This is my new commuter -a 56cm Soma Double Cross Graphite. The frame arrived a few weeks ago, and then was mostly built using parts from my old bike (wheelset, drivetrain, brifters, handlebar & tape, saddle, bottle cage) + some new parts: seatpost & clamp, touring pedals and brakes (Tektro AL926 mini-V). This frame is a bit longer than my old one so I have to switch to shorter stem. I have not had the chance to weight the bike, but it feels significantly lighter than my alloy Felt QX75 bike, the ride is much smoother, steadier, and faster pick-up on any given terrain. Overall I'm impressed and overjoyed with this built, thanks to Soma!! Rack and fenders are in the pipeline, definitely not in a too far future.
Sorry for the low quality image, it was taken using a tablet.

I really like this.


Just out of curiosity, what kind of bar tape is that?

Norco has been in business for 50 years and has produced and imported bicycles for the North American market... they are a household name here.

My Extrabike is based on a Norco Katmandu...

thanks Marc40a: it's my favorite cloth h-bar wrap made by Newbaums. Cotton Bar Tape from Newbaum's

I've seen a few Norcos here in Florida aka Southern Canada

So do you divide your miles ?

aaand....





- Andy

By 1.

On mornings when my Surly Cross Check isn't ready (like today, because it's raining and my front fender is broken), I usually take this as my back-up bike. It's a 2003 Trek 7200 comfort bike, but I think the only remaining original part is the front wheel. The fork is a Surly Instigator, and it's set up 1x8 with a bar-end shifter. The seat is a brooks B17. My wife bought it for me new 11 years ago, and it was the first bike I used for commuting. It's getting cooler with age!

That's cool! Have you guys done one of these challenges before?

I have submitted my numbers for the cause but never gone out of my way to ride any more than usual. My wife is participating for the first time and in it to win.

Here's my hoopty. It's a Bridgestone MB-4 21" size. I bought it for $40 and it's my most used, favorite bike. The rear wald baskets are one of the best investments. I usually bring about a half cart of groceries bungee netted to the back and the front panniers are for any "overflow" items. It gets pretty wobbly when it's fully loaded with groceries, but it's a really good way to haul stuff without getting into cargo bike territory.

My old '88 Bianchi. powdercoated and upgraded to 7speed around 1992. Started commuting a few months ago so bought new tires, seat, lights, cell phone holder, and replaced the 12-24 freewheel with the 13-28 freewheel from my Fat Chance. It helps this old man get up the hills! Also pirated the Deore XT pedals from the mtn bike for now. It had Look pedals before but I don't like the cleats for the stairs at the Metrolink.

This is my commuter. Unfortunately this isn't on my commute.

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My Sunday commute... I have been setting up to mobile repairs all summer at my friend's store(s).

Big update on the Klein this weekend. Put a Surly 1X1 fork, Continental Sport Contact 26 x 1.6's, Fyxation pedal straps, and a Selle An-Atomica saddle on it. This has become my fun-commute bike! This thing is FAST now.....and lighter than my road bike. Such a blast.

Is that a 2014 3700? I almost bought that one but it was a bit out of my price range for a designated commuter, especially since I have my nicer roadie to roll around on.

What rack is that on the back? I couldn't get one to fit with the disc brakes on mine because Trek has used the hole to hole the brake caliper on.

It might be a 2014. I bought it in Feb. It is a 3700.

The rack I bought separately then had to take back for the same reason. They found a longer bolt that goes thru the brake and rack. I should of thought of that myself. Just as well. I'm not up to working on the disc breaks yet.

new (cheap) saddle, pedals. Attempted to fix the fender-line somewhat. I really don't like installing the SKS chromoplastics but perhaps I'm ********? I got the 700c ones because they were on sale, which might also explain the difficulty..



Also, she's really beggin for some drops...maybe if I stumble into money

I dunno, that trekking bar is pretty cool and unique

I put the same fork on my Gary Fisher. What an improvement to the ride. God, I love to ride that bike.

Nice bike. I plan to order one of these this fall.

What is your saddle height?

This my LHT, the daily beast. It is missing one pannier and a kid. I just dropped them off at daycare when I snapped this.

Thanks! I'm 6' with 33.5" inseam, and I set my seatpost height at 6" from the clamp. All the best for your build!! Make sure you get the right geometry.

Nice utility bike, Joey! I like the red highlights. What handlebar tape do you use?