New commuter bike build
05-05-11, 02:58 PM
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New commuter bike build
I told myself if gas goes above $4.00 per gallon I was going to set up a commuter bike and ride to work rain or shine. Here is what I came up with and learned. What do you think?
I was tired of commuting with my Cannondale super six and worrying about the chance of rain or breaking something with every pot hole, rock, RR track, or bridge expansion joint I hit. So my first priority would be something cheap, durable, dry, and still fun
Bike: 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cyclocross $559 bikesdirect.com to you door
This is an aluminum frame with CoMo fork and rack/fender braze-ons. Drive train is Sora/tiagra with Sora STI shifters triple crank 9 speed. Rims are Alex R500 700x32 kenda cross tires. Short cut to specs if you want to see more detail https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._cross_cx3.htm
Things changed or added:
Tires: Most important thing changed, and what an improvement. Chuck the cross tires and put on Schwalbe marathon HS 420 700x32. Ride is smooth and tires roll very nice. I thought I would need to push hard to get up to speed on the flats, but these really roll nice. Traction is excellent, and potholes, rocks and RR tracks are not even thought twice about, just rolls over them. The aluminum frame is smoothed out to nice comfort, not harsh at all. Ridden twice in rain and very secure.
Pedals: crank bros candy C. Cheap and works great.
Fenders: SKS long board for 700x32
Saddle bag: topeak medium
Mirror: Sprintech Road Bicycle Drop Bar Mirror
Saddle: need to change, good for 20 miles
Racks: don't use, I have a back pack
See pics.
Concerns: I have only used Ultegra and 105 components and wasn't sure if I would like the Sora and Tiagra. So far, once the drive train and shifters are set, they have been great. 500 miles and still snappy, and right on. Quality is there and I am not concerned about the rain and expense to replace Sora or Tiagra.
Aluminum frame with CoMo fork. I was worried about a rough ride. With the touring tires the ride is more comfortable than my Cannondale supersix.
Response. I didn't want a tank. I looked into 29er or 26er mtn bikes, and just don't like my own trek 7000 with slicks. Just slow and piggy. I can't climb as well with the fantom cx, but the flats and turns are surprisingly nimble and fast enough to be fun. I have been able to keep up with most road riders if I join a group on the way home. I have done a little hard pack gravel riding and it does well. Don't recommend technical single track.
Overall, great commuter, cheap, and dry. Should pay for itself in a couple of months leaving my pickup at home. No more deciding if I should ride in today with that rain.
I was tired of commuting with my Cannondale super six and worrying about the chance of rain or breaking something with every pot hole, rock, RR track, or bridge expansion joint I hit. So my first priority would be something cheap, durable, dry, and still fun
Bike: 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cyclocross $559 bikesdirect.com to you door
This is an aluminum frame with CoMo fork and rack/fender braze-ons. Drive train is Sora/tiagra with Sora STI shifters triple crank 9 speed. Rims are Alex R500 700x32 kenda cross tires. Short cut to specs if you want to see more detail https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._cross_cx3.htm
Things changed or added:
Tires: Most important thing changed, and what an improvement. Chuck the cross tires and put on Schwalbe marathon HS 420 700x32. Ride is smooth and tires roll very nice. I thought I would need to push hard to get up to speed on the flats, but these really roll nice. Traction is excellent, and potholes, rocks and RR tracks are not even thought twice about, just rolls over them. The aluminum frame is smoothed out to nice comfort, not harsh at all. Ridden twice in rain and very secure.
Pedals: crank bros candy C. Cheap and works great.
Fenders: SKS long board for 700x32
Saddle bag: topeak medium
Mirror: Sprintech Road Bicycle Drop Bar Mirror
Saddle: need to change, good for 20 miles
Racks: don't use, I have a back pack
See pics.
Concerns: I have only used Ultegra and 105 components and wasn't sure if I would like the Sora and Tiagra. So far, once the drive train and shifters are set, they have been great. 500 miles and still snappy, and right on. Quality is there and I am not concerned about the rain and expense to replace Sora or Tiagra.
Aluminum frame with CoMo fork. I was worried about a rough ride. With the touring tires the ride is more comfortable than my Cannondale supersix.
Response. I didn't want a tank. I looked into 29er or 26er mtn bikes, and just don't like my own trek 7000 with slicks. Just slow and piggy. I can't climb as well with the fantom cx, but the flats and turns are surprisingly nimble and fast enough to be fun. I have been able to keep up with most road riders if I join a group on the way home. I have done a little hard pack gravel riding and it does well. Don't recommend technical single track.
Overall, great commuter, cheap, and dry. Should pay for itself in a couple of months leaving my pickup at home. No more deciding if I should ride in today with that rain.
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