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Past and present commuter
My first commuter bike was a GMC Denali road bike (yes I know it's a POS, but I had reasons for getting it.) I got the Denali so I have something to ride, and I didn't have a lot of cash at the time. My original goal was to replace the components on it, in a piecemeal fashion, and make it a little bit better, especially when it came to the braking. I swapped out the joined drop bars and put a flat bar on it, and tossed the revo shifters, got some break levers and got some half way decent gear shifters. I couldn't do much because I had a very small space and anal retentive building managers. I needed to drill out the holes where the levers went, so I could fit the new brakes which were recessed, but was afraid to on the rear because the hole might of been too big. It got me where I needed to go. I was able to haul groceries on it, and I wouldn't of been too sad if someone stole it, because it was so inexpensive. Long story short, the front derailleur was a mtb derailleur and could of took it to get replaced, but decided against it. I took everything I could of off of the frame and save it as a project bike. That didn't work, because of anal retentive building managers and I couldn't take it with me when I moved.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...55e26f8435.jpg GMC Denali My second and current bike is a Diamondback Insight II. Not the a top of the line bike but a helluva an upgrade over the Denali (which I regret leaving behind.) Nothing special or outstanding about this bike. It's great to ride, but of course the manufacturer didn't line the front derailleur up properly and the mechanics at the bike fail to notice and told me that I would have to put up with a slight chain rub. I've since fixed that by watching some YouTube videos LOL. I put 700Cx45 wheels on it so they wouldn't sag when my fat rear end was riding it, when it was loaded up with groceries. Though I might put 700cX40's on it instead because there is barely enough clearance in the back to fit the current wheels. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5942b15cb3.jpg |
Originally Posted by Phamilton
(Post 21680701)
Here’s my commuter, after being de-commuter-ized, due to no longer having a daily, all-weather, long-distance commute.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...76e8f4362.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5aed28c35.jpeg |
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^^^Gorgeous
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Originally Posted by himespau
(Post 21695805)
^^^Gorgeous
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Originally Posted by RubeRad
(Post 21695813)
Yes, and I get a kick out of the pump placement on the front rack
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Originally Posted by Germany_chris
(Post 21696649)
I got tired of knocking the frame pump off so I got that little thing intending to mount it on the third bottle mount but it doesn't fit soooo.
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Originally Posted by Germany_chris
(Post 21695552)
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8051072e2d.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4b8c8a79db.jpg It's mostly done |
Originally Posted by Vismund B
(Post 21707374)
Wow that is a beautiful bicycle. What bags are those on the back?
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Originally Posted by chuckfox
(Post 443600)
I'll post a picture of my rig...if you guys promise not to laugh! Here is a sneak peek.
http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...id=11601&stc=1 |
Originally Posted by Imperatore
(Post 21416627)
Picked up my new 'FX 3 Disc' (2020) today. It's my first real bike purchase and I'm loving it so far. Rode it around the neighborhood today. It's fast, comfortable, and just rides really nicely. Fits my riding style and my aesthetic preferences. It's super sleek looking.
I do think I might have to take it back to see if the disc brakes are functioning properly. I'm hearing a noise when I brake and it's definitely not an instant stop, even at slower speed. Also, I have no clue how the DuoTrap works. My Wahoo will not find the sensor. I don't know what to pair it with on my iPhone. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...fac6db6edb.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a5c91e1c95.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...06ea7fa12b.jpg have been going to rides in the morning/afternoon to make up lost commute days. Welcome to the awesome world of bike commuting! |
Originally Posted by Germany_chris
(Post 21695552)
[bike pics] It's mostly done |
Hi there!
There's my Seven Alaris. I bought it here in Brazil. Some guy brought this beauty to brazilian's territory back in 2003 and years later sold it to ME! hehehe. I made some adjustments and change some components to serve me as a simple and reliable commuter bike. Frame: Seven Cyles Alaris Titanium Fork: Shimano PRO Composite Carbon Fiber/Alu Wheels: VZAN Futura (a Brazilian brand) Tire: Continental UltraSport 28mm Group: Shimano Claris 8x2s Shifters: Thumbshifters SunRace 8x3s Stem/seatpost: Ritchey Classic Handleber: Ritchey PRO Saddle: Specialized Henge https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0f2ba19f19.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3c34cc6dca.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e1e0ad13d9.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3a757f8975.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5cb6ec06fc.jpg |
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37 year old steel commuter here, with a stealth electric conversion.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5baaedfe26.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c018dd98f6.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c94300f503.jpg |
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d57ce6ae20.jpg
the not sexy side of commuting by bike. |
I'm in CA, but I would carry a wadful of plastic grocery bags for the seat and if possible the bars (those look like jones-H though? pretty wide. maybe just bag the grips, secure by loosely knotting the bag handles?)
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Originally Posted by spinnanz
(Post 21784777)
37 year old steel commuter here, with a stealth electric conversion.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5baaedfe26.jpg Hey! You've been posting a lot on the Raleigh facebook group lately. Cool to see you here. Love your bike as always!! |
Originally Posted by RubeRad
(Post 21786099)
I'm in CA, but I would carry a wadful of plastic grocery bags for the seat and if possible the bars (those look like jones-H though? pretty wide. maybe just bag the grips, secure by loosely knotting the bag handles?)
The seat is a cambium, the only problem I have sometimes is warming the seat up on the way to work and having snow melt on it and then refreeze in a nice hard layer. But (t) that goes for any saddle. The bar is stock with rubber grips. I have had some leather saddles and cork grips in the past but wont put them on my commuter bikes anymore, too much to look after. I used to carry the grocery bags and would even get alerts from others in my office if it started to rain unexpectedly onmy brooks, but after getting it wet anyway and having to ride it home a few times I gave up. No idea how the british manage it unless the bag goes on every day. |
Originally Posted by praivo
(Post 21474937)
I've made some progress on the Hardrock gravel/do-it-all build:
I replaced the crappy Force brake levers (which also had the wrong pull ratio) with a pair of Tektro RL520s and also got rid of the old bar tape that had been reused several times while I was figuring out the position of the levers and no longer felt very nice. The 11-36t cassette has been replaced by a 11-42. I did buy a cheap one which means it's really heavy (630 g, more than the NX 11-speed cassette) and the RD hanger extender means it's doesn't shift very well, but it gives me the range I need and I'll eventually get rid of all of this anyway when I have the money for a proper 12-speed setup. I've now done about 220 km on the bike and I'm really happy about the way it turned out. I do still need to get a slightly shorter stem (probably a 70mm instead of the 80 I'm using now) because the handlebar feels a little bit too far, but I can already spend well over an hour on the bike every day without any significant discomfort.
Originally Posted by Schlafen
(Post 21478978)
Dang, this is exactly what I'm thinking of, when people talk about gravel bikes. Looks ready for the Tour Divide.
I might take some inspiration from this off road monster rig of yours. praivo : was your bike originally specced as 3x7? That's what mine is and I was, and unfortunately the Freehub is only compatible with 7 speed cassettes. Was contemplating getting new wheels, but since I've been fine with the gearing for the past 4 years, am just converting to a 1x7 (I've only ever used the 42T crank so no loss there). I'm now looking at doing a custom build from the ground up now that I have a better idea of my riding preferences and what I would want in a more fitness oriented commuter. Also, not commuting since I'm working from home. |
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Oh, Specialised Feynman.
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Originally Posted by Laxng2
(Post 21807143)
Oh, Specialised Feynman.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a61493abcb.jpg |
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Nice!
What is that seatpost? I can see through it. Also what is that sleeve on the top tube? |
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