Originally Posted by
repechage
I live in Southern California.
For the commute described, and the eventual end of daylight savings time, plus the overall poor condition of LA City streets, I would be looking at a rigid mtb. Exchange the quick release seat binder bolt for a bolt.
Consider where you will be parking, at say school, repeat parking during the week, for extended periods...the strongest U lock you can afford, yes the better ones are not cheap. I would really look to see if there is a low risk parking option, even a cheap bike being stolen can really stand you.
When I ride to my Dr., a 25 mile jaunt each way, I park in the building in easy view of the parking attendant. Ride a mtb, long shadows in the morning can really hide dangerous road surfaces. Almost lost it on Lincoln Blvd once, near Venice Blvd at a bus stop, there literally was a 9" abrupt drop in surface where the plane changed as well, there was another commuter behind me and we met at a signal later, he stated " you don't ride this often, do you?"
It's a dangerous world out there.
Originally Posted by
ecnewell
Yeah, I agree that you don't really need a triple. I doubt your locale is as hilly as where I live, and I get by with a 39 tooth chainring as the small ring on a double. You could go with a 36 or a 34 if you really need it. For additional reference, I also have a couple of touring bikes, and unless I'm fully loaded and/or going up a very steep hill, I almost never use the smallest ring on the triple. It's nice to know it's there, but I wouldn't plan your purchase around it.
Do look for something with a relatively long wheelbase, clearance for wide tires and fenders, fender mounts, and rear rack mounts at the very least. Most importantly, find something that fits, and that doesn't show signs of damage (bent fork/tubes, excessive rust, etc.). It's a good idea to bring some basic tools and ensure the seatpost and stem aren't stuck.
Good luck!
Glendale to downtown, I'd get on the LA River Trail to Dodger Stadium. Not sure how to navigate to downtown that avoids traffic after that. But you surely don't need super low gearing for your commute, although a vintage mountain bike will give you that.
As you're seeing, lots of suggestions to use a mountain bike, stronger wheels and fatter tires for the commute. Speed sholdn't be high on your priority list, durability should be #1. If you're budget constrained, find a good, cheap, old steel mountain bike that has decent quality components, and if need be replace all the consumables: chain, cables, tires.
Here's a picture of a near perfect commuter bike:
There's tape, decals, and stickers covering up the true identy of this bike. A closer look and I could see a Tange Magnalloy sticker-not top shelf, but not shabby gas pipe either. Forged dropouts, and a hodgepodge of parts, none of which matched, but all good quality, used, but well maintained condition. The chain was clean and lubed, cable housing cut and routed fairly nicely. 32 spoke rear wheel, 36 spoke 4 cross front wheel, decent rubber on both. The shift and brake levers were well positioned, and parallel. The saddle and bars appear to be at reasonable heights, suggesting this is the correct size bike for the rider.