It would seem that the Twenty did not see as wide a distribution in the US (same with other Raleigh models) as it did in other countries and the 451 equipped British versions are much rarer here and built just a little differently.

Nice thing is that any 406 equipped Twenty can be retrofitted with 451 wheels and tyres and this is the wheel size the frame was designed for... Sun makes a Cr18 in the 451 sizing and this is an excellent replacement for either wheel size.

Latest pic of the commuter, with lights, bags, and fenders:

http://jeffhendricks.net/images/bikes/commuter-bike.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/zsppjt.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/143lrer.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/2yukne8.jpg

Dahon Helios converted to singlespeed with Zipper fairing.

Better rack,new grips, and a laptop bag turned into a rack friendly pannier bag.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/1977R20c.JPG

Now that is cool... will have to give a full road report.

who is the maker of teh chain guard on the surly? does it fit most frames???

If your referring to the 1x1 that I posted recently. It's not a chain guard, it's called a bash ring or bash guard. And are common on most single speeds.
I don't know if you can apply them to triple or double ring. But I know they make them for different ring sizes. The one I have is made by FSA.

Hey krape what rack is that.. I'm in the market for one that puts the panniers as far behind as possible, oh and a separate platform for pannier and rack top bag, awesome!
And I think its the first non-retro chainguard i've seen in a while! where did u get it?

I've been commuting with this all summer. It's a 1981 Nishiki Cresta that was saved from the scrap heap. The frame and the seatpost are the only original pieces from when it was new.http://jeremyjenum.com/wp-content/up...TimBike_03.jpg

Definitely sounds like a good category for the commuter, except...

Yeah, I'm a little spoiled in a few regards. My bike takes weight well, it seems, though I don't have panniers; I have a crate synched to the rack and put my backpack with books, clothes, lunch, and occasionally my laptop in there, with bungies. For some time I was strapping my backpack itself to the rack, but that was frustrating and ungainly, so I wanted a more abstracted container. Definitely precious little room for fenders on the Allez, while mine has copious room.

Still, I'd like to move up from the DT shifters, but maybe that's just a result of BF-induced awe.

If you meant my Surly (the Karate Monkey), it's SKS. I actually had a hard time fitting it with the supplied hardware. Eventually a friend helped rig it up with a different clamp and we changed some tabs to get it a touch smaller.

http://www.amazon.com/SKS-Chainguard.../dp/B002K2H6IK

Build thread and road report on my 20 km commute (one way) here: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...formity-Begins...

It does sound that the limiting factor is your single gearing and personal aerobic capacity... I think the greatest benefit has to be that it blocks the wind at all speeds and will keep you warmer in colder weather and if you are a fast rider it would help at much higher speeds where wind resistance becomes more of a factor.

I have checked my average speeds on my Phillip's folder in urban riding conditions and it actually performs better than many of my full sized bikes... it only has a top speed of 45kmh and cruises very nicely in the high 20's and have been averaging nearly 20kmh over some extended riding.

It is a heavier bike (touring set up) but the drop bars offer better aerodynamics and those small wheels spin up very fast... have thought of trying a fairing and we have one at our shop I could test.

I believe the rack is a Topeak SuperTourist. I've been eying one myself.

Do doubt. Bet that is nice on cold days.

Lovin the larger wheels, nice work

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=167467
Just got this, I've just put new tires/chain/bar tape on the bike, needs new brake pads. Haven't ridden it so much yet (no lights on the bike yet), planning on getting bigger tires when the time comes. Considering a slightly shorter stem, also thinking about trying out drop bars. Not sure if I like the Scot AT2 - LF. About to look for the right fender(s). I really like these old Control Tech seatposts, a matching stem would be nice if I can find one.

Pretty.

Are those ear plugs around your seat post?

I started seriously commuting last week. But the commuting dream started last fall, when I was trying to bring my old aluminum Diamondback hardtail back to life. The head tube cracked, so my plan was to find an old steel hardtail frame and fork to move the components over to. The bike would serve as a dedicated commuter and utility bike. I searched Craigslist all winter long, but just couldn't find a steel hardtail that truly called out to me.

I never found that steel hardtail frame. In its absence, I built up my Specialized Sirrus Sport for commuting. It did well last week, but the commute is 30 miles round trip, and I have some comfort issues when going lost distances on this bike. The bike also seems a bit twitchy for a serious beat of burden.

http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/y...826100743a.jpg

I did a quick search on Craigslist over the weekend, and fell into last year's dream bike. I picked up an old steel frame Diamondback Topanga for $50.00. I ditched a few rather worn parts, and replaced them on the cheap. The only thing that really cost money was the tires. I ditched the old wide knobbies and went with 1.5" Serfas Drifters. The green Topanga's maiden voyage is tomorrow morning.

http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/y...0831101932.jpg

That's a good looking ride! Let us know how it went =D

No. It's a cable lock that I had for the saddle. It has since been removed as I have indoor storage at work.

AlmostGreenGuy:

"I did a quick search on Craigslist over the weekend, and fell into last year's dream bike. I picked up an old steel frame Diamondback Topanga for $50.00."

That's almost exactly what I'm attempting to do with the Giant Acapulco I found on a yard sale this summer. Yours looks great. Mine has a ways to go.

Best of luck on the commute.

It's definitely worth the extra work. Good luck!!!