I started seriously commuting last week. But the commuting dream started last fall, when I was trying to bring my old aluminum Diamondback hardtail back to life. The head tube cracked, so my plan was to find an old steel hardtail frame and fork to move the components over to. The bike would serve as a dedicated commuter and utility bike. I searched Craigslist all winter long, but just couldn't find a steel hardtail that truly called out to me.

I never found that steel hardtail frame. In its absence, I built up my Specialized Sirrus Sport for commuting. It did well last week, but the commute is 30 miles round trip, and I have some comfort issues when going lost distances on this bike. The bike also seems a bit twitchy for a serious beat of burden.



I did a quick search on Craigslist over the weekend, and fell into last year's dream bike. I picked up an old steel frame Diamondback Topanga for $50.00. I ditched a few rather worn parts, and replaced them on the cheap. The only thing that really cost money was the tires. I ditched the old wide knobbies and went with 1.5" Serfas Drifters. The green Topanga's maiden voyage is tomorrow morning.