Originally Posted by caloso
I read that article in the Contra Costa paper. Very nice. You're a fine spokesperson for bike commuting.
I'm in the office today (Saturday) and I rode my new beater: 80s vintage Specialized Hardrock that I picked up for $40 from a neighbor's garage sale. I bought for the main purpose of pulling my twins' Chariot and riding the packed trails near Lake Tahoe. I'll get a picture up when my new digicam arrives. It looks like absolute crap (surface rust is competing with the Miami Vice paint scheme) but it is in perfectly pristine mechanical condition. Biopace chain rings, Shimano LX 7spd indexed RD. All it needed was a little washing, tightening, and lubing. Just like the Millenium Falcon: she may not look like much but she's got it where it counts. Best bike deal I've gotten in a long time.
Hey! that beater is my commuter bike too! Except mine must be a little newer because it has 8 speeds in the back. And mine has a more subtle paint job--dark silver with black. I bought it in "never-been-ridden" cherry condition for $100 at a pawn shop. Now, after three years and 20,000 miles, it doesn't look cherry any more. But I've never had major problems with it and it's fun and easy to ride.
The commute home last night was 42F degrees, but clear for the first time in more than a week. I remembered my gloves, so I didn't freeze this time. In fact, I rode an extra 10 miles just to stretch my legs after working all evening. Now I have 5 days off, I'm up north and I'll be riding the old Fuji road bike instead of the Hardrock.