M_S

That's it. I'm building a dedicate commuter/transport bike.

I have two bikes already, but both are set up for other specific duties. While lots of people choose cyclocross bikes for their commutes, mine is set up for racing. My 29er has the potential to be versatile, but it's purpose is mountain biking. I use both of these bikes for the above activities to make transitioning between anything more than pedals a pain.

So I'm going to start collecting parts and build up a new bike this winter. Won;t be finished until December because that's when I go back to Portland and work in a shop.

I'm going to go single speed for now for all of the usual reasons: cost, ease of maintenance, durability. I may go to an Internal hub at some point in the future, but for now it'll be SS.

This will be my grocery getter so it'll have at least a rear rack, and of course fenders. I'd like to use as few p clamps as possible to this end. I don't mind gearing it on the low side for street use so I can haul stuff. Missoula is flat, and my commute is a whopping 3 miles.

I want pretty good tire clearance. I think 700 x 32 tough as nails touring tires would be the ticket for 98% of the time. The roads stay plowed pretty well here. For the few times it's really nasty, I could probably ride my mountain bike to work.

Frames I'm considering: Crosscheck, Karate Monkey, Salsa Casseroll (maybe complete), Redline 925(complete bike).

The pros of the crosscheck are discussed constantly here, so I won't bother. The only things holding me back are a) canti brakes and b) it's boring. We already have one in th eapartment (roomates). This thing really is the Civic of the cycling world

The Karate Monkey is appealing to me because I can run discs, it has huge tire clearance, and is a fun bike. The cons are the short chainstays and fender but no rack mounts. Anyone running a rack on one? Heel strike?

The Casseroll would be sweet but it's a little more pricey. Not bad though. I can also get the SS as a complete. I'm concerned that tire clerance may be just barely enough.

The Redline would be a complete bike. Handlebars would go immediately, and the parts are pretty fancy, but it's inexpensive and leaves room for some mods and nice accessories. Again tire clearance is kind of an issue. I hope to hear from some owners regarding this. I also can't run a deraileur in the future, and versatility is nice, even though I'm not planning on one.

For components I'm thinking silver parts :thumbsup:. Any advice on durable, good loking stuff? I don't care about weight.

Also open to suggestions on other frames/bikes. The ones above I can get a pretty good deal on through the shop, but throw me what ya got.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

And post pics of your SS/IG commuters for inspiration.

modernjess

Look at what you wrote. You have identified mission critical down sides to every bike but one.

cross check.

my ss cross check is the most versatile and useful bike I own. It gets 90% of my miles. it's been everything I'd hoped it would be and more.

what's wrong with really good?

M_S

The canti brakes are a bit of a turn off. And yeah, that there are so many of them. But on the othe rhand I could try and be the first kid ont he block with the 09 color.

modernjess

yet, the canti brakes easily afford you the tire clearance and width options you so desire. no?

The fact is every one of those bikes is common. If you want unique or you really want to impress your buddies you are in the wrong budget range. You need to go custom with small builder and you can get exactly what you want. There's a lot of great ones out there but none are cheap.

JeffS

sucks that you just missed a sale on the Casseroll complete. Speedgoat was selling them for $748.

slloth

I usually just ride the fastest bike I have. That is how I narrow down my commuter. I like to go fast. Pretty simple.

Good luck!

powerband

True. At least check out Live Wire Custom Bicycles, handcrafted bikes in a one-man shop in New Mexico. Chauncey Matthews is a great builder to work with.

https://www.livewirebikes.blogspot.com/

Cheers!