5 ways to make biking to work an easy ride

(MoneyWatch) Have you ever considered leaving your car in the garage and biking to work? It's a multi-tasking dream scenario -- get your workout in, get to work, and save gas money in the process. But while this may seem like an easy choice, it comes with potential hazards. First, if your commute is long, it can be overly ambitious to think you can bike the distance, depending on your fitness level. Second, it's unprofessional to show up to work smelly and sweaty. But there are some great solutions to these and other common problems. Here are some tips for chaos-free commuting:

Find the right bike
If you're going a long distance, an electric bike might help you get up to speed. Or if you're using public transportation, a folding bike might be worth the investment. Other commuter-friendly features to look for include an enclosed chain-guard (no more ripped or muddy pant legs) and cargo racks for your briefcase or purse.

Leave a change of clothes at the office
Assume the worst will happen. There may be a sudden downpour and a car might splash your suit. And if these happen, they will definitely happen on the day of a big meeting. So be prepared and hopefully you'll never have to use your Plan B.

Know that it's not all or nothing
If your office is far away or you're building up your fitness, know that every bit helps (your budget and the planet). So get a ride there and bike home. Or ride to the train that will take you the greater distance, instead of commuting to the station and paying for parking.

Stock up on baby wipes
They're the MVP of waterless showers. If you're a really sweaty biker, you'll need to pack at least a new shirt (see "Leave a chance of clothes"). But if you just need to quickly freshen up, a few baby wipes, a swipe of deodorant and a quick comb of your hair can having you looking office ready quickly.

Try a saddlebag
Messenger bags and backpacks can make your back sweaty. But a saddlebag or seat bag sits under your seat, keeping your stuff safe and you dryer. These are more secure for your valuables than a basket, particularly on bumpy roads (or city streets).

If you're a bike commuter, please share your best tips in the comments section.

[pedersen,jobs]

If there is a gym, YMCA or other workout place near your workplace, many of them will let you use their showers for a fee. Often much less than a full workout membership. Usually still cheaper than paying for gas/parking or taking the public transportation.

Get there early, giving yourself plenty of time to cool down before you have to dress in "real clothes".

If you have casual Friday, that might be a good day to start commuting by bike.

[Giankeffio]

Hi, i live in Panama and i've tried to commute to work for a couple of times. Most of the commuters that give advice come from cities that are design considering the biker needs, but in Panama, cycling is getting spread just recently, neither our streets or our culture is used to this idea. Another particularity of Panama is that we have a high humidity percentage, meaning that is very easy to get sweaty even though your not making a big effort or riding a long distance. And to finish the Panama characteristics, we have a lot of high and low roads, making the ride very irregular.

If you come from a country with similar characteristics, these are my recommendations:
1. Try to do little effort. If possible, make the ride as effortless and slow as possible. In that way, you wont get agitated and your sweat ratio will be significantly lower.
2. Hydrate yourself while riding.
3. Use saddle bags, panniers of trunk racks. The less weight you have over you, the more confortable you'll be, meaning that you'll sweat less.
4. If bathing is not an option, bring baby wipes and at least try to wash your hair in the bathroom sink.
5. Try to keep away from cars, and while still, wait in a place where you have some shadow. Cars get very hot while the engine is running, and one of the things that makes you sweat the most is the heat of the sun while waiting for the traffic lights.

I hope this recommendations helps anyone in a tropical weather that is trying to make some commuting. If you have any other advice, please share!