davei1980

I am new and not once has someone put down my equipment for being subpar or having crappy components.

Just the opposite, everyone has super useful suggestions and a lot of you have a nice frame surrounded by frankenstein parts like me!

I am having as much fun learning and wrenching as I am riding.

CliffordK

One thing that is obvious is that everyone's commuter bike, needs, commute, and ideal commuter is different. And, flashy isn't always best for a bike that gets locked up.

No sticky "Show us your Commuter" thread?

mcours2006

We commuters are quite pragmatic when it comes to our bikes. Main objective is to get to work safely and on time. All else is secondary.

mcours2006

I still like looking at commuter bike rigs. Sometimes you get good ideas.

BobbyG

[QUOTE=davei1980;19721254]I am new and not once has someone put down my equipment for being subpar or having crappy components./QUOTE]
Give it time...just kidding!

My main commuter for 18 years was a MTB based commuter that I frankensteined together based on trial and error. One day I took it to a local bike shop and the owner told me everything that was wrong with it. That was the last time I went there.

It is now my winter bike and back-up/change of pace commuter. At my current favorite bike shop a couple of techs have said something to the effect of, "that's interesting...how did you come to do this?" They may not be totally sincere, but it sure beats getting insulted or put down.

Finding bikeforums has certainly helped me bike smarter, and feel better about what I do. I hope it does the same for you and everyone else.

acidfast7

I see a commuter bike as a tool. Just like a power tool or a laptop/computer. They should be well worn and have obvious signs of usage.

That way they don't get stolen and they don't have to be really cared for.

I bought a new bike when I moved to England and have been looking as how it slowly degrades. At some point, I'll totally upgrade it but I currently like the way it is wearing.

BobbyG

Your comment made me think that after 50+years of cycling, the last 25 as a serious commuter that I, myself am slowly degrading. Although there may be some upgrades available.

It also reminded me that after 20 years I swapped out the cantilever brakes on my MTB-based commuter for V-brakes, and that has made the bike feel new and more responsive than ever...at least in terms of braking. About ten years ago I cleaned and repacked the rear hub bearings and that also transformed the way the bike rode.

And now that I think of it, a few years ago I had a shop clean and repack the bearings in my then, 30-year-old road bike...wheels, bottom bracket and head tube. That made for a tremendous "upgrade" too!

davei1980

"Necessity is the mother of invention"

I like the emphasis on pragmatism and cost-benefit analysis, as opposed to cutting edge technology and marginal gains like in the race world

mcours2006

I think that being a commuter you learn to become more self-sufficient, whether it's changing a flat, cleaning and maintaining your bike, installing a rack/fender, or whatever. Sure you could get a shop to do all of this, but if you have to take your bike in for every little thing it becomes quite impractical...yes, I do realize many of us have multiple bikes, but still impractical.

davei1980

I love the DIY culture of communting.

I am a tinkerer!

no motor?

That's the way I feel about my bike too. It's a contest to see whether the bike wears out before me, but I think the bike will outlive me.

mgw4jc

What? I though everybody here rides carbon with wireless shifters and whatever else is cutting edge! That's it, I'm out.


I like the variety in this forum. Not just in bikes but in locations, approaches to situations, responses, etc.

revcp 

Those who frequent the commuter forum are very good about staying focused on commuting. When I'm riding in I often think that if someone were transplanted into our time from several hundred years ago, they might be most amazed by the bicycle. Computers, aircraft, etc. Would probably just seem like magic, but bicycles are so simple yet ingenious that I think they would delight them. Commuting is using that simplicity and ingenuity in a very human way.

High Fist Shin

+1

Love looking at everyone's rig. You really get to see how we each personalize our bikes to our specific needs.

-Shin

Darth Lefty 

I like stuff, and I get bored with my bikes. Presently considering swap of my road triple front for a mountain double. Also want lighter wheels someday. Do what works for you.

davei1980

The bicycle is literally the most efficient machine in existence, efficiency being defined as heat loss due to friction

seysom

This forum is very informative. So i can get a lot tips and advises. Thanks much.

RubeRad

LOL just don't you dare tell a waxer that you oil your chain! Or tell a racker that you prefer a backpack. Or tell a tube-tosser it's worth your time to patch a flat. Or tell a dynamo-lover you prefer a battery-powered light. Or tell a IGH fanatic you prefer a derailleur, or...

acidfast7

I use only homemade olive oil on my chain from a colleague's plantation on
Greek island . If it's good enough for me, it's good enough for Marley.

As far as tubes go, one puncture and then they're recycled.

Also, who needs more than one gear. 0 to 45 km/h without hassle.

RidingMatthew

commuter forum is my favorite and the one i read the most faithfully. they are my tribe haha

Abe_Froman

I wax my chain. And I can probably find it in my heart accommodate differing views. Maybe...

Amitoj

It's my favorite forum too, filled with good natured helpful folks!

davei1980

I used WD40 the other day because it's what I had... guessing that's a sin of some sort?

Abe_Froman

Depends. Have you been hit by lightning lately?

Andy_K 

Not a sin, just counterproductive. WD40 is great for cleaning chains. As a lubricant, it's probably OK as long as you re-apply before every ride. WD40 does make a product now that's intended as a lubricant (unlike the actual WD40 we all know and love). I got a sample bottle at a race a couple of years ago and carry it in my pack for silencing chain squeak on the road.