would this work for a commuter?
10-08-13, 03:03 PM
#26
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Thread Starter
Sounds like you are a large fellow like me. On my Trek hybrid, the rear wheel could not really handle my girth so well. Broke a spoke and fixed it, broke another spoke and bought a new 36-spoke Handspun wheel. The new wheel has been rock-solid. A matched set of Handspun wheels for your Trek will cost about as much as the Walmart bike above, but if you really are that tough on bikes the wheels on any of the above bikes are probably gambles as well. And having some heavy duty wheels may slow you down too I suppose, but that's the tradeoff when you're a big dude.
On the other hand, if you like your Dawes there's no reason you can't just commute on that, right?
On the other hand, if you like your Dawes there's no reason you can't just commute on that, right?
10-08-13, 05:46 PM
#27
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10-08-13, 05:59 PM
#28
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Thread Starter
Yes, it will work.
Advice: before using it to commute, replace or have a shop replace the rubber rim strip for quality cloth rim tape. Get at least one replacement tube from the department store where you buy it and make sure that tube has a long enough stem for your application--you will need extended stems for those wheels.
Advice: before using it to commute, replace or have a shop replace the rubber rim strip for quality cloth rim tape. Get at least one replacement tube from the department store where you buy it and make sure that tube has a long enough stem for your application--you will need extended stems for those wheels.
10-08-13, 06:05 PM
#29
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You can commute with it. It may need fine tuning though as the xmart crew is not trained to do that part, just sort of assembled. If your mech inclined you can set it up to work fairly well and as parts wear out or break you can replace with better stuff.
Or, a better idea would be like mentioned above, find a good older quality steel road bike or maybe a 90's rigid MTB and those would be more reliable and make better commuters.
Or, a better idea would be like mentioned above, find a good older quality steel road bike or maybe a 90's rigid MTB and those would be more reliable and make better commuters.
10-09-13, 08:52 AM
#30
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Thread Starter
You can commute with it. It may need fine tuning though as the xmart crew is not trained to do that part, just sort of assembled. If your mech inclined you can set it up to work fairly well and as parts wear out or break you can replace with better stuff.
Or, a better idea would be like mentioned above, find a good older quality steel road bike or maybe a 90's rigid MTB and those would be more reliable and make better commuters.
Or, a better idea would be like mentioned above, find a good older quality steel road bike or maybe a 90's rigid MTB and those would be more reliable and make better commuters.
10-09-13, 09:28 AM
#31
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I'm 220 lbs. and recently bought an equivalent $300 Diamondback Insight 700x33 aluminum frame hybrid from another big sporting goods store because I didn't want to buy used and deal with unknown problems around the corner, at least not for a while. 2 months and 700 miles later, no problems. Of course I spent twice the cost of the bike on commuter kit for it and me: Reelight always-on lights, full fenders, Topeak rack-bag-rain cover, adjustable bar stem, suspension seat post, tool kit, spares, pump, waterproof lubes, speedometer, helmet mirror, and colder weather clothing layers and gloves, I should be good down to 30 F. And I'm now considering another couple hundred for SPD pedals and shoes, to help keep my feet on the wet pedals in any oily commuter rain.
10-09-13, 09:33 AM
#32
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The Tourist is a surprisingly resilient frame + fork + drivetrain. I had the original flatbar + wheels on it for years (light-to-moderate usage), and it worked just fine. The original Target retail price was $250, and I'm wondering if that may be due to the fact that unlike lots of other DS bikes, this one came stock with sturdy, serviceable (though by no means "high quality") components. My Tourist was the model before the one in your photo, and I've loved it as a Frankenbike. It still sees commuter service on a regular basis, despite how ugly I've made it over the years. It's one of the few DS bikes I have that really has stood up well over time and usage, but also note that I replaced pretty much everything except the frame/fork/seatpost over the years...not always necessary, but hey, I love to "upgrade".
I'd also like to second the posts that have mentioned the possibility of the wheels being too weak, and the absence of rack/fender mounts. A good rack really does make commuting a more joyous occasion if you have to haul a good bit of things to work like myself, and as I did, the OP can purchase accessories that will allow him to add a rack without damaging the frame. Also, I'm 6'1", 220lbs...I ended up buying wheels with more spokes that I felt comfortable with riding. Getting a Department Store bike is okay, so long as one doesn't mind sinking more money into upgrades over time and are mechanically competent enough to wrench on it/smart enough to take it to a bike shop from the moment of purchase. The OP should have it looked over or do it himself, if he feels comfortable doing so. Just getting on and riding is typically a crapshoot, and one you're less than likely to come out of on top.
If at all possible, follow the earliest advice and scour Craigslist for an old steel 10-speed, or something comparable. Just because a bike is bought "brand new" from the store does not make it more reliable than a good old steel steed.
Last edited by deeth82; 10-09-13 at 09:37 AM.
10-09-13, 09:35 AM
#33
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I'm 220 lbs. and recently bought an equivalent $300 Diamondback Insight 700x33 aluminum frame hybrid from another big sporting goods store because I didn't want to buy used and deal with unknown problems around the corner, at least not for a while. 2 months and 700 miles later, no problems. Of course I spent twice the cost of the bike on commuter kit for it and me: Reelight always-on lights, full fenders, Topeak rack-bag-rain cover, adjustable bar stem, suspension seat post, tool kit, spares, pump, waterproof lubes, speedometer, helmet mirror, and colder weather clothing layers and gloves, I should be good down to 30 F. And I'm now considering another couple hundred for SPD pedals and shoes, to help keep my feet on the wet pedals in any oily commuter rain.
10-09-13, 09:51 AM
#34
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well, on that last part, I would kind of disagree... not really interested in some old rusty steel road bike (on craigslist) as I have something better already and actually, interestingly enough the 1 or 2 flat type mtb that are listed are priced at more than the bike found on the bikes direct site already... now don't get me wrong, I did get a nice trek 1220 bike off of craigslist for very cheap so it *can* be found, just not as readily as you might imagine...
