The pack mule taking the morning coffee break...



2003 Trek 4900 with Panaracer Urban Max tires, Specialized bar ends, Planet Bike MTB fenders, Delta rack & panniers, Cateye blinky lights, Time Z Pedals. Tires are great for the road, are a bit challenging when taken off road (dirt road, single track, grass, etc); I'll replace these with some sort of 'cross tire. The Time pedals are awesome; easier to get out of than SPDs and almost as easy to get in.

After doing those things, I can wholeheartedly say that, "it doesn't suck." I was really afraid that the bike would suck when I started this commuting adventure, but it's really not bad at all.

I do about 150 miles/week on this bike. A 20-25mi RT commute accounts for most of those miles. I'm really looking forward to getting a proper bike, but the only immediate plans involve putting a Surly Instigator fork on the pack mule to make it a little better while I decide what to do about acquiring a proper commuter. And maybe a handlebar/stem replacement...and a seat...and a 12-27 cassette... ugh, well it'll make a really nice second bike one day.