Bad idea?
#1
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Bad idea?
I'm getting a new road bike soon and planning to use it for rides, maybe racing with my university's club. I was wondering if commuting on it would be a bad idea? It would be around 20 miles of commuting a day, twice a week.
#2
Caffeinated.
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I've commuted a bit with my "stupid lite" road bike-it's a lot of fun. I do have a few sets of wheels though, and don't use the "stupid lite" set for commuting.
If you use it consistently commuting, you should increase your maintenance schedule a bit-especially if you'll be commuting in rain. Race blade clip on fenders work well.
Obviously a secure lockup (preferibly indoors) is vital.
When using my roadie or my fixed gear commuting, I use a backpack for my stuff. Clothes/food/tools/1 text/some paperwork&such, but try to keep it under 10 pounds. Optimal is to have nothing on your back-that'll be up to you. When I have to carry more weight (say more texts, or extra shoes), I use one of my other bikes that has a rear rack-and use a pannier (or two).
If you use it consistently commuting, you should increase your maintenance schedule a bit-especially if you'll be commuting in rain. Race blade clip on fenders work well.
Obviously a secure lockup (preferibly indoors) is vital.
When using my roadie or my fixed gear commuting, I use a backpack for my stuff. Clothes/food/tools/1 text/some paperwork&such, but try to keep it under 10 pounds. Optimal is to have nothing on your back-that'll be up to you. When I have to carry more weight (say more texts, or extra shoes), I use one of my other bikes that has a rear rack-and use a pannier (or two).
#3
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I usually ride my roadbike on Fridays. My commute is only 15 miles round trip, but I end up taking the long way home most of the time. My biggest concern is that it rains alot here in FL in the summer. I don't like to constantly subject the Lemond to monsoon conditions. Other than that I think you'll be fine. If you do get wet, make sure you wipe it down and let it dry out.
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I'll make a suggestion though... buy the cheapest spare wheelset you can get. Heavy touring wheels from Nashbar or just off the rack from a local used bike store.
The #1 thing i rip up commuting is wheels. I just brought a commuter wheel into my wrench, 3 busted spokes and a wicked dent and wobble, potholes and heavy bags of groceries are a tough combo.
Save your good wheels for the weekends.
And change your chain often.
The #1 thing i rip up commuting is wheels. I just brought a commuter wheel into my wrench, 3 busted spokes and a wicked dent and wobble, potholes and heavy bags of groceries are a tough combo.
Save your good wheels for the weekends.
And change your chain often.
#6
I'll get there
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Originally Posted by filtersweep
I wouldn't do it- unless you can keep your bike indoors WITH you.
Why not build up a commuter as some sort of recycling project?
Why not build up a commuter as some sort of recycling project?
Last edited by vilelamb; 09-02-22 at 01:19 PM. Reason: Removed personal info
#7
Jet Jockey
I just started using one of Fuji's "forza" series bikes (Absolute model) for my commute...I was getting frustrated with the "speed limit" I was hitting with my mountain-bike style commuter (with slicks). The Fuji bike is an aluminum road-bike type frame, geared appropriately, with 26mm tires...but with a flat handle bar and attachments for a rear rack. I may switch to 28-32mm tires eventually, but for now it's been great. (VERY affordable too, at between $600-$700, depending on where you get one) I haven't been using the Fuji for long, but for now it's sped up the commute, and I haven't felt worried about damage yet. Maybe time will change my mind, but so far I like it.
#8
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You can build up the Ideal commuter around a Surly Long Haul Trucker frame.
#9
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I ride my rode bike to work almost everyday from March to November. My road bike is a TREK 2200. I have a 109 system and run 700x23 slick tires. I carry everything in a backpack. Rain or shine. I do not ride it in the snow that is what my mountain bike is for.
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Bascom -> Lafayette is my alternate commute route, and I've gone to a couple concerts/events at SCU.. Sure looks like a nice school. Have fun with the ride!
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