Originally Posted by
Lspade
+2. Out of all the bikes i own (up to $2000 price tag) my favorite to commute on is my 26er Diamondback that I got on craigslist for $45. I converted it to singlespeed and haven't touched it with oil or a wrench for a year and it runs flawlessly (even with a minnesota salty winter). I dont worry about banging it up or people scratching it cuz it was only $45.
+3
With the dedicated bike lanes/paths what they are in Frankfurt, an MTB is essential (or at least wider tires are essential). I haven't migrated to slicks yet because my knobbies still have tread on them and I want to wear them out before replacing them. Almost no one I know commutes on a road bike or a bike with drop bars over here.
here's what a typical separated and segregated (bike/pedestrian) bike path rides like when it's not busy:
when it's in a congested area it's much harder:
however, the city does a good job of keeping the paths clear in the winter