Why a beater?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Cambridge MA
Posts: 289
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Why a beater?
With the changing of the seasons, I've noticed a variety of new threads discussing foul-weather/"beater" bikes as contrasted with fair-weather/"nice" bikes. Since I'm a bit suspicious of the whole notion of a "beater" bike (the red-headed stepchild in the family), I was curious about when, and why, you would want to keep and use one. I'm assuming that the basic criteria for being a "beater," broadly speaking, are:
1) Worn, old, or otherwise abused frame, wheels, components, etc.;
2) An unwillingness on the owner's part to lavish much time or resources on maintenance.
My question, then, is this: Under what conditions would you want to use a bike that meets these criteria? If you use such a bike, why? It's pretty clear, for instance, that you'd have good reason to use one if you commuted to work in NYC and had no alternative to locking up your bike outside. I can store my bike in my office, so I don't face this kind of problem. And I don't think of my commuter bike (which soldiers on through New England summers and winters and everything in between) as a beater at all.
So: Why a beater?
1) Worn, old, or otherwise abused frame, wheels, components, etc.;
2) An unwillingness on the owner's part to lavish much time or resources on maintenance.
My question, then, is this: Under what conditions would you want to use a bike that meets these criteria? If you use such a bike, why? It's pretty clear, for instance, that you'd have good reason to use one if you commuted to work in NYC and had no alternative to locking up your bike outside. I can store my bike in my office, so I don't face this kind of problem. And I don't think of my commuter bike (which soldiers on through New England summers and winters and everything in between) as a beater at all.
So: Why a beater?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Downtown Detroit, Mi.
Posts: 781
Bikes: Surly LHT, 94 Cannondale track bike, 80's Cannondale track bike, 60's Raleigh 5 speed, 1888 Eldridge wood wheel track bike and my old 76 DG BMX from when I was a kid.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
A beater can just be as simple as being used or pre-owned like my $35 yard sale find that would cost over $500 new to replace it. My so called "good bike" was a large chunk of cash (for me) and the thought of slush and road salt,,, EeeeK! My $35 beater is a great bike but still $35.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,952
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Much less fear of it getting stolen/stripped. I use my beater bike for errands around town and whenever I have to park it to a parking meter in urban areas.
I would hesitate to park a $1000+ bike outdoors unattended for over 2 hours in an urban area.
If I could easily and safely store my bike in my office, I'd definitely ride the nicest bike that I could for my commute. But even so, it's nice to have a beater if you live within 3-5 miles of a lot of places that you frequent a lot.
I would hesitate to park a $1000+ bike outdoors unattended for over 2 hours in an urban area.
If I could easily and safely store my bike in my office, I'd definitely ride the nicest bike that I could for my commute. But even so, it's nice to have a beater if you live within 3-5 miles of a lot of places that you frequent a lot.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 8,101
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 52 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 17 Times
in
13 Posts
I have a fair weather bike and a winter/all purpose bike. I don't refer to the winter bike as a beater in general but I wouldn't be offended if someone called it that. It also doesn't fit your definition real well because I spend way more time maintaining it than I do my fair weather bike. But it is an old bike with old components. Components which I can cheaply replace with other old components. Exposure to large amounts of road salt and sand is tough on a bike.
Other than the fact that I ride it in the winter and refuse to be bothered to clean it off every time I ride through some junk, I don't really abuse it. I recently got Campy shifters for both my fair weather bike and my winter bike but elected to put the newer ones on the winter bike so it's not as though I'm completely unwilling to spend money on it.
Other than the fact that I ride it in the winter and refuse to be bothered to clean it off every time I ride through some junk, I don't really abuse it. I recently got Campy shifters for both my fair weather bike and my winter bike but elected to put the newer ones on the winter bike so it's not as though I'm completely unwilling to spend money on it.
Last edited by tjspiel; 04-07-10 at 04:00 PM.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Edmonton, Canada
Posts: 737
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I use a 13 year old mountain bike during the winter. It is old and worn, but still gets its share of TLC, because I need it to stay rideable. I wouldn't take my new bike out in winter because the slush and road salt and crap would gum everything up and wear it down prematurely.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 334
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
One important note is that I really like to ride it! Being a beater doesn't mean it can't be really enjoyable to ride. If it isn't, it's probably not going to be in my stable for long.
#7
You gonna eat that?
I ride a beater because.... I just don't have anything nice.
I have a 2009 Schwinn Cutter ss which isn't practical for 17 miles each way wiht hills. My next newest bike is 15 years old. Except for the Cutter, I haven't paid more than $100 for any of my bikes. For what I use them for, I can't see why it would be worth it.
I have a 2009 Schwinn Cutter ss which isn't practical for 17 miles each way wiht hills. My next newest bike is 15 years old. Except for the Cutter, I haven't paid more than $100 for any of my bikes. For what I use them for, I can't see why it would be worth it.
#8
commuter and barbarian
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Potomac, MT, USA
Posts: 2,494
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
A week ago I couldn't have answered this question. I'd been riding the bike I got in 2007. But now I have a brand new bike, which I'm not ready to subject to the elements if I can help it. Today, for example, I rode my beater bike (the 2007) since thunderstorms were in the forecast. Turns out it didn't rain, but that's beside the point.
As far as it getting stolen, I can say I will take every bit as much precaution with the beater as I do with any other bike. I don't want to lose it. Then I'd have to use the new bike in foul weather.
But I don't know that it meets either of your criterion for being a beater.
That's my story.
As far as it getting stolen, I can say I will take every bit as much precaution with the beater as I do with any other bike. I don't want to lose it. Then I'd have to use the new bike in foul weather.
But I don't know that it meets either of your criterion for being a beater.
That's my story.
Last edited by scroca; 04-07-10 at 04:14 PM.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 8,101
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 52 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 17 Times
in
13 Posts
I should add that even though I may differentiate between my bikes by calling one the fair weather bike and the other my foul weather bike, in a way that's doing both of them a disservice. My "fair weather bike" is the one I ride from April through November regardless of weather unless we're talking about icy roads or deep snow. I'll also ride my "foul weather bike" on nice days once in awhile for a change of pace.
#10
Frame Catastrophizer
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Suburban Chicago
Posts: 450
Bikes: Surly Instigator
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Any bike can be a beater. A beater is simply a bike you beat on, mercilessly.
#11
The Fat Guy In The Back
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Posts: 2,532
Bikes: '81 Panasonic Sport, '02 Giant Boulder SE, '08 Felt S32, '10 Diamondback Insight RS, '10 Windsor Clockwork, '15 Kestrel Evoke 3.0, '19 Salsa Mukluk
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 320 Post(s)
Liked 174 Times
in
115 Posts
Commuting over the winter (in areas that actually have winter) takes a serious toll on a bike. The salt/ice melt corrodes the components. The crashes scratch up the paint, break plastic parts and rip seats. I could work on fixing everything up only to have it destroyed again next winter, or I could call it my "beater" and hang it on the wall while I ride a nicer bike during the fair weather months.
__________________
Visit me at the Tundra Man Workshop
Visit me at the Tundra Man Workshop
#12
curmudgineer
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Chicago SW burbs
Posts: 4,417
Bikes: 2 many 2 fit here
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 263 Post(s)
Liked 112 Times
in
70 Posts
I built my "FrankenVega" exactly for the purpose of taking the brunt of bad weather commuting days and also for shopping trips and other outings where I have to leave it locked up (unlike at work, which is a secure campus). It is differentiated from my other two road bikes by having a slightly heavier, touring frame (for the shopping loads), fenders, canti brakes for better wet braking, and relatively less collectible and sentimental value, as well as having a beat-up looking frame that is relatively less attractive for theft.
However, mechanically, it is every bit as good as my other bikes. This is important for a 28 mile round-trip commute.
However, mechanically, it is every bit as good as my other bikes. This is important for a 28 mile round-trip commute.
Last edited by old's'cool; 04-08-10 at 09:31 PM. Reason: typo
#13
Got Scotch?
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Minnetonka, MN
Posts: 277
Bikes: QR Kilo, Specialized Crossroads
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The word that comes to mind for me is salt.
I ride 10 miles each way to work year round and I'm in Minnesota. I didn't want to trash my "nice" single-speed Surly this winter, so I converted a 20 year old mountain bike to an appropriately geared single-speed, threw on some studded tires, and rode it like I stole it.
Now it's "nice" out again and I feel like I am flying with 28's on the Surly......
I ride 10 miles each way to work year round and I'm in Minnesota. I didn't want to trash my "nice" single-speed Surly this winter, so I converted a 20 year old mountain bike to an appropriately geared single-speed, threw on some studded tires, and rode it like I stole it.
Now it's "nice" out again and I feel like I am flying with 28's on the Surly......
#15
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Cambridge MA
Posts: 289
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks for the replies. Perhaps I've underestimated the scourge of road salt. I live around the corner from a DOT "barn" piled high with the stuff, so I'm aware of it; and our roads received a good bit of it over the winter -- but probably little in comparison with you folks in Canada and the Upper Midwest. Does road salt accelerate the wear on your drivetrain and other components in a way that you can't control by regular cleaning and maintenance? (As I suggested in my original post, I'm not sure I'd want to keep a bike I didn't feel motivated to do regular maintenance on.)
#16
perpetually frazzled
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Linton, IN
Posts: 2,467
Bikes: 1977 Bridgestone Kabuki Super Speed; 1979 Raleigh Professional; 1983 Raleigh Rapide mixte; 1974 Peugeot UO-8; 1993 Univega Activa Trail; 1972 Raleigh Sports; 1967 Phillips; 1981 Schwinn World Tourist; 1976 Schwinn LeTour mixte; 1964 Western Flyer
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
IMO, a beater isn't a bike that is ill maintained or abused, it's simply a bike that's scratched up, has lower-end components on it, and is a bike that you don't feel bad about taking out in the weather. That said, I guess that most of my bikes could be considered beaters (due to age and paint quality); however, the vast majority of them have mid to high end components...just components that are 15-20 years old! lol
As for a commuter, I go between three bikes (although here, it's 2) - a Phillips 3 speed, a Univega Activa with drops and 38c tires, and now, a '90 Fuji Palisade. They're all good, solid, very well maintained bikes, but they're older and, given my dirt road commute, rather dusty, even though they all get a wipe down once a week.
And yes, road salt is the devil. I can ride one of my derailer bikes (probably the 'Vega) 7 miles to work through snow and slush, let it sit in front of my desk, and by the time I go home (7-9 hours), I have to re-oil the chain because it is so squeaky from being eaten by salt. Every year I need to replace the chain on that bike after the snow stops. The Phillips fairs a bit better, but being that it has steel rims, you do have to watch for rust appearing on the wheels. This is with my once a week chain oiling regimen.
As for a commuter, I go between three bikes (although here, it's 2) - a Phillips 3 speed, a Univega Activa with drops and 38c tires, and now, a '90 Fuji Palisade. They're all good, solid, very well maintained bikes, but they're older and, given my dirt road commute, rather dusty, even though they all get a wipe down once a week.
And yes, road salt is the devil. I can ride one of my derailer bikes (probably the 'Vega) 7 miles to work through snow and slush, let it sit in front of my desk, and by the time I go home (7-9 hours), I have to re-oil the chain because it is so squeaky from being eaten by salt. Every year I need to replace the chain on that bike after the snow stops. The Phillips fairs a bit better, but being that it has steel rims, you do have to watch for rust appearing on the wheels. This is with my once a week chain oiling regimen.
Last edited by mickey85; 04-08-10 at 06:38 AM.
#17
Primate
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: gone
Posts: 2,579
Bikes: Concorde Columbus SL, Rocky Mountain Edge, Sparta stadfiets
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
I've got a secure area for my bikes. Essentially a closet. My good bikes go in there.
My junker leans against a tree out front at night with only a rear wheel lock which I sometimes neglect to close.
That bike is always ready to go in 2 seconds. Manky panniers ready to receive whatever I toss into them. I feel safe leaving it out front, at the grocery store, movies, restaurant, train station, gallery, bar, concert, beach...
Didn't cost me much. If it's gone when I come back, big whup.
My junker leans against a tree out front at night with only a rear wheel lock which I sometimes neglect to close.
That bike is always ready to go in 2 seconds. Manky panniers ready to receive whatever I toss into them. I feel safe leaving it out front, at the grocery store, movies, restaurant, train station, gallery, bar, concert, beach...
Didn't cost me much. If it's gone when I come back, big whup.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 8,101
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 52 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 17 Times
in
13 Posts
Thanks for the replies. Perhaps I've underestimated the scourge of road salt. I live around the corner from a DOT "barn" piled high with the stuff, so I'm aware of it; and our roads received a good bit of it over the winter -- but probably little in comparison with you folks in Canada and the Upper Midwest. Does road salt accelerate the wear on your drivetrain and other components in a way that you can't control by regular cleaning and maintenance? (As I suggested in my original post, I'm not sure I'd want to keep a bike I didn't feel motivated to do regular maintenance on.)
Given all that, I've been keeping an eye on belt drive bikes. They don't make one yet that I'd consider a good winter bike for my purposes but a Trek Soho isn't far off. Something with internal gearing, roller brakes, and a belt would save me a lot of winter related maintenance headaches. It needs to have clearance for at least a 40 mm tire and fenders though. So if such a bike comes a long, it may be that my winter beater becomes the newer and more expensive of my two bikes.
#19
Pedaled too far.
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: La Petite Roche
Posts: 12,851
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
I just spent $300.00 on repairs to my "beater", new wheels, new BB, brakes, chain etc. Ironically, the bike was a freebie. But this major tuneup was a thank you to it for 5 years of hard service. So its a beater not because its in bad shape. Though it is a 20 year old Hard Rock dressed up for commuting. It's a beater because it's got a low enough profile to spend a day locked up in some less than stellar neighborhoods and still be there when I come back.
__________________
"He who serves all, best serves himself" Jack London
#20
Que CERA, CERA
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Kitchener, ON
Posts: 873
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Does road salt accelerate the wear on your drivetrain and other components in a way that you can't control by regular cleaning and maintenance? (As I suggested in my original post, I'm not sure I'd want to keep a bike I didn't feel motivated to do regular maintenance on.)
Besides, with winter fat, heavy gloves, and heavy studded tires, any bike I ride in the winter will feel sluggish.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 8,101
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 52 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 17 Times
in
13 Posts
Maintenance issues aside, I'd still probably have separate summer and winter/offroad bikes. There's no reason I couldn't use my winter bike all year. I can put 23 mm tires on it if I really want to and even though it's a "beater" in some respects, it's not a bad looking bike. When it's shined up, alot of people would prefer it over my summer bike.
However, my preferred summer commute bike is one that's primarily about road performance with maybe a few token nods towards utility. It would be hard to find a single bike that didn't compromise either on summer speed or winter stability and traction.
However, my preferred summer commute bike is one that's primarily about road performance with maybe a few token nods towards utility. It would be hard to find a single bike that didn't compromise either on summer speed or winter stability and traction.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Erie, PA
Posts: 1,771
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro 20, Trek 7000, old Huffy MTB, and a few others
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 21 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yup.. rode my 20 year old Huffy MTB this winter, and it did great. I'm going to keep an eye out at garage sales for a spare or two, as it looks like my drivetrain will probably only last a few seasons. It's cheaper to buy a new bike at $20 from a garage sale than replace components, and I don't have to clean the drivetrain every day.
I'm not even sure cleaning the drivetrain every day would be enough. Besides, it would get expensive as I'd have to use petroleum based products to clean it since the water would freeze and cause all other kinds of issues.
I'm not even sure cleaning the drivetrain every day would be enough. Besides, it would get expensive as I'd have to use petroleum based products to clean it since the water would freeze and cause all other kinds of issues.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Columbus, OH
Posts: 11,375
Bikes: '08 Surly Cross-Check, 2011 Redline Conquest Pro, 2012 Spesh FSR Comp EVO, 2015 Trek Domane 6.2 disc
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
For me, "beater" has nothing to do with bad vs. nice weather. It has to do with where I'll be locking it up and for how long.
I'll lock the beater ('88 Trek 400, salvaged from a dumpster, $100 invested in the repairs) downtown at Pike Place and not worry about it.
There are some control stops where I bring my brevet/commuter inside the store with me because I won't leave it out of my reach for 2 minutes.
I'll lock the beater ('88 Trek 400, salvaged from a dumpster, $100 invested in the repairs) downtown at Pike Place and not worry about it.
There are some control stops where I bring my brevet/commuter inside the store with me because I won't leave it out of my reach for 2 minutes.
__________________
"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
- Mandi M.
"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
- Mandi M.
#24
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
My beater is just the bike that I like to beat around on the most
I got the original bike out of someone's trash...the only things still original are the frame, handlebars and cantis.
I got the original bike out of someone's trash...the only things still original are the frame, handlebars and cantis.
__________________
"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
Last edited by chipcom; 04-08-10 at 12:04 PM.
#25
Not a legend
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 379
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I could never understand this sentiment. Is not cycling an outdoor sport? Do they not host bicycle races in the rain?
Heck, there are entire classes of events that are more or less designed to be run in less-optimal weather, like cyclocross.