Todzilla

Old job had me pedaling a mere 3 miles roundtrip modest downhill to work, uphill from. Did it on a well equipped, but heavy Breezer Villager.

New job is 13 miles roundtrip, much on a state highway, or 19 miles roundtrip on backroads, lots of hills. I worry the Breezer will be a beast to pilot every day.

So, I'm thinking of a massive upgrade to a very light road bike, sturdy enough to handle roadside cruff, but otherwise much easier to pedal than the Breezer. I was very up to date on cycling technology in the early 1970s, but I hear a few things have changed since then.

Here's my plan, please give me corrective feedback: Looking for Craigslist to eventually offer up a very nice road bike for less than $1000. I'm assuming all tires are clinchers these days? And many clincher tires have Presta valves now? I shouldn't need to schlep laptop or supplies, so maybe I can getaway with a modest bag beneath the seat? Do I really have to get those silly cleats that fasten in to the pedals? Is that for weight savings, firmer contact with the pedal to allow upstroke pedaling, or just to look like a clicky clacky nerd when I get to work? I shouldn't need a computer, but will probably need a light or two. I love the fenders on the Breezer, but will probably eschew them on the upgraded road bike for weight's sake. I will ride in cycling clothes and change at the office. I should have a spot to store the bike in the office. I'll probably drive one day a week to replenish food/work clothes.

I have a sweet old Peugeot PX-10, but it needs new wheels and a lot of work (I rode the hell out of it for about 20 years) and my bike nerd friends tell me restoration would be an act of love more than a wise investment.

Thoughts?

Mr. Hairy Legs

I'll leave most of the answers to others, but an SPD pedal/shoe setup will give you the benefit of cleats without looking like a clicky clacky nerd. For that distance, it's nice but not essential.

JamesRL

If it were me, I'd update the PX-10, if it fits. Wheels don't have to be expensive, and yes clinchers have come a long way and pretty much standard. Good wheels usually have smaller holes for presta valves, but you can buy a cheap adapter so you can fill your tires at a gas station if needed.

I've bought a pair off of barely used wheels off craigslist for $100. You can pay more of course.Lots of online stores have sales on wheels and tires. For commuting, look for a wider tire (28 or 32 mm minimum) that has good puncture protection.

You'd be suprised at how the PX10 might do after a tune up. Its not as light as newer bikes, but you are commuting not racing.

If you are a regular commuter, the bag under the seat is big enough for your spare tube, tire levers, and allen keys to make any side of the road repairs or adjustements. You could get a rack if you want to carry something more, or a handlebar bag.

TransitBiker

You could just buy a better hub (8+ speed) & have local shop take care of the hard work of building the wheel off it....?

- Andy

ascherer 

There's likely a lot of life in that Peugeot. I commute in NYC on a 1971 PX-10 that has 87k miles on it. Rides great, doesn't have a lot of appeal while locked up compared to shiny new bikes. Has new wheels, derailleurs and pedals. Here's a pano of it:

https://3dbin.com/m/szazgsgk

Todzilla

Dang... A lot of love for the Peugeot. I may reconsider.

Basically, I miss the feel of minimalist metal/plastic/rubber beneath me as I fly along really fast. I had that with the PX10, not at all for the Breezer, and presumably even moreso with a newfangled road bike.

old's'cool

If you want to risk being overwhelmed with guidance and support on refurbishing and reconfiguring the PX-10 for commuting duty, come over to C&V Classic & Vintage and post, with lots of pics. Many of us commute on our vintage bikes, very happily I might add.
I think in your situation, it is a great idea to get started with the PX-10 on your longer commute. After some experience, you will be able to decide with wisdom whether to continue with or without further mods/upgrades, or to choose a different mount for the long term.

lanahk

Since the optimal number of bikes is n+1, get a nice cross bike off Craigslist, add a rack and trunk bag, and throw some SPD or (horrors) platform pedals with cages on it. You don't need bike shoes, but if you like the sense of clipping in, go for it. I use MTB shoes with toe cages. I've tried SPDs, but can't really use them due to some old ankle problems.

Lights are a great idea, especially if you are riding in trafficked areas. If there are no street lights, go with a 250 lumen or higher front light. If there are street lights, a lower lumen level will let cars see you. A rear light mounted on the rack is helpful, too.

Don't rule out fenders. They are lightweight and unobtrusive. Even if you are planning to change at the office, it's nice to keep all the road gunk off your body when riding. Your coworkers will appreciate it, too.

I used an app called If This Then That to look at several Craigslist areas and email me results. I had 3 regions I could get to for the right bike, and IFTTT helped merge results and send them to me instantly.

gregjones

^^^This^^^

Some members have been quite satisfied with their Nashbar Steel Cross Bike. You can search the forum for reviews. It's quite a bit of bike at regular price and even better with one of Nbar's frequent sales.

Artkansas 

I don't know that you need a high end road bike, but make sure you have low gears for those hills.

Fishmonger

I could echo everything you said.
I've got a cyclocross bike with fenders, a rack, and toe cages. I love my CX because in the winter I just swap the tires for some stubbys and I can ride in anything except deep snow. I just think cross bikes are the perfect all-around commuters. Fast, but more flexible than a roadie.

But there's no reason to spend and spend and spend. It doesn't really matter what you ride--just make sure you are always visible on the road. In addition to lights, I have a nice fluorescent orange road construction vest that ensures every driver sees me from 2 miles away. I love riding, but I love getting home to my family even more.

RubeRad

Since you already know you love the Peugot, I'd say it's definitely worth fixing it up. After you commute with it for a few months, you can reevaluate whether you want N+1.

Ozonation

I think you might be better off with a slightly heavier, sturdier bike: backroads, hills, maybe even some gravel here and there? And will this bike be used for more than just commuting - family rides on the weekend? Occasional short tour? It might be worth sacrificing a couple of pounds of lightweighting - which you might not even notice if you're not racing - for more versatility and strength.

Sounds like your PX-10 represents a bit of an "ultimate" bike for you. How much is your budget if you restore it? Restoring it would mean upgrading a lot of parts, but add it all up, and you might have at the end a better bike than you would have gotten otherwise even if you spend almost as much money as on a new bike.

I bought my Rivendell Sam a couple of years ago after no owning an actual road worthy bike for almost 20 yerars. It came with side pull caliper brakes and when I read "caliper", all I could think about were the cheap, centre-pull calipers I had on my $99 special from a big box retailer when I was 13 years old. Well, the technology changes have been subtle but impressive - the bike rides great and the brakes are more than adequate.

But don't go overboard on the technology! I don't have a 19 mile commute, but personally I suggest simple, functional technology - stuff that's easy to fix at home, at the office, or on the side of the road.

It's not cheap, but to me, it sounds like a Rivendell Sam Hillborne would fit your needs and tastes really well: https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/r...+Brochure+2014

Of course, it's not cheap, but it sounds like you're interested in making this next upgrade a real investment.

Good luck!