Beat those back to work blues
Waiting for the washing machine to finish, fighting the duvet cover on and taking on the commute to work. Life can feel monotonous at times and for many aspects all we can do is take a deep breath and grin and bear it, but for that humble commute, we have a whole host of tips to hopefully help spice up that journey to your workplace. Read on to find out how to reinvigorate your day…
Stay seen and keep keen
Commuting, especially in a suburban area or city can be a daunting task, so ensuring you have the right equipment not just to keep you safe and seen but also to give you that all important confidence boost is key. Bike lights are a good place to start and are perfect not just for riding at night but also during the day.
Forget about cumbersome and heavy units, many manufacturers now produce lights that are small and powerful, easy to quickly take on and off a variety of bikes and can be charged fast from a laptop or socket.
Bike tools to keep you rolling
There is nothing worse than a case of puncture anxiety or feeling under prepared for your commute. Timings are never more important when you have a meeting to get to or a full day of work ahead. Being prepared is the name of the game and having a good arsenal of bike tools will help in this department.
A well equipped multi tool, mini pump, inner tube and set of tyre levers are basic must haves but can be complemented by the inclusion of a tyre boot and Dynaplug.
Staying seen without sacrificing style
As the title suggests, you do not have to dress like a traffic cone to keep visible out on the road. Many cycling clothing brands carefully consider their approach not just to form but also to function, with subtle detailing to catch the eye of fellow road users.
Our carefully selected range of reflective jackets and reflective gilets are a great place to start when it comes to lighting up your ride and for the colder and darker months, our autumn and winter clothing ranges are designed to complement your time on two wheels.
Cycle to work or don the running shoes?
Clipping in and contending with the same roads driving you slightly round the bend? Why not shake things up a bit? Using the same means of transport every day is always going to wear thin eventually so switching between a brisk run into work and cycle could be just the refresh you need.
The journey to work by bike compared to running in may need to be adjusted slightly and a hybrid approach of using public transport as well as running may be more achievable, especially at first or during the darker months.
Switching between the two sports won’t just activate different muscles, it will also allow you to explore different routes, which otherwise may have been impossible to get to by bike or vice versa.
Adjusting the route
If you are a cyclist or a runner through and through and want to stick to your sport, changing your route in, maybe to include new roads, hills or even and added loop will also keep things fresh and your motivation to pedal in high.
Exploring off road
Who says you need to limit yourself to the tarmac? If you are lucky enough to have an off road option to get to your destination this could be a nice alternative occasionally to avoid the hustle and bustle of rush hour and to take in a healthy dose of nature before settling down at your desk. A gravel bike could help unlock new trails or simply let you explore bridleways and towpaths with a new found ease.
Commuting with Others
Getting social on your spins or runs before or during work is great for the head and means those miles tick by all that bit quicker. Whether it is finding friends heading in a similar direction or a run or cycling club that do a few pre work miles, exercising with others can be the perfect way to kick off the day or unwind at the end of it.
Train without the travel pass
There is nothing worse than feeling stretched for time and for those looking to train for an event or simply want to keep fit, the daily grind can at times leave you feeling time strapped. Incorporating your training into your commute can be a time efficient way to get that session in and without compromising the rest of your day.
A bike computer or sports watch and some nifty tech add-ons when combined into your ride or run can provide the perfect training companion and allow you to really hone your efforts. Power meters and heart rate monitors take away the guesswork and allow you to get the most out of your performance, even if it is on a 45 minute ride into the office.
Save on your commute with the Cycle to Work scheme
Get the perfect commuting companion with the Cycle to Work scheme. This is one of the most popular employee benefits in the UK, offering significant financial advantages to both employees and employers. With savings of up to 42% on a bike, there is no better way to start your journey on two wheels.
Reduce mechanical mishaps
For many, the thought of puncturing on the way to an important meeting or having a chain break on the way home, after a long day at the computer can fear them with dread. Although eliminating all mechanical mishaps is near impossible you can set yourself and your bike up for a recipe for success by keeping your pride and joy in tip top condition.
The easiest way to do this is by giving it a service, either at home yourself or by handing it over to a friendly and highly experienced Sigma Sports mechanic at one of our stores where they can really give your by the TLC it needs.
Diagnosing and fixing any potential issues prior to your jumping on the saddle can save you not just time but also money in the long run and will mean you can ride with confidence, even if it is to a meeting you would rather avoid!
