View Poll Results: If you had the money to spend on a commuter bike...
I would buy another commuter bike.
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14
17.07%
I would upgrade my current commuter.
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19
23.17%
I am satisfied with my current ride.
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43
52.44%
Other. Please explain.
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6
7.32%
Voters: 82. You may not vote on this poll
Is it always about "the next bike"?
#27
cherish the day
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: South Pasadena, CA
Posts: 364
Bikes: Rivendel Sam Hillborne, SOMA San Marcos
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It's funny because I notice that, while spending time online browsing BF or Flickr, I tend to obsess about making another bike purchase. I would love to get some sort of a Rivendell or Waterford single-speed commuter bike with braze ons, accommodations for fat tires, and high handle bars. But when I actually ride my bike, I usually tend to think that it has fantastic ride characteristics. I also tend to question my desires for wanting a new bike.
I voted that I am satisfied with my current commuter because it's dialed in perfectly. It currently has 32mm tires, a comfy saddle, and a smart drivetrain that works well with the hills in my commute.
I voted that I am satisfied with my current commuter because it's dialed in perfectly. It currently has 32mm tires, a comfy saddle, and a smart drivetrain that works well with the hills in my commute.
#28
Plays in traffic
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 6,971
Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4
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N+1 is the mathematical formula that defines the correct number of bikes to own, where N is the number of bikes currently owned.
In certain situations, however, S-1 applies, where S is the number of bikes that will cause the spouse to leave.
In certain situations, however, S-1 applies, where S is the number of bikes that will cause the spouse to leave.
#29
born again cyclist
Living in a highrise condo downtown, my limitation on N+1 isn't money, it's space. My GF & I get two spaces in our building's bike room where our two hybrids live. And then my road bike and folder live in our condo. My GF won't allow any more than that.
Which I suppose is just as well considering 3 bikes is a decent commuting stable. (but I still want a fat bike)
Which I suppose is just as well considering 3 bikes is a decent commuting stable. (but I still want a fat bike)
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,593
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
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it took a long time to settle on a commuter. it was a real progression until I achieved perfection and in the end I wound up with a fair weather commuter and a separate foul weather unit. so ... two
#32
Banned
I can always imagine the improved specifications for a bike I cannot afford.
[2nd winter, on my Bi-Fri pocket Llama, disc brakes, dynohub, IGH .. ]
[2nd winter, on my Bi-Fri pocket Llama, disc brakes, dynohub, IGH .. ]
Last edited by fietsbob; 12-23-12 at 11:38 AM.
#35
xtrajack
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Maine
Posts: 2,058
Bikes: Kona fire mountain/xtracycle,Univega landrover fs,Nishiki custom sport Ross professional super gran tour Schwinn Mesa (future Xtracycle donor bike)
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I voted that I am satisfied with my commuter ride. I'd better be, I've dumped nearly two grand into a frame I got on Craigslist for $10!
It's set up exactly the way I want it, which is why I went this route. I would have ended up changing out 90% of the parts of any new bike anyway.
It's set up exactly the way I want it, which is why I went this route. I would have ended up changing out 90% of the parts of any new bike anyway.
About the only thing that is original on my bike is the frame--unfortunately I paid more than 10 dollars for it.
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Kansas
Posts: 2,248
Bikes: This list got too long: several ‘bents, an urban utility e-bike, and a dahon D7 that my daughter has absconded with.
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Im sure my opinion wont be a popular one, but I feel people who are new to commuting are the ones more prone to wanting new equipment.
Of course new stuff is cool, but the "I need a new _ _ _ _" factor seems to be expotentially less with peoples whom's miles are more . . .
Makes perfect sense, huh ?![Thumbs Up](images/smilies/thumb.gif)
Of course new stuff is cool, but the "I need a new _ _ _ _" factor seems to be expotentially less with peoples whom's miles are more . . .
Makes perfect sense, huh ?
![Thumbs Up](images/smilies/thumb.gif)
At the same time, people who are newer to riding and still working through the learning curve about what works best for them in their situation.
You are not looking at maturity, or foolishness. You are looking at individualized learning curves.
#37
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Denver CO
Posts: 20
Bikes: Cannondale CAAD8, Trek 4900
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I am not a regular commuter but bike commute occasionally. When I commute I either use my road bike or mountain bike. If I were to upgrade I would like a CX bike. It would give me the feel of the road bike (for the distance) but give me the opportunity to hit the gravel trails when necessary.
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 8,896
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
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I am totally satisfied with my current commuter rides but I ought to be since I have 4 different bikes that I commute on plus one purely recreational ride. Personally I think two commuters are essential so there is a backup if one bike has a flat when you get ready to leave or one is in the shop. I am at my limit now in terms of storage space so I am satisfied with my stable because I will have to get rid of a bike if I buy any more. I ride and enjoy all of my bikes. I've got two sport tourers I commute on most of the time, a touring bike for days when I need to carry a lot of gear, and an Italian racer for days when I want to go fast.
#40
commuter and barbarian
There's a couple of bikes I can think of that I might want to own: a mountain bike and a fat bike. But with the 4 I have now (2 of which are commuters -- 1 summer, 1 winter), I already don't really have enough room in my apartment. If I got another, I'd have to store it in the bathtub or get rid of my bed to make room.
So I voted other.
So I voted other.
#41
Tractorlegs
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: El Paso, TX
Posts: 3,185
Bikes: Schwinn Meridian Single-Speed Tricycle
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Of course it makes sense; but, not for reasons of greater maturity or insight. People who have been commuting for years already have a bike equipped, pretty much, the way they want it.
At the same time, people who are newer to riding and still working through the learning curve about what works best for them in their situation.
You are not looking at maturity, or foolishness. You are looking at individualized learning curves.
At the same time, people who are newer to riding and still working through the learning curve about what works best for them in their situation.
You are not looking at maturity, or foolishness. You are looking at individualized learning curves.
__________________
********************************
Trikeman
Trikeman
#42
I voted for the "other".. I ride C&V bikes, crazy about the way they look and ride. I commute with all of them except the Litespeed. I am always looking on C&L and Ebay for C&V bikes. When I see ones that I like, price is right, I get it. Then I ride it..I commute 5 days a week, some weeks, I slack and only ride 4. No panniers, fenders, only a backpack,or messager bag and lights go on my bikes..![Wink](images/smilies/wink.gif)
I am scanning C&L and Ebay right now for my next one..
![Wink](images/smilies/wink.gif)
I am scanning C&L and Ebay right now for my next one..
![Wink](images/smilies/wink.gif)
#44
Plays in traffic
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 6,971
Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4
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As much as I rave about my 2006 Trek Portland (see post 11), my 1996 Litespeed Classic has become my favorite ride. Especially on those workdays when I don't need panniers. Try it on the Litespeed.
![Wink](images/smilies/wink.gif)
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: California
Posts: 390
Bikes: 2012 Civia Prospect, 2012 Specialized Sirrus Sport, 199x Canondale M800
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I'm quite happy with my commuter, but I am tempted to get another bike for recreation/touring. I probably will this summer when I go to Europe for a cycling event (instead of renting one). I also have been looking on CL for a bike to leave on campus (I work at a university). I keep my commuter inside during the day and it really isn't convenient to take it outside for lunch or if I have to go to a meeting across campus. I'd like to get a cheap beater and keep it in the bike rack outside of the building for lunch runs.
#46
Plays in traffic
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 6,971
Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4
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And on the subject of post 11, yesterday I was prepping the bikes for winter, which seems finally to be getting its act together here on the North Coast.
One of the nine bullet points on my list when I bought the Trek Portland was "Room for my studded snow tires in the frame and fork". It's also no secret that as nice as studded snow tires are to have, on roads without snow, slush and ice, they're a big fat pain. (I was reminded of this today on a literal "dry run" of ten miles of errands.)
In winter, my backup three-seasons commuter provides respite from pushing the darned snow tires on nice days. I tried just toughing it out, I tried changing tires with the weather, and I tried separate wheelsets. For me, a separate bike--fendered and racked--with three-season tires and KoolStop salmons works best.
Yesterday while washing my backup three-seasons commuter in prep for a coat of Bike Lust, I discovered a half-inch crack in the head tube. For several weeks I've thought it felt funny braking. Now I know why.
So I'm suddenly in the market for a new frameset. Since it's to be the backup three-seasons commuter, and a bottom-of-the-line aluminum bike has proven to be just dandy in that role for the past six years, I'm looking at low-end aluminum road frames. Unfortunately, since the cracked one has a one-inch steerer, I'm also looking for a fork.
It's too early to make a decision, but I'm strongly considering the Ribble Winter/Audax frame. It'll tip the scales at about $275 for frame, fork, and headset. I'll swap over the components, and hang the old frameset on the wall.
One of the nine bullet points on my list when I bought the Trek Portland was "Room for my studded snow tires in the frame and fork". It's also no secret that as nice as studded snow tires are to have, on roads without snow, slush and ice, they're a big fat pain. (I was reminded of this today on a literal "dry run" of ten miles of errands.)
In winter, my backup three-seasons commuter provides respite from pushing the darned snow tires on nice days. I tried just toughing it out, I tried changing tires with the weather, and I tried separate wheelsets. For me, a separate bike--fendered and racked--with three-season tires and KoolStop salmons works best.
Yesterday while washing my backup three-seasons commuter in prep for a coat of Bike Lust, I discovered a half-inch crack in the head tube. For several weeks I've thought it felt funny braking. Now I know why.
So I'm suddenly in the market for a new frameset. Since it's to be the backup three-seasons commuter, and a bottom-of-the-line aluminum bike has proven to be just dandy in that role for the past six years, I'm looking at low-end aluminum road frames. Unfortunately, since the cracked one has a one-inch steerer, I'm also looking for a fork.
It's too early to make a decision, but I'm strongly considering the Ribble Winter/Audax frame. It'll tip the scales at about $275 for frame, fork, and headset. I'll swap over the components, and hang the old frameset on the wall.
#47
Warehouse Monkey
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Lebanon Co., Pennsylvania
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I voted for the "other".. I ride C&V bikes, crazy about the way they look and ride. I commute with all of them except the Litespeed. I am always looking on C&L and Ebay for C&V bikes. When I see ones that I like, price is right, I get it. Then I ride it..I commute 5 days a week, some weeks, I slack and only ride 4. No panniers, fenders, only a backpack,or messager bag and lights go on my bikes..![Wink](images/smilies/wink.gif)
I am scanning C&L and Ebay right now for my next one..![Wink](images/smilies/wink.gif)
![Wink](images/smilies/wink.gif)
I am scanning C&L and Ebay right now for my next one..
![Wink](images/smilies/wink.gif)
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'10 Specialized Hardrock
'10 Specialized Hardrock
#48
Senior Member
I bought a 1990 Trek 7000 to replace my 1991 Trek 8000 when my son took it to college. If I wanted anything more than that I could have bought something else, but that's all I really need. I already have an all-out carbon fiber road bike so I have no need for speed in my commuter.
#49
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Erie, PA
Posts: 1,771
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro 20, Trek 7000, old Huffy MTB, and a few others
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Lately I find myself wondering if a delta trike would be a good choice in the winter compared to 2 wheels. I can see the obvious downside (3 wheel tracks instead of 1), and the upside (no need to balance), but I don't know how it would work in reality.
For the summer, 2 wheels is where it's at for me when riding around the city. I have my recumbent tadpole trike for my distance rides, but no way is that ever going to see salt with what I paid for it. I have my folder that I use when I travel.
So I'm pretty happy with my current selection, but I still wonder if 3 wheels would work better in the winter.
For the summer, 2 wheels is where it's at for me when riding around the city. I have my recumbent tadpole trike for my distance rides, but no way is that ever going to see salt with what I paid for it. I have my folder that I use when I travel.
So I'm pretty happy with my current selection, but I still wonder if 3 wheels would work better in the winter.