Originally Posted by
Darth Lefty
The theory of such a thing is that the suspension in combination with medium tires would give you a better ride with higher efficiency and better handling than balloon tires aired down. For a commuter bike the problem is luggage and fenders. And price.
I use a backpack, no racks. I consider myself a pretty advanced commuter, 20+yrs at 5k miles/yr, all weather from ice to 110+F. Not bragging just for context; I have tried a few things over the years and I like my method for me; everyone has their preferences of course. My current bike (and any new one) will have mtb plastic fenders as shown in the pic.
Price I'm insensitive to at the moment. I have only 2 bikes (now only 1
) and this is an investment I'll use for many years.
Originally Posted by
koala logs
I suppose specialist FS bikes for cross country would satisfy your goal.
But the main problem with MTB style bikes is the lack of eyelets for fenders and rack as someone already mentioned. These are essential for commuting.
Another possible issue with commuting is theft. So keep the price down. While it is certainly possible to completely avoid theft in commutes if you never have to park the bike in public spaces. But for errands definitely avoid expensive bike unless you live in a very secure, very low crime neighborhood.
In your video, I have many regular routes that rough or even worse. Wide tires on fully rigid bike is good enough for me. I did have seat suspension like Suntour and extra padding on the dropbar.
No eyelets needed....
No worries about theft either, I'm fortunate to have private secure storage @ work.
I 'could' (and have in the past) make do with rigid or whatever, this is strictly a 'want' for magic-carpet-ride with acceptable hit to weight/functionality
Originally Posted by
greatbasin
I see in the video of your commute that you ride in the lane most of the time the camera was going. The cars are not going over the obstacles on the shoulder or on the ripped up road in the construction zone. What if you just stayed on the road instead of hopping curbs and ridding through every puddle so-to-speak?
I stay the heck outta the way as much as possible. As I approach the intersection, I check behind me then take the lane to make it very clear to oncoming traffic that I'm coming through. then I get outta the way again.
Originally Posted by
Sardines
I think the OP just wants a new MTB and is looking for support. And many here are being practical. haha
ya got me
Originally Posted by
BobbyG
Suspension forks are not my cup of tea...I don't like the feeling of "disconnectedness", although, I'm sure I could dial in some setting I'd like, however, my commutes are fairly smooth.
But don't let anybody steal your joy. If that's how you roll, you be you.
I think, if there were some lock/unlock switch for a suspension bike that could be activated on the fly, that might be something I'd be interested in.
Yes the 'good' ones can be locked and unlocked via remotes on the bar or switch on the fork/shock.
My current Reba has
excellent low-speed compression damping, 'low speed' meaning low 'jolt' input on the fork. IE my fork 'acts' locked out on everything but sharp inputs. You can try hard as you can to compress the fork by hand and it will not budge. I can stand & hammer without it moving. Smack a ridge in the pavement & it unlocks & eats the hit. It's a thing of beauty
