Commuter Bicycle Pics
12-22-13 | 09:56 AM
Keepin it Wheel
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 5,200
From: San Diego
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
Good work spotty, and I like the color too. And yes, bikes are so much cheaper than cars it's not even funny; especially used bikes, there are so many deals out there!
12-23-13 | 05:21 AM
Ride More. Feel Better.
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
The add-on to the rack is a "cargo cradle." I design and make these myself and sell them on eBay and Etsy. You can see some pics of these cargo cradles on BikeCultureRising.com or do a search for "cargo cradle" on eBay or Etsy.com.
12-23-13 | 06:30 AM
The Drive Side is Within
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,344
Likes: 47
From: New Haven, CT, USA
Bikes: Road, Cargo, Tandem, Etc.
Thanks. It's a Dahon Espresso, one that has been through several upgrades and iterations. It now has nothing original on it except for the frame, fork, and maybe the seatpost clamp. (wow, I just realized that!) Even the headset has been replaced, but all over time and all I suppose as needed.
Dahon's Espresso and Matrix both use this frame, and I think so does the Jack.
I'm 6'4", so the Dahon Curve D3 that I originally rode around was just never big enough. This one isn't quite large enough, either, though!
I think that I have seen Dahon frames like this on sale, bare frame. They make a good platform, are reasonably light, and fold well.
Dahon's Espresso and Matrix both use this frame, and I think so does the Jack.
I'm 6'4", so the Dahon Curve D3 that I originally rode around was just never big enough. This one isn't quite large enough, either, though!
I think that I have seen Dahon frames like this on sale, bare frame. They make a good platform, are reasonably light, and fold well.
__________________
The bicycle, the bicycle surely, should always be the vehicle of novelists and poets. Christopher Morley
The bicycle, the bicycle surely, should always be the vehicle of novelists and poets. Christopher Morley
Last edited by Standalone; 12-23-13 at 06:46 AM.
12-23-13 | 07:57 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...
12-23-13 | 08:39 AM
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Yuba City, CA
Bikes: Cannondale M300 mountain, '72 German Kurfalz touring
The bike was meant for commuter riding and/or just a get-around-bike. It was bought initially for $15 with front/rear lights on it, as well as a choice of a comfort seat and a regular (the one pictured). Let me put it nicely; I do not like the comfort seat, so I changed to the normal one... However, the rear inner tube did not hold air properly, so bought a new inner tube ($6). Everything seemed to work fine until recently, where at a stop light the rear tube bursted out from the rear tire and exploded, making me have to walk an hour all the way to where I was going. I decided to buy a completely new rear tire as well as a new inner tube ($20 + $6), since the rear tire was very old with many cracks. Taking the tire off the rim was quite a challenge with only 2 plastic tire levers and one person working it (a very tight rim/tire ratio). The super-cheap bicycle ended up totaling right under $50, but the process of fixing it myself made the entire journey enjoyable.
Nice job! Amazing how a little work can make it all worth while. Something as simple as a bike can make a guy so happy.
12-23-13 | 09:44 AM
aka Tom Reingold
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,135
Likes: 6,360
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
Fantastic blog!
__________________
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.
12-23-13 | 10:21 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...
12-23-13 | 01:25 PM
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 27,266
Likes: 150
From: YEG
Bikes: See my sig...
The upgrades came from my stash and it is a very spry bicycle that is very pleasing to ride... it has nicely balanced steering and the 700c wheels and tyres are good on warmer slushier days and with the front studded tyre it handles the packed snow and ice really well.
12-24-13 | 03:02 AM
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 1
From: Kherson, Ukraine
Bikes: Old steel GT's, for touring and commuting
Thanks. It's a Dahon Espresso, one that has been through several upgrades and iterations. It now has nothing original on it except for the frame, fork, and maybe the seatpost clamp. (wow, I just realized that!) Even the headset has been replaced, but all over time and all I suppose as needed.
Dahon's Espresso and Matrix both use this frame, and I think so does the Jack.
I'm 6'4", so the Dahon Curve D3 that I originally rode around was just never big enough. This one isn't quite large enough, either, though!
I think that I have seen Dahon frames like this on sale, bare frame. They make a good platform, are reasonably light, and fold well.
Dahon's Espresso and Matrix both use this frame, and I think so does the Jack.
I'm 6'4", so the Dahon Curve D3 that I originally rode around was just never big enough. This one isn't quite large enough, either, though!
I think that I have seen Dahon frames like this on sale, bare frame. They make a good platform, are reasonably light, and fold well.
Thanks for the info! Someday I'll end up adding a folder to my fleet, and I like the looks of this one. I'd also like to try out a small wheeled folder, but well, you know, N+1!
12-24-13 | 02:41 PM
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 794
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Bikes: '11 Merlin Extralight, '98 Dean Castanza, '89 Schwinn Prologue
My everyday commuter bike in LA, rain or dry. 1989 Schwinn Prologue 2x7 speed that originally came with full Shimano 600 (purchased for $150).
I've since upgraded some parts very cheaply (mostly used), including:
A ton of black and grey honda touch up paint
Ultegra 6600 compact crankset and brake calipers
105 5700 rear derailleur
Tektro brake levers (awesome stuff)
Shimano RS30 wheelset
MTB wide range cassette 12-28 (lots of hills in the downtown LA area)
Generic stem and seatpost
M520 double sided spd pedals
The night I bought it:
I've since upgraded some parts very cheaply (mostly used), including:
A ton of black and grey honda touch up paint
Ultegra 6600 compact crankset and brake calipers
105 5700 rear derailleur
Tektro brake levers (awesome stuff)
Shimano RS30 wheelset
MTB wide range cassette 12-28 (lots of hills in the downtown LA area)
Generic stem and seatpost
M520 double sided spd pedals
The night I bought it:
Last edited by link0; 12-25-13 at 12:34 PM.
12-24-13 | 04:43 PM
Keepin it Wheel
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 5,200
From: San Diego
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
My everyday commuter bike in LA, rain or dry. 1989 Schwinn Prologue 2x7 speed that originally came with full Shimano 600 (purchased for $150).
I've since upgraded some parts very cheaply (mostly used), including:
Ultegra 6600 compact crankset and brake calipers
105 5700 rear derailleur
Tektro brake levers (awesome stuff)
Shimano RS30 wheelset
MTB wide range cassette 12-28 (lots of bill hills in the downtown LA area)
Generic stem and seatpost
M520 double sided spd pedals
I've since upgraded some parts very cheaply (mostly used), including:
Ultegra 6600 compact crankset and brake calipers
105 5700 rear derailleur
Tektro brake levers (awesome stuff)
Shimano RS30 wheelset
MTB wide range cassette 12-28 (lots of bill hills in the downtown LA area)
Generic stem and seatpost
M520 double sided spd pedals
12-24-13 | 06:15 PM
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 794
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Bikes: '11 Merlin Extralight, '98 Dean Castanza, '89 Schwinn Prologue
That is one hot Schwinn! Funny, the toptube decals are worn off, I thought the model was "Cholo" (which you'll probably appreciate since you're in LA). I see you've already gotten some Tektro levers, but if you want to move your shifters up front, you might consider a pair of Retroshift CX2 for $129. Likely the same (rebranded, modified) brake levers, plus shifter bosses.
Last edited by link0; 12-24-13 at 06:20 PM.
12-24-13 | 06:28 PM
bill nyecycles
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,333
Likes: 359
From: Houston TX
schwinn looks great. you helped it out a ton. nice!
12-25-13 | 08:45 AM
Keepin it Wheel
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 5,200
From: San Diego
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus
Hahaha it does look like "Cholo". I would love to get some Retroshift shifters, as I think they look awesome. However, I think they are overpriced if bought new (I've scored perfect condition 105 5700 brifters for under $100 on eBay). I've actually searched for them a few times on eBay in the hopes of scoring some used. No such luck
Oh hey, I didn't see that before pic before, did you add that later? You certainly did clean it up well! Personally my 250-lb self would have stuck with the 36H mavics (if true). And the Dia Compe on the fork -- was that a decal you scraped off?
Last edited by RubeRad; 12-25-13 at 08:50 AM.
12-25-13 | 12:32 PM
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 794
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Bikes: '11 Merlin Extralight, '98 Dean Castanza, '89 Schwinn Prologue
Yah I think they are too new to be in the used market much yet. Maybe in another year or two.
Oh hey, I didn't see that before pic before, did you add that later? You certainly did clean it up well! Personally my 250-lb self would have stuck with the 36H mavics (if true). And the Dia Compe on the fork -- was that a decal you scraped off?
Oh hey, I didn't see that before pic before, did you add that later? You certainly did clean it up well! Personally my 250-lb self would have stuck with the 36H mavics (if true). And the Dia Compe on the fork -- was that a decal you scraped off?
12-26-13 | 03:37 PM
Boise Biker
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Boise, ID
Bikes: 2013 Cannondale CAADX
I love biking in fresh snow. Now that my commute takes me down eight miles of roadside bike lanes, I haven't been doing it. But I put together some vignettes from the past when I had no cars to contend with: https://www.trailimage.com/tag/bicycle (about 35 photos). Do it if you can!
12-28-13 | 12:13 PM
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
Bikes: Trek 9th District, CAAD 10, Crux
Recently added a Brooks B17 seat, new Michelin City tires after getting a flat on the stock Bontragers, and a White Industries ENO freewheel. I love riding this bike.
12-28-13 | 03:33 PM
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
Hahaha it does look like "Cholo". I would love to get some Retroshift shifters, as I think they look awesome. However, I think they are overpriced if bought new (I've scored perfect condition 105 5700 brifters for under $100 on eBay). I've actually searched for them a few times on eBay in the hopes of scoring some used. No such luck
12-30-13 | 02:01 PM
Let's Ride!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,588
Likes: 42
From: Lexington, VA USA
Bikes: --2010 Jamis 650b1-- 2016 Cervelo R2-- 2018 Salsa Journeyman 650B
I have Michelin City tires as well. I like them too.
12-31-13 | 09:20 AM
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,977
Likes: 1
From: 52°57'N 6°21'E
Bikes: Giant OCR
Forgive me father, for I have sinned. It's been nearly 4 years since my last confess... err... commute
Made my bike winter ready this afternoon. As costs are going up I've decided to get back to bike commuting. It's a 40km one-way-ride into the office. Several days of the week I get to carpool, so it will not be a full time commute. Though, even as it's getting colder, I'm looking forward to it.
Made my bike winter ready this afternoon. As costs are going up I've decided to get back to bike commuting. It's a 40km one-way-ride into the office. Several days of the week I get to carpool, so it will not be a full time commute. Though, even as it's getting colder, I'm looking forward to it.