in heavier traffic, darker hours and worse weather than you're accustomed to. For that you'll need a visible jacket or vest - yellow is good, but reflective material is necessary in the dark - attentiongetting lights, and fenders if you'll be riding in the rain.

Depending on how far you're riding and the level of comfort you want, you can ride in regular clothes, stretchy warmup clothes, or go full out on cycling gear. I started off without, but I'd still definitely recommend at least 2 pairs of cycling shorts, and rotate them. Riding every day has a nasty way of bringing out saddle sores. If you're on a budget buy one pair of good shorts, and one cheapo to change around with.

Otherwise it's mostly a comfort thing. I'm lucky enough to have a shower at work plus I ride far enough that I most days need a shower once I get there, so I enjoy the comfort of riding in full bike gear from top to toe, and changing completely afterwards. In theory I could do the ride just fine in regular clothes, but this way I don't ever have to worry about grease stains or mud on my pants or sweaty tops, plus I almost never have to wash my office wear, just rotate my stash of tops and bottoms often enough that people don't notice

Get out there and enjoy yourself! Explore new routes, you'll have a ball

[BeeLady]

I do my "commute" into town for grocery shopping - its 8 miles one way and I don't bother with cycling clothes but I do wear fabric that is more sweat friendly (no cotton).

Before my Xtracyle on my big dummy, I had a back rack and panniers.

Like the old Nike ads, Just Do It, and you'll figure out what you need (and what you don't) pretty quick.

[i0lanthe]

Thanks everyone!

My commute length is pretty flexible because I have a folding bike and can bike part way and take the bus or the T part way (I live too far out to bike all the way except maybe on bike to work day )... the most I'd be biking is 7-8 miles one way (home to T, T to work), or double that if I did the round trip. So far I've only done one way because it seems like mornings are still way cold here.

[mariacycle]

I would also suggest a Road ID just in case. http://www.roadid.com/Common/default.aspx

thank you so much for this suggestion! i'm definitely going to order one asap!