sbpark

Started this thread as a follow-up to my previous thread where I was seeking for advice on a rack and panniers for commuting. A couple of days ago I picked up a 2014 Cannonade Bad Boy (lower end model) for $350 off of Craigslist. Previous owner said he only rode it once and the XL frame was too big for him at 5'11", but is perfect for me at 6'2" tall. The bike literally looks brand new, came with some nice Shimano SPD's, front and rear fenders and a Specialized Romin Evo Ti saddle, all for $350. I wanted to outfit the bike as cheap as possible, but at the same time didn't want to cut corners to where I skimped on quality and would need to replace something I skimped on upfront that would end up costing me more down the line.

Picked up some Ortlieb Back Roller Classics. Was on the fence between these and a set of Axiom panniers. The Ortlieb's were almost double the cost of the Axioms, but given all the excellent reviews I read about them and the fact that they ticked off all my requirements...spacious, weather/waterproof, simple mounting hardware/easy on and off the bike, and a shoulder strap, meant they were the best option.

I ended up with the Topeak Explorer rack that was disc brake compatible. I can understand why others in the other thread asked why someone would go with this rack if they weren't going to use the compatible Topeak luggage that locks onto the rack. However, I think the rack is absolutely functional and practical even if you don't use the Topeak luggage, and was readily available and on sale locally. It wasn't easy finding a disc-compatible rack locally that didn't cost an arm and a leg. This one was just under $44, and couldn't have been easier to install. Literally took minutes, feels very secure and works well with the Ortlieb panniers which I adjusted to be as far back as possible so there's no chance of hitting my size 12 shoes on them. Speaking of shoes I'll be using an old pair of Teva mountain biking shoes for now. They're super comfy and get the job sone.

Aside from the above mentioned items I also picked up a set of Ergon GP3 grips, front and rear USB rechargeable lights (not for lighting my way, instead just to be seen by motorists and to comply with the local laws), new SPD cleats for my shoes (old ones were rusted real bad), and a couple tubes (already have tools, tire levers, etc.). Also picked up a small cable to girth hitch around the seat rail that will go through my lock when I lock the bike up as a deterrent to keep the seat from getting stolen. I have a Kryptonite u-lock and chain I'll be using. They Ergon grips look kind of stupid, but they're darn comfy and a huge, practical upgrade compared to the stock grips that came on the bike. Have no desire to upgrade any of the components on the bike aside form MAYBE a new set of tires that are puncture resistant.

So all in all, the grand total was just over $700 for the bike and all the accessories I added on. More than I wanted to spend, but don't thing it's too bad given the face that I got the bike and all the accessories for what one of these bikes cost new alone, and a new Bay Boy doesn't come with the fenders, upgraded saddle and SPD pedals.

Here's a pic of the before and after of the bike.

Before:





After:

bikemig 

That's a fine looking bike. I'd add some reflective material esp. to the fenders on that bike.

I like these, https://www.rei.com/product/680649/n...w_waAnM88P8HAQ

It's hard to beat the look of a black bike with black bags and fenders though. This is a sharp looking bike.

sbpark

Thank you, and I will for sure be heading back to REI in the morning to get some reflective material. Can't believe I forgot that, especially since I work 11pm-7:30am and will be riding to work in the dark. Thanks for the recommendation!

slo_rida

Very nice setup. Practical and looks cool.

Ortlieb seems to be the standard in Vancouver, a city that knows a bit about rain. I have the "city" front rollers - the smallest, cheapest panniers they make - and have been very happy with them.

idiotekniQues

If REI doesn't have what you need in regards to reflective material I found this on Amazon and it's amazing

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

sbpark

I just found some black reflective tape after searching this forum. Apparently it's not as bright as other colors, but still very bright and easily visible under car headlights. Would be nice to keep the black theme going and not litter the bike with a bunch of green, yellow or red stickers all over the bike.

vp1337

I'd fix that saddle angle, otherwise it's pretty cool.

lost_in_endicot

Nice looking bike!

Bike Gremlin

+1

Cool bike

TenSpeedV2

I am usually not a fan of panniers but on this bike for some reason they look at home. Should be an ideal commuter for you now, especially with the fenders.

10 Wheels

Happy Safe Miles to you.

no motor?

Nice! I've used the Topeak Explorer rack for many years without any problems, and I don't use a Topeak bag on it either. I'll have to look to see if mine has the slots for their bags on it, mines been covered up by a Nashbar bag for most of the time.

Papa Tom

Congratulations on making your choice. My experience, after about a year of shopping, was that, after I put the bags on, I never thought about them again.

sbpark

Thanks for the kind words everyone. Another advantage I found was a u-lock fits perfectly between the space between the outer rail and inner track that accepts the Topeak luggage.

BobbyG

Sweet! Given your needs and preferences, I think your set up is excellent, and you got a great deal! I have one suggestion if you will be riding in the wet and rain much, and that would be a longer front fender. I had fenders like yours for decades and they work okay, but the longer fenders keep my feet drier in the wet, and the lower bike and drivetrain cleaner. But even so, I think I have a man-crush on your bike.

sbpark

Thanks for the suggestions. Fortunately/unfortunately I am in the SF East Bay, and it never really rains here. I am stoked on the bike for sure and really looking forward to commuting and not driving my truck to and from work. Just seems like such a waste to not ride a bike if I have the option to. It's a sweet bike, especially with the pedals, seat and fenders the original owner added. That saddle alone goons for $100-$130 apparently. Components on the bike are pretty low end, but they seem to work great so far, and I won't replace anything unless something breaks or starts going me trouble. IF we do start getting rain here again (i wish we would), then I will for sure take your advice and look into a fender that has better coverage.

jade408

OP, you could add mud flaps!

Here is a random set, there are many more or you can make some.

https://www.amazon.com/Planet-Bike-M.../dp/B001CJVKGQ

Hi neighbor! I live in Oakland.

RubeRad

Nice bike -- good CL find!


Good investment. In the long run (which by all accounts should be very very long) you will not regret the high price of the ortliebs.


If you are commuting all the time at night, I highly recommend you rethink that decision and get a real headlight. Magicshine clones from Amazon (small head unit, big separate battery pack) can be had for $20 or less. Or a regular CREE LED flashlight with a zoomable head that takes a single 18650 battery can be had for unbelievably cheap -- get a kit with a light and a charger and a crappy battery, and budget another $15 or so for a pair of good batteries. There are any number of mounting solutions, I use interlocked hose clamps.