So I've been lurking around these forums for quite a while now (sans account), and I've gotten an adequate sense from looking through archived threads about what makes a good commuter bike, as well as the pros and cons of using a mountain bike as a commuter. Unfortunately, I've reached a saturation point where, to gain more knowledge, I need to become an active member!
Here's the deal:
I have a 12-13 mile commute to university each way, which I've been doing a few times per week since September (weather permitting). My morning route is along the road (as it's the most direct) which takes around 45mins, as there are hardly any cars at 6:30am. In the afternoon/evening however, I take the bike roads home which are much more hilly, bumping the time up to 55-60mins. All roads are well paved.
I've also looked deeply into the long-heated debate of panniers vs backpack, and eventually decided on simply strapping my pack to the top of the rack, which allows me to use my backpack as, well, a backpack when I'm walking from class to class. I bring my lunch, clothes to change out of my biking gear, laptop and a few small notebooks. I will be renting a locker soon for storing my bike gear, but showers are not an option.
And now my situation:
I have a Marin Pioneer Trail (model from a number of years back, don't know exact year), front suspension, toe clips, Atlus Shimano shifters, and 26x1.5 Duro City Cavalier Wire Bead tires (from MEC) with Mr. Tuffy liners (which I purchased after getting 4 flats in one and a half days of commuting). I have the seat almost at the maximum height to allow my leg to be at a ~120 degree angle. My bike feels like a tank when I ride it. I would like to somehow change the gear ratios, as I never go into the first gear (front), and I manage to exceed the maximum gears when I'm on the highway. However, I mainly stay on the second gear (front) on the route home throughout the hills.
I feel as if something is holding me back in my commute, whether it be fitness or mechanical related. Simply put, how can I go faster?
1. How's the geometry on my bike? Would drop bars, or even bar ends make a big difference?
2. Would panniers improve the handling since the center of gravity is lower? Or is my current set-up adequate?
3. Would a different gear ratio make a significant difference?
4. How much more efficient are clipless than toe-clip pedals? Worth the investment, or more ideal to upgrade other components?
5. Is there anything else I can do to improve the efficiency of my commute? Or would it be justifiable to simply invest in a quality-used bike? Or do I simply need to get better at biking (eg. increasing cadence)
Sorry for the lengthy post, but thanks for your time! Any feedback and advice would be greatly appreciated
