Originally Posted by no motor? (Post 13523621)

It's nicer than what I ride, but i wouldn't trade him for it. I'm too attached to my bike now to do that.

Originally Posted by Sirrus Rider (Post 13523929)

The Milan is to Clunky to go 6 miles?:wtf: If you think that is clunky you should try it on a Schwinn Town & Country trike. The Milan is not clunky..

Originally Posted by cyclocommuter (Post 13524263)

IMHO, you won't go wrong with a cyclocross bike for commuting. The wider tires allow lower pressures that smooths out cracks and ruts in the pavement. It also allows for fitting even wider winter tires or tires with studs. Since you could fit wider tires and full wrap fenders on your Milano I agree with the others that it already is a perfect commuter... just needs lights.

Here is the commuter I use based off a Canondale CADDX (54 km roundtrip 3 times a week).
http://i.imgur.com/PjiLm.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/CQJwy.jpg

Originally Posted by sjt78 (Post 13524411)

What does the Milano weigh so that we can figure out is your reference for too heavy? Maybe you think it is clunky due to the geometry and you want a new bike with a shorter wheelbase? Help us out and let us know what you are striving for as you will continue to get remarks that you already have what you "need" and just "want" a new bike. I have no issues with you wanting another bike, as long as you know what makes the new bike useful in a different way. BTW, my slowest and heaviest bike *is* my main commuter as it has the IGH, fenders, dynamo light, puncture resistant tires, etc.

Originally Posted by Cleave (Post 13524540)

I knew I was setting myself up for the too much money comments ...

Originally Posted by mbryant52 (Post 13525989)

Alright, I've got another suggestion then. While you're trying to buy your way out of sweating, how about taking some of that excess dough or one of those underused bikes and passing it on to someone who would actually appreciate it? How about Bicycle Aid for Africa at http://www.re-cycle.org/? After all, it's only because so many have so little that a fortunate few can stockpile high-end bicycles in their suburban garages.

Originally Posted by megalowmatt (Post 13526058)

For what it's worth I don't think this thread should turn into a "haves & have nots" thing. The OP is simply asking for advice and has specific requirements. I think most in this forum would agree that the two bikes he posted are perfect commuters but again he's asking about a specific drive train configuration and a set of panniers he can comfortably carry.

Originally Posted by richkarr (Post 13526464)

I bicycle commute with my laptop daily and found the Topeak laptop bag is the best solution for me. Note I'm not affiliated with Topeak in any way. Another bicycle commuter at work noticed my set-up and now he has the same for his laptop. The following is a link to the bag on the Topeak site.

http://www.topeak.com/products/Bags/MTXOfficeBag

My normal commuter bikes (Surly Karate Monkey, Novara Strada) have the Topeak rack which makes taking the bag on/off quick and simple. I've also used the bag on my Cargo bike (Trek Transport) with a non-Topeak rack and some bungee straps. Amazingly the latch still functioned on the Cargo bike but needed the straps to stop the bag from wiggling. I've had a few opportunities to test the rain cover here in Texas and can report nothing inside the bag got wet including paper. It comes with a shoulder strap. I now use the bag to always carry my laptop independent of commuting by bike or car.

The downsides are it's a little pricey depending on where it's purchased (got mine at REI), and there's not a lot of room for other stuff such as a change of clothes or lunch. I end-up using a bungee net to hold my lunch bag and/or dry bag with change of clothes, on the top of the laptop bag when needed. The upside is I'm still the widest thing on the bike and the bag stays out of the wind as opposed to a normal pannier set-up.

Originally Posted by Barchettaman (Post 13526536)

I'm currently putting together a lightweight commuter / flat bar roadbike. Granted, the carbon FF was in the parts bin, and lots of the drivetrain is coming off a wrecked and dumped MTB thing that a neighbour hauled out the bin for me, but it's going to come in at a lot less than $1,300. The frame is a recently powdercoated road frame I got for €25 on local pickup eBay.
It should be around €80 all in if it all comes together OK and I will have a fully functional +/- 9kg commuter bike.
Point being it's much more fun not to throw money at a project like this - at least for me.

Now, on topic, rather than panniers, I got a KlickFix rucksack with a saddle mount, and it is absolutely bloody marvellous, I can't recommend it highly enough really. Might be an option for you as you have a longish walk from bike park to office.

http://images.fahrrad.de/products/as...000x700%5D.jpg

Originally Posted by slcbob (Post 13528466)

..never mind...

Originally Posted by imi (Post 13528474)

don't worry, it's all good. On this sub-forum we are per definition so poor we have to work! ;)

me, I ALWAYS want one more bike... Those Bianchis do look lovely 'though.... mmmm... I think I want one! :D

Originally Posted by slcbob (Post 13531061)

BS. Bike commuter <> poor. (that's "not equal" for the notationally challenged)

I thought we had transcended that. Which, imi, you have only tossed out there nicely enough, not flailed at with the prior sugmly offensive 99% silliness that mbryant52 floated in the punchbowl.

Originally Posted by jr59 (Post 13531368)

I wish you luck, finding a light bike that will do what you want it to do.

I've tried many different light set ups, none seem to work the way I wanted it to.
That includes a full blown custom. Nice bike but it still came in as a 28 lb monster.

I ended up with a vintage sport touring type bike, with a good set of wheels!

I hope it all works out for you.

The ortlieb or caradice bags are both easy to use and work well.

Good luck

Originally Posted by Cleave (Post 13532462)

I've been looking at Ortlieb bags but I haven't seen Caradice.

Originally Posted by tarwheel (Post 13539977)

You might want to read this review if you are still thinking about getting a IGH/ belt drive bike for commuting:

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/com...bs-267049.html

Originally Posted by Cleave (Post 13519236)

Hi All,....

After searching the forums and the rest of the internet, I want to use the Gates CenterTrack belt drive system with a single speed. The Nexus 8-speed on my Milano works well enough but since my commute is fairly flat, I am thinking the simplicity of a single-speed would be better overall especially if I have a rear flat. BTW, I have too much bike maintenance to do in general so I want this bike to be as maintenance-free as possible so that's why I want a belt-drive. Also, since CenterTrack parts are very hard to get are the original Carbon Drive components OK for single-speed applications? More thoughts?....

Originally Posted by megalowmatt (Post 13540445)

Unless I am reading it incorrectly, tho OP is asking about a single speed belt drive system.

Originally Posted by scroca (Post 13532568)

I use a Caradice Nelson Longflap, which hangs from the saddle in back and which I like. But I've never tried to transport a laptop in it and I'm not sure it would work. I'm sure you could fit one into it, but I don't know how much room you'd have left for your clothes and other stuff.

I think it's nobody's business but your own if you build another, buy another or ride what you already have. That said, I think you've got a fine commuter already. You say it's heavy and you'd sweat, but I guess I don't understand your reasoning that you don't want to take a shower for a six mile ride. Don't you shower anyway? What difference does it make if you shower after you get to work versus before you leave for work?

Originally Posted by tarwheel (Post 13539977)

You might want to read this review if you are still thinking about getting a IGH/ belt drive bike for commuting:

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/com...bs-267049.html

Originally Posted by alan s (Post 13540182)

The Rohloff 14 uses a metal chain and is known for its reliability and low maintenance. Belt drive is relatively new and untested. Sounds like it's not working out for some.

Originally Posted by megalowmatt (Post 13540445)

Unless I am reading it incorrectly, tho OP is asking about a single speed belt drive system.

Originally Posted by alan s (Post 13540555)

Any drivetrain is single speed unless you shift it.:D

If the OP truly wants a single speed bike, just build up a standard single speed with a chain. No need to reinvent the wheel. I thought the guy was looking for low maintenance and high reliability, and didn't care that much about cost.

Originally Posted by Cleave (Post 13519236)

Hi All,

First time posting in this sub forum. A little background: I am basically a bike racer with 35 years in the sport. When I was in my 20s during the 1980s I commuted for about a decade on my race bike with tubular tires and a backpack. Job location, kids, and laptop computers caused me to stop commuting regularly. Something had to give and racing came first. :)


Now that the kids are older (as am I), I am looking to commute by bike 3 days a week (2 minimum). I have a bunch of bikes, including these two:

http://www.pbase.com/cleavel/image/1...0/original.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/cleavel/image/1...9/original.jpg

The Milano is my errands bike and any time I ride to work (just a few times each year) I use it. The Roger is my rain bike for winter training.

I know a lot of you hardcore commuters will think I'm crazy or have too much disposable income, but I have gotten "permission" to build a commuter bike.

(Why not commute on either of those bikes? The Milano is just too heavy and clunky for me for a 6 mile each way commute with all of my work stuff. I'm not interested in putting a rack and other accoutrements on the Roger for commuting. In fact, I take the fenders off of it during the summer when I need a change of pace for training.)

After doing a fair amount of research, I have settled on a Spot frame, The Proletariat (http://www.oneghost.net/One_Ghost_In...OLETARIAT.html). I'll be using Avid BB7 road disc brakes and a belt drive. Other than that, I'm looking for some practical advice on other choices.

I have Soma Sparrow bars on the Milano and I like them MUCH better than typical flat bars (which hurt my wrists). Since my commute is fairly urban, bad roads and bad traffic, I think that the Sparrow bars would work better than drop bars with a bike with panniers with a fair amount of stuff in them. Thoughts?

After searching the forums and the rest of the internet, I want to use the Gates CenterTrack belt drive system with a single speed. The Nexus 8-speed on my Milano works well enough but since my commute is fairly flat, I am thinking the simplicity of a single-speed would be better overall especially if I have a rear flat. BTW, I have too much bike maintenance to do in general so I want this bike to be as maintenance-free as possible so that's why I want a belt-drive. Also, since CenterTrack parts are very hard to get are the original Carbon Drive components OK for single-speed applications? More thoughts?

Finally, the topic of panniers. I have some touring panniers that I've had since the 1980s. They work well but they are a major chore to put on and off the bike. Additionally, I'll have to CARRY the panniers about the equivalent of two city blocks as I work at a large factory and bike parking is just outside the gate near a guard location. Some of the panniers that convert to backpacks look interesting but shoulder straps would probably work fine. Which brand and model of pannier might work well for me?

TIA for any practical advice you can provide.

Originally Posted by Cleave (Post 13532440)

Hmmm...maybe the Klickfix with the laptop bag above will work better than panniers.

Originally Posted by tarwheel (Post 13539977)

You might want to read this review if you are still thinking about getting a IGH/ belt drive bike for commuting:

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/com...bs-267049.html

Originally Posted by slcbob (Post 13531061)

BS. Bike commuter <> poor. (that's "not equal" for the notationally challenged)

I thought we had transcended that. Which, imi, you have only tossed out there nicely enough, not flailed at with the prior sugmly offensive 99% silliness that mbryant52 floated in the punchbowl.

Originally Posted by cyclocommuter (Post 13524263)

IMHO, you won't go wrong with a cyclocross bike for commuting. The wider tires allow lower pressures that smooths out cracks and ruts in the pavement. It also allows for fitting even wider winter tires or tires with studs. Since you could fit wider tires and full wrap fenders on your Milano I agree with the others that it already is a perfect commuter... just needs lights.

Here is the commuter I use based off a Canondale CADDX (54 km roundtrip 3 times a week).
http://i.imgur.com/PjiLm.jpg


http://i.imgur.com/CQJwy.jpg

Originally Posted by imi (Post 13548588)

Sorry there sicbob if my quip about "commuters being per definition poor" caused offense. My poor attempt at humour was a reflection on all commuting (not just bike commuters) as in, "if we were rich we wouldn't need to work, ergo we wouldn't commute..." That was all, and I apologize.

Originally Posted by Cleave (Post 13519236)

Hi All,

First time posting in this sub forum. A little background: I am basically a bike racer with 35 years in the sport. When I was in my 20s during the 1980s I commuted for about a decade on my race bike with tubular tires and a backpack. Job location, kids, and laptop computers caused me to stop commuting regularly. Something had to give and racing came first. :)

Now that the kids are older (as am I), I am looking to commute by bike 3 days a week (2 minimum). I have a bunch of bikes, including these two:

http://www.pbase.com/cleavel/image/1...0/original.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/cleavel/image/1...9/original.jpg

The Milano is my errands bike and any time I ride to work (just a few times each year) I use it. The Roger is my rain bike for winter training.

I know a lot of you hardcore commuters will think I'm crazy or have too much disposable income, but I have gotten "permission" to build a commuter bike.

(Why not commute on either of those bikes? The Milano is just too heavy and clunky for me for a 6 mile each way commute with all of my work stuff. I'm not interested in putting a rack and other accoutrements on the Roger for commuting. In fact, I take the fenders off of it during the summer when I need a change of pace for training.)

After doing a fair amount of research, I have settled on a Spot frame, The Proletariat (http://www.oneghost.net/One_Ghost_In...OLETARIAT.html). I'll be using Avid BB7 road disc brakes and a belt drive. Other than that, I'm looking for some practical advice on other choices.

I have Soma Sparrow bars on the Milano and I like them MUCH better than typical flat bars (which hurt my wrists). Since my commute is fairly urban, bad roads and bad traffic, I think that the Sparrow bars would work better than drop bars with a bike with panniers with a fair amount of stuff in them. Thoughts?

After searching the forums and the rest of the internet, I want to use the Gates CenterTrack belt drive system with a single speed. The Nexus 8-speed on my Milano works well enough but since my commute is fairly flat, I am thinking the simplicity of a single-speed would be better overall especially if I have a rear flat. BTW, I have too much bike maintenance to do in general so I want this bike to be as maintenance-free as possible so that's why I want a belt-drive. Also, since CenterTrack parts are very hard to get are the original Carbon Drive components OK for single-speed applications? More thoughts?

Finally, the topic of panniers. I have some touring panniers that I've had since the 1980s. They work well but they are a major chore to put on and off the bike. Additionally, I'll have to CARRY the panniers about the equivalent of two city blocks as I work at a large factory and bike parking is just outside the gate near a guard location. Some of the panniers that convert to backpacks look interesting but shoulder straps would probably work fine. Which brand and model of pannier might work well for me?

TIA for any practical advice you can provide.

Originally Posted by Cleave (Post 13547278)

I must be doing something wrong when I type as I thought I clearly wrote that I'm building a single-speed. ;) I agree that the belt drive is relatively untested but the comments I've seen on the CenterTrack belt system indicate that it is a marked improvement over the original Carbon Drive system.



Thank you! :)



Umm, yes, looking for low maintenance and high reliability and cost is a lesser consideration. Maybe in the 35+ years that I've been riding, racing, and the 10 years that I commuted, I was improperly lubing my chains. In my experience, chains are the most maintenance intensive part of a bicycle.

The chain on my track bike stays clean and requires minimal maintenance because I train at an indoor track (over 1,000 miles each year). All of my other chains require regular maintenance since living in urban, coastal SoCal there is a lot of salty sea air and very gritty roads. IF the promise of the belt works out, I won't have to do anything to the drivetrain for a very long time.