Step out of the daily grind and dive into adventure – let’s go!

A sporty morning challenge, fresh air to wake you up, and the sights and sounds of nature: cycling turns every commute into a small adventure. This winter, our colleagues are once again showing you how to embark on this journey. You’ll get exclusive tips for both safety and comfort, and discover which gear suits different bikes and riding styles.

And then it’s time to give it a try yourself! Feel the crisp wind on your face, leave all the stress behind, and recharge your energy in the wintry outdoors. Step out of the daily grind and into adventure, experiencing the freedom of two wheels every morning anew.

Dirk Maertins, 54 years old, After Sales Manager

Why do you commute by bike, and what's the biggest benefit for you? ’m convinced: bike commuting is great for your mind, your health, and the environment! I absolutely loathe driving, especially during rush hour. Being stuck in a metal box is the worst-case scenario for me as a morning grouch. I actually started commuting by bike back in my school days as an alternative to the nerve-wracking morning chaos on the intercity school bus. Riding my (Kettler 3-speed) bike was faster and much more flexible. Even back then, I had enough reasons to choose the bike commute.

How far is your commute, and what's the route like?

About 20 km one way, mostly flat, though I sometimes add a loop over one of the many hills or mountains in the area. My favorite early-morning summer route, for example, goes from Waldkirch up over the SUPERNOVA home mountain, Kandel, and back through Glottertal to Gundelfingen. Unfortunately, the road will be under construction starting this winter through 2026! An alternative might be a route over Schönberg to Katzental and Geiersnest – not quite as high, but insanely steep from Horben. Otherwise, if I’m going the direct route and it’s not a mud fest, I’ll take gravel paths through Mooswald.

 

What kind of bike do you ride?

I’ve built a stylish vintage steel frame specifically for my commute: an '80s Concorde in the PDM Team Edition. The frames were made by Ciöcc back then, and the Dutch pro team earned two second-place, one third-place, and two team victories at the Tour de France with them. It’s my first bike with a Campagnolo groupset, mostly Chorus. Compared to Shimano or SRAM, it’s surprisingly “snappy,” but also very precise and defined. The delicate steel frame rides as comfortably as you’d expect with those slim tube diameters.

Do you ride in winter or bad weather too?

Yes, 45 minutes is almost always doable. On black ice, I switch to my Portus #glittermachtfitter singlespeed cyclocross bike with Schwalbe spike tires and a Gates belt drive. Below freezing, I sometimes use my heated insoles. And here’s a tip: don’t trust weather apps 100% – it rains far less often than they predict!

What's your must-have gear – especially in winter? 

Always: a GPS device (Wahoo Roam or Garmin Fenix watch) because, let's face it: #stravaoritdidnthappen 😉 For "Stadtradeln" or the "Winterpokal", every meter counts. My saddlebag keeps most of the rain out, but when I ride without it, I use the Ass Saver Win Wing fender. Super quick to mount and keeps your back dry.

What else do you carry with you?

I usually travel light: a small repair kit with a spare tube, tire levers, multitool, and (electric) pump for emergencies. A water bottle only when it’s well over 30°C – hydration is for the weak! 😉 I also use Shockz bone conduction headphones for podcasts or music, depending on my mood – they let me stay aware of my surroundings.

Follow-up Question: What's this cool mini-pump?
The pump was advertised to me quite persistently on Instagram, which I initially ignored. After seeing it in action multiple times with a fellow rider from the Freiburg Ryzon Cycling Unit, who was full of praise, it eventually found its way into my repair kit. By now, there's even a version with a digital pressure display.

 

Which SUPERNOVA light do you use or recommend?

The AIRSTREAM 2 paired with the AIRSTREAM TAIL LIGHT 2 – quick and easy to mount on any bike. The B54 PRO battery-powered light is absolutely trail-ready and has been tested in endurance events like “Sleepless in the Saddle.” My personal favorite, though, is the silver DY PRO with high-beam functionality and a wide light cone for twisty routes, powered by a SON dynamo.

 

What advice do you have for someone considering bike commuting?

Start slow – alternate between car or public transport and your bike at first, or ride just part of the way. Your body will quickly adapt to regular cycling. Crucial tip: always change into dry clothes for the ride home, or even the strongest immune system will eventually give in. For rainy days, keep a set of weather gear at work. Ultimately, even for daily commuting, the key is: “It’s all in your head – don’t overthink it, just do it!”

A highlight for our commuters every year is the STADTRADELN challenge, a 21-day event to promote mobility beyond combustion engines. Every time, it sparks some wild mileage competitions within the team. Thanks to these efforts, SUPERNOVA consistently ranks at the top of municipal and beyond-municipal STADTRADELN leaderboards. 😃  

Text & Photos: Levin Sottru