Bike is estimated 20 minutes one way to work, public transport takes 30-40 minutes estimated, but in reality can be over an hour. I really want a bike, I’m waiting for landlord to finish renovations so I have space to store it without a risk of it getting damaged or being in the way of the workers.

Is it safe to go immediately to driving 20 minutes one way x2 a day Monday-Friday? I walk quite a lot, but I know cycling engages some other muscle groups. I need to cancel my public transport ticket to afford this endeavour, but I’m hyped to better my body, health AND save time.

Also, I hope you don’t mind me posting here more than Chapo’s chat. I want some more activity for my lovely 'gradians. <3

  • DankZedong @lemmygrad.ml
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    1 year ago

    I guess I’m too Dutch for this question lol. I was like: ‘20 minutes? Of course it’s not too heavy!’, but then I remembered babies are delivered by bikes here, so…

    Anyway, I think you should be fine. It will be a decent workout as well.

    • Twink [none/use name]@hexbear.netOP
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      1 year ago

      I walk for hours on end. Obviously, 20 minutes isn’t much, it’s particularly in regards to me not having had biked in many many many many years. I hope I get that sexy bicyclist body. UwU

      • redtea@lemmygrad.ml
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        1 year ago

        How hilly is the journey? And how fast can you walk up hills without losing your breath?

        You don’t have to cycle hard and cycling can be easier than walking in the right conditions. You can make it a 30 minute ride to start with and build up to going faster over a month or so. For the first month, try to do it in 20 minutes on your last work day of the week so you have two days(?) to rest after pushing it. If it is a struggle, remember to start nice and easy to warm up your muscles.

        First five minutes should be gentle, anyway, to get the blood flowing, especially in the morning. Don’t forget to stretch first. If you walk a lot, I think you’ll be fine if you’re otherwise healthy. Stay hydrated!

  • plain_and_simply@feddit.uk
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    1 year ago

    Depending on the bike, it might be easier or harder but either way I wouldn’t worry about the 20 min journey. Give yourself extra 10 mins if you need to go slow. When I used to bike, citymapper had the option for ‘fast’ and “slow” bike so you could work out the min-max time to allocate for the journey.

    When I meant dependant on bike, city bike Vs racer bikes extra changes the dynamic of the ride. I always went for city bike as i need a bike rack and a basket.

    • Twink [none/use name]@hexbear.netOP
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      1 year ago

      Honestly I’m not sure yet what bike I’ll get. I’ll just go from store to store trying to find someone who speaks English so I can make an informed purchase with the help of an experienced seller.

  • Yes and no. Humans are endurance creatures, we hunted things back in ye olden day by just chasing them until they got worn out. You’ll be able to bike to and from your house, that’s not really a problem. But I don’t think you’re make it in 20 minutes until you’ve been biking for a bit.

  • rjs001@lemmygrad.ml
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    1 year ago

    As long as the areas you are going aren’t too extremely risky to bike in, that doesn’t sound too bad at all. You will very quickly become used to that

  • inasaba@lemmy.ml
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    1 year ago

    The biggest issue at the start will be saddle sores — I’ve been riding for decades and even I still get these for a few days at the start of the season. They will go away with time, just don’t be surprised if you’re walking funny at first.

  • grooving@lemmy.studio
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    1 year ago

    You can try an ebike they’re super fun. Like…you’ll want to just ride it anyway.

    But generally if your ride is flat, 20 mins is pretty chill. After a week you’ll be used to it. Any kind of verticality, and that’s a different story.