I bought this Specialized Allez thinking I would train for some races, but soon came to the sad realization that racing wasn't in my future because of my weight. Instead, I'm turning this thing into a quick little commuter/tour-er.



There's something (or some THINGS) missing and I can't put my finger on it. I just bought that Forte saddle two days ago, along with the rack, but I'm still not feeling it.

Help me make this thing awesome. What would make it a better commuter? What would make it look more road-bike-y?

What is missing...

The picture ?

Well, for commuting I'd get some platforms unless your commute is at least 40 minutes each way.

Touring? Just a guess, but it looks like you'd probably need a different rack that could get the bags back far enough that your heels wouldn't hit 'em. I'd probably ditch the clipless for that too and opt for clip and strap, but kind of a personal preference there.

Oh, and another bottle cage (or more) for touring.

Short chainstay road bikes make for poor commuters if you want to use panniers b/c of heelstrike issues. Jandd make's a rear rack called the Expedition that is longer than other racks. You may want to get this if you want to use panniers.

A rear blinky light unless your only riding on mups
a front headlight if you ride at night
a seat bag for on the road repairs
pump unless you preffer co2
a second water bottle unless your rides are < an hour.

Airzound.

What's with all this headlight/taillight stuff guys? It's almost summer fer chrissakes !

Pump is nice. I keep mine in my backpack for commuting purposes. Have a spare tube in there too. I try to keep on-bike stuff to a minimum because I like to stop and shop a lot on my commutes.

Another touring consideration is the trailer option. Trailers are a bit of a hindrance for some tours, especially solo tours, but if you have a tour buddy, it ain't so bad. I run a trailer fortnightly on my commute even.

I always have a headlight and a taillight on my all my bikes. It's like a helmet, just because I am riding during the doesn't mean that I won't find myself out after dark. Just yesterday, I decided to go out for drinks after work with some coworkers and I was out way after dark. My entire commute is on the street, no mup, no sidewalk, and no bike lane so lights are a necessity after dark.

I would also look into trying to fit fenders on your commuter, I realize that So.Cal isn't known for heavy rainfall, but every time you ride through a puddle even some damp dirt, it will attach itself to your back. That rack might to a good job of cutting down on that spray, but I really can't stand riding a bike without fenders anymore these days.

Headlights and taillights on all your bikes? Yeow!!!! I've got 8 bikes ATM. No way I could keep 'em all lit up.

In the winter I roll with 3 headlights (all on the same bike) and I like to roll with 2 taillights, but got through this one with only one.

Only 2 of my bikes don't have PBSF mounts on the back so they're day only, except for emergencies then I'll clip the PBSF to my backpack, even though it's a really lame excuse for a light in that config./

Missing fenders.

In Los Angeles? C'mon!

Others have mentioned lights and a pump, +1 on those. With that rack, either panniers or a trunk bag. The trunk bag may be preferable if heel strikes is an issue. If you go with a backpack, then you don't need the rack.

I don't know about the gearing regarding using that bike to tour. It may not work out.

Mirror?

The final thing I can think of is a place to go for the Maiden Voyage

A nice bell!

Summairizing the great suggestions above: Mirror can go on helmet (easier to aim where/when needed). https://hubbubcustom.com/store/prodde...sp?prod=helmir looks pricey but it is nigh-indescrtuctible (you could use it as a handle for a helmet bludgeon). PBSF or similar bright taillight for days when it's foggy, smoggy, or you're riding into the sunset. A front light depends on where you're going to be/when. 2nd water bottle cage, trunk bag or seat bag to carry stuff for repair kit (or a small fabric or plastic case for same if using a backpack). Since in LA, fenders optional. Switch pedals to STB style - easier to walk in MTB shoes than road shoes. Or go platform + straps as suggested. A bell is less ambiguous and multilingual comapred to "passing" or "on your left". Depending on where you commute or touring takes you, you may want tougher or wider tires. My commute has decent pavement, so 23 mm works for me but I prefer Gatorskins. Sunglasses keep grit and bugs out of eyes as well as glare. Small handlebar bag is useful on touring for keeping valuables and small items handy and to hold a cue sheet or map. Go ride and you will quickly figure out what's missing and what can be left home.

There is nothing missing. Go out and ride.

Here is my checklist:
1) Bike
2) Self
3) Lock
4) Place to go

another water bottle holder
strobes front and rear
reflective tape
rear rack trunk

Thanks for the suggestions! I bought the rack with the intention of getting my backpack contents off my back. Any particular brand of trunk bags to look at? Should I just bungee cord/cargo net my backpack to the rack?

I have a front light I forgot to picture. That mounts easy enough but what do I do about rear blinkies? I figure if I load my rack, a blinkie on the seatpost won't be visible.

I take back the touring thing. If I do ride far, it'd be for an unsupported century or a weekend in which I ride, camp, and return the next day. Nothing hardcore.

I have some pretty nasty hills in my area and clipless helps me get over them faster. I thought about carrying my shoes in the trunk bag or bungee'd backpack. I prefer look pedals over spd pedals because they are wide enough to use as platforms for short rides.

The handle bar tape is worn. Should I stick with black or match the seat with white? Cork or gel?

Hear , hear !

#4 is optional.

Fenders... because that puddle you just rode through may have not been water.

As is #3.

Summer is the best time of year to ride at night!

about mounting rear strobes I found the supplied mounting hardware was lacking and required some ingenuity. I always mount one on the rear rack, and also now mount a 2nd on my left drop bar. I like thin metal strapping sold in a roll from a hardware store. it is malleable and easily cut with a hack saw if you have a vise to hold it while cutting. this kind of strapping has lot's of holes so one doesn't have to drill any. common nuts and bolts can be used. here are some pics showing how I mount the rear strobes (Planet Bike Superflash)

I have a 3rd mount not shown here, but I'll spare the description and try to get a picture.

I was speaking of the need for lights strictly from a 9-5 commuter standpoint . I like summer night rides too. Don't treasure them as much as I did when I lived in PHX, AZ though.