Commuter Bicycle Pics
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,160
Likes: 6,381
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Buzzatronic, that's slick.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Full Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
Since we're having no rain this week in Seattle I took the opportunity to break out the single speed again and ride it to work. I "murdered" it out a bit with all black accessories (but I wear a big bird yellow jacket
). I passed 2 guys on geared bikes coming up the 1.1mi 5% climb which felt really good. 
). I passed 2 guys on geared bikes coming up the 1.1mi 5% climb which felt really good. 
love that bike. top tube bag kills it though
function over form though while commuting i suppose
function over form though while commuting i suppose
Full Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
I swapped out the original 16T rear cog for an 18T for the climbing which has helped a bit but I'm still out of the saddle mashing a bunch. The worst climb is on my way home actually, 7.9% average for 0.7mi. It's a total MASH FEST going up that hill. According to my Garmin my cadence going up that hill averages just 38rpm. 

Keepin it Wheel




Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,964
Likes: 5,221
From: San Diego
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
Picky, picky!
I think that bike looks really cool, and the racks actually make it look more interesting! What is that rear rack you've got?
[EDIT] Oopx, now I realize that's actually a fender back there. I was wondering how something so flimsy-looking could bear weight!
I think that bike looks really cool, and the racks actually make it look more interesting! What is that rear rack you've got?
[EDIT] Oopx, now I realize that's actually a fender back there. I was wondering how something so flimsy-looking could bear weight!
Thanks guys, yes the chain is a bit looser than I normally run it. I put on a new chain yesterday and am doing a bit of an experiment. I'm trying the whole "track slack" thing on the street to see if it prolongs the life of the chain. Allegedly less friction / less wear & tear. It's not so loose that there is a chance of it popping off so no danger there.
Thanks guys, yes the chain is a bit looser than I normally run it. I put on a new chain yesterday and am doing a bit of an experiment. I'm trying the whole "track slack" thing on the street to see if it prolongs the life of the chain. Allegedly less friction / less wear & tear. It's not so loose that there is a chance of it popping off so no danger there.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
From: San Marcos, TX
Bikes: '89 Miele Azsora, '09 Motobecane 700HT
Looks perfect to me for a fixed gear bike, assuming it's 1/8". Spins better with a bit of slack like that for sure. Mine is setup similar and no issues, still on the same chain for almost a full year of all-weather commuting and several long dirty mixed terrain rides as well.
Newbie

Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Bikes: 2006 Specialized Rockhopper (converted for commuter duty.)
It's still in the transition phase from MTB to full time commuter, but she fulfills my needs. 1x9 with some newly acquired Zero Lite's and some new brake pads. She should suit well for this wet weather season. Just need to get the rack and panniers back on and we will be good to go.
That's a pretty slick setup. What else can you tell us about the drivetrain and shifter? I have a Raleigh Tripper, (also a 3-speed) which I've been considering converting to drop bars, and thought my only good option was a Sturmey-Archer bar end shifter.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis
Bikes: Fairdale Weekender Drop, Motobecane 29LTD, Cannondale H400, Basso Coral
Keepin it Wheel




Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,964
Likes: 5,221
From: San Diego
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
FYI, here's my review.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,043
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis
Bikes: Fairdale Weekender Drop, Motobecane 29LTD, Cannondale H400, Basso Coral
He didn't invent those himself; they're Retroshift. (However, that's the first time I've seen them used for an IGH)
FYI, here's my review.
FYI, here's my review.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
He didn't invent those himself; they're Retroshift. (However, that's the first time I've seen them used for an IGH)
FYI, here's my review.
FYI, here's my review.
"Is your hub broken? It's clicking."
"Nah it's a 3-speed."
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
I got the build kit from Traitor Cycles. It's your basic Sturmey S-RF3 and the Sturmey barend shifter mounted to a Retroshift lever. After today's commute, I can tell you it works beautifully. I am going to be embarrassing some roadies on the group rides in the spring. I can hear it now,
"Is your hub broken? It's clicking."
"Nah it's a 3-speed."
"Is your hub broken? It's clicking."
"Nah it's a 3-speed."
__________________
--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






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