liampboyle

I started bike commuting (again) back in the beginning of June, riding a Walmart purchased Mongoose Excursion pseudo-mountain bike. That gave up the ghost after about three weeks of riding, when the rear hub went out and the rear wheel would no longer spin freely. A replacement wheel would have cost more than that bike was actually worth, so it got stripped for parts, and I ended up with a used 1995 Trek 820 rigid frame mountain bike.

So far, I've replaced the pedals, changed out the flat bar for a touring style handle bar, and replaced the somewhat shredded saddle. I do have a list of items to get for the bike before I am done with it:

• rear luggage rack
• grocery style panniers
• new tires (not knobbies)

What I'm debating on is if I should replace the the gearing (24/32/38 chainrings, 11-28 7 speed cassette) with something a bit more "road" focused. My goal is something that I can use to make my daily commute (5.4 miles) in an expedient manner, and use to run standard errands, such as picking up groceries for the family (family of 5) as we don't have a car right now. Thoughts?

Staypuft1652

Semi-slick or slick tires alone will make a world of difference. As far as gearing, I find it fine as is. If it has grip shifters, IMO a good upgrade is trigger shifters, at least for rear. 8 speed works fine for 7 speed rear, I just ignore 1st.

Also re groceries: It may be easier and more efficient to look for a cheap used kids bike trailer, they are great to haul groceries.


You will probably be told not to put too much money into the bike, but they are great for your purpose IMO.

If you decide to upgrade the shifters (if its twist shift) ANY indexed shifters that are compatible are better than grip shift IMO.

liampboyle

I actually do like grip shifts. But I haven't used trigger shifters much. As for the trailer, I live in a third floor apartment and have to carry the bike up. Therefore I need as much attached directly to the frame as possible. While a trailer would be great if I lived in a house with a garage, the pannier route seems like it would work a bit better in the current situation.

acidfast7

For groceries, I would look at delivery services for 5 people.

Over here in the UK, they'll deliver the groceries for no additional charge to your place of residence. Just order everything online.

Also, I'd look at a used bike at a local bike co-op. Again, where I am we have about 10 shops selling bikes (plus the other general vendors) and about 3 solid bike co-ops that recycle stuff. Not bad for a town of 200k.

liampboyle

Not much for grocery delivery in my area unfortunately Although that is the route we went for pet food

There is a community bike shop in the area, I recently started volunteering down there so I can get the pick of cheap recycled parts.

BobbyG

I bought a Mountain Bike in 1997 to commute on. Changing the wheels to slicks is good, and I was able to replace the biggest chain ring in the front with a bigger one to give me more "road friendly" gearing. Was my main ride for 18 years. Is now my back-up commuter and snow and ice commuter.

Staypuft1652

Thats understandable. As for the shifters, sorry. Glad they work good for you, I've never been pleased with them no matter how well adjusted. Carrying groceries on bike is cool, just don't know how many trips it would take. Best of luck! Cycling as an only vehicle really isnt bad at all once you get a routine/plan.

liampboyle

Right now, I'm mostly walking with groceries. Once I get the bike to where I can reliably carry about four bags it will have gotten to where I want it.

RubeRad

Definitely get knobby tires off if you are riding on the road! These are cheap and very well reviewed.

As for gearing, ride it for a while first. If you're not spinning out, leave it be.

Viich

+1 for the gearing. I'm regularly over 30kph on 38:13, my small ring and second smallest cog. I occasionally go faster, but that's either pushing pretty hard or downhill. Your 26" tires will have close to the same outside diameter if you do tires close to 2", and you've got 8.25% more gear to make up for that. Likely good for your use.

Staypuft1652

Oh yea 4 bags shouldnt be a problem.

liampboyle

Those look nice. I had some Kenda K838 commuter tires wishlisted on Amazon but those are cheaper. Any idea how well they hold up to broken pavement?

Staypuft1652

Another thing: you may want to invest in a decent kickstand. One of the moped types, or I have good luck with the rear type kickstand. Cyclists seem to frown upon kickstands, but it makes things easier when loading/unloading. Or a wall and something wrapped to hold the brake.

liampboyle

Already had one when I got the bike. I'll have to keep an eye out for the moped style though.

liampboyle

Current pic of the beast:

ColonelSanders

A rack that can take panniers and a rear basket will make your bike an excellent grocery hauler.

liampboyle

That is exactly the plan. I have a wire basket (handlebar mount) for the front that I need to remount already. It attached to the headtube with a cloth strip that ripped I'm planning on picking up so hose clamps to re-attach it with.