Commuter Bicycle Pics
02-27-13 | 02:02 PM
Fork and spoon operator
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 577
Likes: 11
From: Hopkins, Minnesota
Bikes: 2013 Surly Crosscheck, 1990 Schwinn Impact, 1973 Schwinn Continental
My wife got me this Surly Crosscheck for my 40th birthday-- I love it! I go back and forth on how much I plan to ride it in the winters. This week the weather has been good though, so the decision is easy. I changed my other commuter to a 1x8, which seems to be plenty of gears in the Twin Cities (there aren't many hills to deal with). It makes it so much easier to clean around the bottom bracket, I think I may do that to this bike too.
02-27-13 | 06:42 PM
always rides with luggage
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,109
Likes: 20
From: KIGX
Bikes: 2007 Trek SU100, 2009 Fantom CX, 2012 Fantom Cross Uno, Bakfiets
What wood/finish are you using? I can't imagine the durability of those will be stellar.
__________________
--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
02-28-13 | 12:34 AM
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, Fl
Bikes: 1970 Robin Hood, Trek 4500, Jamis Dakar XCT1, Sixthreezero beach cruiser, 1967 Robinhood
The wood is pine which is cheep ($3.50) from lowes and its spray coated with spar urethane "Helsman" by Minwax. I've used this outdoor spray on a outdoor picnic bench still good after three years! I don't ride in the rain so we shall see! Going to get oak when income across it.
02-28-13 | 05:47 AM
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,714
Likes: 13
From: Normal, Illinois
Bikes: Trek 600 ,1980Raleigh Competition G.S., 1986 Schwinn Passage, Facet Biotour 2000, Falcon San Remo 531,Schwinn Sierra, Sun Seeker tricycle recumbent,1985 Bianchi Squadra
How about Teak or Mahogany ? Better around moisture.
02-28-13 | 08:41 AM
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis
Bikes: Fairdale Weekender Drop, Motobecane 29LTD, Cannondale H400, Basso Coral
My wife got me this Surly Crosscheck for my 40th birthday-- I love it! I go back and forth on how much I plan to ride it in the winters. This week the weather has been good though, so the decision is easy. I changed my other commuter to a 1x8, which seems to be plenty of gears in the Twin Cities (there aren't many hills to deal with). It makes it so much easier to clean around the bottom bracket, I think I may do that to this bike too.
02-28-13 | 09:27 AM
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
New Commuter
Raleigh Tripper as it sits against my office wall
-Topeak Super Tourist Rack
-Plastic fenders
A little spinny for my taste with a 39x20 ratio but I plan to experiment with some smaller cogs soon. I have experience with 3-speeds and find them to be adequate for areas which aren't too hilly, provided you get the gear ratio "just right". I also have plans to switch to drop bars, but I'm giving the narrow flat bars a chance.
03-02-13 | 08:25 PM
Fork and spoon operator
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 577
Likes: 11
From: Hopkins, Minnesota
Bikes: 2013 Surly Crosscheck, 1990 Schwinn Impact, 1973 Schwinn Continental
I posted my new Crosscheck just a couple posts ago, but now I've had it and ridden it for a week, and I just finished setting it up the way I want. I took the front derailleur and shifter off, to make it a 1x9. The Twin Cities are so flat, I never change chain rings anyway. And it makes so much easier to clean. While I was at it I changed to tan bar tape. I also use a pair of black Banjo Brothers waterproof panniers. I love riding this bike!
Last edited by PennyTheDog; 03-02-13 at 10:33 PM.
03-03-13 | 08:15 PM
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,528
Likes: 152
From: midwest
Bikes: 2018 Roubaix Expert Di2, 2016 Diverge Expert X1
New bike for commuting/fun. Cyclocross fits my commute well - it is more than 60% off road. I was using panniers but a rack on this bike doesn't seem very feasible. I am thinking of an Ortlieb Packman Pro 2. Any opinions?
03-03-13 | 10:03 PM
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, Fl
Bikes: 1970 Robin Hood, Trek 4500, Jamis Dakar XCT1, Sixthreezero beach cruiser, 1967 Robinhood
please help! trying to restore 1967 robin hood.....i was able to remove both cotter pins and remove the left crank arm...but i can't get the right one off...i dont have any special tools...and tips or tricks?
03-04-13 | 04:48 AM
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 919
Likes: 15
From: South Austin, Texas
Bikes: 2010 Origin8 CX700, 2003 Cannondale Backroads Cross Country, 1997 Trek mtn steel frame converted commuter/tourer, 1983 Univega Sportour, 2010 Surly LHT, Others...
please help! trying to restore 1967 robin hood.....i was able to remove both cotter pins and remove the left crank arm...but i can't get the right one off...i dont have any special tools...and tips or tricks?
A special threaded tool is used to pull the crank arms off the bottom bracket making it a lot easier, particularly on the drive side.
You also need bottom bracket wrenches to pull the bottom bracket out. You should consider replacing it with a modern sealed unit anyway.
If the bottom bracket has corrosion this can be a problem.
Do you have access to a bicycle co-op w/ tools and experienced mechanics ?
If not, a sensible LBS that is comfortable servicing old bikes w/o charging a fortune ?
Best o' luck.
A special threaded tool is used to pull the crank arms off the bottom bracket making it a lot easier, particularly on the drive side.
You also need bottom bracket wrenches to pull the bottom bracket out. You should consider replacing it with a modern sealed unit anyway.
If the bottom bracket has corrosion this can be a problem.
Do you have access to a bicycle co-op w/ tools and experienced mechanics ?
If not, a sensible LBS that is comfortable servicing old bikes w/o charging a fortune ?
Best o' luck.
Last edited by AusTexMurf; 03-04-13 at 08:39 AM.
03-06-13 | 08:01 AM
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 919
Likes: 15
From: South Austin, Texas
Bikes: 2010 Origin8 CX700, 2003 Cannondale Backroads Cross Country, 1997 Trek mtn steel frame converted commuter/tourer, 1983 Univega Sportour, 2010 Surly LHT, Others...
Cannondale BadBoy about a 2008 model ?
My wife rode one of those as her high speed city bike and commuter for a couple of years. It was a challenge to keep up with her, almost impossible when I was pulling a trailer. I rode it a bit, too. Interesting geometry and wicked fast for shorter, city type riding. I like the blacked out cammo look for city use as well. Sleek and doesn't draw too much attention in the bike racks in town.
Maybe put a rack and nice rack bag up on that thing ? Topeak and Racktime both have nice systems. Almost too sleek for panniers.
My wife rode one of those as her high speed city bike and commuter for a couple of years. It was a challenge to keep up with her, almost impossible when I was pulling a trailer. I rode it a bit, too. Interesting geometry and wicked fast for shorter, city type riding. I like the blacked out cammo look for city use as well. Sleek and doesn't draw too much attention in the bike racks in town.
Maybe put a rack and nice rack bag up on that thing ? Topeak and Racktime both have nice systems. Almost too sleek for panniers.
03-06-13 | 07:42 PM
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 730
Likes: 0
From: WKY
Bikes: 2014 Trek Crossrip LTD, 2013 Raleigh Misceo
Have never posted pics of my bike on here. I guess since it looks like I'm getting a different bike I'll go ahead a post what I have been riding. 2011 Trek/GF Kaitai. It has served me very well since Sept. of 2012. I like it well enough, it just dosen't fit me. Couldn't pass it up for the price the guy wanted. I get by but...Hopefully a new bike is very close to being a reality.
