Wie rüstet man sich für den Weg zur Arbeit mit dem Fahrrad aus?

Practical, fast, economical, good for your health and also for the environment, cycling to work has become much more widespread in recent years, to the point where it is now a real alternative to cars or public transport. Wether it’s raining or sunny, it is not uncommon to see bicycles whizzing down the streets of our major cities during rush hour...

However, this practice requires fairly specific equipment, which differs from road cycling, mountain biking or gravel biking. To meet this demand, Zéfal has developed a complete range of products suitable for commuting. In this article, discover our tips on how to get properly equipped to cycle to work!

See and be seen on the road

Even though cycling infrastructure is developing in urban areas, commuters still often share the road with other users: cars, motorbikes, trucks and pedestrians. It is therefore essential for their safety to see clearly... but above all to be seen!

The essential accessory for this is lighting. In winter in particular, a good front light allows you to see the road clearly, while a rear light signals your presence to other users and significantly reduces the risk of collision. At Zéfal, we have designed a new range of lights specially adapted for commuting, such as our Supervision F200 / R150 front/rear set, which combines power, autonomy and practicality. It should also be noted that some commuting helmets are now equipped with reflective strips and lights to increase your visibility.

In addition, wearing clothes with reflective strips significantly increases visibility in the dark. This can include urban outfits with reflective elements or high-visibility vests for maximum effect. Zéfal also offers Doowah: reflective trouser clips, ideal for staying visible while avoiding arriving at work with grease-stained trousers!

Essential safety equipment for cycle commuters

To ride with peace of mind and arrive at work safely, it is essential to equip your bike with the right accessories. Here is an overview of the essential equipment you need to ride confidently in the city!

The rear-view mirror: your best ally

This will allow you to keep an eye on what's happening behind you, especially vehicles overtaking you, and to anticipate your changes of direction with greater peace of mind. Depending on your preferences, it can be attached to the handlebars, at the end of the handlebars, or even elsewhere thanks to universal systems. At Zéfal, we have developed the Espion E80, a rear-view mirror designed for commuting: a long arm that filters vibrations, an extra-wide mirror, and compatibility with many types of handlebars, allowing you to easily anticipate any dangers around you.

The bell: to make yourself heard

Being visible also means making yourself heard! The bell is often the first accessory purchased by urban cyclists. A true ‘horn’ for your bike, it allows you to signal your presence to pedestrians and other road users, helping you avoid dangerous situations. The Classic Bike Bell and its universal mount perfectly meet this need, in addition to its attractive design and elegant finish!

Locks: to protect your bike

A lock is essential for securing your bike, whether you're stopping by the bakery to pick up breakfast for your colleagues or leaving it in a bike park for the day! Locks come in various shapes and sizes and offer different levels of security depending on where you plan to park your bike. The busier the location (densely populated areas, cities, university campuses, residential areas, etc.), the higher the security level of the lock you should choose.

When it comes to shapes, you'll be spoilt for choice: U-locks, cable locks and even foldable locks! Our brand new K-Traz U20 is the U-lock with the highest level of security. SRA-certified, it has technical and mechanical features that meet the highest safety standards and tests. To carry it easily despite its weight, opt for the K-Traz Holster, a practical lock attachment for the frame. For quick stops, the K-Traz Zip 3 is the perfect lock choice! Compact and easy to carry, it is ideal for quickly securing your belongings or accessories.

Practical essentials for commuting

To make your commute easier, more comfortable and more efficient, there is a whole range of accessories designed specifically for cycle commuting. These items transform a simple bicycle into a true everyday companion, adapted to the constraints of urban mobility!

The rack is undoubtedly the most popular accessory among cycle commuters, and for good reason! It allows you to carry your belongings without having to wear a rucksack, thus avoiding discomfort and perspiration on arrival. Combined with suitable bags, it offers excellent weight balance and optimal carrying capacity. The Z Traveler S20 et S30 pannier bags are perfectly designed for this purpose: waterproof (IPX4), sturdy and functional, they can be attached and removed in a flash thanks to their quick-release fastening system. The lower hooks ensure excellent stability, even on rough roads.

For longer journeys or in hot weather, it is essential to be able to hydrate easily. The Z Adventure Cage bottle cage allows you to safely carry a bottle with a diameter of 66 to 92 mm. It works particularly well with insulated bottles if you want to keep your drink cool when you arrive at the office!

Not every day will be sunny, and a good cycle commuter is prepared for anything. To arrive at the office dry, consider:

• - A waterproof jacket or windbreaker suitable for cycling,
• - Front and rear mudguards, essential for avoiding water and mud splashes, especially in winter.

A puncture can happen at any time. To avoid ruining your day, always carry:

• - A compact repair kit with patches and tyre levers.
• - A mini pump such as the Zéfal Switch Mini, which is discreet but effective and can be easily attached to the frame or slipped into a bag.

You are now perfectly equipped to overcome the last obstacles to your motivation and fully embrace cycling. On your way to becoming a true cycle commuter, every day and in all weathers!