That's a serious commuter bike. Are you going to continue through the winter? If so, what tires do you think you'll use?

Thanks, Tom. I am planning to use this year-round. I did my first 2 rain commutes on it today and yesterday, and those disc brakes make so much difference.

This is my first year really commuting, so please advise me if I'm making any mistakes. I hadn't planned on running different tires in the winter. Here in NC, we only get maybe a couple weeks of snow/ice/sleet in the winter. Most of the time it's just cold, so I'm not sure I see a need for a whole 'nother set of tires just for that.

In that case, those tires should be fine. Have you seen what people in the north run? Some run tires with metal studs for snow and ice. They often get snow that doesn't melt for months.

I have seen those tires... pretty wild looking.

That does bring to mind a question though- Will I be carbound on the few days it does snow here, or can I get away with riding (very carefully) in the snow on those tires?

FYI, Vittoria Randonneur Cross 26"x1.75"

I don't know. It depends on what things are like there and how daring and tough you are. I tend not to ride when there's snow or ice on the ground, which some winters means very few days. Here in New Jersey, we get some real winters with real snow falls, but we also get some winters with scarcely anything. It varies a lot from year to year.

Now that I'm active on bikeforums and I see how people in Minnesota and Alberta manage, I might try riding in the snow and ice.

Well, I'm sure I'll give it a try as long as my wife doesn't find out first. It sounds like an adventure.

Also, if sometime in January I stop posting on here due to two broken arms, you'll all know why.

DJFlowe:
I like your Novara Buzz!!!! Love the fenders and black theme. Looks like a near perfect commuter!

Sometimes the commute takes me places where there are no roads... am thinking that on Saturday I will ride down to the shop via some single track in the valley aka "the best commute ever".

Just built it up last weekend.
LHT, Tiagra groupo, OpenPros, and bunch of Nitto/VO parts.

That is a sharp looking ride, Look into the Topeak quick track system for you rack & trunk bag set up. You will probably have to order the rack for your Disk brake set up but it is a nice system

Thanks, Timber 8. Funnily enough, I just ordered that exact rack from Nashbar yesterday. I've already got a set of panniers, but I may look into a trunk bag if I need more space.

Nice job installing the fenders. They look perfect. One thing that you might want to do is knock the ends of the stays off so they don't stick past the fender and then put the rubber tips back on. I use a Dremel tool with a cutoff wheel. Adds a nice finishing touch.

Nice bike, BTW. Looks very serious and purpose built. Should provide you with many years of commuting duty.

Thanks, XB. I had to mock up some spacers to get them mounted around the disc brakes.

I had wanted to cut them, but wasn't sure how... I don't have a dremel. I guess a hacksaw and a file would work ok though. Does anyone have any neat suggestions?

Did you get the Super tourist? The Explorer wont work with the Topeak trunk bag and any quick release panniers at the same time. The Super tourist will.
Sharp bike.

I've been commuting for the last 3 weeks on this craigslist find: It's a 1979-81 Fuji Royalle. It was in almost new condition when I picked it up...just a few scratches on the frame.

Damn!

Lucky Dog!

I wanted to build a beater bike for the upcoming school year. I found this Raleigh MTB on Kijiji (a group of free, local, community classifieds websites in Canada) for 40 bucks. I added riser bars, a comfortable seat, and a rack that I scored from my LBS for 5 bucks (it bolts right up to the original frame holes!) I also added some tires I had kicking around and since the pics some reflectors, lights, and a bell. Next some fenders and a pannier. Total investment: about half of what I plan to pay for the pannier that I want.

Bad weather commuter/tourer, 2x8 IGH setup

hartsu - damn nice setup.

Not bad for a $120, if I do say so myself.

whoah that is sweet!!!

Very nice bike! What kind of fenders are those - particularly the rear one with the integrated tail light? Is it powered by your dynamo hub?

Thanks,

Fenders are cheapest noname one from LBS, 2 rear fender because its hard to find long enough front fender.
Rear "light" is actually only reflector.

'71 Gitane Tour de France. It had been left near the furnace in a welding shop for nearly 25 years. All original except the handlebars, cranks, and pedals. Fenders, rack and saddle bag were added.

Thats a phenominal deal on a classic Fuji in GREAT condition. NICE FIND!
Looks like all you need is some gum rubber hoods and the usual assortment of rack/baggage, fenders and lights!