commuting noob needs advise
06-12-09 | 07:16 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
commuting noob needs advise
Hi all,
So my new job is about 10 miles away and I want to start riding to work. Part of the ride would be on dirt fire roads. The thing is that I dont want to use either my $2500 road bike or my $3000 Mtn bike, so I am going to build a commuting bike, so my question is: Is it better to roadie-ify a mountain bike or off-road-ify a road bike? Any help would be appreciated.
thanks
So my new job is about 10 miles away and I want to start riding to work. Part of the ride would be on dirt fire roads. The thing is that I dont want to use either my $2500 road bike or my $3000 Mtn bike, so I am going to build a commuting bike, so my question is: Is it better to roadie-ify a mountain bike or off-road-ify a road bike? Any help would be appreciated.
thanks
06-12-09 | 07:29 PM
#2
Have bike, will travel
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,286
Likes: 317
From: Lake Geneva, WI
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Off-road-ify
Look at Cyclocross bikes. These are designed for both street and dirt road use.
Consider
Surly Cross Check
Jamis Nova Pro
Specialized Tricross
These are very popular as commuters. I have a Soma Double Cross. I use it for everything.
Michael
Look at Cyclocross bikes. These are designed for both street and dirt road use.
Consider
Surly Cross Check
Jamis Nova Pro
Specialized Tricross
These are very popular as commuters. I have a Soma Double Cross. I use it for everything.
Michael
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When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
06-13-09 | 04:35 PM
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Tempe AZ
Bikes: Mondonico Road, Novaro Randonee Touring
I vote for touring - much like CX, but will have all fender / rack attachment points that are desirable for commuting. I have a 10 year old REI / Novara Randonee that does well. I don't use dirt often, but have at times, and it does well.
06-14-09 | 05:52 AM
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 12,948
Likes: 9
From: England
Some race-level CX bikes lack rack and fender eyelets, chose one with these features.
Disk brakes are not totally race-legal but some do-it-all cx style bikes feature disks. If your fire-roads get muddy in rain it is something to consider. Gunnar do a really good disk-mount that is compatible with a standard rear luggage rack.
Disk brakes are not totally race-legal but some do-it-all cx style bikes feature disks. If your fire-roads get muddy in rain it is something to consider. Gunnar do a really good disk-mount that is compatible with a standard rear luggage rack.
06-15-09 | 11:27 AM
#11
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 723
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From: Snohomish, WA
Bikes: Ridley Fenix Disc '15, Centurion Ironman '86, Raleigh Team '90, Bianchi Nyala '93
I've ridden my road bike on similar roads--unpaved rural KS roads with mix of hardpack and loose stuff, prone to washboarding after a few heavy rains--with 28c slicks and a seatpost rack/trunk bag. Distance was around 10 miles and the road bike was much faster and more comfortable than my mountain bike, which was complete overkill for the "terrain."
If I were buying a bike specifically for that situation, a cross bike would certainly seem to fit the bill, or a touring bike, as mentioned, or even a beater road bike off of CL. Really, just depends on how many braze-ons and what-not you think you're going to want.
If I were buying a bike specifically for that situation, a cross bike would certainly seem to fit the bill, or a touring bike, as mentioned, or even a beater road bike off of CL. Really, just depends on how many braze-ons and what-not you think you're going to want.
06-16-09 | 11:56 AM
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 764
Likes: 0
From: GTA
Bikes: Dahon Mu SL 08 / Matrix 08
I choose a MTB to be my commuter because i do 50/50 on asphalt road and off road.
with the proper tires, you can ride as fast as racing bikes on and off road
I'm using "Racing Ralph" tires
with the proper tires, you can ride as fast as racing bikes on and off road
I'm using "Racing Ralph" tires
Hi all,
So my new job is about 10 miles away and I want to start riding to work. Part of the ride would be on dirt fire roads. The thing is that I dont want to use either my $2500 road bike or my $3000 Mtn bike, so I am going to build a commuting bike, so my question is: Is it better to roadie-ify a mountain bike or off-road-ify a road bike? Any help would be appreciated.
thanks
So my new job is about 10 miles away and I want to start riding to work. Part of the ride would be on dirt fire roads. The thing is that I dont want to use either my $2500 road bike or my $3000 Mtn bike, so I am going to build a commuting bike, so my question is: Is it better to roadie-ify a mountain bike or off-road-ify a road bike? Any help would be appreciated.
thanks
