CdCf

Particularly if your city, like mine, has tram rails embedded in the streets. A wide tyre means it's less likely you'll get "steered" by a track.

GTcommuter

Any bike can be a commuter bike.

However "commuter" is a convenient label to describe a bike that has certain features: reliable components, comfortable position, storage capacity for off the bike needs, protection from the elements, versatility for a range of components, and other specific items. Many of these features are in opposition to bikes used for other purposes, such as competitive racing or trick riding. Likewise, many features are not standard on current shop bicycles so walking into a shop and saying "commuter" defines the need of the bike and helps steer someone towards the necessary features.

I-Like-To-Bike

Due to the scarcity of such bikes in typical US LBS's, such talk more than likely would be cause for the salesman to start touting a bike that fits the needs of the sales staff rather than the "commuter." Or steer the commuter right out of the store.

chipcom 

I agree, it's great to have 5 bikes to choose from - one just for riding in snow and nasty winter weather to protect the other 4 from abuse But I remember when all I had and all I could afford was one bike, whether it be some wallyworld MTB or old beater I picked up at a garage sale. It's nice to be able to have more than one bike, but far from a requirement.

GTcommuter

In some shops. We're fortunate to have one commuting-oriented shop and one other with pro-commuting staff members. Walk into either shop and say "commuter" and you'll receive several well-reasoned recommendations on good frames, good accessories, and the basic necessities of a functional transportation bike. I know it's not the norm, but I live in a pretty commuter-friendly area.

BikeManDan

Really, this thread is stupid
I've never heard anyone on this forum press the notion that there is but one true commuter bike.

People choose whatever bike they want, to get them wherever they want to go. If they're happy with it then fine.

I-Like-To-Bike

You and your neighbors who may be interested in bike commuting are fortunate.

moxfyre

Potholes, drainage grates, chunks of asphalt, gravel, cobblestones, rail crossings... wider tires tend to be a lot more forgiving on these. Also, around here there's a lot of glass and sharp stuff on the streets and in order to not get flats I need *thick* tires. Though I'd otherwise prefer 28mm tires, I go with 32mm tires because I can get a durable, thick, and cheap tire in that size (Panaracer Urbanmax).

cyclezealot

I just prefer wider tires when the surface gets rough. As it often does in urban areas, i've encountered.

noisebeam

Where I live any bike can be a commuter bike.
This is because it rarely rains (lack of fenders ok for those few days it does) and the roads are all paved.
Assumption is of course one can take all they need with them on their back. Its possible for just about anyone, but not always the most comfortable.

Al

CdCf

FWIW, I interpreted your post the way you intended.

Phantoj

I originally thought I'd hate my 32mm tires, but I'm loving them because:

1. I run a little lower pressure (than 23mm) and get a softer ride without pinch-flat worries.

2. They are much less likely to get stuck in those nasty, nasty grooves/seams that occasionally can be found in the pavement running parallel to the direction of traffic. If your front tire gets stuck in a groove, you can't balance for long!

tlupfer

*shrug* I haven't been hanging around this forum all that long, but my impression has been that most of the regulars are supportive, open minded, and generally positive people. looking through the commuter photo thread seems to attest to that.

I needed a commuter that could haul people and stuff, so I ride an xtracycle most of the time. not everyone needs or wants the same thing so they commute on a bicycle that suits their needs. any way you look at it, bicycles are awesome.

gregm

I sometimes chat on my bike commute with a UC Berkeley PhD student... who commutes several miles each way daily on a BMX bike.

I don't know what *he* calls it.

-Greg

ollo_ollo

Its Iowa, probably none of them!

chephy

Well, suppose it was "no". Why would you give a hoot if the bike suits you?

I-Like-To-Bike

No it is not OK. You MUST use only the kind of bike I use. Otherwise you are not a Real Commuter!

Now, do you feel all better? Sheesh!

I-Like-To-Bike

Originally Posted by JeffS
Out of curiosity, what percentage of those bikes are locked?
I suppose that is meant as a put down. Whatever floats your boat, Slick.

Why not post a picture of the bike rack at the Middle School closest to you in your fine city? Anybody locking anything there?

chipcom 

Well ya know, ILTB, it don't matter how many places around the world you've lived or visited, if you ain't been to the booming metropolis of Olympia, you just gotta be a hick! MAN LAW!

nowheels

Any bike will get you where you are going.....but some times different bike are better for different load's, distances, and road conditions.

mattm

i think anything with two wheels can be a commuter bike.

i use my fixed gear for commuting from seattle over to bellevue, which is about 12 miles. i lose about 5 minutes considering the hills, but the ride on a fixie is so much more enjoyable..

froze

As you can tell by now you can use any bike to commute on. Depending on what you need when you arrive at work will depend on whether or not you even need panners. I just throw my stuff in a backpack because I don't need much. If you plan to ride in all sorts of weather then fenders will be a good idea; because I use a road racing bike with skinny tires I try to avoid rainy days thus I don't have fenders...yet, but because I moved from California to Indiana I'm beginning to rethink about getting fenders because I find myself riding the trainer more then riding on the road due to the excessive rain here. And if you'll be riding in the dark then lights will be needed.

Cadfael

I totally agree! It is okay to have a £1500 plus bike if you can afford it, but some people can only afford these X-Mart bikes (whatever they are). Okay, the bike I go to work on has an RRP of £175, I got it for £130.. so yes, it is a cheap as chips and I know it can be referred to as 'toy bike'... but it gets me to work... and thus it helps me to earn money. And it all I can afford. But even though it is a 'pretend bike' as I have heard it called, I can still learn from forums like this on how to keep my toy in good running order.

But the point is I do maintain it, I keep the bearing greased, the chain clean and lubed... etc. I have added new kit to it. After 13 months of use it still looks like new. My way of making it a commuter bike was to fit narrower and slicker tyres (and puncture proof). It is enjoyable to ride and easy to move at a clip in traffic... and without it I would be totally lost.

It is a hard tail, what I do find odd is these blokes who get suspension bikes for the road thinking it will make riding comfortable... they just don't get what full suspension is for.

But basically, I don't thnk it matter too much about how exepensive a bike is if you are prepared to look after it. Even a £1500 plus bike will be a wreck if it is never maintained, but it is more common for cyclist who buy expensive bikes to be also be good at servicing them.

deputyjones

Well, I think it would be hard to assume, based on your own posts, that you intended to do anything but point fingers. However, the commuter crowd, even with this obvious trolling attempt, did just what they always do and turned this it into a positive discussion about how any bike is a commuter bike based on how you us it.

Commuter bikes are just that, simply bikes used to commute to work. Whether it be a spandex-clad roadie who lives 30 miles from work and rides his carbon frame/fork/seat post/saddle/bars/bottle cage/wheels/etc. bike or some guy who lives 2 blocks from work commutes on a kids pink, x-mart, 20" BMX. We work together to share knowledge and encourage each other either way.

If you want a fight you might be better off sticking with the A&S forum where you have started plenty.

tedi k wardhana

didn't you forget folding bikes?