RunnerDFW

I'm looking to start commuting by bicycle in the next month or so (4 miles each way - easy route). I'd also like a bike for crosstraining exercise. I test rode the Dispatch this past weekend and liked it a lot. Anyone out there have this bike? I'd greatly appreciate your feedback.

For those of you that use this bike, what rack and other commuter accessories would you recommend - specific brand names would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

vik 

That does not scream "...attach a rack to me.." Do you need a rack and panniers? If you do I'd consider some different bikes. Depending on your commute and how much you need to carry a backpack or messenger bag might be a better way to carry your stuff.

I commuted on a road bike, but I just carried my stuff the 25kms each way in a backpack.

Ken Wind

Are you sure that you want a single speed or fixed gear bike? Is there a chance that you will be doing any longer rides on it or increasing your commute distance in the future? What about hills?

I live in a somewhat hilly rural and suburban area, and I thoroughly enjoyed riding a Jamis Sputnik (fixed gear) around for well over a year. The inability to put larger tires on it (for studded tires in the winter) and the lack of an easy way to attach full coverage fenders made me look for an alternative though.

I will have to echo vik's sentiments. A rack, wide tires, and fenders can be very useful for commuting, but that depends on your riding style, terrain, distance, and a multitude of other factors. Those things are by no means necessary for an enjoyable and effective commuter.

RunnerDFW

I appreciate the comments. Is it not possible to add a winter or wider tire to the Dispatch?

I agree that a rack will diminish the great looks of the bike, but I'm not too caught up in looks. Although, I will definitely try carrying my work stuff in a backpack prior to adding a rack.

I'm not completely settled on a single speed, but it seems like the right thing for me. I live in a relatively flat area, and I'm doing this more for freedom and exercise than anything - so I don't mind sweating and working hard on the bike.

Ken Wind

The widest tire that bike could probably take is a 700x28. Nobody makes (carbide) studded tires in that size, but studded tires aren't necessary for winter commuting, especially if the winters are mild where you live. I live in central Ohio, and I've commuted two years without them; however, this year I did purchase a pair. They have been indispensable. I ride regardless of weather though.

My bike has the mounts for a rack, but I don't use one. Why? I don't like them. Panniers are inconvenient for me unless I'm going a great distance and my backpack will fit everything I could put in two panniers.

There are a number of single speed bikes that will take wider tires, fenders, and a rack on the market. A few suggestions are the Raleigh One Way, Bianchi San Jose, Marin Hamilton 29er, Specialized Tricross Singlecross, Specialized Globe San Francisco 1, Kona Humu, or the Salsa Casseroll Single.

Metricoclock

I would recommend looking at something maybe a lil more practical, Kilo TT Pro, Surly Steamroller , etc.

Something that you can throw fenders and a rack on, the dispatch has no braze-on's , and very tight clearances. It's a nice bike, but it's not something i wouldn't use as a commuter personally, maybe a fair weather/nice day commuter.

Ken Wind

I like Surly, and the Steamroller has room for fairly wide tires, but it doesn't have fender eyelets or rack bosses. The Surly Cross-Check would make a much more functional commuter, but isn't sold as a complete bike in single speed form.

fuzz2050

steamrollers have really impresive clearance, and if you swap out the front fork for something with disk and fender brase ons, you get an epic fixed commuter.

Metricoclock

This fall i had bought an '08 cross check frame and fork, threw on some bars, a set and a fixed/free wheel set, it is an excellent commuter! I currently have it setup as a 1x9, full fenders and a rack, the frame set is a great starting point for any commuter may it be fg/ss or geared!

homegrown_xt

I bought a Felt Dispatch a week ago and I am loving it. Got rid ot the stock seat though.
I took it on a 44 mi. shakedown ride the third day I got it and it rode very well, the hills weren't too bad with the 39/16 gear setup, (if you are familiar with sonoma county I did the Chalkhill loop). So far I have no complaints with the bike, just some minor adjustments with the bike after the long ride. I rode today and it was all good.

Ken

white_feather

What about the Kona Worldbike?