Your commuting bike choice: purely practical or were there other factors?
#26
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The first few times I commuted by bike, I was on my 20 year old MTB, with big knobby tires. I hadn't ridden anything but that bike for a long time. I decided to get something a little more practical so I bought a Trek FX 7.3, put a rack on it and wow, what a difference. Since then I bought a rode bike and did use it on the commute a couple times but have gone back to the Trek.
Reasons:
Load - prefer panniers w/rack over backpack
Pedals - road bike has clipless pedals (speedplay) I don't like wearing those shoes on the train - trying SPDs on the Trek but jury is still out
Experience - still getting used to the road bike, but the Trek doesn't require any thought at all, I'm able to focus on the traffic more
Reasons:
Load - prefer panniers w/rack over backpack
Pedals - road bike has clipless pedals (speedplay) I don't like wearing those shoes on the train - trying SPDs on the Trek but jury is still out
Experience - still getting used to the road bike, but the Trek doesn't require any thought at all, I'm able to focus on the traffic more
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For me, pretty bikes are like pretty cars. I'll happily look at them but I have no particular desire to spend money on them. If two bikes are of equal practicality and one is prettier, I'll probably take the prettier one, but I won't spend more money for it. I can't see it when I'm riding it, and I'm not looking at it when I'm not.
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#28
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Like a couple others, I weigh the practical against other factors when selecting which bike to ride.
The Mule is the only one that accepts studded tires, so it's what I ride all winter. In the other three seasons, it gets slick tires and I'll grab it when rain threatens or I need to carry something back and forth (like a couple days worth of clothes and/or some apples to snack on):
That leaves nice days when I don't have to carry anything. This Bianchi, dubbed "Beyonce" by a friend, is set up for more go-fast riding, and the more aggressive position helps me to improve/maintain my flexibility:
Ironically, this last bike doesn't see a whole lot of commuting, despite building it up to be more of an all-conditions bike. I can't put my finger on exactly why this happened, but it is a little sad. At least it sees plenty of miles from brevets:
The Mule is the only one that accepts studded tires, so it's what I ride all winter. In the other three seasons, it gets slick tires and I'll grab it when rain threatens or I need to carry something back and forth (like a couple days worth of clothes and/or some apples to snack on):
That leaves nice days when I don't have to carry anything. This Bianchi, dubbed "Beyonce" by a friend, is set up for more go-fast riding, and the more aggressive position helps me to improve/maintain my flexibility:
Ironically, this last bike doesn't see a whole lot of commuting, despite building it up to be more of an all-conditions bike. I can't put my finger on exactly why this happened, but it is a little sad. At least it sees plenty of miles from brevets:
#29
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At first it was purely practical: I found myself between bikes so I used my wife's. Then I moved over to a new one for me, figured out why it was suboptimal for me, moved over to another one, figured out why that was suboptimal in a different direction, finally landed on the Perfect One Bike, a longhaul trucker w/ 50mm tires. And ever since then I have been figuring out how to use ever sportier bikes more effectively (ultimate answer, there are usually about 10 nice weeks a year here, use a tank the other 42).
My current tank is a 1x7 crosscheck w/ 35mm tires, and my 14 yr old is commuting on that LHT. I have a shoulder season armored car, a traitor exile w/ 28mm tires.
My current tank is a 1x7 crosscheck w/ 35mm tires, and my 14 yr old is commuting on that LHT. I have a shoulder season armored car, a traitor exile w/ 28mm tires.
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Most of my commutes are done on my road bike, which I chose for reasons that have nothing to do with commuting.
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Sure, I built mine up from the frame specifically for commuting and road cycling, and with the priorities of suitability, reliability and maintenance cost I suppose it was a purely practical choice. But since "suitability" includes training and having fun, it was a minimalist a road bike and relative light and nimble relative to commuters.
I don't think that image or associated lifestyle choices had anything to do with it.
I don't think that image or associated lifestyle choices had anything to do with it.
#32
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Hmmm...mine were obtained with economy in mind. My"long haul" commuter is an 87ish Peugeot roadie with lomg chainstays. It is very comfortable and I have upgraded it to modernish components. My two "short riders" are 90s mountain bikes. One of them is a 91 Canadianadequate Peugeot and the other a mid 90s Univega. Each bike cost me $50. I like vintage bikes.
I just picked up a Trek Soho single speed for $10.50. It is in perfect condition. Someone was selling 20 bikes and assorted stuff for $ 300, split it with a friend. I'll sell most of my half but keeping that soho for at least awhile.
I just picked up a Trek Soho single speed for $10.50. It is in perfect condition. Someone was selling 20 bikes and assorted stuff for $ 300, split it with a friend. I'll sell most of my half but keeping that soho for at least awhile.
#33
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My bikes have always been based on practical considerations, even though decisions were not always the best.
For the first time I went looking for the ideal (for me) commuter. This spring I set my wish list in motion and my lbs put together this:
Frame: Seven Cycles custom titanium Expat SL
Fork: Carbon fiber with fender eyelets
Seat post: PRO Vibe 7s with battery insert
Saddle: Brooks B17
Stem: PLT OS Stem100mm
Handlebars: PLT Ergo Handlebars
Headset: Cane Creek 110
Rims: DT Swiss TK540
Front Hub: Shimano Alfine Dynamo
Rear Hub: Shimano Alfine Di2 11 speed Internal
Tires: Schwalbe Marathon Plus 700x 28
Brake/Shifter(s): Shimano 785 Di2 Hydro
Brake Calipers: Shimano Alfine Hydraulic
Bottom Bracket: Shimano 5700
Crankset: Shimano 5700 42t Single
Rear Cog: 18t
Lights: Supernova headlight & tail light which run off the front hub
Fenders: SKS Chromoplasics Longboard
I went with a touring frame so I don't have to worry about heal strike with panniers and titanium so the frame won't rust.
Currently I am using a Caradice bag but I will soon switch to a rear rack with panniers. At that time I will also install the fenders.
The last winter was really tough on my Surly LHT since I ride so much of the time along a highway shoulder where gritty sand/gravel accumulates in the winter. When wet it forms a paste that is very hard on drive train components. My solution was to go with an IGH.
Also, to cure the problem of constantly having to recharge lights (and remember to put them on the bike after I do) I went with lights run off the dynamo hub so they never leave the bike and are always on.
For the first time I went looking for the ideal (for me) commuter. This spring I set my wish list in motion and my lbs put together this:
Frame: Seven Cycles custom titanium Expat SL
Fork: Carbon fiber with fender eyelets
Seat post: PRO Vibe 7s with battery insert
Saddle: Brooks B17
Stem: PLT OS Stem100mm
Handlebars: PLT Ergo Handlebars
Headset: Cane Creek 110
Rims: DT Swiss TK540
Front Hub: Shimano Alfine Dynamo
Rear Hub: Shimano Alfine Di2 11 speed Internal
Tires: Schwalbe Marathon Plus 700x 28
Brake/Shifter(s): Shimano 785 Di2 Hydro
Brake Calipers: Shimano Alfine Hydraulic
Bottom Bracket: Shimano 5700
Crankset: Shimano 5700 42t Single
Rear Cog: 18t
Lights: Supernova headlight & tail light which run off the front hub
Fenders: SKS Chromoplasics Longboard
I went with a touring frame so I don't have to worry about heal strike with panniers and titanium so the frame won't rust.
Currently I am using a Caradice bag but I will soon switch to a rear rack with panniers. At that time I will also install the fenders.
The last winter was really tough on my Surly LHT since I ride so much of the time along a highway shoulder where gritty sand/gravel accumulates in the winter. When wet it forms a paste that is very hard on drive train components. My solution was to go with an IGH.
Also, to cure the problem of constantly having to recharge lights (and remember to put them on the bike after I do) I went with lights run off the dynamo hub so they never leave the bike and are always on.
Last edited by scroca; 08-05-15 at 01:31 PM.
#34
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Thread title: "Your commuting bike choice"
What some are reading it as: "How awesome is/are your bike(s)?"
What some are reading it as: "How awesome is/are your bike(s)?"
#35
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What I've learned so far is that commuters are a practical minded bunch by and large, - or at least they're pretty good at rationalizing.
I on the other hand, know that one of the reasons I like my road bike is because of the shiny blue paint.
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I'm down with that. When I was a wine drinker I determined my purchase by how cool the label was.
#37
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I was helping someone buy a bike recently, and the number one criteria was that the bike was black. Secondary considerations were that the bike was not too heavy or too expensive. Issues such as fit, components, the right bike for the intended purpose, rack and fender attachment points, etc. were not even a factor. There were plenty of great bikes to choose from, but if they were not black, they were not even considered. It was a strange shopping experience for me, and a bit disconcerting.
#38
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Your commuting bike choice: purely practical or were there other factors?
Since I commute mainly for fitness, and have “easier” alternatives, my high end carbon fiber bike is more than just an incentive to commute…I crave the ride. The only impracticality, even riding on the urban streets of Boston is lack of carrying capacity, but easily remediable. Then its always there for my road cycling too.
The mountain bike is essentially to keep the CF bike off the road in bad weather.
So there are purely practical considerations like cost or a particular set of features. But there is a whole lot else that can influence which bikes we choose to ride. Some of it may even be subconscious and plays on our desire to live a certain lifestyle. Advertising attempts to push these buttons.
Different types of bikes can be associated with different lifestyles or images. With mountain bikes, maybe it's adventure, toughness, or being out in a natural setting. With road bikes, maybe it's being fit, athletic, or competitive.…
My road bike? From a commuting perspective, it's not the most practical bike, but… I continue to commute on it quite a bit. I do so because it's fun, but if pushed I'd have to acknowledge that it fits a certain image I have of myself and my lifestyle. It's representative of some things I value: - fitness, hard work, speed, quickness, freedom…
Different types of bikes can be associated with different lifestyles or images. With mountain bikes, maybe it's adventure, toughness, or being out in a natural setting. With road bikes, maybe it's being fit, athletic, or competitive.…
My road bike? From a commuting perspective, it's not the most practical bike, but… I continue to commute on it quite a bit. I do so because it's fun, but if pushed I'd have to acknowledge that it fits a certain image I have of myself and my lifestyle. It's representative of some things I value: - fitness, hard work, speed, quickness, freedom…
…For years, I rode a steel Bridgestone RB-1, …After the introduction of carbon fiber bikes, I always wondered if the premium prices of CF…worth the presumed enhanced riding experience….
My average speed stayed the same, but I think I was hampered by injuries from the accident, and I believe the new bike compensated at least to maintain my average speed. I did note that I was more inclined to sprint (successfully) to beat traffic lights before they turned red. I further craved the smoothness of the ride, including the shifting, making cycle-commuting more pleasurable. Of greatest benefit, while long (greater than 40 mile) rides took the same amount of time as before, I felt much less tired at the end...
So in summary, the ultimate advantage was comfort, especially on long rides, but the joy of riding such a bike has encouraged me to start training to improve my speed...
My average speed stayed the same, but I think I was hampered by injuries from the accident, and I believe the new bike compensated at least to maintain my average speed. I did note that I was more inclined to sprint (successfully) to beat traffic lights before they turned red. I further craved the smoothness of the ride, including the shifting, making cycle-commuting more pleasurable. Of greatest benefit, while long (greater than 40 mile) rides took the same amount of time as before, I felt much less tired at the end...
So in summary, the ultimate advantage was comfort, especially on long rides, but the joy of riding such a bike has encouraged me to start training to improve my speed...
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#41
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I was helping someone buy a bike recently, and the number one criteria was that the bike was black. Secondary considerations were that the bike was not too heavy or too expensive. Issues such as fit, components, the right bike for the intended purpose, rack and fender attachment points, etc. were not even a factor. There were plenty of great bikes to choose from, but if they were not black, they were not even considered. It was a strange shopping experience for me, and a bit disconcerting.
#42
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I was helping someone buy a bike recently, and the number one criteria was that the bike was black. Secondary considerations were that the bike was not too heavy or too expensive. Issues such as fit, components, the right bike for the intended purpose, rack and fender attachment points, etc. were not even a factor. There were plenty of great bikes to choose from, but if they were not black, they were not even considered. It was a strange shopping experience for me, and a bit disconcerting.
#43
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That sounds exactly like me. When I go looking for a bike the first thing I look at is to make sure that the bike is either black or dark grey. As of now I have two bikes which are black and one dark grey. Other then the colour, the most important thing for me is rear track-ends or horizontal dropouts.
#44
Senior Member
My bikes have always been based on practical considerations, even though decisions were not always the best.
For the first time I went looking for the ideal (for me) commuter. This spring I set my wish list in motion and my lbs put together this:
Frame: Seven Cycles custom titanium Expat SL
Fork: Carbon fiber with fender eyelets
Seat post: PRO Vibe 7s with battery insert
Saddle: Brooks B17
Stem: PLT OS Stem100mm
Handlebars: PLT Ergo Handlebars
Headset: Cane Creek 110
Rims: DT Swiss TK540
Front Hub: Shimano Alfine Dynamo
Rear Hub: Shimano Alfine Di2 11 speed Internal
Tires: Schwalbe Marathon Plus 700x 28
Brake/Shifter(s): Shimano 785 Di2 Hydro
Brake Calipers: Shimano Alfine Hydraulic
Bottom Bracket: Shimano 5700
Crankset: Shimano 5700 42t Single
Rear Cog: 18t
Lights: Supernova headlight & tail light which run off the front hub
Fenders: SKS Chromoplasics Longboard
I went with a touring frame so I don't have to worry about heal strike with panniers and titanium so the frame won't rust.
Currently I am using a Caradice bag but I will soon switch to a rear rack with panniers. At that time I will also install the fenders.
The last winter was really tough on my Surly LHT since I ride so much of the time along a highway shoulder where gritty sand/gravel accumulates in the winter. When wet it forms a paste that is very hard on drive train components. My solution was to go with an IGH.
Also, to cure the problem of constantly having to recharge lights (and remember to put them on the bike after I do) I went with lights run off the dynamo hub so they never leave the bike and are always on.
For the first time I went looking for the ideal (for me) commuter. This spring I set my wish list in motion and my lbs put together this:
Frame: Seven Cycles custom titanium Expat SL
Fork: Carbon fiber with fender eyelets
Seat post: PRO Vibe 7s with battery insert
Saddle: Brooks B17
Stem: PLT OS Stem100mm
Handlebars: PLT Ergo Handlebars
Headset: Cane Creek 110
Rims: DT Swiss TK540
Front Hub: Shimano Alfine Dynamo
Rear Hub: Shimano Alfine Di2 11 speed Internal
Tires: Schwalbe Marathon Plus 700x 28
Brake/Shifter(s): Shimano 785 Di2 Hydro
Brake Calipers: Shimano Alfine Hydraulic
Bottom Bracket: Shimano 5700
Crankset: Shimano 5700 42t Single
Rear Cog: 18t
Lights: Supernova headlight & tail light which run off the front hub
Fenders: SKS Chromoplasics Longboard
I went with a touring frame so I don't have to worry about heal strike with panniers and titanium so the frame won't rust.
Currently I am using a Caradice bag but I will soon switch to a rear rack with panniers. At that time I will also install the fenders.
The last winter was really tough on my Surly LHT since I ride so much of the time along a highway shoulder where gritty sand/gravel accumulates in the winter. When wet it forms a paste that is very hard on drive train components. My solution was to go with an IGH.
Also, to cure the problem of constantly having to recharge lights (and remember to put them on the bike after I do) I went with lights run off the dynamo hub so they never leave the bike and are always on.
Last edited by InTheRain; 08-05-15 at 08:04 PM.
#45
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#46
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That is a FABULOUS BIKE!!! I really love all your choices! You really researched it out? That's pretty much a dream bike. It would be nice if the rear IGH were a Rohloff... but I don't know if it would work with Di2 shifters on drop bars. Alfine 11 is the next best thing. Good Job! I really envy your bicycle.
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#48
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I bought a bicycle after not riding one since college because I needed to exercise, and it became a commuter bike when I realized riding to work in the morning was better than getting up early to get some exercise riding somewhere and then driving to work. It's been modified like everyone elses, and I still haven't been able to justify replacing it when I consider upgrading the engine.
#49
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Hmmm....
My Dad got me into riding "road bikes". For a while he was commuting about 25 miles each way on country roads to get to work. And, we did a few races in the Midget category.
Sometime in my Freshman year in HS, I got my old Viscount stolen. By that time, Dad was planning a trip to Italy for a few months and I would come along. So I got a junky bike for a year, then headed off to Italy with a pocket full of money for a bike.
In Italy, we met a janitor at Dad's work who bike Aficionado named Renzo.
Renzo brought 2 or 3 bikes for me to look at, but they just weren't quite right. Perhaps I didn't know quite what to look for.
Then he showed up with an old Colnago Super. All Campy Nuovo Record. And, a good price... THAT WAS THE ONE.
I rode that around Italy, and then brought it back to the USA.
I rode the bike off and on for years. Then, out of college I got a swing shift job. I drug out the old "interim bike" with generator lights... WHEW That lasted about a week before I got some Night Sun lights for the Colnago, and that was solidly my everything bike.
The bike has gotten older over the years... but I still like it.
My Dad got me into riding "road bikes". For a while he was commuting about 25 miles each way on country roads to get to work. And, we did a few races in the Midget category.
Sometime in my Freshman year in HS, I got my old Viscount stolen. By that time, Dad was planning a trip to Italy for a few months and I would come along. So I got a junky bike for a year, then headed off to Italy with a pocket full of money for a bike.
In Italy, we met a janitor at Dad's work who bike Aficionado named Renzo.
Renzo brought 2 or 3 bikes for me to look at, but they just weren't quite right. Perhaps I didn't know quite what to look for.
Then he showed up with an old Colnago Super. All Campy Nuovo Record. And, a good price... THAT WAS THE ONE.
I rode that around Italy, and then brought it back to the USA.
I rode the bike off and on for years. Then, out of college I got a swing shift job. I drug out the old "interim bike" with generator lights... WHEW That lasted about a week before I got some Night Sun lights for the Colnago, and that was solidly my everything bike.
The bike has gotten older over the years... but I still like it.
#50
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That interpretation never occurred to me.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 08-06-15 at 11:39 AM.