I wanted ONE bike to use for urban errands, rail-trails and shorts tours with camping. Fit wise, I have a long torso and short legs and arms so getting a fit was an issue. I also have limited mobility in my neck, so an upright stance is a necessity for me.
I found a 2006 Novara Bonita women's model mountain bike in a thrift store and it fits me well. The short steep top tube does the trick.
Basic specs:
- 17" aluminum frame
- Hayes MX2 disc brakes
- Manitou Trace Comp 80 fork
- Shimano Hollowtech crank set
- Deore/Alivo 3x8 drivetrain
- WTB SpeedShe saddle
- WTB rims and Weirwolf tires
With that as a core frame and components, I made the following modifications:
*I replaced the front suspension fork with a Nashbar rigid version.
*Upgraded the dirt tires to 26x2.15 Schwalbe Big Ben tires. They are similar to the Big Apple model with deeper cleats. They have proved to be a great all terrain tire--- the only surface that felt unstable was wet grass. The tires use 55psi max and smooth out the bumps on both ends and more than make up for the heavy power-robbing suspension fork. The rolling resistance is better than I expected and of course better than the dirt tires. In fact my average speeds are about the same as my previous bike, a Trek PDX with 700x32 Schwalbe Marathon tires running twice the pressure.
*Added a Topeak Explorer disc version rear rack.
*Added a Sunlite Gold Tec front rack.
*Replaced the handlebars with Origin8 Citi Classic "North Road" style bars and swapped out the stem for a Profile Designs BOA 90mm 130° model. Both are aimed at getting me in a heads-up position. I use Origin8 lock-on Kraton grips.
*Swapped the saddle with a more "manly" WTB Speed V saddle.
*Upgraded the pedals to Kona Jack**** platform pedals.
*Added SKS Velo 65 plastic fenders.
*Lighting: Planet Bike 2 watt headlamp, PDW tail light and rack bracket
*Added a Minoura BH-60 handlebar/stem water bottle adapter and Klean Kanteen cage (mounts on the front side of the stem) and a generic bottle cage to the frame down tube.
*Added a Delta Smartphone Caddy. I use an iPhone 5 with Gaia GPS app
*I tried a Sunding 548c wireless computer but it was weak on signal and my headlamp in strobe mode and phone would make it malfunction. I currently have a Schwinn SW65 wired model that I found new in a thrift store for $3.
*Added a Mirrycle MTB mirror. This is part of my ergonomics package, allowing me a full view behind without twisting my neck too far.
*Added a Mirrycle Incredibell. A bell is really important on busy rail trails with pedestrians, pets, kids, and other cyclists.
Luggage: I have a potpourri of second hand panniers and rack trunk bags. With the short wheelbase, I have to watch the heel clearance on this bike.
*Detours Tecco Too convertible backpack pannier
*Nashbar folding grocery bag style pannier
*Jandd Rear Rack Pack II expanding rack trunk bag
*Topeak MTX DXP rand trunk bag with fold-out panniers
I use the Topeak MTX DXP for general urban trips. I use the Detouts Tecco and Nashbar bags for grocery errands and taking packages to the post office. I'm not impressed with the quality of construction and fabrics on the Topeak bag, but I got it from a Craigslist seller for $15, so it's hard to cry. I have the inkling to strip the sliding MTX mounts off it and use them for mounting a plastic ammo can style dry box. I think that would make a slick "urban assault bike" rack pack.
I recently added Hyalite Equipment LTW waterproof panniers that I got from Sierra Trading Post for cheap. They are huge and I fear filling them! I plan to use them for camping only. I also have waterproof stuff sacks and a waterproof backpack that can be strapped to the racks.
Uses: urban and rual rail-trail travel, grocery shopping and other local trips to the post office, library, etc. My wife commutes to work on a Jamis Coda Sport and we use just one car now.
