Bike to work day is happening Thursday, May 7 2026. The Bike Shop will be located with two pit stop locations on the North and South sides of the Bow River from the Peace Bridge. This year, make sure to stop by for free tuneups and treats!
There are so many benefits to riding in to work if you are able to. Less traffic, less air pollution, and great exercise. Biking to work is a great way to stay in shape, and it increases endorphins to help you pedal through whatever stress the day might throw your way. Given the price of gas right now, pedalling in for your commute is really just a no brainer.
We asked a few of our staff about their bike commute setups, and what they might recommend for someone who wants to get started riding to and from work every day.
Alison
Alison rides her Trek Checkpoint in to work every day, and she had a few tips for other bike commuters.
- Comfortable saddle
- Lights are important if you have an early start to your day or if you plan on riding at night
- A bell if you're riding on the pathway
- Frame bag if you're not a huge backpack person
- Hydration and having two bottle cages on your bike
Max
Max rides a Checkpoint+ and he had this advice for us:
So far I never leave without my front and rear lights, a bottle of water and a bottle cage. A good, low rolling resistance set of tires are a must too. I have a set of Pathfinder 45s that I'll be throwing on my bike soon. Currently I use a backpack to carry my stuff, but I'm ordering a frame bag since the backpack can get a little hot and sticky for hot days and sometimes it's uncomfortable with that weight on your back.
Doug
Doug is an avid cyclist who competes in endurance fat bike winter races, and is travelling later this year to compete in the Silk Road Mountain Race in Kyrgyzstan. He likes to keep things simple with his commuter bike (unless he's feeling wacky and decides to ride his Specialized Epic that day), so he rides a Trek Marlin with full fenders, 45mm gravel tires, and studded tires in the winter. Here are his top tips:
- Have conditions. If you don't want to ride in the rain, then don't. If you take the bus sometimes, it is still way more fun than driving.
- Fenders may not be cool, but neither is a stripe of mud up your back
- Many bike styles work just fine for utility cycling. I have used road, gravel, hybrid, mountain, cargo, and even recumbent bikes for work and errands.
- Have appropriate clothing for the weather you're riding in.
Things to Consider
One big consideration is the length and terrain of your commute. Also, once you get to work where do you store your bike? If you have to lock it to a bike rack out front, you will likely want to steer more towards the cheaper end of things. A good investment is also an air tag and holder for your bike. We sell some great racks, baskets, and accessories to add to your current bike to set it up as a commuter.
Types of Bikes
Hybrid Bikes
A hybrid crossover bike is good if you want something that's generally at a lower price point, but can upgrade parts to make it more suitable. Even an older second hand bike, or the one that’s been collecting dust in your garage for a decade could be a great commuting bike.
Hybrid bikes are ideal for someone who might want to go ride some minor trails on their way home, or who just wants to use what they have instead of spending any extra cash. Also ideal if you are nervous about locking your bike outdoors somewhere sketchy.
E-Bikes
The ideal commuter bike would be an electric hardtail, hybrid or gravel bike. Something that has space for all of your belongings, and will give you a little extra zip in your step for the workday. A full suspension mountain bike is not ideal for commuting, and we would not recommend putting yourself through that. You won't have any energy to hit the trails on the ride home anyway if that's what you are using for your commute.
Bike to Work Day is a great reason to get out and enjoy the fresh air on your daily commute. It's better for the planet, your wallet, and for your health! We can't wait to see everyone who stops by to see us for a free tune up this Bike to Work Day, May 7, 2026!
