Commuter Options - Beef up current bike, second bike, new bike, ebike?
06-22-19, 10:28 AM
#51
Keepin it Wheel
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: San Diego
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Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
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06-26-19, 01:54 PM
#52
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Layton, UT
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Bikes: 2011 Bent TW Elegance 2014 Carbon Strada Velomobile
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Have you considered a trike for the winter rides? A trike with a simple electric assist will take care of both hills and all but the worst weather. I hate the cold, but want to be able to ride even when it's snowing, so I got a velomobile for my winter ride. If you can tolerate the cold better than me (and pretty much everyone can, I'm from Arizona...) then the open trike is probably a good, less expensive option.
06-30-19, 07:33 PM
#53
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: SOCAL
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Bikes: 2000 Litespeed Arenberg, 90's Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra
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Hi everyone. Im Mal and im new here and Have just got a used 2000 Litespeed Arenberg that I'm trying to rebuild as a commuter. Does anyone have experience with this? do you think the Litespeed will make a good commuter/ everyday bike?
07-01-19, 09:51 PM
#54
bill nyecycles
Join Date: Mar 2013
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Surly Big Easy.
An investment for sure, but ticks all your boxes and more. Cargo hauler. Kid hauler. E-bike for the slopes.
You can stay loyal to Surly, and keep your Cross Check as a badhass all-arounder.
An investment for sure, but ticks all your boxes and more. Cargo hauler. Kid hauler. E-bike for the slopes.
You can stay loyal to Surly, and keep your Cross Check as a badhass all-arounder.
07-02-19, 07:02 PM
#55
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
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Thanks for the recommendation, but its definitely too steep for my pockets!
07-04-19, 10:54 PM
#56
vespertine member
Join Date: Jul 2013
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I am definitely going to upgrade the cassette. LBS said it's a pretty simple switch. I talked to the surly dealer first. Should not be cost prohibitive. I'm also going to add fenders at that point.
My decision about what to do in winter is I need to find a small MTB, I think, and add studded tires. I'm keeping a look out on our local swap groups. So far, nothing. Going to add studded tires on that sucker for bad weather days.
I've done well with older MTBs for winter riding. If you can handle a step-through ("women's" style) you should be able to get one, cheap. The ideal winter bike is one where the tires cost more than the rest of the bike, and if you throw some slick tires on for summer, you'll have a backup for commuting if something goes wrong with the usual bike.
Your husband is incorrect that you only need one bike. Remind him of all the money you're saving by not driving much. That should be good for at least another 3-4 bikes
