alicelost

So I need a new bike (for general "I don't have a car" transportation"), and I rode the Specialized/Globe Roll 1 today and fell in love with it. (When I ride geared bikes, I never shift, so it seems like a lot of dead weight to be carrying around/potentially damaging for almost no utility).

The problem is I really need some sort of rack on any bike I have. I'm willing to carry a messenger bag, but the bag I have is as heavy as I can carry at capacity, and sometimes I have more stuff. The guy at my LBS told me there's basically no way I can put a rack on the Roll 1. Is this true? I've seen some seatpost racks, but I don't know how well they work. I'm open to any kind of rack that I can put on the bike without modifying it too much.

I also hear that fenders are the right thing to do. I'm not sure I agree with this or not, but if I wanted to do fenders, would it be possible.

striknein

There are racks that mount to a seat post or use p-clips to attach to the seat stays, but they're not made to carry a very heavy load. Since you're shopping for a new bike now, I'd get one that's properly equipped. You've also got to consider clearance; if you're planning to use panniers then the short chainstays will virtually guarantee you end up kicking the bags while spinning.

If you're looking to go with a Specialized bike, consider the Langster instead. The chainstays are a bit longer and the frame has mounting holes for a rack. You probably won't be able to go much bigger than 25mm tires if you want fenders, but you will have the option. There are a lot of great single-speed commuters out there, but if you don't have much experience as a bike owner then it's probably best that you stick with your LBS' recommendations.

JohnDThompson 

If your frame has rear-facing dropouts, full fenders make removing the wheel a PITA. If it's a road frame conversion, with forward facing dropouts -- no problem.

lvleph

Go over to the touring subforum and look for my recent post on this question. There are lots of options.

TejanoTrackie 

OP - This is the type of bike you want. I'm assuming that you really want a single speed freewheel rather than a "fixie". This bike is a Salsa Casseroll, which has horizontal dropouts, threaded mounts for both fenders and a rack, and plently of clearance for both wide tires and fenders. Also, the chainstays are plenty long, such that you won't have a heel strike problem with panniers. This model is no longer made, however, there are similar models made by other manufacturers.

alicelost

"I'm assuming that you really want a single speed freewheel rather than a "fixie"."

No, I specifically don't want a single speed freewhell, I want a fixie.

tehelmo

Redline 925

PeDDeR27

Pake C'Mute?

lvleph

Yeah, if you read the thread I pointed you to you would see I got similar responses. I want what I want so answer the question I asked and don't tell me what you think I should do or what I want, right.

Nuggetross

@TejanoTrackie: why are all of your bikes so ugly?

jasonnc80

Casserolls are not ugly

lvleph

Pretty much any bike can be made ugly.

Cynikal 

This forum is testament to that for sure.

lvleph

Yeah, I can't figure out why people say some of the bikes on here are "hot".

avner

Because at his age eyesight ain't what it used to be j/k <3 TT.

thedutchtouch

probably because they're built to be used, not looked at.

lvleph

Nice try, you know most of these people aren't actually riding.