Everything You Need to Commute in Comfort and Style
Commuting by bike isn’t just about getting from point A to B—it’s a lifestyle choice that brings joy, convenience, and better health to your daily routine. Whether you're riding to work, running errands, or just enjoying the ride, the right gear can transform your experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top SHIMANO commuter gear to help you stay dry, protected, and stylish on every ride.
Why Commute by Bike?
Using a bike for daily transportation turns what used to be a chore into a refreshing and energizing experience. Each ride is a chance to breathe fresh air, boost your mood, and skip the stress of parking or traffic. Making the bike your go-to mode of transport can add a dose of calm while reducing our impact on the world around—what’s not to love?
To truly enjoy the ride, it helps to have the right gear. From comfortable shoes to weather-ready apparel and accessories designed for protection, here’s your guide to commuter gear that works just as hard as you do.
Step into the Right Shoes for All-Day Comfort
Footwear is a crucial part of a commuter's setup. The perfect pair of commuter shoes can help improve your pedaling efficiently while also feeling great when walking. Choose from more technical shoe options for higher performance gains or go with something more casual that fits in at the office.
For SPD Pedal Users:
SHIMANO SH-EX500
Flexible, efficient, and designed for everyday riding, the EX500 strikes the ideal balance between pedal power and walkability. With a sneaker-like style, the EX5 shoes are as at home on the bike as they run errands or stop by the coffee shop on your way through town.
SHIMANO SH-ET501
This touring-inspired shoe delivers all-day comfort on and off the bike thanks to its EVA midsole and outdoor-style aesthetic. Great for long rides and long days in the office.
For Flat Pedal Riders:
SHIMANO GF400
For those who prefer riding with flat pedals, the GF400 shoes blend excellent grip on the bike with easy walkability everywhere else. A skate-inspired commuter shoe that grips the pedals and looks stylish anywhere, they’re available in both Men’s and Women’s fits.
Stylish Protection with the Lazer Verde KinetiCore Helmet
The Lazer Verde KinetiCore helmet is redefining commuter protection and helmet sustainability. Made with over 70% recycled materials and winner of the 2024 Eurobike Green Award. At the end of its lifecycle, the Verde KinetiCore is easily disassembled so riders can recycle the different layers and materials where possible. It’s a helmet that protects you, and the planet.
When it comes to commuting, the Verde KinetiCore meets the Dutch NTA 8776 certification that tests for higher speeds and harder impacts that come from e-bike crashes. Plus, the helmet offers all-day comfort and features an optional rear LED light for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions, like early mornings and late evenings commutes.
Weather the Ride with Packable Protection
Unlike cars, bikes don’t come with heaters to crank up when the temperature drops or windshield wipers to turn on when the rain starts to fall. Fortunately, SHIMANO’s offers a lineup of cycling apparel that is ready for cold and wet weather. A warm base layer, rain jacket, or packable vest can help you stay comfortable and keep you smiling even in the face of changing conditions.
Commuter gear should be protective but also breathable, so you don’t overheat on your way into the office Look for things like windproof or water-resistant fabrics with ventilation features built in to help keep you dry on the inside and out.
Finally, check that your commuter gear has plenty of reflective details for those low-light riding conditions. This will help boost visibility to other road users and help you be seen when the clouds come in or the sun dips below the horizon.
Windy or Wet? Grab the Evolve Corsa Windbreaker
This packable jacket shields you from wind and water and can easily be stashed in your backpack or bike bags for unexpected weather. The jacket’s water-resistant fabrics will help keep you dry on soggy or foggy mornings and the wind-blocking front panels will stave off the chill of a breezy commute.
The Evolve Corsa Windbreaker comes in bright colors and has reflective accents to boost visibility on demand, rather than looking flashy all day at work. Men’s and Women’s fits available.
Chilly Commutes? Layer with the S-PHYRE Superlight Vest
During brisker moths, consider adding the S-PHYRE Superlight Vest to your commuting wardrobe. It is light and packable and delivers windproof and water repellant protection.
The back of the vest is constructed from unique mesh materials that enhance stretchability and venting so you don’t overheat on your way to work.
See Clearly with SHIMANO RIDESCAPE Eyewear
From potholes to puddles, seeing clearly is key to a fun and reliable commute. SHIMANO RIDESCAPE lenses are engineered to enhance contrast in the road ahead and sharpen your view across various lighting conditions. This can help you avoid tricky obstacles in the road, cracks in the pavement, patches of slippery mud in the shadows, or puddles lurking in the gutter.
For the bright days of summer, SHIMANO offers RIDESCAPE lenses that offer exceptional UV protection while reducing glare. For short days, where rides and commutes happen in darker, RIDESCAPE also has specific tunes to protect your eyes while also enhancing the contrast in low light.
Eyewear Top Pick: Pulsar CE-PLSR3
Lightweight and durable, the Pulsar CE-PLSR3 features a large, one-piece lens for enhanced eye protection and visibility in mixed light conditions. The full frame design with a detachable lower rim delivers a versatile look for on and off the bike style. Interchangeable RIDESCAPE lenses allow riders to optimize their eyewear for the type and timing of their commute.
Start and End Every Day with a Great Ride
With the right gear, commuting becomes more than a trip—it becomes the best part of your day. SHIMANO’s commuter collection is designed for performance, comfort, and style, helping you make the most of every mile.
