Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - You commuters, What You Riding?

Please name the bike and a ballpark figure as far as cost before all the goodies, if you don't mind. Reason I mention it is cause I'd like to start commuting with the price of gas. Although work is only 6 miles away, still the price of gas sucks!:troll:

I don't mind having nice bikes for the road or offroad but commuting scares me. Eventhoug the bike rack is inside the gate at work and more than likely protected, the employees scare me. There is always a person willing to snap your cables, flatten a tire, kick the frame or the spokes. You know how grownups are!:twitchy:

For the most part other bikes there have been fine but nothing nice out there. I'm afraid that if I pay $700 for a commuter, there will be some dip waiting to damage it in some way. Not sure if there is room in the inspection lab for it. That would be nice but not sure what the boss would say knowing others are outdoors. Plus not many noncyclists understand the difference between a Huffy and an FX or Surly. Now way am I leaving a DA Cannondale,A Lemond or Trek 8000 out there!:notamused:..I'm wishing I would have kept the rigid mtb.:o

I've seen an FX for $700, nice but still I'd be nervous leaving it outdoors. I have no problem with a low end ride as I know I'd build some durable wheels rather quickly. As long as the components are decent, it'll work! So whatch got and how much beofre all the whistles and bells?

You had to ask? :D

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/2525897425_2b7f2e226e_b.jpg

This is probably the one I'd choose. '07 Hardrock Sport that I paid $349 for. Adding the Nimbus Armadillos should be a requirement, I paid another $60 for those this year. So.. $400-ish all said and done, and the thing is a tank. Fast enough, nimble enough, and if they kick it THEY will probably break.

I also mainly commute on my LHT, but I wouldn't use it for your purposes.

I commute on my Trek 7100, pretty low end, but I am just starting cycling it cost about $380 out the door. But for my area its top of the line if it isnt a huffy/next, since our LBS is in a town about an hour away. I used to leave it outside the back door to work unlocked ( i do work for a Sheriff Dept). but I got sick of worrying about it so I just started bringing inside the back hallway and nobodys said anything so thats what I do. Granted I am the only one that rides to work and we dont have a rack so this might not be viable for you.

If you can find a spot to put it realtively out of the way I would say just bring it inside, if anyone says anything just explain your investment in it compared to "investments" chained up on th rack outside. Hopefully that would sway them enough to let you continue to do it. Just be careful about setting a trend otherwise you might have a room full of Huffy's, but i cant imagine too many of the Huffy drivers would be worried about theft/damage.

Not bad, that would work. That's sort of what I'm looking at. After seeing the pic of the Surly in the other thread, I'd choke someone for just looking at it!:D

- 2008 Surly Cross Check Complete (+ $970)
- 28mm Ultra Gatorskins (- $15)
- SKS P-45 fenders (+ $40)
- Nashbar 6-packer front rack (+ $7)
- Nashbar Elite handlebar bag (+ 25)
- FSA 34t ring (+ $25)
- SRAM 11-32 cassette (+ $35)
- L&M Solo NiMH (+ $120)
- PB Superflash x 2 (+ $40)

~ $1250, and I'm taking off the L&M light and adding a SON28 hub and dyno lighting. The thing is, I use my commuter as my long distance bike as well, and I never have to leave it locked up anyplace for more than 5 minutes.

If I had to leave it locked up outside somewhere, I'd commute on my fixie which I paid $100 for and converted with a $40 hub and $20 in new spokes.

1986 Schwinn Passage. In the pic, it's pulling the kid trailer I use when touring, but I also commute to and from classes and around campus with it. I have ~$200 wrapped up in the bike. I use a set of panniers when commuting, from Banjo Brothers.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/UP2/UpperPeninsulaII076.jpg

$380 aint bad either Frib. Yup, might take some smooth talking on the boss!:D

I was thinking the same thing Tom, an older roadie if I can find one cheap caue I know I'd build wheels and stuff. So I'm thinking that would add up to the cost of a hybrid/commuter type. I do have a 97 Bianchi Premio, prime condition but the frame is a bit too small for me, too cramped. 54cm, switched components but just can't get comfy!:(

Oh, and the Surly..

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2264/2526721722_a63bc39907_b.jpg

Stock Long Haul Trucker complete ($985) plus Brooks saddle (~$75), Planet Bike fenders (~$35), Planet Bike Superflash (~$20), BMX platforms (~$40). I don't even take this someplace I'd have to lock it, I'd spend the whole time worrying!

Only 6 miles to work?
I'd get an older road bike that you can get in good working condition and they will pass yours to mess with the nice ones.

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/bik/715965224.html

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/bik/715960620.html

Second link has a couple of CHrome Schwinn frames, one may be a Paramount......


I was thinking the same thing Tom, an older roadie if I can find one cheap caue I know I'd build wheels and stuff. So I'm thinking that would add up to the cost of a hybrid/commuter type. I do have a 97 Bianchi Premio, prime condition but the frame is a bit too small for me, too cramped. 54cm, switched components but just can't get comfy!:(

I commute on all of my bikes, but this time of year I like the old green Bianchi the best. It's lighter than all but the road bike and I drive in or ride the Big Dummy once a week to replenish supplies and clothing, so I don't need to haul anything but me for my 50mi RT commute. ;)

http://www.chipcom.net/bikes/bianchi_x.jpg

My commuter, vintage bike, bad weather training ride, backup bike, steel is real :)
Shimano 105 with 32 spoke rims. Bought new in 1993 for 2000 Deutsch Mark.
You can probably pick something up like this for 150$ today.
It's missing my rack for the panniers in this picture.

http://gallery.geekazoids.net/d/4416-2/IMG_0303.JPG

Tom, this bike was in your second link.
I can't picture Mr. Beanz riding this to work.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3101/2571505830_4bdc439f3e.jpg

I use an 86 RockHopper for 99+% of my riding. $50 at a garage sale.
I've probably put 3X into over the last 3-4 years on upgrades/"tweeks"/maintainence to make it better suit my needs.
Street tires 26x1.5" $40/pair
"Road" cassette $30. I needed different cogs to make my own "custom" cassette.
New BB $20 (repair)
Back up bike $20 (I count it because I swapped rear wheel & shorter cranks from it)
Tools I've probably bought $80 worth, so I'll count 1/2. Some get used frequently and some don't. Plus I use them on my other bike and friend's bikes.

I only have my one road bike...I commute with that. Work is about 35-miles one way, so I take the MetroLink train for about 15 miles of that, unless I'm getting some training in, but 70+ miles I can only take once or twice a week (the entire return trip--35 miles--is entirely up hill at a steady 1-2%).

To get my bike ready, I just add headlight & rear blinkie, some ankle strap reflectors, and an Illuminite jacket in colder weather. I have a saddle-bag with flat tire kit in it. I carry a pump in my back pocket. That's it.

On Monday, I take in 4-days worth of food & drink, and clothes, pick up the dirty clothes from the previous week, and I'm good. I have a very secure area to park my bike while working. I'd never leave my bike outdoors un-watched/protected. You could check for a janitor's closet or some-such. Get creative.

What else do you think you'd need in order to commute?

See, this is what I got. I bought this Binachi Premio for my wife back in 97. She put a few hundred miles on it. I upgraded the BB to a cartridge as it had the old type. I paid $700 for it. It's one of the last years that they came with the 'made in Italy' sticker and headtube badge. I found her other Bianchi for $40, after she wouldn't touch this one cause the other was so comfy, and a size smaller. Doesn't seem to matter what I do to the stems/posts, just can't get it comfy for myself.

I did switch pedals on it once and ended up stripping the crank arm. I had it replaced with another, so it's a little different on one side. Some guy that we know from riding was asking about a bike. I told him about this one since he was the right size. I told him about it and for $100, he could ditch the 80's mtb he was riding on the path. He thought about it, then said it was too much cause he had to buy spare tubes and a pump! Then said he wanted to buy my Lemond for $100:eek:...He got a swift kick in the arse for that one!:D

So others that have seen the bike on the forums have offered the $100, but problem is they want me to ship it to Egypt and back. Would cost more in packing and shipping than what I'd get for it! SOme have offered the P&S but it's more of a hassle than anything!

Maybe I should look into traidng it locally for a roadie more my size:D....Man,that guy still burns me up!

You like road bikes, Mr. Beanz, so that's what you should get. Even if your commute is short, ride what makes you happy. Tom is right - there are a lot of older steel bikes out there. One of them has your name on it. :D

What else do you think you'd need in order to commute?

Wow, you better have a good place for the Kuota, that's a VERY nice bike!:D

For me to commute? Not much, 6 miles is a breeze. Prolly stay with clips in order to avoid cycling shoes. Maybe a small backpack to store the lights during hours and a lunch if I carry one (most of the time I do, can't stand the roach coach). Maybe MTB shorts cause I don't think I can ride in pants. Got the helmet, locks and shades!!:D

You like road bikes, Mr. Beanz, so that's what you should get. Even if your commute is short, ride what makes you happy. Tom is right - there are a lot of older steel bikes out there. One of them has your name on it. :D


I like anything that rides! I've done 40 mile rides on my Trek 8000 mtb knobbies. I used to ride a rigid Trek 800 on the trail with slicks, 40 miles too. I just had to stop that cuase my wife will spank my arse on her roadie now! So I have to keep up:D

Plus I used to ride the rigid 40 miles in pouring rain. Me and maybe 2 others on the trail, that was nice. I should have kept the sucker!

This is my commuter/rain bike 2006 Kona Dr Dew dropbar conversion


http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj152/Old_Farrrt/img_0077-1.jpg

I ride a 2006 Fuji Roubaix, paid 799 for it and after pedals and seat probably 1000. I put around 40 miles a day 3 to 5 days a week and then around 40 to 70 on the weekends so I think I am getting my money out of it.

Thanks Wayne!:D WOw, you guys have cool commuters. But what's up with the Kona you Old Fart? That thing looks about 5 grand!:p

I ride a couple different commuters.

$420 Dawes 1200 Lightning road bike
$18 Bell cyclocomputer
$15 platform pedals *got tired of straps*
$7 water bottle/cage
$25 air pump
$15 Blackburn Mars 3.0 rear light
$140 12v halogen mr11 overdriven to 14.4v headlight

Total $640


$445 Trek 4300 mtn. bike
$45 CatEye Astrale 8 cyclocomputer
$30 air pump
$50 seat post bag
$330 L&M Arc HID light
$15 Blackburn Mars 3.0 taillight
$7 water bottle/cage
$28 Forté Fast City ST/K MTB Tires and tubes

Total $950

A Salsa Las Cruces

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r181/cyccommute/IMGP1305.jpg

A Specialized Stumpjumper Pro

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r181/cyccommute/IMG_0105.jpg

A Cannondale T800

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r181/cyccommute/IMG_0329.jpg

And, occasionally, A Specialized Stumpjumper Expert

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r181/cyccommute/89170015.jpg

http://www.dahon.com/

Check these out of your concerned about vandals, fold that sucker up and tuck it near your desk! Perfect for a 6 mile commute!

Ya know, there was that little Bianchi folder......;)

Of course, you'd look a bit like a bear on a bike if you wore a fur coat. ;)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3126/2571690928_e1a79794c3_m.jpg

$0 1977 Schwinn Le Tour II Dumpster Find
$26 Kevlar Belted Tires
$6 Tubes
$6 Brake Pads
$8 Cork Tape
$3 Grease
$0 Bottle Cage, Rack, Rack Bag, Seat Pack, SPD Pedals, Saddle, Garage Door Remote all laying around
$49 Grand Total

I originally bought this Nishiki Olympic 10 speed for 5$ for my commute.


But my commute is all uphill, roughly 400 ft elevation gain in 5 miles, so I decided i needed the gears of a mountain bike, so I found this circa '97 Schwinn Frontier. 20$ at the local thrift store. I added slicks, water bottles, cyclocomputer and lights. Grand total invested is maybe 50$.

That wouldn't even fill up one tank on my F250, so I think I'm ahead of the game.:thumb:

CAC: That is one hot ride. I've been hunting CL for something similar, but it's tough finding a large frame...especially since most sellers have no idea that frames even have sizes :\.

Anyway, here's my commuter:

http://borgish.com/photos/commuter3.jpg

2008 62cm Kona Jake $850
Price includes:
Custom wheel build
Shimano R520 Pedals

Extras:
$60 Shimano R075 Size 50 shoes
$88 Brooks B17 Saddle
$67 Polar CS100 HRM
$8 El Cheapo Nashbar Saddle Bag
$40 Axiom Streamliner Sport Tour Rack (not shown)
$50 Conti UG tires (not shown)
$67 Axiom Kootenay panniers (not shown)
$30 SKS P35 Fenders (not shown)

I commute 24mi round trip and love this bike for it. Topped out at 26.4mph on the flats today loaded, it was a good day! My LBS (which is 1200 miles away!) built it up for me and they've really hooked me up on every bike I've purchased from them. Anyone in the St Louis area should definitely check out The Hub in Webster Groves, very clyde friendly and knowledgeable. Sorry for plugging them, but they deserve it.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff168/cyclearkansas/100_1411.jpg

Specialized Sirrus.

My next commuter will be a 29" MTB. I think it would be a little more enjoyable. Wider tires absorb a little more. I would get a trunk/pannier setup rather than the backpack. Its an individual thing though. I found the backpack to bed too hot while riding and the extra weight wasn't that comfortable.

Thanks Wayne!:D WOw, you guys have cool commuters. But what's up with the Kona you Old Fart? That thing looks about 5 grand!:p

5 Grand? Hardly, I paid about $1000 CDN when it was new and it was my main ride until I got the doubecross last winter. since then its been relegted to commuter/foul weather duty. I did the dropbar conversion this spring just to make a more comfortable ride.

5 Grand? Hardly, I paid about $1000 CDN when it was new and it was my main ride until I got the doubecross last winter. since then its been relegted to commuter/foul weather duty. I did the dropbar conversion this spring just to make a more comfortable ride.

Was the drop bar conversion fairly easy, was it expensive? Did you get parts locally, and do the work yourself, or did a shop do it. I been thinkin' about the next couple of steps with my Norco, and that is theoretically on the list, still need to decide what to do about my blasted fork though.....

Was the drop bar conversion fairly easy, was it expensive? Did you get parts locally, and do the work yourself, or did a shop do it. I been thinkin' about the next couple of steps with my Norco, and that is theoretically on the list, still need to decide what to do about my blasted fork though.....

I got the bars and stem for free, had to buy the Tiagra brake/shifters, BB7 Road calipers and assorted small parts, cables, ect. cost was about $400 and I did all the work myself in a afternoon.

The bike is much more comfortable now and I and ride it for hours with none of the neck. shoulder and hand fatigue that I having before.

Trek 7.2 FX (Silver) - $425
Quick-release fenders - $15
Rear bike rack - $18
Specialized end grips - $15

I just haven't had a chance to do anything with it yet.

Please name the bike and a ballpark figure as far as cost before all the goodies, if you don't mind. Reason I mention it is cause I'd like to start commuting with the price of gas. Although work is only 6 miles away, still the price of gas sucks!:troll:


No kiddin' about the price of gas, around here, it's around CA$1.32/L which is around US$4.96/US Gallon, just looked at Gasbuddy.com for California, and there is a place charging $5.09/US Gallon, yikes, gas more expensive in the US then in Canada. Didn't think I would see it, for a while yet.:D In 2005, while visiting VA Beach, VA I saw $1.73 a gallon, while we were paying about 85¢/L here at home, what happened? One thing though, kinda makes you wonder why you don't see more SUVs parked in driveways, with signs on 'em 4 Sale, Cheap! I have noticed a lot more puddle jumpers, and way more Vespas and other scooters on the road, with the new gas prices, lots more bicycles too.... Saw an older couple in my neighbourhood on one of these today:

http://www.khsbicycles.com/Images/Bike_Images/Thumbnail08/tandem-alite-08tt.jpg

(KHS Alite Tandem)

Neither looked like an experienced rider, but if I would have been riding instead of walking, I would have taken a better look, when they got off...... Had a rack and a small pannier on the back, so I think they have plans on doing some distance on it. I wish 'em well....

More and more people around here, I guess, are deciding that the best way to deal with high gas prices is to give the oil company the one finger wave. :D

My commuter, vintage bike, bad weather training ride, backup bike, steel is real :)
Shimano 105 with 32 spoke rims. Bought new in 1993 for 2000 Deutsch Mark.
You can probably pick something up like this for 150$ today.
It's missing my rack for the panniers in this picture.

http://gallery.geekazoids.net/d/4416-2/IMG_0303.JPG

I think i might knwo you from another site....are you into bmx stuff?

CAC: That is one hot ride. I've been hunting CL for something similar, but it's tough finding a large frame...especially since most sellers have no idea that frames even have sizes :\.

Anyway, here's my commuter:

http://borgish.com/photos/commuter3.jpg

2008 62cm Kona Jake $850
Price includes:
Custom wheel build
Shimano R520 Pedals

Extras:
$60 Shimano R075 Size 50 shoes
$88 Brooks B17 Saddle
$67 Polar CS100 HRM
$8 El Cheapo Nashbar Saddle Bag
$40 Axiom Streamliner Sport Tour Rack (not shown)
$50 Conti UG tires (not shown)
$67 Axiom Kootenay panniers (not shown)
$30 SKS P35 Fenders (not shown)

I commute 24mi round trip and love this bike for it. Topped out at 26.4mph on the flats today loaded, it was a good day! My LBS (which is 1200 miles away!) built it up for me and they've really hooked me up on every bike I've purchased from them. Anyone in the St Louis area should definitely check out The Hub in Webster Groves, very clyde friendly and knowledgeable. Sorry for plugging them, but they deserve it.

Cool EO...thanks for the info..we have talked back and forth and i did not know you had a STL tie. Are you from here at all? I like the look of this bike, i might have to check out the HUB since im a big dude. Thanks for the tip.

Here is mine.
2008 Lemond Poprad Disc, $1500. Put about another $1000 in accesories. $430 of that was for the Dinotte lights. My commute starts at 4:30am on back country roads so good lights were essential. Its kept inside directly under a surveillance camera. Keeps people from messing with it.

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh257/abbynemmy/100_2037.jpg

Sorry, no pix, but here they are....

Main ride is a Jamis Dakar XLT 1.0, built up from the frame w/ my own parts pick; I can't afford a stable of bikes, and my back won't take a roadie (tried -- OOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!) The XLT has a Nixon fork, Mavic wheels, RaceFace cockpit, SRAM/Avid controls, and Hutch tires.

I'm also 90% done rebuilding my old HT; it is, BY FAR, the best thing ever to come off a W-Mart rack!!! 6061 frame, 19", 4# on the dig. scale, but no replaceable hanger or disc tabs. It's 7-8 yrs. old, always been there for me, and soon will be again! Black Sport fork, SRAM/Tektro controls, Specialized wheels, urban 1.75 tires, RaceFace crank, susp. post. I expect it to come in about 27# total, and roll like a motherf (*SHUT YO' MOUTH!)!

The XLT cost me $1850 new, worth about $2400 at that time; the HT (Pacific{NEXT** Revolution), just another $100; all the parts on it are take-offs from other bikes.

My commuter is a Trek 7100 - original price was around $299.00. I've added light fenders, a rack, some lighting, barends and upgraded the wheels, shifters, handlebars and fork for around $350.00. BTW, a big chunk of the upgrade was actually due to an unfortunate car/bike 'incident' on my first commute.... but I digress.....

Cool EO...thanks for the info..we have talked back and forth and i did not know you had a STL tie. Are you from here at all? I like the look of this bike, i might have to check out the HUB since im a big dude. Thanks for the tip.

Cool, yep, my early years were in STL, much of my family is still there. Check PM's :).

2008 FCR-1 Giant $850.00

Don't you have a Varsity in your garage, Beanzer? Is it your size? What's wrong with that bike?

I use my Sportabout for short commutes.

Six miles...short.

Hi all, first post. I bought a Specialized Tricross Comp (2007) about a month ago. I went with the XC bike for my commute because my route takes me through some bad roads, and also I am about 280 so I wanted something more substantial feeling than the roadies that I was testing. I have about 400 miles on it and absolutely love it! The bike itself was $1500 with another 5 or 6 hundred in accessories: Pedals, shoes, lock, rack, lights, helmet, trunk bag, multitool, computer, pump, and tubes. The worst thing about buying this bike is that now I am already daydreaming about my next bike!

Cheers,
Collin

I started on this...

Which is way to small (17") to be a comfortable commuter.
http://www.evilmonkeymedia.com/dl/schwinn.jpg

So I got a used Univega on CL that also turned out to be small... but I was hooked.

So I bought a Felt Z70 at the LBS for just under 1G out the door with a rack, bottle, spare tube, and tax.
http://www.evilmonkeymedia.com/dl/bike.jpg

I absolutely love it. I have an old Schwinn cross bike that I will convert to a SS for heavy loaded days, and winter riding.

Don't you have a Varsity in your garage, Beanzer? Is it your size? What's wrong with that bike?

Six miles...short.


It's actually in a strorage unit we rent. It's a very small lady's bike. A mixte frame. Heck if it was my size, I would.

I am so glad I am not the only one with a $1500 commuter. This is a Surly Pacer that I hand built myself. Full Ultegra Groupo (got it on clearance for less than 105). It currently has bike planet fenders on it.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/TaborKelly/RijuR7TnvLI/AAAAAAAAANQ/kDEFLH0vhnM/s800/surly_pacer1.jpg

Wow! You guys have some sharp commuters. I hate you!:D

Forgot ferrules when building up my new commuter :( Guess I'll get it finished up tomorrow at lunch. Who needs brakes anyway? (though saving the bartape until I get the brakes on will suck in the morning).

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/2555569979_c0f775b349.jpg

round 3k