I'll actually probably end up getting a different bike instead of going down that road but a single speed is out of the question. If I don't go with a belt and IGH then it will definitely have a chain case. I can't believe how many so called commuter bikes still don't have them.

A chain case is a difficult fit for bicycles that do not use an IGH and was always a more popular feature on European bicycles than North American ones.

Many of my so called commuter bicycles tend to do okay without full chain cases while I appreciate the chain guards on the bikes that have them.

Glare and a ****ty camera conspired to keep me from taking a good shot of my new rig at work. But you get the idea:

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e2...do_at_work.jpg

Thanks, it's a Topeak MTX V-Type
Sorry for the late reply

I like the bars -- not sure about the tape, but I definitely like the bars. The tape kind of works too, I think.

What's the bike?

Thanks Andy! The tape makes more sense when you can see the decals and cable housings: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...r-Build-Thread

This bike is a lot of fun so far. :)

What is the advantage of running a slightly larger rim in the front? Back when I used to ride a mountain bike in the old (almost) pre-suspension days, we would run something like a 26x2.10 tire on the front for a little "air suspension" while running a 26x1.95 in the back to dig in and bite a bit more. Nowadays there seems to be a trend back in rigid mountain bikes to just run the fattest tires you can squeeze into a frame. I have an old Stumpjumper Pro ('94), that will get made back up into a mountain bike at some point. I do like how those Hookworms look, but I'm not sure my Stumpy could take rubber that fat.

With spring I have been knocking the dust off my bikes and decided the Blizzard needed to get out for a bit... not a regular commuter and a bike that has always been camera shy.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikep...zard%20(4).JPG

Those 2.3 Kendas and suspension were pretty much perfect when I decided to take some of the side streets which are worse than most of the trails this bike usually sees.

Bought a "new" crankset today and with that marks a rebirth of the kuwie, she will get a much needed coat of paint and a few new parts, will post some pics when I get some work done. I may even bump the original kuwie build thread and add to that. Neat cranks though 50, 45, 34 gears, I really like the idea of the close ratio which should fit my commute pretty good, they look nearly new with very little wear.

http://i.imgur.com/ySF3ICj.jpg

are these the grand cru rando bars? if so how you like?

Sixty Fiver,

Right on. Spring has sprung in your neck of the woods. Good for you, good to hear.
Righteous MUP/trail system you have there. Is that part of your regular commute ?
If so, how sweet.

New front rack/bag on my Salsa Vaya:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8248/8...40a9584e_n.jpg


The rack was absurdly easy to install, and there's no interference with the fenders, disc brake, etc.

If I commute to the co-op on the south side I can drop into the river valley and ride the trails and singletrack for a good bit and usually extend my ride by some significant amounts... our park system is the largest in North America and is a wonderful place to ride.

There are paved paths, groomed trails, and plenty of places where a bicycle like the Blizzard really likes to play... it is a monster on singletrack.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=308661

Here is my rig - 2013 Salsa Vaya 2, with a Salsa Wanderlust rack and weather proof panniers. Nice and secure at work in our dedicated indoor bike room. Finally able to ride in - mainly due to travel and weather.

Shawn

What brifters are you using with disc brakes?

Campy Centaur 10s. Brakes are BB7 Road version. Works great.

This bike has the older GB ("Gerry Burgess") Randonneur bars. I do have the Grand Cru Rando bars on my fixed-gear -- wanted more reach and drop for contrast between the two positions. I like them both a lot. :)

My Sporterra with new SKS Longboard fenders.
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps4f3ea91b.jpg

Rear rack to follow.

Nice! I love Sugino GTs, and that's a clever triple setup. :thumb:

here is my commuter bike finished and running fine> My bike is a parawan mtn bike by next came out as a 18 speed changed rear wheel to a 7 speed cassette and left the front stock changed out knobbies and put on pan racer pro v 1.50 width by 26 inch changed out stock bars and added a set of trekker bars added back rack and bottle cage and a set of over nite panniers to haul stuff and I do plan on a over niter this spring trying to find a comfy seat for my bike next and I don't like brooks but here it is comments please

It better follow, otherwise you'd be going in reverse.

But seriously, those fenders are great. There aren't many fenders that long. I bet the length makes a difference.

:D


I sure hope it does. I am kinda hoping it rains here today, so I would see how well it works.

SKS weren't kidding about the Long part of these fenders.

lot of tower blocks out that way, i'm a little surprised.

thats a nice set up u got going on... but that seat seems quite big, too big in my opinion.. try something a little smaller, maybe a "womens" design which are a little wider in the back. That is what I have on one of my bikes and its pretty confy..

Looks Urban Ready! Some people I know have had issues with Next quality and weight (when compared with higher zoot bikes) but that's merely relative. As far as saddle, why would you not be interested in Brooks? I sit on a B17 and it is very comfortable. But it looks great!