What Bike Makes the Best Townie/Commuter?
03-22-13, 04:28 PM
#27
aka Tom Reingold
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I'm glad I know you're kidding, tsl. Ick.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
03-22-13, 06:11 PM
#28
DancesWithSUVs
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Schwalbe North America site only lists them going up to 28mm,that's why I was wondering what kind of clearance this bike has. Surly and BD both give max tire clearances,Tout Terrain can't be bothered to say in their listing?
https://www.en.tout-terrain.de/bicycles/the-city/
"SIZE M | L" Again,they can't list all their frame sizes?
Yes,the prob is obviously my computer,not their web design.
https://www.en.tout-terrain.de/bicycles/the-city/
"SIZE M | L" Again,they can't list all their frame sizes?
Yes,the prob is obviously my computer,not their web design.
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C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
03-22-13, 07:33 PM
#29
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I had a 28" Forever bike which is a lot like the Flying Pigeon, and I constantly had to fix or adjust something on it. Plus, it was nearly as heavy as me, so getting it up to speed was never easy. The brakes never worked, so stopping was more like docking a boat than just skidding to a halt. The shiny brake levers rusted after about a week, and the saddle started falling apart not long after. Still, I loved that damn bike.
Last edited by jacobinchina; 03-22-13 at 07:34 PM. Reason: I suck
03-22-13, 07:39 PM
#30
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I think it really depends on your needs...will it be used on gravel? Do you ride all year with one bike? Will you use it for grocery shopping and other cargo requiring tasks? How far do you ride? How hilly is your area? What are the roads like? Bikes are tools - picking the right tool requires understanding what it's going to be used for. I have some opinions and preferences others disagree with - I hate IGH for example and think its limited benefits (for me) are outweighed by the disadvantages. I don't like bikes that get into crazy weights (like old 3 spds) because they're a pain to move in and out of the house and up and down from the basement. This coming from a guy who regularly moves an 80 lbs tandem in and out
Speaking for myself, if I could only have one bike - it would be this one for its versatility. It's a touring/expedition bike with a slightly higher than normal BB shell and slightly lower weight. I built it up more like a sports tourer and I love it because it doesn't have that slug like Surly LHT feel but still rides well with 80 lbs on it. It can do pretty much anything I require:
Speaking for myself, if I could only have one bike - it would be this one for its versatility. It's a touring/expedition bike with a slightly higher than normal BB shell and slightly lower weight. I built it up more like a sports tourer and I love it because it doesn't have that slug like Surly LHT feel but still rides well with 80 lbs on it. It can do pretty much anything I require:
Nice bike.
03-23-13, 06:13 AM
#32
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Early days but am pleased with my Thorn Raven Sport with Alfine 8 - it has a 20 mile each way ride mainly in traffic. Shimano Deore V brakes which are excellent - quality of brakes in traffic is an obvious safety issue. The Alfine 8 seems to have plenty of range for commuting (18T/39T) and is completely smooth and silent. I live between 4th and 7th gears (about 12~20mph), and 8th gives you 25 mph which is plenty in traffic. Have not used the granny gear and 5~7% gradients are OK in 3rd or 2nd. I have a locker at work and only carry a Carradice zip roll bar bag which is OK for repair kit, rain jacket, lock. After years clipping in converted back to flats and normal shoes (Shimano Saints pedals), normal trousers, merino base, merino gloves and only concession to Lycra is the Gore windstopper. Investigating a fully enclosed chainguard which should add to the low maintenance of a hub gear.
03-24-13, 05:22 PM
#33
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Wait a sec,do you not own a Tout Terrain? Cause you've suggested them in several threads.
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03-31-13, 09:35 PM
#35
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How about urban commuters? What do you like to ride in the city?
Realize commuting in the suburbs and in the city might necessitate different set-ups.
Realize commuting in the suburbs and in the city might necessitate different set-ups.
04-03-13, 01:33 PM
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Wow, that's pretty amazing. All the times I've tracked my rides, when I look back on flat sections where it feels like I'm flying along, I'm only going 15 mph or so. I don't think I've seen 25 mph even when cranking on downhills.
04-03-13, 03:01 PM
#37
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Wow, how do you manage to ride so slow? Even coasting down a hill without pedaling I hit 25 mph. If I put some effort into it I can hit 35, and if I have a tail wind and really put some effort into it I've hit 40 a couple of time going down hills. On flat smooth stretches, 15 mph should be easy to maintain. You must be riding a heavy bike with wide tires and knobby treads.
04-03-13, 03:05 PM
#38
aka Tom Reingold
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“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
04-03-13, 04:16 PM
#40
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
Ride in the desert where it rarely ever rains and you would never run fenders, ride in the PNW and riding without fenders makes you look like a newb.
Gearing selection is dependent on the riders abilities and needs of the terrain.
Since I have quite a few bicycles I have commuted on my folder, mountain bikes, road bikes, vintage three speeds, and my fatbike, singlespeeds, and fixed gears and actually do have a dedicated commuter bicycle which has been serving me well for the past five years. It has been a fixed gear, a three speed, and is now a 21 speed.
04-03-13, 08:24 PM
#41
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I vote for Dutch-style city bikes. I've been using a Breezer Uptown 8 for the past few months, and love it. Small but essential features, like fenders, rear rack with cargo clasp, internal gear/dyno hubs, front and rear lights, chain lock and even a bell come standard. I have the step-through frame version, which makes it much easier to hop on and off in jeans, slacks or other ordinary clothes. It's built for comfort and convenience, but it isn't particularly fast. I never expected it to be.
04-04-13, 07:00 PM
#42
aka Tom Reingold
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The nice thing about a bike without a front derailleur is that it can have a chainguard.
The nice thing about a bike with a chainguard is that you can jump on without binding up your pants first. That's why I like my 3-speed for short errands. Just jump on and go.
This is a 1962 Rudge Sports. I am one year older than this bike.
The nice thing about a bike with a chainguard is that you can jump on without binding up your pants first. That's why I like my 3-speed for short errands. Just jump on and go.
This is a 1962 Rudge Sports. I am one year older than this bike.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
04-04-13, 07:51 PM
#43
LET'S ROLL
This may sound strange, but personally I'm deciding between a steel swift folder with an IGH and a singlespeed road/track bike (Iro in particular). Singlespeed road bikes are zippy and fun, but folders are so convenient, it's a tough call. I live in New York. Regardless, I remain interested in anyone's preference and open to further suggestions.
I live in NJ and commute to New York City 3 or 4 times a week, then go on weekend rides
with my club and also do century rides. This is why I chose a roadbike and have been happy
with that choice for a few years. For a long time I refused to get another bike, but I realized
that I really enjoyed having a folding bike when traveling and sometimes when I commute; I
might use the bus or subway to save time.
Typical NYC commute on my roadbike:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0slPlNDxBi0
No NYC videos yet w/ my folding bike, but you get the idea
https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...&v=Jea4lv48bDQ
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05-08-13, 04:16 AM
#44
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Yeah, I hear ya!
A commuter can be pratically any bike that's used primarily to get you to work or school.
However, this one below is called, a "Townie".
Townie
Looks more recreational than not, but has been reported as being great for short-distance commuting!
A commuter can be pratically any bike that's used primarily to get you to work or school.
However, this one below is called, a "Townie".
Townie
Looks more recreational than not, but has been reported as being great for short-distance commuting!
Last edited by Cfiber; 05-08-13 at 04:25 AM.
05-08-13, 04:20 AM
#45
litrenka
The nice thing about a bike without a front derailleur is that it can have a chainguard.
The nice thing about a bike with a chainguard is that you can jump on without binding up your pants first. That's why I like my 3-speed for short errands. Just jump on and go.
This is a 1962 Rudge Sports. I am one year older than this bike.
The nice thing about a bike with a chainguard is that you can jump on without binding up your pants first. That's why I like my 3-speed for short errands. Just jump on and go.
This is a 1962 Rudge Sports. I am one year older than this bike.
05-08-13, 04:36 AM
#46
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05-08-13, 06:49 AM
#48
bill nyecycles
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if you're really asking about an urban commuter, i would think that type of commute would require you to have to stop a lot. so i would agree with one of the initial posts in the thread that a true road bike would be lost in the city. a MTB setup where a quick up and down/ stop and lean back is more convenient would work.
if you're doing long commutes on open roads then i think the road bike becomes more ideal.
but in the end, the truth has already been said - whatever works for you!
if you're doing long commutes on open roads then i think the road bike becomes more ideal.
but in the end, the truth has already been said - whatever works for you!
05-08-13, 07:26 AM
#49
aka Tom Reingold
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“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
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