Well I finally rode my bike to work this past week-did it Tuesday and Friday (hope to commute three-four days per week). The first 10 miles is on good paved roads and a smooth bike path. The next 4-5 miles is on some pretty crappy roads, and bumpy bike path- the last mile or so is fine. The roads are so bad in parts that if I don't see traffic behind me I ride out toward the middle of the street because it is so bad! I can go 18-21 mph on the nice roads but have to slow down a lot for the bumpy stuff.

I am riding on an old steel road bike and don't think it is compatable with wider wheels/tires- For one, the current brakes won't accomodate a wider wheel/tire. Also since most of the ride is on good roads, it doesn't seem worth it to ride a mountain bike- which I have. I suppose a cross bike might be ideal, but since I just spent all the money I had (and some I didn't have) on a new road bike, a new bike for commuting is not in the cards at this point. I live in a non-bike friendly town and I doubt I could find a less bumpy route that is also safe.

Any advice for dealing with crappy roads besides slowing down? Are there wheels that would be tougher that are the same size (the tire I use is 27 x 1 1/8- 1 1/4)

Should I think of getting brakes that I could accomodate a wider tire/wheel? If so what brakes would you recommend and what would be a good wheel

P.S. I save a gallon of gas everytime I ride to work!!! Thus about $6.20 this week-nearly enough for a six pack of quality beer!!!

A 27x1-1/4" tire is a 630x32mm
An equivalent diameter tire would be a 622x36mm (700C) IF they made one.
IF your brake pads can be adjusted 4mm more toward the axle, you could go to a 700C rim and as fat of a tire that fits. A 700x37C would give you 5mm more "squish" factor and probably still fit. Possibly even a 700x40C. You'll simply have to measure to see.

I've read around here that lowering tire pressure may smooth out the bumps a bit (just don't go below the recommended minimum). Of course the lower pressure will add some rolling resistance on the smooth roads, but if you're commuting to get a little bit of exercise too then that might not be a problem.

good advice here
I run a lower pressure too.

I like the way you calculate costs/returns! If more people figured this way - everyone would commute by bike

I have had the experience of riding on some low quality roads on 700x35 tires, and I would say that it helps for bumpy roads (35 is approximately 1.6 in??) but it is definitely uncomfortable at higher speeds. I actually fried my seat post's threading riding on one such road, due to the vibrations caused (Bow Crescent in Calgary), and can only take it at about 10 mph for comfort. Ditto for tree roots, etc. A tire might help a bit for rough road (I'm thinking washboard gravel roads here), but I wouldn't feel comfortable riding them at speed on my rig.

If that was a significant portion of my ride, I *might* try a front suspension (hate the energy robbing aspect, though). If you have one on your MTB - try it on the commute and see how you like it.

Another option is to get slicks for your MTB and take the hit on the road portion, for better comfort on the trail (this is probably cheaper than getting new wheels, etc).

Exactly what I was going to say, but said so much better...

what the?

Okay, am I the only one here who wonders you need a suspension seatpost with a tire that's 3"+ wide?

its the pugsley. I think its for riding over piles of dead bodies. I think the tires are 4".

27x1 1/4 is awesome for commuting without bike shorts. Their practically giving away those bikes, and its lighter and faster than a hybrid. Good move keeping the tire pressure down, a fat (MTB) saddle will help a lot too, and wearing bike shorts or padded underwear gives the most benefit of all. Raising your butt off the seat for the bumps will of course get you there, and helps on longer rides if speed isn't essential.

It is, they are.

Oh, and +1 to Elusor's idea. Great tire.

For people who like the Pug.

more pushin/ for the cushin'

here's what I have, it's been taking the abuse dished out by DC-area pavement pretty well so far so it will probably work for you also:

wheel(s):
Velocity Dyad rims - strongest touring rims on the market
36h hubs - that's 36 spokes instead of the usual 32 found on most road bike wheels
14g stainless steel spokes
all hand-built by a competent wheelbuilder of course, stay far away from machine-built wheels

if you want, you only have to get this setup for your rear wheel... it's the one that has the most weight on it, so it takes the most abuse and wears out the fastest. I still have the stock rim, hub (32h), and spokes on my front wheel.

tires (needless to say these should go on both wheels):
700x32c Continental CityRIDE tires - very tough tires that are designed for urban conditions. they have a slick center strip so your rolling resistance won't be increased that much.

I've also heard good things about Panaracer UrbanMax tires. they're available in 32c also.

if your current brakes won't accomodate 32c tires I'd try to switch out the brakes if you can. although in a pinch I suppose the Dyads with 36h hubs might be able to hold up even with 28's or (possibly) 23's.

Begin typical BF "advice":

Get a new bike.

Change jobs.

Move.

And if none of the above, you should probably slow down.

End typical BF "advice"

Seriously, though, you might be able to get some tougher wheels. But that will only change how confident you feel going over the bumps, and will not make your ride much smoother. Nonetheless, it is still a good idea if you keep on your bike on that route (something touring, beefy, like 27" super champions, etc).

How bumpy is your ride? (are we talking big potholes that you go over, not around? in which case a road bike is almost certainly not built for this), or are we talking lots of little bumps that are a little unpleasant? Granted, riding style (like learning to use your legs like shocks) might help, but it will also slow you down.

If you want to keep pedaling without a concern, you might try a mountain bike or hybrid. Borrow a buddie's bike and compare your overall time.

And how hilly is your area? If it's just gentle hills, you could try an old Raleigh Roadster 3speed. (the ones with the "28" inch wheels. They can roll over children as well. You won't notice the weight much if you don't have a lot of hills or a stoplight every 200 feet.

EDIT: also, do you have any alternate routes that could avoid this bumpy road? I was taking one road, because it was more direct and had bike lanes. But they were torn up (and with 50-60mph heavy traffic I could not take the lane). I was able to change up routes, totally fixed that problem.