I have been living overseas for the past three years. Prior to departing the US I lost my driver's license due to medical reasons (Disabled Veteran). I am fully capable of commuting on a bike and since being back in the States for the past two months have been walking to the bus, church, store and various other places all of which are one to two plus miles one way. A bike would make life so much easier.

I need a good quality commuting bike. I have had an old Stumpjumper with 26" wheels or ???.

In the past I had a Novara Randonee touring bike, which I added a ton of stuff to and unfortunately sold. I also rebuilt a number of old mountain bikes with no front shocks (my preference). So I am more than capable of building up a frame buying parts of eBay or elsewhere. Getting wheels built up or doing it myself. Of course I will have to invest in tools and work stands.

Years ago I had a Cannondale ST1000 (S2000 ??? for you younger guys) and loved the bike. Very well built.

So, I am open to recommendations on what to start looking for. I will need to add a rear rack, fenders, eventually a dynamo light system, etc, etc.

What are your recommendations for a commuter for an old (not dead and in pretty good shape) Disabled Vet?

Hi ttomas. There is no where near enough infromation in your post to make any reccomendation. Sorry.

Sounds like you are well experienced with bike building though. I think that my approach would be to start with road tires on the Stumpjumper, and then play with different bars and configurations until you have a good idea what works for you with whatever your current medical state is, the type of riding you now prefer, and the utilitarian needs of your life. Once you have played with these factors enough you should have enough information to build something to suit both what you need and what you want.

Building something I like out of found materials is kind of what I do with bikes. I have several bike that started out kinda meh, but are now bikes I truly like and would have a hard time selling. Who knows, you may even find your next calling.

Plenty of good touring bikes out there... I don't think being an old, disabled vet has anything to do with a recommendation. If you are capable of riding a bike then a recommendation can start anywhere. If you liked your Randonee, you could start looking at a new one. You didn't mention a budget. If I were getting a new touring bike today, I would definitely be looking at one with disc brakes. Nearly every manufacturer that makes a touring frame also makes a disc capable frame. I like Salsa, Surly, Trek, and many others that are really high end touring bikes such as Thorn, Tout Terrain, Seven Cycles. I have a Rocky Mountain Sherpa 30... I don't believe it's made anymore (looking to add disc brakes.) For touring and commuting, I prefer steel or Ti frames... but aluminum is perfectly serviceable.

You will have to be much more specific with your criteria... before you can narrow down recommendations. Are you going to tour? or is it more of a commuter/utility type of bike you are looking for? What size wheels? What kind of bar do you prefer? Do you want a light weight bike that will allow you to go faster? Or a beast that can haul a load? Do you want internal hub gearing?

It sounds like you are handy around bicycles. Maybe it's just best to start with a frame and build it up from there. Lots of options with different Surly frames.

It seems like I have been out of the bike market longer than the three years I have been gone. Looking on Craigslist and eBay leaves a lot to be desired. I am finding bikes that seem either over priced given their age and components or destined for a major project. Lots of new models out there I am not familiar with. If my budget allowed I would opt for a Surly Long Haul Trucker and go from there. They have become pretty pricey from what I see. As a DV, there is not a lot of budget to work with so I am looking at allowing a few months to put something together.

The Novara Safari, which is no longer made, with 26 inch wheels would be a great find, but I have not run across one.

Commuting seems a lot different than touring with a different set of qualities and characteristics in a bike. If someone would be kind enough to give me an idea of what type of questions to ask myself and what information to provide here it would be greatly appreciated. I am sure many of you have a ton of experience commuting. This is a new venture for me.

If budget is a top priority, I guess I'd start with a Windsor Tourist from bikesdirect:

Save Up to 60% Off Touring Bikes | Commuting | Commuter Bikes | Windsor Bikes - Tourist

At $699 you're getting a new bike with decent components. I'm sure you can save a bit by going the craigslist route, but it's often difficult to find a bike that you like in a size that fits you. If your rides are relatively short, this bike will be more than enough for you. It will even do a great job on long rides... at that point you'll find things that you'll want to change or upgrade... but for commuting, the windsor tourist would be excellent. If your trips are in the 1-5 mile range, I doubt you would be suffering at all on almost any bike that you choose. There are new bikes on bikesdirect.com for as little as $249... no tax, no shipping.

Thanks for all of your ideas. Hope to find something that "fits" (difficult on Craigslist, etc) and the best quality I can get for the money.

You may want to check out a local bike coop. They fix up old bikes and sell for a lower price, or if you have skills, maybe you can donate your labor and get a free or really good deal. Don't know where you are from, but most larger cities have something along those lines.

I had not thought of that. I am going to start checking it out for Orange County California and see what I can come up with. Great idea! Thanks!

check The Bicycle Tree in Santa Ana

and thank you for your service