Originally Posted by moochems

This is a terrible choice for a commuter bike. The lack of a front brake invites disaster on the road. If the chain malfunctions (derailment, or breaks) you will loose ability to brake.


This bike is cashing in on aesthetics, and doing so at the expense of functionality.



The road bike on craigslist linked to was almost the right bike. The zip ties cables can be indicative of something wrong, but could be just a sign that the bike was once converted to a single speed or fixed gear (popular trend recently) and has since been converted back. If this bike is close to you, it may be worth a look. Stem shifters are not ideal, but do the job. Concern yourself with safety and you will be more in the know, for example what if you hit a curb while the shifter lever is pointed at your saddle, that could result in your body smacking into the shifter lever private parts first.



27x1 1/4 wheels/tires are an older standard. Not ideal, but workable. Usually easy to convert to 700c wheels/tires if you purchase new wheels. A good tire in that size is continental's super sport plus.