In my efforts to be more cost-effective, I’ve turned to cycling for my daily commute.  I can avoid the ongoing expenses of the subway or gas and get a great workout at the same time.  Sounds like a good idea, right? At first, I was a bit skeptical, but it turned out to be one of the most rewarding ideas I had ever had.  I have been trying to spread my love for cycling to my friends by outlining all the advantages to my commute, but I haven’t been achieving much success.  Some have tried it and don’t see the advantages and the others refuse to try it altogether.  Honestly, I just don’t think they’re doing it right and just need some insight on achieving the perfect commute.

The MOST important thing is the bike.  My weapon of choice is a Trek performance road bike, the Émonda SL 6.  The bike is great, full carbon and pro-level components, meaning it’s really light and shifts smoothly.  The only change I made from the stock components were the tires.  I changed them to some slightly wider, more durable Continental GatorSkins to create a smoother and more comfortable ride.  This bike allows me to travel at pretty high speeds, push myself physically, and enjoy the overall cycling experience.  I can get anywhere in the city by bike just as fast as if I drive, sometimes even faster.  Of course, like many other things, bicycles can be costly, but it is an investment, so do your research.  If you’re new to cycling, you might not see the significance of an expensive bike NOW, but the more you ride, the more you’ll become aware of the slight nuances of ride quality.

The second most important thing, which could contend for the MOST important factor, is the route.  When most people envision NYC cycling, they envision high density traffic, dangerous intersections, and narrowly escaping death at every turn… sorry to disappoint you, but it’s not that eventful.  NYC is definitely home to heavy traffic and busy intersections, but it is also home to an extensive series of beautifully built greenways.  These greenways are located throughout all five boroughs and are very easy to access.  The ideal route will involve your favorite greenway and street combination.  You might enjoy a more scenic route, lots of vegetation and large bodies of water, or you might be looking for a physically challenging route, hilly and extensive.  These route options are available throughout all of New York City.  Map your commute and adjust the ride to suit your style.  There are actually devices(bike computers) and apps that can map routes for you depending on your preferences.

The cycling wave is already in full swing.  There are all kinds of cycling enthusiasts in NYC, the BMX kids, the roadies, the mountain bike/ trail riders, the delivery guys, and the “fixies”(single-speed).  They are everywhere.  It’s efficient, it’s environment friendly, and it’s GREAT exercise.  Cycling is a completely different experience from driving or taking public transportation.  New York City has a lot to offer and cycling will allow you to experience things you couldn’t any other way.  If you haven’t had the opportunity to try it, I urge you to give it a chance.