That is a grunge guard that I got off of ebay. For some reason they are very hard to get.
But it works. It keeps the rear de nice n' clean and operating smoothly, especially in winter.

Here's my 2011 Kona Jake that I picked up on Friday! Went with the 2011 over the 2012 cause I prefer blue and they offered 15% discounts on remaining 2011 bikes.

Currently outfitted with Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires, full fenders, Topeak Explorer rack and about 200 lbs of locks (give or take). On order or will pick up very soon: Topeak DXP trunk bag, Topeak Mini 20 Pro toolkit, Planet Bikes Protege 9 Wireless computer, Planet Bikes Blaze 2 Watt headlight and PDW Radbot 1000 tail-light. Also picked up a cheap Giro Transfer helmet to replace my ~10 year old lid.

Love the bike! Only ever ridden and owned cheap economy mountain bikes so this thing is awesome to me.

Funky! Thanks for the info.

Scoatw,

I like your fenders' red and white relective add ons. Where'd you get them?

Very nice Jake! I really want to ride a 2011 or 2012.

That is reflective tape that I got at an Ace Hardware store. That's the only place that I've seen it, in town. You can get something similar online.

Here's my main bike - Fuji Grand SE. Pantographed cranks, and Fuji branded rear derailleur. Just recently replaced the bars/levers and I like the functionality of the new set-up. But I don't like the color of my bar wrap...trying to wait a little while before redoing it in either gold or cork. I'm also thinking of building a Nexus-8 rear wheel for it, and hooking it up with a bar end shifter and making this my "winter bike"...and then trying to build a pretty bike during the winter for next spring/summer.

Here is the bike I commute on, a Jamis Citizen 3. Just added the rack and bar-ends yesterday.

That looks like a capable commuter. I've spent many a weekend in Pensacola. Good memories.

I've decided I couldn't leave the three speed I built alone, so I'm transforming it into a cafe? style racer looking thing, almost a bit ratrod when I'm done maybe. I'm going to repaint it again though still not sure what color and I need to get some grips to match the seat.

In its "parking spot" ridden hard and put away wet.

That bike is well fitted out... when it comes to friction shifter parts the Suntour Vx sits very highly on that list.

PS - Might have to keep an eye out for that bike in October when I will be in PDX... I will probably be riding a shiny green Raleigh Twenty (much like the one I have here) all over the place.

Just got this one off ebay. I paid too much, but what the hell - that's what money is for:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/270811304925...84.m1439.l2649

Judging by the pics it looks to be in great condition for its age! I just sold an old Raleigh with a full 100GS gruppo. Very reliable bike; I was sad to see it go.

The condition is what had me bidding on this one. The shipping price alone is way out there, from my experience. But the bike looks good and jibes with the sellers description about being stored over the years. When I get it, I'll be certain to go through the hidden places thoroughly.
I live in a region where most bikes start life at Walmart. A small percentage come from bike shops, and would be what we call "name brands." Overall, however, the used bike market is hit or miss. Like everyone else, I scrounge Craigslist and keep an eye out for thrift store and trash heap "rescues," of course.

To date, only two of my five bikes came from these sources.

1. Roadmaster MTB - given to me.
2. Specialized Hard Rock - thrift store find, $15
3. Specialized Hard Rock - ebay, $76 including shipping.
4. Gavin Acele, like new - Craigslist, $375
5. Nishiki Manitoba - ebay, $212 including shipping

The used commuter bike market is thin, around here.

Dude is that one of those Rideable Replica seats? If so I would like to hear what you think of it. I have been playing phone tag with them trying to order a few.

Nice idea. Thanks.

Just an updated pic of my Salsa. Added a minimalist front rack and put the fenders and 37s back on for the fall/winter. Also swapped out the saddle.

My Commute is 23 miles each way Hows That For a Long Distance Commute

Well, that's certainly pretty long. Longer than my 16.5 mile each way commute. Probably longer than most.

BUT WHERE'S YOUR PICTURE?

Its pretty long. In my experience, its more than the average by a long shot.

Longer than my current 21 mile commute but shorter than the 28 mile commute I use to do.

What brought on this outburst (so I do not have to search the entire thread for the cause).

9/11/11. the day john_1961 used bold text to let us know he commutes 23 miles. never forget.

That Salsa is sweet. I'm curious about the braze-ons on the front rack. Did the frame come with those or did you modify it to fit the rack ? Speaking of which, what are they anyway. I like the rear rack.

I recognized the front rack, it's a Salsa Minimalist, it can be used as a front or rear rack.