Thinking of buying a new commuter...
05-21-09, 12:26 PM
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Thinking of buying a new commuter...
I've got the itch for a new bike. I already have five, all of which I can commute on, but now that my commute is a mere rolling 4 miles (been over a decade since I've had a commute less than 15 miles), I'm thinking it's time to go back to a simpler type of commute where I can ride in my work clothes with no special clothing, shoes, etc. So to scratch my new bike itch, I'm thinking of going back to those simpler bikes of my childhood...like the old 71 Raleigh Superbe three-speed I used to have, except with newer technology. I started looking at city bikes like the Electras and some of the city/commuting bikes by other manufacturers like Giant, Trek, etc. My LBS bud had mentioned the Raleigh Detour Deluxe as a possibility, so I went to their site to check it out...but quickly forgot about it when I found their new version of...you guessed it...the Superbe Roadster!
Relaxed upright riding position, dynamo hub (much better than my old bottle dynamo), 8 speed Shimano Alfine IGH (much better than the old 3spd Sturmey), disk brakes (much better for snow/wet than calipers), fenders (meh, I may change those for some different ones), clip and strap pedals (meh, I'm thinking I'll just put good platforms on), albatross type bars, trigger shifters, no rear rack, but that is easily remedied and there should be enough clearance for my 35c studded tires in the winter! I do believe I am in love and that this bike has a makings of the perfect all-weather short distance commuter!
Soon as the refinance on the house closes (4.6 % SWEET!), I may just pull the trigger.
Relaxed upright riding position, dynamo hub (much better than my old bottle dynamo), 8 speed Shimano Alfine IGH (much better than the old 3spd Sturmey), disk brakes (much better for snow/wet than calipers), fenders (meh, I may change those for some different ones), clip and strap pedals (meh, I'm thinking I'll just put good platforms on), albatross type bars, trigger shifters, no rear rack, but that is easily remedied and there should be enough clearance for my 35c studded tires in the winter! I do believe I am in love and that this bike has a makings of the perfect all-weather short distance commuter!
Soon as the refinance on the house closes (4.6 % SWEET!), I may just pull the trigger.
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
05-21-09, 12:43 PM
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I like the bike, though don't like the fenders. I can't figure out what retail is on this bike.
I'd also be interested in the Civia Loring, but I think it's probably considerably more expensive.
If you were parting with that much money I have one of these that you could use.
I'd also be interested in the Civia Loring, but I think it's probably considerably more expensive.
If you were parting with that much money I have one of these that you could use.
05-21-09, 12:51 PM
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I like a lot of the new practical bikes that Raleigh is putting out. The Superbe Roadster is pretty cool.
I might go with something like this new Swobo though for a short commute run-about bike. The CS length isn't a monster like the Raleigh, but it would be fine for me.
https://www.swobo.com/catalog/product...cPath=201_1473
I might go with something like this new Swobo though for a short commute run-about bike. The CS length isn't a monster like the Raleigh, but it would be fine for me.
https://www.swobo.com/catalog/product...cPath=201_1473
05-21-09, 12:56 PM
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The Loring is more expensive and the Hyland is like double the price. Love those bamboo bits on the Loring tho.
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
05-21-09, 12:56 PM
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Electra amsterdam?
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05-21-09, 01:05 PM
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Are you trying to come out the "fixie closet"??
Will you be rocking turquoise Aerospokes with hot pick tires in the near future?
Will you be rocking turquoise Aerospokes with hot pick tires in the near future?
05-21-09, 01:10 PM
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I like a lot of the new practical bikes that Raleigh is putting out. The Superbe Roadster is pretty cool.
I might go with something like this new Swobo though for a short commute run-about bike. The CS length isn't a monster like the Raleigh, but it would be fine for me.
https://www.swobo.com/catalog/product...cPath=201_1473
I might go with something like this new Swobo though for a short commute run-about bike. The CS length isn't a monster like the Raleigh, but it would be fine for me.
https://www.swobo.com/catalog/product...cPath=201_1473
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
05-21-09, 01:12 PM
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The 8i was tempting...but the roller brakes are kind of a deal killer relative to some other bikes.
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
05-21-09, 03:12 PM
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05-21-09, 03:53 PM
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Those new commuter bikes are absolutely lovely. I lust after them, but I'm much too cheap, and if I spent that kind of money, my wife would be pissed. We already have 17 bikes.
I agree that upright bars are best for short trips. I also prefer them for city cycling, since it's easier to turn my head around.
I agree that upright bars are best for short trips. I also prefer them for city cycling, since it's easier to turn my head around.
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05-21-09, 07:40 PM
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
05-21-09, 07:43 PM
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Those new commuter bikes are absolutely lovely. I lust after them, but I'm much too cheap, and if I spent that kind of money, my wife would be pissed. We already have 17 bikes.
I agree that upright bars are best for short trips. I also prefer them for city cycling, since it's easier to turn my head around.
I agree that upright bars are best for short trips. I also prefer them for city cycling, since it's easier to turn my head around.
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
07-05-09, 10:20 PM
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07-05-09, 10:31 PM
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You gonna eat that?
Anyway, I think if I were commuting, even in street clothes, I'd still go with the Raleigh Detour Deluxe. I ride 7 miles each way and my current commuter is set up kind of like the Detour. Even at half the commute, I think I'd want to be able to carry things; the Detour is all set up for you.
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07-06-09, 05:38 AM
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Anyway, I think if I were commuting, even in street clothes, I'd still go with the Raleigh Detour Deluxe. I ride 7 miles each way and my current commuter is set up kind of like the Detour. Even at half the commute, I think I'd want to be able to carry things; the Detour is all set up for you.
But despite all that, I scrapped the street clothes idea...at least for the summer. No matter how hard I try to take it easy, I work up too much of a sweat on my rolling route. If I am going to have to carry clothes to change into anyway, might as well carry the work clothes and ride in comfy shorts and sandals.
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
07-06-09, 07:50 AM
#16
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CC, if you haven't pulled the trigger on a new bike with the refi, how about just making some mods to one of the bikes that you've all ready sorted out. Maybe a simple change of a stem and pedals is all you need, now that your commute is only a 4 mile jaunt. (dd smoldering with envy).
I know that the new bike urge is strong, but I've learned to resist it.
I know that the new bike urge is strong, but I've learned to resist it.
