matthai5

I'm a Junior industrial design student and am beginning work on a commuter bicycle project. I am now in the research stage and would appreciate any input you could provide. If you have the time please answer the following questions. I have provided two sections, one quick section and one advanced section if you have some time to kill.

Basic Questions:

1.Age(if you don't mind providing):

2.Gender:

3.Location(Not Required)

4.Where do you commute to?

5. How many days a week do you commute?

6.What distance do you travel on a daily basis?

7.Do you live in an city or rural environment?

8.What kind of bike do you commute on?

9. Is storage a problem?

10.Would you benefit from a bicycle that could fold for storage/easy transport?


Advance QuestionsComplete if you have time.

1.What are the strengths and weaknesses of your current commuter.

2.What do you look for in a commuter bicycle?

3.How important is the weight of the bicycle?

4.What size tires do you ride?

5.If commuting on a road bicycle, how often do you ride in the drops.

6.How much would you spend on a bicycle for commuting?
Less than $500 Less than$1000 More than $1000

7. Since bike security is a big concern do you feel that an integrated bike lock would be helpful?

8. Do you prefer a single speed or a multi-geared bike?

9.Do you use bike specific shoes and pedals/cages or flat pedals?

10.Would integrated bike lights be a good addition to a commuter bike?


Thank-You for your time and your input is appreciated.

pityr

Basic Questions:

1.Age(if you don't mind providing): 30

2.Gender: M

3.Location(Not Required)

4.Where do you commute to? Work

5. How many days a week do you commute? 4

6.What distance do you travel on a daily basis? 20-25

7.Do you live in an city or rural environment? rural

8.What kind of bike do you commute on? Road

9. Is storage a problem? No

10.Would you benefit from a bicycle that could fold for storage/easy transport? No


Advance QuestionsComplete if you have time.

1.What are the strengths and weaknesses of your current commuter. No disc brakes

2.What do you look for in a commuter bicycle? fender/rack brazons. Disc brakes

3.How important is the weight of the bicycle? somewhat

4.What size tires do you ride? 700x23

5.If commuting on a road bicycle, how often do you ride in the drops. I get down there a few times each ride.

6.How much would you spend on a bicycle for commuting?
More than $1000

7. Since bike security is a big concern do you feel that an integrated bike lock would be helpful? no way

8. Do you prefer a single speed or a multi-geared bike? Multi

9.Do you use bike specific shoes and pedals/cages or flat pedals? Yes,SPD

10.Would integrated bike lights be a good addition to a commuter bike? No way


Dont integrate those things. They are somewhat disposable and one needs to have the ability to replace/upgrade them. Now if all my lights could charge off a USB port and the bike came with a USB hub integrated into the frame... That would make charging all my lights at night a breeze.

Abneycat

I enjoy seeing new concepts on commuter bikes. In my opinion though, the best designs are the ones that really take functionality into account and offer people something that is extremely well balanced, at a reasonable cost. Good luck on your project.

Sixty Fiver

I am 44 years old and live a car free life, work as a mechanic and have my own small shop that primarily serves commuters and utilitarian riders.

I ride about 20 km a day although my actual commute to work only comprises 5 km of that... I use a number of bikes to do this.

The ideal commuter (to me) would be fitted with an internal gear hub, have a low maintainence belt drive or enclosed chain, and come equipped with integrated (but upgradeable) lights, be equipped with fenders, and sell for no more than $1000.00 with a decent parts spec.

This would suit the riding conditions where I live and location is an important consideration... being able to offer multiple configurations may be a plus as some might prefer derailer gears over an IGH and some folks really appreciate the simplicity of a single speed.

I build up a lot of bikes for commuters and fenders and racks are a high selling point, the quality of aftermarket lighting is very high so not using integrated lights may be a way to reduce production costs.

Breezer manages to build a complete commuter (the Uptown 8) that comes fully equipped for a little over $1000.00.

tsl

Basic Questions

1. Age(if you don't mind providing):
   53
   
2. Gender:
   Male
   
3. Location (Not Required)
   Rochester, NY (That's Upstate)
   
4. Where do you commute to?
   Work. I'm car-free so I ride everywhere.
   
5. How many days a week do you commute?
   4-5, with errands and recreation riding on the others
   
6. What distance do you travel on a daily basis?
   10 or more miles
   
7. Do you live in an city or rural environment?
   City
   
8. What kind of bike do you commute on?
   2006 Trek Portland
   
9. Is storage a problem?
   No. Hangs on the living room wall.
   
10. Would you benefit from a bicycle that could fold for storage/easy transport?
    No

Advanced Questions Complete if you have time.

1. What are the strengths and weaknesses of your current commuter.
   Strengths: It's an excellent all-rounder. It's a comfortable, refined ride that's happy commuting in traffic, hauling home insane amounts of groceries, carving up curvy pavement in fast group rides, smoothing out all-day century rides, or chasing MTBers off-road.
   Weaknesses: Only one so far, the stock wheelset, and the difficulty in finding a 130mm rear disc hub.
   
2. What do you look for in a commuter bicycle?
   * Road style frame
   * Drop bars with integrated brake/shift levers
   * Room in the frame and fork for my snow tires
   * Disc brakes
   * Fender mounts
   * Rack mounts
   * Triple chainrings with 175mm cranks
   * Non-ferrous frame because steel rusts in the salt.
   
3. How important is the weight of the bicycle?
   Very. I live in a third-floor walk-up. Every ride begins with carrying the bike to the ground floor, and every ride ends with carrying it back up.
   
4. What size tires do you ride?
   700x28 in the three-seasons, 700x35 studded snows in winter.
   
5. If commuting on a road bicycle, how often do you ride in the drops.
   Depends on the winds
   
6. How much would you spend on a bicycle for commuting?
   More than $1000
   
7. Since bike security is a big concern do you feel that an integrated bike lock would be helpful?
   No. While it prevents the bike from being ridden, it doesn't prevent the bike from being carried away.
   
8. Do you prefer a single speed or a multi-geared bike?
   Multi, with close-ratios.
   
9. Do you use bike specific shoes and pedals/cages or flat pedals?
   Yes, SPD
   
10. Would integrated bike lights be a good addition to a commuter bike?
    Depends. To date, the answer to this question results in toy lights that are woefully inadequate to any purpose other than marketing. Realistic, high-quality lights connected to a dynamo hub, and which can be upgraded, would be welcome. Otherwise, I know how to buy and install good lights myself.

daven1986

Basic Questions:

1.Age(if you don't mind providing): 23

2.Gender: M

3.Location(Not Required): UK

4.Where do you commute to? Work / cinema / restaurants etc.

5. How many days a week do you commute? 5

6.What distance do you travel on a daily basis? 20 mile round trip commute

7.Do you live in an city or rural environment? city

8.What kind of bike do you commute on? Road bike (giant scr 1) with armadillo tyres or a specialized sport disc hybrid converted to drop handlebars

9. Is storage a problem? no

10.Would you benefit from a bicycle that could fold for storage/easy transport? yes (not for commuting but for going out to cinema etc.) - it is to be my next purchase


Advance QuestionsComplete if you have time.

1.What are the strengths and weaknesses of your current commuter. Dis: Road bike - thin tyres, no disc brakes. Hybrid - took a lot of work to convert it. Advs: Road bike - lightweight, feels sporty. Hybrid - fits my studded tyres and has dynamo hub lights, disc brakes and mudguards, also is less inviting to thieves (I hope!)

2.What do you look for in a commuter bicycle? disc brakes, drop bars, rack eyelets, mudguard clearance, clearance for larger tyres, dynamo hub and lights

3.How important is the weight of the bicycle? I don't want a 20kg bike, but don't mind if it is a bit heavier than a road bike as it will have more stuff on it (disc brakes, dynohub etc.)

4.What size tires do you ride? 700x23 on road bike, 700x35 studded and normal on hybrid

5.If commuting on a road bicycle, how often do you ride in the drops. When the wind picks up, or going downhill, or just want a change of position. Maybe 30% of the time.

6.How much would you spend on a bicycle for commuting? More than $1000 (probably would spend around £1000)
Less than $500 Less than$1000 More than $1000

7. Since bike security is a big concern do you feel that an integrated bike lock would be helpful? Could be, as long as it would be large enough to fit around rails / lamp posts and is sturdy like a u-lock. Possibly not feasible.

8. Do you prefer a single speed or a multi-geared bike? multi-geared

9.Do you use bike specific shoes and pedals/cages or flat pedals? Yes, Shimano MTB shoes and crank brothers egg beater pedals

10.Would integrated bike lights be a good addition to a commuter bike? yes as long as they are dynamo powered (preferably dynohub). And decent lights e.g. B&M cyo.



Hope this is ok.

exile

Basic Questions:

1.Age(if you don't mind providing):
Mid 30's

2.Gender:
Male

3.Location(Not Required)
Binghamton NY

4.Where do you commute to?
Work during the winter, sometimes other places during nicer months

5. How many days a week do you commute?
4

6.What distance do you travel on a daily basis?
6 miles roundtrip during the winter

7.Do you live in an city or rural environment?
City

8.What kind of bike do you commute on?
I commute on a hartail MTB with slicks, Ergon Grips, and PowerGrip straps. I also commute on a LHT with Brooks saddle, PB fenders, and Axiom rack.

9. Is storage a problem?
So far no. I live on a third floor, but am able to keep my bike on a second floor spare room.

10.Would you benefit from a bicycle that could fold for storage/easy transport?
Right now it doesn't matter.


Advance QuestionsComplete if you have time.

1.What are the strengths and weaknesses of your current commuter.
Both of my commuters are set up to suit my needs at this time. When the weather is bad I take the LHT. When I feel like something quick I take the MTB (MY MTB is actually lighter than the LHT). If I need to carry items or want a more comfortable ride the LHT is the way to go. The only weakness I guess would be the weight, but I rarely notice it (except for one hill). I consider it my do it all bike. My MTB can fit racks or fenders, but I don't think I need two bikes with both. The only downfall on the MTB is it has a non adjustable suspension fork. I usually don't notice it to often however.\

2.What do you look for in a commuter bicycle?
I look for a bike that is comfortable first. After that I hope it has all the attachement points for racks, fenders, water bottles, or whatever. I like something that is versatile like my LHT or perhaps a cyclocross bike. I like drop handlebars, but for short jaunts they are not needed.

3.How important is the weight of the bicycle?
Weight is somewhat important, but I think it has to do more with the terrain you are riding. I used to have a Trek Y-Foil that felt close to nothing. I didn't like it because I was worried about my240# frame on that thing. I do like something that feels sturdy, but that is relative.

4.What size tires do you ride?
Both of my bikes have 26inch tires.

5.If commuting on a road bicycle, how often do you ride in the drops.
I ride next to never in the drops. I mostly ride on the hoods.

6.How much would you spend on a bicycle for commuting?
Less than $500 Less than$1000 More than $1000
My LHT came in just shy of $1K. Its primary purpose has been commuting but this spring/summer/fall I might try a tour. I guess it depends on how much you are able to spend and the area you live in.

7. Since bike security is a big concern do you feel that an integrated bike lock would be helpful?
I don't think an integrated bike lock is necessary. Some areas are more theft prone than others, and different levels and types of security would be necessary.

8. Do you prefer a single speed or a multi-geared bike?
Both bikes are multi-geared. I figure if I want a single speed I just won't shift. I don't have any experience with internal geared hubs but it would be something I would look into.

9.Do you use bike specific shoes and pedals/cages or flat pedals?
Both of my bikes have Wellgo pedals and PowerGrip straps. I used to have cages, but don't regret changing over.

10.Would integrated bike lights be a good addition to a commuter bike?
I will defer to Sixty-Fiver or TSL on that one. Both of my bikes have removable flashlights (2 fenix o-lights, or 2 MTE p7's). There always seems to be something better right around the corner so Upgradeability would be ideal.

matthai5

Thanks for the help so far and I look forward to more comments.

mtalinm

1.Age(if you don't mind providing): pushing 40

2.Gender: m

3.Location(Not Required) westwood ma

4.Where do you commute to? cambridge ma

5. How many days a week do you commute? currently 2-3, building up to 5 days both ways

6.What distance do you travel on a daily basis? 13-15 miles

7.Do you live in an city or rural environment? suburban

8.What kind of bike do you commute on? trek soho

9. Is storage a problem? no, I leave it in my office

10.Would you benefit from a bicycle that could fold for storage/easy transport? greatly, so I could take the train home on occasion. very seriously considering a Xootr Swift folder


Advance QuestionsComplete if you have time.

1.What are the strengths and weaknesses of your current commuter.

strengths = internal gears, so it's easy to get going again if you have to stop quickly at an intersection or to avoid a bad driver (i.e.,can shift when stopped). does not have a chain, which makes maintenance easier. roller/drum brakes work the same in the rain.

weaknesses = brakes have less (dry) stopping power than rim brakes and are very very noisy. stock grips are not very comfortable

2.What do you look for in a commuter bicycle? internal gears and brakes

3.How important is the weight of the bicycle? not very

4.What size tires do you ride? 700c by 32

5.If commuting on a road bicycle, how often do you ride in the drops. n/a, and I never would if I had a road bike

6.How much would you spend on a bicycle for commuting?
Less than $500 Less than$1000 More than $1000 more than $100

7. Since bike security is a big concern do you feel that an integrated bike lock would be helpful? yes

8. Do you prefer a single speed or a multi-geared bike?
multi multi multi i have hills!
9.Do you use bike specific shoes and pedals/cages or flat pedals?
yes spd cleats with shimano shoes

10.Would integrated bike lights be a good addition to a commuter bike?
if it's a really bright front light yes

Thank-You for your time and your input is appreciated.

AdamDZ

You are welcome.

cyclingrj

Basic Questions:

1.Age(if you don't mind providing): 49
2.Gender: M
3.Location(Not Required): Central Texas
4.Where do you commute to? From home to work
5. How many days a week do you commute? 2 to 3 days in the winter. 4 to 5 days in warm weather
6.What distance do you travel on a daily basis? 34 miles
7.Do you live in an city or rural environment? live in a rural area, ride into the city
8.What kind of bike do you commute on? Road
9. Is storage a problem? No
10.Would you benefit from a bicycle that could fold for storage/easy transport? No

Advance QuestionsComplete if you have time.

1.What are the strengths and weaknesses of your current commuter. Comfortable. Absorbs the road chatter well.
2.What do you look for in a commuter bicycle? Attachment points, ease of maintenance.
3.How important is the weight of the bicycle? Somewhat - I notice it near the end of the week.
4.What size tires do you ride? 700x28
5.If commuting on a road bicycle, how often do you ride in the drops. 1/3 to 1/2
6.How much would you spend on a bicycle for commuting?
Less than $500 Less than$1000 More than $1000 - Less than 1,000
7. Since bike security is a big concern do you feel that an integrated bike lock would be helpful? No, I prefer to leave my lock t work and ride without it home. When I run an errand, I can just stick it in on the bike and go.
8. Do you prefer a single speed or a multi-geared bike? Multi-geared
9.Do you use bike specific shoes and pedals/cages or flat pedals? Specific shoes and pedals.
10.Would integrated bike lights be a good addition to a commuter bike? No. I like the idea of upgrading the light when new stuff comes along.

kindablue

I don't have the time to kill, but I don't want to do my work...

Basic Questions:

1.Age(if you don't mind providing): 23

2.Gender: m

3.Location(Not Required) st louis, mo

4.Where do you commute to? school & basic errands around my neighborhood

5. How many days a week do you commute? 7

6.What distance do you travel on a daily basis? 5-10 mi

7.Do you live in an city or rural environment? city

8.What kind of bike do you commute on? mountain bike (trek police bike, 2001)

9. Is storage a problem? no

10.Would you benefit from a bicycle that could fold for storage/easy transport? no


Advance QuestionsComplete if you have time.

1.What are the strengths and weaknesses of your current commuter.
strengths: speedy enough, comfortable, reliable, storage rack, silent hub
weaknesses:
- hard to mount my U lock on it (the mounting clip broke. I know this isn't your project, but if someone could design a bulletproof u lock mounting system I'd be forever in your debt)
- cables are exposed on the top of the top tube which is a bit annoying when locking it up

2.What do you look for in a commuter bicycle?
cheap, easy to repair/tinker with, reliable

3.How important is the weight of the bicycle? moderately important

4.What size tires do you ride?
1.75x26 in front, 1.9x26 in back

5.If commuting on a road bicycle, how often do you ride in the drops.

6.How much would you spend on a bicycle for commuting?
Less than $500 Less than$1000 More than $1000
I like to buy used for my commuters (sry, that doesn't help you too much)

7. Since bike security is a big concern do you feel that an integrated bike lock would be helpful? no. Just one more part that would be harder to replace/customize. I never would buy a bike with an integrated lock. Plus the extra weight would be a bummer too (on days when I take my commuter for a joy ride, where I don't have to lock it up)

8. Do you prefer a single speed or a multi-geared bike?

9.Do you use bike specific shoes and pedals/cages or flat pedals?

10.Would integrated bike lights be a good addition to a commuter bike? no, just one more part that would be harder to replace/customize.


Thank-You for your time and your input is appreciated.[/QUOTE]

PaulH

You are welcome

Paul

AndrewP

Basic Questions:

1.Age(if you don't mind providing): 68

2.Gender: mALE

3.Location(Not Required) Montreal QC

4.Where do you commute to? St-Hubert QC

5. How many days a week do you commute? April - Nov 2 days/wk if no rain

6.What distance do you travel on a daily basis? 34 miles

7.Do you live in an city or rural environment? city

8.What kind of bike do you commute on? cyclocross

9. Is storage a problem? no

10.Would you benefit from a bicycle that could fold for storage/easy transport? Dec-Mar bridges over St Lawrence closed to bikes, but would be able to take a folder in a bag on the subway system during rush hour.


Advance QuestionsComplete if you have time.

1.What are the strengths and weaknesses of your current commuter. Strengths - light, fast, can tolerate potholes, fun ride. Weaknesses - none

2.What do you look for in a commuter bicycle? An enjoyable ride with ability to take 32 mm tires, fenders and a rear rack.

3.How important is the weight of the bicycle? Fairly important for ease of acceleration from stops and climbing hills.

4.What size tires do you ride? 700c 28 mm

5.If commuting on a road bicycle, how often do you ride in the drops. 60%

6.How much would you spend on a bicycle for commuting? more than $1000 since I use my commuter for all my cycling.
Less than $500 Less than$1000 More than $1000

7. Since bike security is a big concern do you feel that an integrated bike lock would be helpful? No. I keep good locks at work and home for normal locking and carry a light-weight lock on bike for emergency/occasional use

8. Do you prefer a single speed or a multi-geared bike? Multi-geared to provide optimal gearing for hill or wind conditions

9.Do you use bike specific shoes and pedals/cages or flat pedals? I use SPD pedals and shoes.

10.Would integrated bike lights be a good addition to a commuter bike? Minimal lightweight "to-be-seen" LED lights. More powerful lights would only be used on rare occasions and would be unnecessary weight the rest of the time.


Thank-You for your time and your input is appreciated.

tsl

What I'm seeing so far is that our bikes are as individual as we are. Perhaps the solution isn't a single bike, or even a line of bikes, but rather a menu of choices that can be made into a bike for each customer.

At the time I was shopping for my Portland, all I had was the list of features in my post above. I'm not sure which is more amazing--that there was one bike that met every one of my bullet points, or that there was *only* one bike that met them. When the feature set matched, I knew I'd found my bike. The test ride merely confirmed it. Perhaps that I could afford it was the amazing part.

exile

You might want to talk with other manufacturers to find out what went into their design ideas? When I was doing a research project for Grad School I wanted to find out what others were doing first and used that to design my own questionaire. Although it was not bike related (mine was Student Athletes and the use of our SASC) it provided a good starting point.

I would start off looking at bikes aimed at Utilitarian/Commuting segment and then give them a call or visit thier websites. Like tsl mentioned it seems we have a lot of different needs and/or wants from our bikes.

AdamDZ

BTO bikes, like computers! Yeah!

A.

slcbob

matthai5,

Industrial design is a great thing. But with minimal perceptions on survey design, I'll over-interpret the tea leaves and say it strikes me that you're tinkering with the concept of building a folding commuter bike with integrated lights and locks, and are looking to set some "metrics" for weight, price, and the % of people you'll turn off by using flat bars.

I think tsi is right -- lots of individual choices. And, most importantly, lots of tradeoffs re how good / upgradeable / etc. the integrated lights, locks, etc. are. I'd love a folding bike if there was no weight /cost penalty and I could take my commuter with me when I go on a plane. But I don't want silly little wheels and I don't want to spend $600 for S&S couplers. OK, design well, I'll take it all. Short of that, things like "folder yes/no" is a loaded question because every respondent presumes vastly different implications.

I think you have a good survey to start with and can use a lot of that plus other insights you cull from the forums. I'd encourage you to process your survey results but quickly move past them to the next step. Have a design dialog on the things you are thinking, complete with all the nuances of the tradeoffs and the why behind the what. Getting good insights requires a deeper dive for you as a designer than even the most proactive respondent can offer in a survey response. In this type of forum, where you can't directly observe how people are using things, perhaps you can share some of your observations on the design limits / tradeoffs and get responses that are more pragmatic and insightful.

What's your plan? Whatever it is, good luck with it.

RobertFrapples

Basic Questions:

1.Age(if you don't mind providing): 29

2.Gender: M

3.Location(Not Required) upstate NY

4.Where do you commute to? work

5. How many days a week do you commute? 5

6.What distance do you travel on a daily basis? 10-20mi

7.Do you live in an city or rural environment? city

8.What kind of bike do you commute on? Bianchi San Jose, Cannondale Synapse

9. Is storage a problem? No.

10.Would you benefit from a bicycle that could fold for storage/easy transport? No.


Advance QuestionsComplete if you have time.

1.What are the strengths and weaknesses of your current commuter.
The Synapse is a good comfortable road bike. It sucks in the rain and snow, and cannot carry anything. That is why I have the San Jose - fenders, rack, studded tires, fixed gear (less stuff to freeze/rust), and soon will have disc brakes. I would not want a hybrid of the two, I would rather have a foul weather/stuff to carry bike and a road bike and pick which one I ride based on the conditions.

2.What do you look for in a commuter bicycle?
Good weather: light, comfortable, geared
Foul weather/Stuff to carry: simple, comfortable, fenders, disc brakes, rack

3.How important is the weight of the bicycle? Moderately. Comfort is more important.

4.What size tires do you ride? Synapse: 700x23/700x25, San Jose: summer: 700x32, Winter: 700x35 studded

5.If commuting on a road bicycle, how often do you ride in the drops. 1/4 the time

6.How much would you spend on a bicycle for commuting? $750-$1250

7. Since bike security is a big concern do you feel that an integrated bike lock would be helpful? No. I do not want to have to replace the bicycle if there is a problem with the lock.

8. Do you prefer a single speed or a multi-geared bike? Yes.

9.Do you use bike specific shoes and pedals/cages or flat pedals? clipless on all of them.

10.Would integrated bike lights be a good addition to a commuter bike? No. I will upgrade my lights many times before I replace the bike.

Arcanum

Basic Questions:

1.Age(if you don't mind providing):
29

2.Gender:
Male

3.Location(Not Required)
Rochester NY

4.Where do you commute to?
Work (~3 miles each way)

5. How many days a week do you commute?
5

6.What distance do you travel on a daily basis?
5.5-6.25 miles, depending on route taken.

7.Do you live in an city or rural environment?
Suburban (which is not the same as either of your options)

8.What kind of bike do you commute on?
2009 Diamondback Kalamar. A hybrid "city bike".

9. Is storage a problem?
Not really. I live in a townhouse.

10.Would you benefit from a bicycle that could fold for storage/easy transport?
Nope.

Advance Questions

1.What are the strengths and weaknesses of your current commuter.
It was cheap, which was important at the time since it was more an experiment than a long-term purchase. It's been reliable, even through the dead of winter. Unfortunately, it's made with high tensile steel instead of chromoly, so it's a heavy SOB. Heavy means relatively slow, and tiring on hills. I think it's also a hair small for me as well.

2.What do you look for in a commuter bicycle?
This is pertinent to me as I'm shopping for a new commuter now.
Must have disc brakes. I ride in the snow and ice, and rim brakes just don't cut it.
700-diameter wheels.
Able to fit 700x35c (or larger) tires and appropriately-sized fenders.
It needs to be comfortable to ride as well.
Those are musts. Other nice things are an internally-geared hub, included rack, included fenders, a dynamo hub, and a kickstand.
Versatility for other uses is also good (i.e., it can be converted to drop bars, or into a touring cycle, etc.)

3.How important is the weight of the bicycle?
Lighter is always better, but sacrificing important features for weight isn't a good option. No matter how light the bike is, I still need a rack, fenders, and kickstand.

4.What size tires do you ride?
700x40c at the moment.

5.If commuting on a road bicycle, how often do you ride in the drops.
N/A

6.How much would you spend on a bicycle for commuting?
I'd consider >$1000

7. Since bike security is a big concern do you feel that an integrated bike lock would be helpful?
That depends entirely on the integrated lock design.

8. Do you prefer a single speed or a multi-geared bike?
Multigear.

9.Do you use bike specific shoes and pedals/cages or flat pedals?
Flat pedals.

10.Would integrated bike lights be a good addition to a commuter bike?
Could be, if they're bright enough and driven by a hub dynamo. Integrated battery-powered lights would be sort of silly.

matthai5

That is a great points. Bike owners each have their different interests and styles they enjoy. It seems the solution may be to have a base bike with many configurable options. Thanks for the input.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm using the questionnaire as a starting point to base my design and will define my project criteria based on the commonality of people's responses.

You about nailed it. My initial concept was nearly what you have stated; however I needed to receive feedback as to how other bike owners use their bikes in order to have a reasoning for the design. I'm using the survey to create a project criteria/design proposal and from there I will go on to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed features. Thanks for your thoughts.



Thanks everyone else for your help so far, it really helps me get a good understanding of where to start and is interesting to see your different opinions.

zoodude

Basic Questions:

1.Age(if you don't mind providing): 23

2.Gender: Male

3.Location(Not Required): Kalamazoo MI

4.Where do you commute to? Work, school, grocery store

5. How many days a week do you commute? 5

6.What distance do you travel on a daily basis? 6-12 miles

7.Do you live in an city or rural environment? city

8.What kind of bike do you commute on? Schwinn Sporterria NX8, it is a internally geared hybrid

9. Is storage a problem? no

10.Would you benefit from a bicycle that could fold for storage/easy transport? no


Advance QuestionsComplete if you have time.

1.What are the strengths and weaknesses of your current commuter.
Strengths:
Durable, works in very cold weather and salty roads.
Weakness:
A little heavy, not as fast or efficient as an externally geared bike
2.What do you look for in a commuter bicycle?
Reliability, function, price.
3.How important is the weight of the bicycle?
won't buy one over 28lbs.
4.What size tires do you ride?
700c X 35
5.If commuting on a road bicycle, how often do you ride in the drops.

6.How much would you spend on a bicycle for commuting?
Less than $500 Less than$1000 More than $1000
less than $1000
7. Since bike security is a big concern do you feel that an integrated bike lock would be helpful?
Yes as long as it would be the only lock I would ever need
8. Do you prefer a single speed or a multi-geared bike?
multi-geared for hills
9.Do you use bike specific shoes and pedals/cages or flat pedals?
bike specific shoes and clipless pedals
10.Would integrated bike lights be a good addition to a commuter bike?
Depends,
if the actually are better than what i can purchase after the fact than yes

Thank-You for your time and your input is appreciated.

paul2432

Basic Questions:

1.Age(if you don't mind providing): 41

2.Gender: M

3.Location(Not Required) Colorado Front Range

4.Where do you commute to? work (live in Longmont, work in Boulder)

5. How many days a week do you commute? 5

6.What distance do you travel on a daily basis? 24 miles round trip

7.Do you live in an city or rural environment? suburbs, main commuting road is rural (wide shoulder lights every 1-2 miles)

8.What kind of bike do you commute on? Road bike 95%, rigid mountain bike 5% (when it snows)

9. Is storage a problem? No

10.Would you benefit from a bicycle that could fold for storage/easy transport? No


Advance QuestionsComplete if you have time.

1.What are the strengths and weaknesses of your current commuter. Lack of clearance for larger tires/fenders on road bike (hence the rigid mountain bike)

2.What do you look for in a commuter bicycle? reliability, speed, mounts for racks/fenders, clearance for larger tires

3.How important is the weight of the bicycle? no very, especially if it makes the bike weaker

4.What size tires do you ride? 700c-28mm on road bike, 1.9" studded on mountain bike

5.If commuting on a road bicycle, how often do you ride in the drops. - rarely

6.How much would you spend on a bicycle for commuting? More than $1000
Less than $500 Less than$1000 More than $1000

7. Since bike security is a big concern do you feel that an integrated bike lock would be helpful? No

8. Do you prefer a single speed or a multi-geared bike? Multi

9.Do you use bike specific shoes and pedals/cages or flat pedals? yes, on road bike, hiking boots on mountain bike

10.Would integrated bike lights be a good addition to a commuter bike? Would like a dynamo hub, but spec my own lights.

Along with the cautions above to not try to find a one bike fits all type of commuter, I'd like to add that the opinions of bikeforums.net members may or may not reflect the desires of bike commuters at-large. I suspect on average we are the fringe, riding longer distances in worse weather and willing to spend more. Of course, if your project is a "concept bike" rather than a business proposition, then this is largely irrelavent.

Paul

matthai5

Great info so far, keep it coming. Anything you love/hate about your bike or bikes in general let me know.

daven1986

Stealability. I want to be able to buy an expensive bike that looks cheap so people won't want to steal it!