New job and I get to Commute!!
10-21-15, 09:30 AM
#1
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New job and I get to Commute!!
Starting monday, I will be working substantially closer to home, this will give me the chance to start commuting. I don't plan on doing it all the time, especially during the winter, but probably a few times a week.
my question, is what bike to use? I have a stable of vintage bikes, and I would love to use one of them.
Here is a list of possible choices
1972 Raleigh Super Course
1973 Raleigh Gran Sport
1982 Trek 412
1990 Trek 930 (converted to hybrid)
you can see pictures of them here
thanks in advance!
my question, is what bike to use? I have a stable of vintage bikes, and I would love to use one of them.
Here is a list of possible choices
1972 Raleigh Super Course
1973 Raleigh Gran Sport
1982 Trek 412
1990 Trek 930 (converted to hybrid)
you can see pictures of them here
thanks in advance!
10-21-15, 09:41 AM
#3
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What might you need to carry with you, and what condition are the streets in along your route? I'd take the 930 at first and see if the ride suits something a bit less tank-y
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10-21-15, 09:56 AM
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Rotate.
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● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
10-21-15, 10:18 AM
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Depends. What shape are you in? What is parking like at work? Do you feel it is secure? Is it out of the weather? What will be the route (MUP, street, trail, etc.)? What are traffic conditions? Do you plan on changing clothes after getting to work? What do you plan on taking with you? How far is it?
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10-21-15, 10:32 AM
#8
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I rotate. You can enjoy more than one bike and choose whichever suits you each day. Enjoy!
10-21-15, 10:39 AM
#9
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the route is main city streets, parking is free, we have our own lot, plus i can bring the bike inside. i was considering just rotating, but i wanted get everyone's opinion on what might be better
the 930 is currently setup as a hybrid, i'm not super happy with the geometry of it right now, i'm considering changing it to drop bars
the 930 is currently setup as a hybrid, i'm not super happy with the geometry of it right now, i'm considering changing it to drop bars
10-21-15, 10:47 AM
#10
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Since I use my 1970 UO-8 for commuting, shopping, and general transportation, I vote for the Super Course with the above-mentioned fat tires.
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Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
10-21-15, 11:12 AM
#11
Hump, what hump?
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Living the dream! I'd rotate. Time with each might nominate one as a best choice for the route.
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10-21-15, 11:42 AM
#13
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thanks, i think i'm going to rotate, makes the most sense. I'm super excited, i have wanted to commute for a long time, and now i will be able to.
10-21-15, 12:27 PM
#14
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+1. I have my Trek fixed gear for commuting in most any weather. When the weather is nice though, I often choose one of my other bikes. I'm fortunate that I don't need to lock my bikes at work, and dress is pretty casual, so I can get away with leaving a pair of street shoes under my desk and just toss clothing and a lunch into a book bag.
10-21-15, 01:41 PM
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What??? Only 2 wheels?
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Rotate, with an eye toward which one fits the day. When you feel like zipping, take a zippier bike. When the roads are getting messy with debris, take one with more robust tires.
I commute 16 miles each way with a fair amount of climbing, some even 10% grade. I do it on an assortment of road bikes, even on sew-up ties when I'm feeling lucky (or stupid). They are all good.
I commute 16 miles each way with a fair amount of climbing, some even 10% grade. I do it on an assortment of road bikes, even on sew-up ties when I'm feeling lucky (or stupid). They are all good.
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10-21-15, 03:33 PM
#17
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Rotating is sound advice. However, were it me, I'd start with the Gran Sport and hope I'd like that. It looks great and has drop bars and fenders.
10-21-15, 03:34 PM
#18
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Roll 1d4
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10-21-15, 04:48 PM
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Wow, you're such a devoted cyclist that your ties are made from sew ups? How do they feel about that at your workplace?
10-21-15, 05:08 PM
#20
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For my style of commuting, the first pick would be the Trek 412, with its relatively long chainstays. This is very helpful with a rear rack and panniers. Whichever one you choose, you will want to add appropriate cargo capacity, and an on-board tool/spares kit.
It's also very useful to have a ready backup, and/or a rain bike (i.e. with fenders). A backup in case of broken spoke or other issue that makes it unwise to set out in the morning on your main bike; and a rain bike for obvious reasons. Of course, your main bike can also be your rain bike, but if you have a backup, you'll be very glad the first time you need it.
It's also very useful to have a ready backup, and/or a rain bike (i.e. with fenders). A backup in case of broken spoke or other issue that makes it unwise to set out in the morning on your main bike; and a rain bike for obvious reasons. Of course, your main bike can also be your rain bike, but if you have a backup, you'll be very glad the first time you need it.
10-21-15, 05:23 PM
#21
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ride the one that makes you smile most. forget convenience - bags etc and all that blab... better to feel like a rockstar upon arrival than be prepared.
10-21-15, 06:24 PM
#22
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Racks, mudguards and clearance for studded tires (at least in front) will make it all that much more pleasant to ride. Panniers to pick up stuff and extra clothes/gear. I'd find an old rigid mtn bike for that and then you've got your choice of fair weather bikes in the stable.
10-21-15, 06:56 PM
#23
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it's not all the bike
+1 on rack, much better than using a backpack. Of course if you aren't doing every day you can bring clothes in for the days your do. I also just leave a set of shoes at work, shoes are strangely bulky and heavy when packing a bike
and when it is rainy fenders are very good to have.
I use 2, both with racks and lots of blinking lights. A torpado (no fenders) when it is not rainy and a nishki that lookes like and "english 3 speed" (japanese 8 speed ?)
+1 on rack, much better than using a backpack. Of course if you aren't doing every day you can bring clothes in for the days your do. I also just leave a set of shoes at work, shoes are strangely bulky and heavy when packing a bike
and when it is rainy fenders are very good to have.
I use 2, both with racks and lots of blinking lights. A torpado (no fenders) when it is not rainy and a nishki that lookes like and "english 3 speed" (japanese 8 speed ?)
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(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
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(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
10-21-15, 07:13 PM
#24
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If it's an acceptable distance- the next question is where you're going to keep the bike while you're at work.
I'm totally spoiled with having a secure storeroom at work- I also have showers and a locker room down the hall from my store room.
I'm totally spoiled with having a secure storeroom at work- I also have showers and a locker room down the hall from my store room.
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10-21-15, 07:37 PM
#25
Still learning
My vote is for rotation. Then you can winnow down the fleet and work on N-1.
I have been pumping iron about every other day at the the community fitness center for several weeks. The 2+ mile road has just been paved too so it is a good test bed. While my goal is a different bike each time I go, in practicality, it is more like a change every other work out. If something is not right or the fit can be improved, I can tweak the bike between workouts.
I have been pumping iron about every other day at the the community fitness center for several weeks. The 2+ mile road has just been paved too so it is a good test bed. While my goal is a different bike each time I go, in practicality, it is more like a change every other work out. If something is not right or the fit can be improved, I can tweak the bike between workouts.