Tigel

I have a 2002 nirve rail bmx bike. It looks something like this only all stock:




Is it duo-able to make this into a commuter? I can rebuild a bmx bike just fine, I just don't know much about anything else. I figured I'd need higher forks, but that would probably make the rear look un-even and I doubt the clearance of the frame would allow for bigger tires in the first place... in general I'm not very hopeful but I figured I'd ask! I have this thing just sitting in my garage and figured with a bit of work if I could use that as my commuter when I move it would be better than just sitting there..

What all would I need to change? I've just done maintaince type stuff so I'm not sure where to begin.

exile

Any bike can be a commuter. Depending on your distance and the terrain you cover some bikes may be better than others. I really can't think off hand what exactly you can do to a BMX to make it a commuter. I used to leave one at work and use it when I had to take the kids to the park. I don't think I changed anything except buy a higher seatpost.

lambo_vt

To make it a commuter, just ride it to work. That said, I wouldn't want to ride a BMX farther than a mile or so.

Panthers007

Maybe if I was 4'6" - but a full-frame bike would probably suit your needs better.

JoeyBike

If you're happy, I'm happy. And if that's the bike you have, and you are capable of making it to work (and back), ride it. I see plenty of young adults commuting in New Orleans on BMX. Beats walking.

I would not buy that bike with commuting in mind tho.

Chris_in_Miami

I took this 24" BMX bike on rides in the 20-mile range, but ultimately it became too hard on my knees. If you're comfortable on yours, it should work for a commuter.

As far as modifications go, I'd suggest adding tires with road tread, but you won't be able to fit larger diameter wheels at all (nor are they necessary.)

ItsJustMe

I'd need to find or build about a 2 foot long seat post to go on that before I'd ride it at all, but I am in my 40s and would like my knees to work for another few decades.

Standalone 

choose a route with lots of jumps!

rhm

There was a thread in the 'folding bikes' forum called 'DIY mini-velo' or something like that, where a guy took a BMX bike and changed it into a small-wheel road bike, more or less. So it can be done. My main question would be how long a seat post you need, and if you can get it. Handlebar height is probably acceptable as is.

ItsJustMe

Folding bikes may be a good place to get a seat post long enough - some of them look like they've got 2 foot seat posts.

Simko

i worked with a guy who rode a bmx bike to and from work everyday, his commute was about 4kilometers, so just over 2 miles (i think),

probably have to raise that seat to the max to maximise your pedalling efficiency.

ddez

People do it with folders.Why not you?

Tigel

okay guys thanks. instead of starting a new thread is there anything "wrong" with this bike?

https://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=8399245

I've been looking on craiglist and i can find a 45-75 used old bike.. nothing really cheaper where im at. I'd rather spend that extra 50$ on a brand new bike so i dont have to do much maintenance on it. Good deal?

lambo_vt

Actually there's been good talk about that bike. I'd personally buy used, but I don't think you can really go wrong if you just want a simple commuter.

NormanF

You can do it... but you would want a bike with a more "normal" frame - like the Formula 1 bikes built for asphalt racing back in the 80s. The stock handlebar had too low a reach but a Wald High Rise Bar solved the problem - and I transformed a Schwinn Qualifier into a serviceable mini velo for not too much money. It rides quite fast on Greenspeed Scorcher tires.

Its more of a fun bike for me - the 20" size being a novelty at this point.

mr geeker

i was going to buy that same bike, but it was cheaper to buy the one i have now.

Greyryder

Looks like the stem is already as far up the steerer as it will go. If that doesn't put the bars high enough for you, there are a few BMX bars currently available with 9" rise. Most are only 7 1/2 or 8 inch high. Get the longest seat post you can find. You might not be able to get the seat up to "proper" height, but you should at least be able to get it high enough to be comfortable. Due to the popularity of freestyle, and the overgrooming of most modern BMX race tracks, there are plenty of 20" street tires available out there.

For the record, the only problem I've ever had riding BMX bikes long distance, is from me being out of shape. I'm 5'7", but I have a 32" inseam. I have no problem getting my seat up high enough to have my legs straight, with my feet on the ground, while sitting on the seat. (which is where I prefer my seat) I'm currently running a shade higher than that, but I'm not at the maximum height marked on my seat post. My bike is an older one, so my seat tube is an inch or so taller than yours.

I've never had a problem adjusting a BMX race saddle to be comfortable for riding on, especially the padded ones. Just play around with the angle, until it feels right.

With a quick release seat post clamp, you can always drop the seat, and hit some jumps on your commuter.

bikermaze

I guess all bikes can be a commuter as long as it's doing good and is comfortable for you to use. I doesn't really need to be that nice or expensive much like other road or mountain bikes do.

BassNotBass

LOL!! Very true. I have a KHS Mocha which fit for the most part... I just had to weld an extension onto the seat post so I could raise the seat high enough. It's great for long (but slow paced) rides.

Kimmitt 

If you want gears, you could use an Internally Geared Hub.

|3iker

This would make a great commuter. Unlike regular bikes, you can just simple jump over obstacles. Cars blocking your way, no worries!

Clunkerider

I have a friend who commutes 5 miles on one! He put a long seat post, more comfortable seat, and he wears a backpack for is gear, lunch etc...works for him. He told me its not fast but relliable and fun to ride...no gears to worry about.