Last summer, like many seeking to blend fitness with a demanding work schedule, I discovered the joys of cycling. As a long-time advocate of standing desks, the idea of combining my zone 2 training rides with productive work hours naturally sparked my curiosity: Could I actually work at a desk while cycling? This question led me down a path of experimentation and ultimately to the surprisingly effective solution of “Bike Typing.”
Initially, the most straightforward approach seemed to be positioning my stationary bike trainer directly under my standing desk. While this setup proved adequate for passive tasks like watching videos or reading articles, it quickly became apparent that efficient keyboard use was a significant hurdle. Simple actions, such as reaching for the ‘J’ key to scroll (a common command for a Vimium user like myself), disrupted both physical flow and mental focus. Engaging with content while cycling in this manner highlighted the disproportionate impact of minor physical interruptions on cognitive tasks. While videos and podcasts were manageable in this rudimentary setup, it was far from ideal for focused work.
The Split Keyboard Revolution for Bike Typing
Serendipitously, a fellow enthusiast on the Acquired Slack channel, noticing my preference for ZSA keyboards, pointed me towards a game-changing accessory: the tripod mount designed for the ZSA Voyager keyboard. This ingenious system utilizes two magnetic attachments that affix to the split keyboard halves, enabling mounting to any standard tripod screw. Intrigued, I promptly ordered a pair of basic camera clamps, eagerly anticipating the arrival of these key components.
After some initial experimentation, I discovered the optimal typing position while cycling involves angling the keyboard downwards at approximately 45 degrees. Furthermore, orienting the keyboard slightly inwards, so the imaginary lines extending from each side converge towards the front wheel, significantly enhanced comfort and ergonomics. This configuration allows my palms to rest comfortably on the handlebars, with my fingers naturally extending over the top to access the keys. While a slight degree of wrist awkwardness is still present in this initial setup, I plan to explore further adjustments to angles and positioning as I become more accustomed to bike typing.
Real-World Productivity Gains with Bike Typing
This fundamental approach has unlocked a wide spectrum of work possibilities during my zone 2 workouts. Remarkably, this entire article, from initial drafting and research to hyperlinking, was composed from my bike typing station. The only pauses in my cycling were brief interruptions to reposition my webcam to fully capture the bike setup for demonstration purposes, to capture and integrate the image you see above, and to upload the accompanying video. I’ve found that coding tasks can be performed with virtually the same fluidity and navigational efficiency as at my regular standing desk.
It’s important to note my reliance on a ‘Vim everywhere’ philosophy. My workflow involves extensive keyboard-centric navigation, minimizing mouse dependency for web browsing and application interaction. Mouse use is primarily reserved for infrequent scenarios where Vim shortcuts are not readily available, such as adjusting OBS scene settings during recordings, as briefly demonstrated in the video.
Bike typing has transformed my zone 2 training from passive exercise into a dual-purpose activity, seamlessly blending physical fitness with sustained productivity. For anyone seeking to maximize their time and integrate exercise into a demanding schedule, exploring bike typing with a split keyboard setup offers a compelling and surprisingly effective solution.
