What kind of bike you use for commuting?
#76
20+mph Commuter
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Bikes: Surly LHT, Surly Lowside, a folding bike, and a beater.
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I have used a German 10-speed c.1974, a nice Italian road bike (Cinelli Supercorsa) dripping with Campy, a fat bike (Surly Pugsley) a folding bike (Breezer Itzy), a touring bike (LHT), City Bikes (Ride Share), and my favorite is a bike I picked up out of my LBS's rental fleet for $100. And I try not to sink money into it by upgrading, although it is now cassette rear wheel instead of freewheel because I was breaking axles and, of course, tougher tires for our glass-filled streets. I have annihilated dudes and dudettes on carbon road bikes with it in city traffic. It is an ancient (2001) Jamis Explorer with chopped-down bars (my shoulder width), a straight-block 7-speed cassette, and saddle/handlebar/pedal config is the same as my fancy road bike, slick 26x2.0 tires. It is set up to race traffic in a city grid and not be too expensive to lose to thieves. I've had it 10 years now. Every bike on this list is steel.
Last edited by JoeyBike; 01-17-19 at 05:56 PM.
#77
Fred For Life
I ride almost exclusively on this Kona Big Rove AL:
I used to also ride a Surly Straggler into work, but it's not as fun to commute on as the Kona.
I used to also ride a Surly Straggler into work, but it's not as fun to commute on as the Kona.
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Training? For Racing? Not me, man -- I'm having fun.
Training? For Racing? Not me, man -- I'm having fun.
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#80
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I have been using my "good" bikes for commuting, even if it means using a backpack
why: life is too short to not ride your most fun bike, I live in an area of mostly nice weather
I use 28mm tires and SKS race blade fenders if it is wet
Here is my current one (previous were Miyata 1400 and De Rosa)
85 Team Miyata
why: life is too short to not ride your most fun bike, I live in an area of mostly nice weather
I use 28mm tires and SKS race blade fenders if it is wet
Here is my current one (previous were Miyata 1400 and De Rosa)
85 Team Miyata
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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
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#81
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Obviously, I need to go take pictures of my bike, shameful I don't have any handy to post. I'll fix that when I leave work in a little while and add them here later. I ride a Specialized TriCross Sport, purportedly a 'cross bike, but I think it was really meant to be a commuter bike. I used to ride my (Specialized) Allez Elite, but was blowing tires almost once a week, so I looked for something better suited to the pathetic condition of most Los Angeles streets. I found it in the TriCross. Once I swapped the dirt tires for some Continental Cityrides, it went much faster, too. It's got a big carbon fork that just seems to seek out potholes to show them who's boss, I hardly ever get a flat, and those MTB-style brakes will stop pretty quickly in all kinds of weather, which, in L.A., means either warm, or rainy a few days a year (a co-worker once asked me what I do on those rainy days; I said, "well, usually, I get wet"). Triple crank for those pesky hills between home and work (West L.A. and Glendale), and dual brake levers for easy access in traffic surprises. A pair of Timbuk2 panniers on the back to carry my regular shoes and whatever I'm going to wear at work that day, and I'm good to go.
There, photo added. Unfortunate lack of other-colored backdrop makes it a little tough to see. Even the abandoned bike on the right is almost the same color.
The biggest improvement to my commute lately is the construction of a bike storage/maintenance facility in the parking garage at work. They're still building it, but it'll have secure storage so I don't have to remove the lights, seat bag, cyclocomputer, etc. once I get to work. There will be pictures once it's done.
Y'all may have some nastier weather to deal with, but judging by these pics, your commutes are a lot prettier than mine, though there is a certain charm to riding through Hollywood (not really). Since I skirt the edge of Griffith Park, I do get to see the occasional coyote, though.
There, photo added. Unfortunate lack of other-colored backdrop makes it a little tough to see. Even the abandoned bike on the right is almost the same color.
The biggest improvement to my commute lately is the construction of a bike storage/maintenance facility in the parking garage at work. They're still building it, but it'll have secure storage so I don't have to remove the lights, seat bag, cyclocomputer, etc. once I get to work. There will be pictures once it's done.
Y'all may have some nastier weather to deal with, but judging by these pics, your commutes are a lot prettier than mine, though there is a certain charm to riding through Hollywood (not really). Since I skirt the edge of Griffith Park, I do get to see the occasional coyote, though.
Last edited by giffenf; 09-01-19 at 01:03 PM.
#82
Ride more, eat less
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My NYC metro commuter for the last 10 months.. $140 Sundeal folding bike w/disc brakes.
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#83
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Schwalbe "Marathon Winter" on my commuter, and Nokian "Extreme 294" on my mountain bike (for fun!).
No falls! Try this without studs. :-)
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#84
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Here's my non-winter commuter, a Tern Verge S11i.
Recently passed the 7,000 mile mark.
Dahon Mu XL in "winter" trim.
My commute is 100 miles round-trip, but all but about 7 miles are on METRA (Chicago's "heavy rail"), so a folder is necessary.
Recently passed the 7,000 mile mark.
Dahon Mu XL in "winter" trim.
My commute is 100 miles round-trip, but all but about 7 miles are on METRA (Chicago's "heavy rail"), so a folder is necessary.
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#88
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Currently using a late 90's GT Karakorum 24 spd MTB equipped with a FreeRadical cargo frame w/Wideloaders, Schwalbe Big Apple balloon tires, 1000w rear hub motor and plenty of lights. It's heavy and slow but it's comfy to ride the 20 miles round trip to/from work and great for short shopping trips around town. Sorry I don't have pics to upload right now (at work on my lunch break) so I'll add them later.
*Edit: Added pic. Just installed the motor so the racks and bags are off.
Last edited by cabledawg; 01-06-20 at 03:42 PM.
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#89
Happy banana slug
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I ride a classic mountain bike re-made into a badass cruiser. Well, she will be when she's finished (been saying that for most of a year).
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#90
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I commute in Manhattan, about 4.5 miles each way. I've been riding a 1966 Raleigh Sports, mostly stock for the past 4 years or so and while it's well-suited to the task it's heavy and the Sturmey Archer AW hub has enormous gear ratio changes. I've often thought about a lighter bike with more gears. I acquired a frame in October onto which I moved all the components from my Raleigh International, which is a classic Reynolds 531 double-butted sports touring frame for those of you that don't hang out over in the Classic & Vintage forum.
I used the International frame as the canvas for a new commuter:
The drivetrain is based on a Sturmey-Archer 8-speed hub. 700c wheels, vintage Mafac Racer centerpulls. I had a set of 28mm Paselas on hand; eventually I'll go up to 35s which I had on this frame prior. I moved my Brooks B66 over from the Sports, added alloy North Road bars and racks. I've used these Linus rollup canvas panniers for 4-5 years, they're relatively easy on and off and are convenient for grocery runs as seen above. I'm not a year-round commuter so I haven't started using it for that yet, but I've run errands and I took it out for a run up the Hudson River Greenway this weekend. The gearing is great and It likes to go fast but thanks to the long wheelbase and relaxed geometry it's also very comfortable. The sprung saddle is brilliant in smoothing out chunky city roads. Eventually I may add dyanmo lights and a wider front rack.
I used the International frame as the canvas for a new commuter:
The drivetrain is based on a Sturmey-Archer 8-speed hub. 700c wheels, vintage Mafac Racer centerpulls. I had a set of 28mm Paselas on hand; eventually I'll go up to 35s which I had on this frame prior. I moved my Brooks B66 over from the Sports, added alloy North Road bars and racks. I've used these Linus rollup canvas panniers for 4-5 years, they're relatively easy on and off and are convenient for grocery runs as seen above. I'm not a year-round commuter so I haven't started using it for that yet, but I've run errands and I took it out for a run up the Hudson River Greenway this weekend. The gearing is great and It likes to go fast but thanks to the long wheelbase and relaxed geometry it's also very comfortable. The sprung saddle is brilliant in smoothing out chunky city roads. Eventually I may add dyanmo lights and a wider front rack.
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1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 197? Falcon San Remo, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1971 Raleigh International, 1970 Raleigh Professional Mark I
Curator/Team Mechanic: 2016 Dawes Streetfighter, 1984 Lotus Eclair, 1975 Motobecane Jubile Mixte, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1973 Free Spirit Ted Williams, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Philips Sport
1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 197? Falcon San Remo, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1971 Raleigh International, 1970 Raleigh Professional Mark I
Curator/Team Mechanic: 2016 Dawes Streetfighter, 1984 Lotus Eclair, 1975 Motobecane Jubile Mixte, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1973 Free Spirit Ted Williams, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Philips Sport
Last edited by ascherer; 01-15-20 at 03:42 PM. Reason: How do I english?
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#91
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__________________
1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 197? Falcon San Remo, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1971 Raleigh International, 1970 Raleigh Professional Mark I
Curator/Team Mechanic: 2016 Dawes Streetfighter, 1984 Lotus Eclair, 1975 Motobecane Jubile Mixte, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1973 Free Spirit Ted Williams, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Philips Sport
1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 197? Falcon San Remo, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1971 Raleigh International, 1970 Raleigh Professional Mark I
Curator/Team Mechanic: 2016 Dawes Streetfighter, 1984 Lotus Eclair, 1975 Motobecane Jubile Mixte, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1973 Free Spirit Ted Williams, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Philips Sport
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#92
Newbie
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I'm commuting with a self made road fixed gear to school. Where I have brakes on. The front wheel is a Continental Grand Prix 4000 II and the rear is a Halo Twin Rail Courier Berlin which I'm very happy with. The frame is build from a cheep steel. Which doesn't annoy very much. I really like that Bike but now I'm thinking about a Canyon Endurace AL 8.0 Disc. The Reasons are that it's faster, shiftable and better for long distances.
#94
meh
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These are all commuter bikes, depending on the weather, what I'm bringing with me, and my schedule:
edit - the Red Kona Dew Drop (left in this pic) is the ride of choice most of the time.
edit - the Red Kona Dew Drop (left in this pic) is the ride of choice most of the time.
Last edited by Hypno Toad; 01-30-20 at 07:44 AM.
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#95
Senior Member
Mostly a road bike. Sometimes the mountain bike. And when I commute by train, I take my folding bike with me.
I use any bike that I have and want to ride.
I use any bike that I have and want to ride.
#96
Member
I have three bikes and all have been used for commuting for various reasons.
1) Brompton. Until my company added a secured bike room, I would leave it under my desk. Folded, of course. I still use it for when I know there needs to a be one-way trip as I can easily take it on a bus or throw it in the trunk of a ride-share.
2) 20-yr old Specialized Crossroads hybrid. This has seen plenty of commuter miles but is now bumped down to a backup bike because of.....
3) my brand new Priority Continuum Onyx. It's got a lot of features that make it considerably less hassle to maintain (belt drive, CVT hub, dynamo lights) and it's just a better ride than the above.
1) Brompton. Until my company added a secured bike room, I would leave it under my desk. Folded, of course. I still use it for when I know there needs to a be one-way trip as I can easily take it on a bus or throw it in the trunk of a ride-share.
2) 20-yr old Specialized Crossroads hybrid. This has seen plenty of commuter miles but is now bumped down to a backup bike because of.....
3) my brand new Priority Continuum Onyx. It's got a lot of features that make it considerably less hassle to maintain (belt drive, CVT hub, dynamo lights) and it's just a better ride than the above.
#97
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In nice weather:
In less than nice weather (including up to about an inch of snow):
In less than nice weather (including up to about an inch of snow):
#98
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#100
Senior Member
My commuting/weekend rider is a bit of a project, a 1973 Raleigh Sport. Ive converted from 28" steel rims to 700c, with not a lot of effort. The biggest upgrade however is the electric rear hub motor. Im hoping to be able to do a sustained 25kph for 100km, Im still waiting on a cable before I can power it up. Pics are mid build, no grips, front brakes etc.
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