Originally Posted by
cyccommute
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I’d say to go ahead and buy the Talon then start looking for ways to use it like it was intended. Look for those social trails, short cuts, trails along rivers, etc. where the Talon can shine. Just riding on pavement gets old and it’s nice to ride something that provides a different challenge and, perhaps, a little fun to your commute.
Agreed....
I have many different bikes and commute on any of them. I prefer the variety and the quiet green spaces provided by trails when available in the areas I am riding. I use our creeks, parks, greenbelts, dirt trails, shortcuts, decomposed granite trails, etc, whenever possible. Great way to cross under highways and busy arterials as well. And sometimes, I just use the streets and enjoy cutting through the clogged auto traffic at good speed on my bike.
Also, I prefer racks on all of my bikes. Allows me to use any combo of backpack, trunk bag, or up to 4 panniers on four of my bikes. Great for grocery shopping, bike camping, touring, etc. I usually only keep fenders on one bike setup for touring and nearly all conditions. It too is an older Trek steel mountain bike from the 90's but rebuilt with modern drivetrain, tubus racks, handbuilt wheels, sks fenders, brooks saddle, etc.